Why are you so picky about following the Bible?

Answering the this question will show a mistaken assumption that's built into the second question, so let's look at it first. Why should we be so picky about following the Bible?

Because it is God's Word

II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, fo correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." He gave it to us for us to use and follow, not to pick and choose. That's why he tells us "all scripture".

It Will Judge Us

If we don't follow God's word, John 12:48 tells us that it will judge us. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."

What makes your way better than everyone else's?

Answering this question will show Christians don't actually have their own way. By definition, Christians recognize God's authority, submit their will to God's will, follow His Word and keep His commandments. Otherwise, they are not Christians and are worshipping in vain.

Actions and Words Must Match

Matthew 15:8-9 . "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Mark 7:6-7 . "This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

Reject His Word, Reject Him

To choose not to follow God's Word is to reject His authority and defy God, and defiance is a heart issue. I John 2:5, "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." Defying God signifies that we don't love Him like we want to profess and are not part of Him.

Act On His Word

Hearing and believing God's Word, accept His authority and begin obey his Word by:

Repenting of sin: Luke 13:3, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."
Confessing Christ as the Ethiopian did in Acts 8:37, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Being Baptized for remission of sin as we have example throughout Acts. Acts 2:38

God Means What He Says

Be "picky" about God's Word because it is His Word and heed Jesus' warning in Mark 8:38, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels".

-- Zachary Van Tassel, September 2001 --

Since February 2000