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Christ exhorted the Jews, “Search the scriptures…” (John 5:39). The people at Berea were noble, because, along with receiving the word with all readiness, they “searched the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Today, we should do the same as these people of the first century. Dear reader, as you “search the scriptures,” can you find the following?

THE NAME YOU WEAR RELIGIOUSLY? The “disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Followers (disciples) of Christ are Christians. Nothing more, nothing less. The true disciple will not wear a different name, or a hyphenated name in serving the Lord. Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

THE CHURCH OF WHICH YOU ARE A MEMBER? Does the church you are a member of honor the name of some man, or some doctrine, instead of honoring the Lord? If so, something is wrong. See Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:2.

THE WORSHIP YOU OFFER? Can you find divine scriptural authority for every act of worship you engage in? Can you find the burning of incense, the washing of feet, worship through “drama”, and instrumental music in the word of God? Where is the scripture?

THE CONFESSION YOU MADE? Do you confess the “Apostle’s Creed?” Is this found in scripture? What did you confess before you were baptized? Did you confess, “I believe that God for Jesus’ sake has pardoned my sins?” Can you find this in the Bible? In the Bible, folks simply confessed their faith in Christ prior to being baptized. (Acts 8:37-38).

THE BAPTISM TO WHICH YOU SUBMITTED? Did you have water sprinkled or poured upon you when you were an infant, or maybe later? Can you find anywhere in the New Testament the authority for such a practice? Where can we read that sprinkling is Bible baptism, or that infants are proper subjects for such? If you were immersed (which is scriptural baptism), what was its purpose? Were you baptized because you were already saved? Where can you read this in scripture?

ARE YOU SATISFIED TO TAKE YOUR “PASTORS” WORD FOR SUCH A VITAL QUESTION? We are marching to eternity. No one can afford to follow a pattern or practice not found in the word of God. Your soul is too important. Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:16).