[i]"Be careful to devote yourself to good works." Titus 3:8[/i]

"Avoid foolish questions." Titus 3:9

Our days are few, and are far better spent in

devoting ourselves to good works, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. Incessant discussion of subjects of no practical value, do a world of mischief. Our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said--neither party is any the wiser! Therefore, the discussion no more promotes knowledge, than love! It is foolish to sow in so barren a field.

Questions upon . . .
points wherein Scripture is silent;
mysteries which belong to God alone;
prophecies of doubtful interpretation;
modes of observing mere human ceremonies

--are all foolish! Wise men will avoid them! Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions--but to avoid them altogether! If we observe the apostle's precept to be careful to devote ourselves to good works--we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business--to take much interest in unworthy, contentious, and needless strivings!

There are, however, some questions which are the reverse of foolish--which we must not avoid--but fairly and honestly answer, such as these:

Am I growing in grace and Christ-likeness?
Does my life adorn the doctrine of my Savior?
What more can I do for Jesus?

Such inquiries as these, urgently demand our attention!

If we have been at all given to arguing and disputing, let us now turn to a service so much more profitable. Let us endeavor to lead others, both by our precept and example, to "avoid foolish questions."

~ Charles Spurgeon

Amen to my wee sister from the "Show me" State. Please read the following.............Frank

A STORY OF CHRISTIAN UNITY

A man was standing on the Golden Gate Bridge admiring the beauty of the ocean. Another man walked up to admire the view, and said quietly, “What an awesome God.”
I turned to him and asked, “Are you a Christian?”
He said, “Yes, I am.” I said, “So am I.” And we shook hands.

I asked, “Are you a liberal or fundamental Christian?”
He said, “I’m a fundamental Christian.” I said, “So am I.”
And we smiled and nodded at each other.

I asked, “Are you a covenant or dispensationalist fundamental Christian?”
He said, “I’m a dispensationalist fundamental Christian.” I said, “So am I.”
And we slapped one another on the back.

I asked, “Are you an early Acts, mid Acts, or late Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian?” He said, “I’m a mid Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian.”
I said, “So am I.” And we agreed to exchange Christmas cards each year.

I asked, “Are you an Acts 9 or Acts 13 mid Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian?” He said, “I’m an Acts 9 mid Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian.”
I said, “So am I.” And we hugged one another right there on the bridge.

I asked, “Are you a pre-trib or post-trib Acts 9 mid Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian?” He said, “I’m a pre-trib Acts 9 mid Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian.” I said, “So am I.” And we agreed to exchange our kids for the summer.

I asked, “Are you a 12-in or 12-out pre-trib Acts 9 mid Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian?” He said, “I’m a 12-in pre-trib Acts 9 mid Acts dispensationalist fundamental Christian.” I said, “You heretic!” And I pushed him off the bridge.


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Let our speech be seasoned with grace; and let
our words be few!!

_________________
Martin G. Smith

Jas 5:6 Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.
Jas 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Jas 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Jas 5:9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
Jas 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Jas 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.