The Right Side of the Tracks

A lot of people tend to have problems with the Bible. One of these problems is a very simple diagnosis, they pick and choose what they want to accept from it.

"I believe in the Bible is a nice book with a nice set of stories that tell us how we should act. But I don't agree with everything."

Why not? How can you choose to believe one thing, but not another. Do you think the Author was a bit delusional in certain parts? If that is so, how can you believe any of it.

In a way, it's kind of like listening to the liar say "I am a liar, trust me," and then trusting him. How can you do that? If you believe he is a liar, how do you accept what he says as truth?

The Bible is a book of absolutes, period. One side of the train tracks or the other. There is a middle of the tracks, but that's reserved for the train only. So, we as readers of the Bible, have to read it and choose what side of the tracks we need to be on. Or more to the point, actually accept what side of the tracks God wants us on and get there. Preferably with some haste and sense of purpose.

The Bible was written with an all or nothing mentality: you can't have one with out the other. Or here's one: you can't have your cake and eat it too! It's all or nothing!

Here are some of the simple arguments that become stumbling blocks for themselves.

"I believe that God is love. He loves everyone equally and won't send anyone to hell."
While true on all counts, someone can and will eventually go to hell.
God is indeed love. (I John 4:8 KJV)
God is no respecter of persons. (Romans 2:11 KJV)
God doesn't send people to hell, people send themselves to hell. (John 3:17, 2 Peter 3:9 KJV)
As we have seen in the earlier mark of the beast discussion, the Bible clearly states that people will go to hell.

"I don't believe in hell."
Really?! One believes in the almighty power of God, that He created heaven and the earth, yet that small part about a place of judgement was a misprint?
I got some news for you, hell exists and you don't want to go there.

"Jesus was just a good teacher. Similar to Ghandi and Mother Teresa."
Did either one of these others go to the cross for the sins of the world and die for you? Did they heal people simply by touching them or speaking a word to them?
It is a historical FACT that Jesus died on the cross as a form of execution.
But again, if you believe that the Bible speaks the truth about the life of Jesus, why won't you believe what is says about His death and resurrection?

"I don't believe in the devil."
Got more news for you, he doesn't care! Actually, he would prefer that you didn't even acknowledge him. It will make it easier for him to accomplish his mission (John 10:10 KJV.)

Do any of these arguments sound familiar? I've heard them hundreds of times from many different people. I tell them the same thing: Believe it or don't. Take it or leave it! It's your choice.

The Bible wasn't made into what it is today for people to go through and cherrypick the good stories and morals. It was meant to be taken as a whole (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV, Revelations 22:18-19 KJV.)

There is a reason for this. God wants us to be on the right side of the tracks when the train comes through. If your on the wrong side, you won't be able to get to the correct side then. It will be too late.
And of course, if you're walking down the middle of the tracks you'll get pulverized by the train itself. No coming back after that one!

The point I'm trying to make is that there is no middle ground. You're either hot or cold, not lukewarm. You need to be committed, enough of the lacksidasical approach to God! Wake up and realize that there is a war going on and we're right in the middle of it. Like it or not, it's happening.
It's time to just allow yourself to accept His Word and move forward. You can never get anywhere when all that you do is spin your tires. Put the vehicle in gear and get going to your destination.

It's okay to ask questions and not understand everything. That is natural when dealing with an incomprehensible God and His majesty. But we have been given the Holy Spirit that will lead us to the truth. Sometimes we just need to be still and listen for His voice. Believe me, I don't know everything and learn something new everyday. It is a constant process of learning.

Allow yourself to open up. Take the first few steps and get on the right side of the tracks. Don't wait, train's a'coming!