Casual observation v23n20

Casual observation!

V23 n20

Casual: happening by chance; an air of indifference; irregular.

Observations: to see or take note of; that which has been noticed or learned.

Have you ever had to ask someone to repeat that which they said? Have you ever had to ask anyone to repeat the directions or instructions? If you are like every other human being, then it has happened to you. Why did this happen? Could it be, that perhaps you were indifferent to that which was being presented? Or, perhaps that you did not think that what was being said or spoken of, was not of much importance to you? How often does one have this same attitude with God and His Word? (2Tim 3:16-17, Ps 119:9-11).

Casual observers will make casual or indifferent observations, whether in regards to every day life and it’s decisions, or in regards to God and His Word. People that are casual observers, have a tendency to follow the crowd. Since they are indifferent to that which is transpiring, they make or base their decisions on what those around them are doing, or what those around them are saying. This happens because most people make casual decisions based on casual observations of life’s circumstances, as well as those of God’s Word.

Many people will ask how it can be said, that casual observers make casual observations of God and His Word. The fact is, that most people base their Christianity in and on that which other people have said, or, by that which they have observed other people doing. They look at things with a preconceived thought or notion, based in and upon their past experiences. This same tendency or attitude, then carries over to God and His Word as well. Does one give any thought, as to whether their preconceived thoughts or ideas have placed them in opposition to God and His Word?

Let us take a look at a few examples of this, so that one will get a better idea of what we are talking about and how this happens.

At a certain time of year, people will put up a manger scene. At this presentation, they will usually depict three wise men at the manger, presenting gifts to the babe in the manger. Why do people do this? Could it be, that they are casual observers, who have made casual observations of that which other people are doing? It is for certain that they did not find this depicted within the Bible. So then, where did they learn this? Even of more importance why does it still continue? If one were to make an acute observation of God’s Word, they would have to wonder how and why this lie is still taught as well as promoted. Let us look at the scripture, and see what you can observe.

Matthew 2:11, And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. KJV

If one casually observes the Word, they may “think” that there were three wisemen at the manger. However, if one listens to and observes that which God states within His Word, they will see and hear clearly that it does not tell us how many wisemen that there were. Then, continuing with a discerning observation, one will see that they (the wisemen, number unknown) came into a house (not a manger, as usually depicted) and saw the young child (not a babe as so often said). Is the truth stated here so hard to miss? To the casual observer, making casual observations, YES!

Just a few weeks ago, I sat in on a Bible study at a local church building. During the course of the Bible study, the pastor made the statement that Elijah was taken up to heaven by a chariot. The people present were quick to shout amen, and come into agreement with the pastor on this point. To the casual observer (those voicing an amen to place themselves into agreement with what had just been presented), they will agree with this. The people agreed with this, because they assumed that the pastor knew all that he was talking about and presenting to them. They assumed that the pastor was in agreement with God and His Word.

2 Kings 2:11, And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. KJV

If one will acutely observe that which is stated in the above passage of scripture, one will notice that the chariot of fire, and the horses of fire, separated the two. It was then that Elijah was taken up, or went up by the whirlwind. If one will observe this verse seeking God’s approval and not man’s, it is quite clear as to what is presented in the verse. It is easy for people to tell and perpetuate stories. It is quite another for one to take the time to be sure that they are in full agreement with God and His Word. One often hears about the “story” of Noah. They are told how Noah took the animals aboard the ark, two by two. Yet, is this the account that the Bible presents to us? How hard is it, to hear and observe accurately, that which the Word says?

Genesis 7:2-3, 2 Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. 3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth. KJV

If one only casually observes the Word, they will go through life making casual decisions based upon casual observations that people have made to them concerning God’s Word. With eternity at stake, can one really afford to be casual or indifferent with His Word?

Jeremiah 5:30-31, 30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? KJV

2 Timothy 3:5-7, 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. KJV

Casual observers will make casual observations of that which is being presented. This happens or comes about because of where a persons focus is at. One must remember who it is that occupies the throne. Since people are seldom sure of that which is being presented to them, let alone by who it is that is making the presentation, few make or take the time to rightly divide the Word of truth. (To be as the Bereans were.)

What happened to those that did not believe the preaching of Noah? My Bible makes no mention of a second ark, or of any alternate plan. What happened to those that ignored Noah’s message of being righteous? What happened at Sodom and Gomorrah to those that did not heed the Lord’s counsel?

Ephesians 4:5, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, KJV

One Lord! One faith! One baptism! Yet, is this what people are taught? People will listen to what other people say, but seldom will they study the Word for God’s perspective.

Acts 1:5, For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. KJV

John 4:2, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) KJV

If there is but one baptism, according to what the Word tells us, which one will you take? John’s baptism of water, or that of the Holy Spirit?

1 Corinthians 1:17, For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. KJV

Anyone that misrepresents God and His Word, has entered the realm of being a false prophet or teacher. Often times people only think that this applies to those that are in the ministry. Ananias and Sapphira, many will say only lied to the Holy Ghost, yet what consequence did they pay? Each and every believer is a part of the ministry of Jesus Christ. We are supposed to be partakers of His divine nature. Therefore, one must know the truth according to His Word, not according to hearsay. “Let God be true, but every man a liar!” Casual observations are not able to reveal the deep things of God. Casual observers will never be able to rightly divide the Word of truth.

Ephesians 3:9, And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: KJV

Can a casual observer see the fellowship of this mystery?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka