In a context dealing with the conscience and liberties, Paul said: “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he
eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).  What Paul established is an important
precedence.   Paul established the principle that we must believe in what we do rather than doing things while doubting the
validity of those actions.  The faithful Christian understands that our faith does not come from our guidance (Proverbs 20:24),
but through the word of God (Romans 10:17).  Thus, when a Christian makes a statement of faith, they should be able to prove
what they believe through the word of God (I Corinthians 2:1-5, II Corinthians 2:17, and John 4:34; cf. Luke 4:16-21 and
Proverbs 4:26-27).  That being said, we must also acknowledge that some do try to use the word of God to establish their
beliefs.  Sadly, they go to the Bible with a belief and they then twist the Scriptures to justify what they believe (II Peter 3:16-
17).  We must arrive at our beliefs through an honest look at the Scriptures.

   Honesty in searching the Scriptures is not the most popular approach to Bible study.  Such is evident by the many who care
to run their ideas by men and the writings of men (commentaries, etc.) before they will accept what they have read in God’s
word as the truth.  We are not to think beyond that which is written (I Corinthians 4:6), but many have become professionals in
stating and trying to answer hypothetical questions which are not from inspiration.  It is almost as though some find it too
difficult to accept the simplicity that is in Christ (II Corinthians 11:3), so they try and make the truth more difficult than it is.  
Questions arise that are intended to cause doubt and division (Matthew 22:1ff.).  These questions we are instructed of God to
avoid (II Timothy 2:23 and Titus 3:9).  However, some refuse to avoid them.  They enjoy trying to answer everything to show
that they are someone who knows something.  In reality, we are nobodies who pale in comparison to the knowledge and
wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:25-31; 3:19-21).  Thus, your thoughts on a subject matter are crap (dung as Paul would say –
Philippians 3:8) to God!


   Why do we believe in meeting on the first day of the week?  Why do we believe in immersing folks for the remission of
sins?  Why do we believe there is no authority for mechanical instrumental music being used in song worship to God?  Why do
we believe the Old Testament was done away on the cross?  Why do we believe the church of Christ is the body of Christ?  
Why do we believe in giving on the first day of the week?  Why do some brethren meet more than just once a week?  Folks,
the questions are endless.  If you believe it, why do you believe it?  Is it because that’s the way things have always been done?  
The following of any and all traditions of men is wrong (Mark 7:1-9 and Colossians 2:8; 20-23).  We condemn the
denominational world for following the doctrines of men, but are we hypocrites in this condemnation?  If we cannot answer the
questions that started this paragraph with Scriptures, we are hypocrites.  I know what I believe on those matters, for the Bible
gives the answers.  Notice them in order of the questions asked (Acts 20:7, Acts 2:38; 8:35-38, Matthew 26:30, Mark 14:26,
Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9, I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12, James 5:13, Romans 7:1-6,
Ephesians 2:11-17, Colossians 2:14, Hebrews 9:15-17, Matthew 16:13-18, Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4-6, Romans 16:16, I
Corinthians 16:1-2, Acts 2:42-46, Acts 14:26-27, Hebrews 3:13; 10:25, and II Timothy 1:13).  You see, if you believe it, you
must be able to prove it.  When someone asks “why do you believe ___________”, you should be able to open the Bible and
let them read it for themselves.  If it takes fifteen minutes of your logic to explain what “you believe”, it is then more than God
said!

   Man has complicated that which is simple.  For example, Don Martin wrote the following statement about meeting twice on
the first day of the week for more people to be able to partake of the Lord’s Supper: “I, again, have more problems with not
making use of the opportunity to meet Sunday night just so the "second serving" issue does not arise than I do with seeing a
local church provide the circumstance for partaking during the evening service.  Besides, having the arrangement for morning or
evening observance means that more Christians have the ability to partake on the Lord's Day” (http://www.bibletruths.
net/Archives/BTAR280.htm).  If a congregation meets just one time to avoid a controversy of a second serving of the Lord’s
Supper, those brethren have erred.  We cannot silence an issue by avoiding it (I Thessalonians 5:21 and I Peter 3:15).  
However, the quote above is more about what Don Martin believes than what the word of God says.  The whole idea of a
make-up serving of the Lord’s Supper is false.  If, as Don does in the above referenced article, someone appeals to Numbers
chapter nine and the make-up of the Passover, why don’t they cut off the one that is clean and is not on a journey who misses
the partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Numbers 9:13)?  I know why, that doesn’t fit the traditional view (Matthew 15:3; 7-9).  
Don’s article covers more of the “I believe” than it does “God said”.  

   When Don Martin (and others) correctly write against the human organizations that have usurped the work of the local
church and the individual Christian, Mental divorce, and other errors; he writes against the idea of human reasoning
(“Authority, Misunderstood Today?”; Bible Matters List; 6/15/2007).  Don get’s it, but only on the matters that are a
common practice or hobby horse for him!  Otherwise, we read in just one paragraph of the same article referenced from his
website above (in regards to the second observation of the Lord’s Supper) the following statements: “I would prefer… I deem
it sad and unwarranted… I have more concern… I, again, have more problems… I do…”.  Who’s the standard when we
speak in such terminology?  Who’s Don Martin or Brian Yeager?  We’re just men.  What we think is irrelevant.  


   Jesus, had all authority in Heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18), but He was not an “I thinker”: “Jesus answered them, and
said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it
be of God, or whether I speak of myself.  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his
glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John 7:16-18).  Until we are sure that what we
do is because we believe it through the word of God, we ought not speak nor act!  Just because “good and faithful” brethren
have always said something or done something, that does not mean that “good” people have not been very wrong (Matthew 7:
21-23).  Can you prove what you believe (Galatians 1:10-12)?
Volume VII    ~    Issue XLII   ~   July 15th, 2007
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
“Let Me Tell You What I Believe”
By: Brian A. Yeager
The “I Believes” of Tradition
Conclusion