"Does it Really Matter?" - Ben Bailey

 The question, “Does it really matter?” is becoming the motto for our modern society.  We used to have moral beliefs, but “Does it really matter anymore?”  At one-time people had a strong conviction about ungodliness and sin but, “Does it really matter that much?”  In the past, we had faith in the Bible and its teaching but, “Does the Bible really matter anymore?”   To God, IT REALLY DOES MATTER A LOT!  Notice several areas in which it does matter.

            Does it matter if I believe in God or Evolution?  Yes!  The downward spiral that society is facing is due in large to the effects of evolutionary thinking.  For example, the increasing suicide rate is a direct result of evolution.  If there is no God and life ends at death, then why not end your life if you are not happy with it.  In addition, the current rise of sexual immorality is a direct result of evolution.  If there are no standards for marriage (Gen. 2:18-24), then I can marry or live-with whoever I want for however long I want and there are no repercussions to this lifestyle.  Friend, can you not see that it really does matter that there is a God?

            Does it matter what church I am a part of?  Our society tells us to choose the church of our choice and God will be happy with that.  Is this biblical thinking?  No.  The bible teaches that Jesus only built one church (Eph. 1:21-23; Eph. 4:4).  That one church must call itself by a biblical name (Romans 16:16).  When Jesus spoke about the church, He called it His church (Matt. 16:13-18).  Therefore, we also should call the church Jesus purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28), the church of Christ.  The Bible teaches that Jesus will deliver a singular “kingdom” or church back to the father at the end of time (1 Cor. 15:24).  If you are not a part of the church that Jesus built, then it really will matter!

            Does it really matter if I am baptized for the remission of my sin?  Many are teaching today that all a person must do to be saved is believe in Jesus and say the sinner’s prayer and you will be saved.  Is this really what the Bible teaches?  No.  In fact, the Bible teaches the exact opposite of this belief.  James said, “You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”  I often hear people ask the question, “Is baptism really that important?”  Let’s let the Bible answer that question for us.  Jesus said, “He that believes and is baptized will be saved…”  (Mk. 16:16).  Peter proclaimed, “Repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of your sins…” (Acts 2:38).  Jesus also said, “Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven” (Jn. 3:3-5).  Ananias told Paul, “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the Lord’s name” (Acts 22:16).  Friend, from these passages baptism for the remission of sins really does matter to God.  

            If you are swayed by the popular philosophy that it really does not matter, please come back to the Bible, and see that it does.  It matters what you believe and how you live your life to God.  It also matters what church you are a part of and how you became a Christian.  John sums it up by saying, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.  He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).  Friend, it really does matter to God!                                                                                  --Ben Bailey