Jesus, in one of his lessons, said this: “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit… Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:16-20).

So much is said by actions. Some cry for peace and justice, but only for themselves and not for others. God expects his people to want peace and justice for all men.

God gave man a book, his word to show everyone how to live their lives. If mankind would follow the teachings found in the Bible, peace and justice would reign around the world.

People would see that in the eyes of God all men are the same. It matters not the color of the skin, the amount of money in the bank or how much prestige one has – God loves and cares for all.

The Bible is a tool. Just like a tool, one has to learn how to use the Bible. The Christian needs to know how to use the Bible. Jesus can show anyone how to live and be successful, not only in this life but in the one to come.

This great book that can change the world needs to be used offensively and defensively. The solider needs protection against the enemy’s weapons – God has provided his soldiers the armor they need.

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil… Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” (Eph. 6:11-18).

This armor is stronger than any armor man has ever made. Some will reject that idea, but the truth is the truth.

Man’s problem is that instead of following God’s way, men want to do things their way.

King Saul was one such person. He wanted the blessings of God and wanted to serve God as long as it fit in his schedule of things.

On one occasion, he was to wait for Samuel to come and offer up sacrifices for him, but he chose to offer the sacrifice himself, (i.e. I Samuel 3).

Later this same king was told to totally destroy a people, but he decided to save some of the best things, (I Samuel 15). Saul wanted to proclaim his love and service to God, but his fruit showed a different story.

Too many times this happens with those who want to be counted as faithful children of God today. Their fruit proves them to be just like Saul.

One must never forget that man was created to worship and love God. Mankind is the creation, and God is the creator.

Man is to serve God and to love him as he loved man. All the blessings that his word tells about are there for all men if they will follow him.

The idea that man can do whatever he wants and God will still save him might be comforting, but it is a false belief. God has never promised salvation to one who will not obey him (Matt. 7:21).

God’s desire is for our salvation. One must have faith in God, repent of sins, confess that Jesus is God’s Son and be baptized for the remission of sins.

God’s love is strong, but man must show his love for God or else be lost.