Jesus said,

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field (Matt. 13:44).

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it (Matt. 13:45, 46).

What do these two parables teach us?

First, salvation is a matter of individual appropriation. In each you have one person seeking after that that is valuable. There is no concept in the Bible of group salvation; not spiritually. Yes, there are times when groups or nations were delivered, but those were physical “salvation” – not a redemption of the soul.

In the parables, Jesus shows the great value of spiritual blessings in the kingdom. As such, He describes what our attitudes and actions must be as individuals. We must each decide to obey the Lord’s commands, just as the Samaritans and the Ethiopian did (Acts 8:12, 13, 36-38). We will be individually judged,

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10).

We are not even held accountable for what our parents or children do (Eze. 18:20).

Hence, it is not the responsibility of others to save me. It is my responsibility. You and I must put forth the effort to find and secure the kingdom.

Yes, we are to teach others the gospel, encourage them in the faith, and rebuke them if they stray, but ultimately their salvation rests on them. We can plant and water, but we cannot give the increase (1 Cor. 3:5, 6). Each is personally responsible for his or her actions.

Second, the parables teach us we must be willing to part with everything to obtain the treasure of heaven. Paul stated as much when he wrote about his own life and sacrifice for the Lord.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Phil. 3:7, 8).

The treasure is salvation, a clean conscience, fellowship with God, and ultimately eternal life. Nothing earthly compares. We ought to gladly part with anything that could potentially keep us from obtaining that great treasure.

Notice again that to obtain the treasure of the pearl of great price, the men sold “all” that they had. They did not sell most or all but one thing. In other words, as Christians, we must be “all in” or we will fail to obtain the prize. We must fully surrender our lives and all over which we have power or possession to the Lordship of our Savior. Anything less is to fall short.

Thirdly, the parables teach us we ought to take immediate action. While anyone and everyone can potentially obtain the treasure, we must treat it like there is only one. Paul said as we run the race with the idea that only one receives the prize (1 Cor. 9:24). This will cause us to be diligent.

In light of the parables, this means we must act quickly or lose the opportunity. If we put off buying the field or pearl, then it will be easier to get distracted, settle for something of lesser value, or turn down the opportunity the next time it presents itself. Delay sometimes means death—death of enthusiasm, conviction, or urgency to do the right thing. Therefore, let us take immediate action.

The final point is that some are seeking a kingdom and others are not. It appears the man who bought the field just happened across it and found the treasure (Matt. 13:44). The merchant, on the other hand, was seeking beautiful pearls (Matt. 13:45).

Some people are not looking for the kingdom of God. The Samaritan woman at the well was not seeking the kingdom when she met Jesus that day (Jn. 4). She was living an immoral life and simply going about her daily chores. However, once she realized what was before her (the water of life), she turned her attention to learning more and became convinced (Jn. 4:19-30).

Others are diligently seeking the kingdom. The Ethiopian eunuch was a spiritually zealous man. When the evangelist met him on the road, he was reading in Isaiah seeking a deeper understanding of God’s will – he was seeking the pearl of great price (Acts 8:27-34). Philip showed him that pearl and he bought it right away (Acts 8:35-39).

We do not always know if someone is seeking the kingdom or not. We cannot read the heart or forecast another’s reaction. All we can do is show them the treasure and let them decide to obtain it or not.

Solomon was determined to figure out life (Ecc. 1:12-18). He viewed the pursuit of wisdom about life as burdensome (1:13, 14). It was a never-ending task. God made it this way. He does not implant all wisdom into us at birth, but requires us to learn it. It is a process that requires diligent effort. None have achieved it to the same level as Solomon – “all the works that are done under the sun.” Hence, when we read about his experience and findings on figuring out life, we all have something to learn and need to take it to heart.

Solomon states a frustrating truth, “What is crooked cannot be made straight” (Ecc. 1:15a). As we seek wisdom and try to figure out life, there are some things we wish to change, but cannot. There are natural disasters, murderous rampages by maniacs, cancer in adults and children, accidents, and much more. These are events in life we have little or no power to alter even with our best efforts and most advanced technology. Our ability to affect change is limited. Thus, to cope we must turn to a Higher Power; to One with all power.

Another difficulty is “what is lacking cannot be numbered” (Ecc. 1:15b). We cannot know what we do not know. We cannot make something from nothing. There may come a point when we learn a truth or reality, but before we do, we simply do not know it – it is lacking. It is often a lack of knowledge that gives us trouble. Yet, God has made it this way. How do we deal with it? In anger, bitterness, despair or with faith, confidence, and trust in God?

Solomon’s approach to gain knowledge and wisdom about life was to investigate and get practical experience (Ecc. 1:16-18). Whether by study or living, the pursuit of wisdom was futile in the end. He sought to know madness and folly, along with wisdom, but found grief and sorrow.

• The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.
• Greater wisdom brings to light greater folly.
• The more right you know, the more wrong you see.
• Greater wisdom brings more responsibility.

While life can be great, it is often a burden – especially when we pursue that which is vanity and grasping for the wind. Our focus, therefore, must be to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecc. 12:13).

In Genesis 18:16-33, we read where God revealed the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham. Abraham petitioned God to spare the cities if there were enough righteous people present. It seems this was an effort to spare Lot and his family.

There is a deeper lesson here. God condescends to the prayers of godly men. James said the “effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (Jas. 5:16). We see this happen time and again in the Bible.

God hears the prayers of the righteous when they pray for themselves. Jonah prayed from the belly of a fish and was heard (Jonah 2:1-10). Hezekiah prayed for his life and God gave him 15 more years (2 Kgs. 20:1-7).

God hears the prayers of the righteous when they pray for each other. The church in Jerusalem prayed for Peter when he was facing death and he escaped the jail by God’s help (Acts 12:1-11).

God hears the prayers of the righteous when they pray for wicked men. Moses prayed for Israel when they made and worshiped the golden calf (Ex. 32). God spared the nation because of Moses’ pleading.

Thus, what we need are clean hands and pure hearts (Jas. 4:8-10) and be vigilant in prayer for self, saints, and the nation.

Solomon warns us in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 about our approach before God. We most certainly need God in our lives. Life is full of vanity; oppressions, trials, worthless pursuits. The way through it is to turn to God, but when we do, we must take care.

When we worship God we must do so with reverence (Ecc. 5:1). The “house of God” is the place and time of worship. Our attitudes and actions determine whether or not the worship is acceptable to God (Jn. 4:24; 1 Cor. 14:40). When we assemble with the saints, we are there, in part, to listen.

• To teaching from God’s word
• To admonitions in spiritual songs
• To prayers offered by godly men

When we are before God in worship, we must take heed not to offer the sacrifice of fools. This is essentially worship according to man’s will; worship without reverence for God. King Saul was irreverent in his worship as he did what he wanted, not what God commanded (1 Sam. 13 & 15). The Pharisees were irreverent in following their will, not the Lords (Matt. 15:1-9). Note, you can be sincere and still be irreverent.

Today many are irreverent when they include instrumental music and hand clapping in their worship. There are plays, concerts, and emotional outbursts that reflect a lack of respect in the presence of God – as men follow their will, not His.

Our prayers to God must be sober (Ecc. 5:2, 3). We will give an account for idle words, including those uttered in prayer (Matt. 12:36, 37). Thus, be careful for what and how you pray. Sometimes frustration, despair, anger, or exhilaration may get the best of us and cause our prayer to God to be unacceptable.

Our vows to God must be well thought out (Ecc. 5:4-7). Vows are good and proper (Acts 18:18). However, some vows are made in haste and a time of trouble; in sickness, financial loss, extreme stress. We are told to keep our vows. Do what you say and be timely about it. God takes no pleasure in fools. It is better not to make a commitment at all, than to fail to fulfill a vow.

What if you vow something that is contrary to God’s will? Solomon said, “Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin…” (Ecc. 5:6a). In other words, do not do something that is sinful just because you said you would. For instance, the person who vows to raise their child in the Roman Catholic church should not keep that vow when he or she learns the truth.

Also, do not say your vow was a mistake (Ecc. 5:6b). A legitimate vow that does not contradict God’s will cannot be lightly dismissed. God knows what you said and your intent. Take care of your “dreams,” boastful words, plans, commitments.

When we worship before God or make a commitment to Him, we must use great care. Think, speak, and do with reverence before the Creator and Judge.

The wise man said,

There is one alone, without companion:
He has neither son nor brother.
Yet there is on end to all his labors,
Nor is his eye satisfied with riches.
But he ever asks,
“For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?”
This also is vanity and a grave misfortune
(Ecc. 4:8).

Some men are married to their work. Their job takes priority over every other aspect of life. When younger some have no concern for getting married and having a family. Some are married with children, but are essentially “without companion.” They do not pay attention to or spend time with them.

All the stuff and things his wealth provides are empty. There is no one to share them with either because their is no family or they are alienated from them.

Men need more than material rewards to find satisfaction in their labors. We are to labor for our family (1 Tim. 5:8), for our neighbors (Eph. 4:28), and most of all for God (Matt. 6:33). Without a larger purpose and deeper meaning, labor is vanity.

“We the people” once consisted of an overwhelming majority that respected God and His word. Though they did not all strictly follow the word in religious beliefs and practices, they did have deep moral convictions. Note these quotes from two of the Founding Fathers (http://bit.ly/washington-adams-quotes).

While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
– George Washington

The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
– John Adams

These convictions were reflected in the Constitution and other laws that rest heavily on the Judeo-Christian ethic and were put in place at the formation of this nation.

A Compliant Mindset

Under such conditions, it was relatively easy for a Christian to be comfortable living in our society and abiding under the various laws. For instance, adultery was generally illegal and is technically so in many states to this day (The Boston Globe, http://bit.ly/adulteryillegal). However, it is widely accepted and practiced by society. Thus, it is rarely, if ever, prosecuted as a criminal matter.

The same thing is true with homosexuality. The laws of the land made such illegal and was prosecuted as a crime, even including the death penalty (http://bit.ly/sodomylaws). The previously cited website notes when we were still the Colonies, “The 1683 Pennsylvania law called sodomy an ‘unnatural sin’ and the East New Jersey law listed it among the ‘Offenses against God.’”

These past examples simply show the citizens of this nation had strong convictions on what is morally right and wrong. Under these conditions, it was easy to view the law of the land – man’s law – as establishing or at least reflecting right and wrong. However, things have changed.

The Changing Landscape

As noted above, other than in civil proceedings for divorce, adultery is a non-issue in light of the law.

Additionally, there are some vocal and powerful elements in society pushing the homosexual agenda. It is not a matter of ignoring laws on the books, as with adultery, but a rewriting of the laws. We are at the point that states are positively affirming the legality of two men or two women getting “married.” As of this writing 19 states have legalized homosexual marriage (http://bit.ly/legalsamesexmarriage).

These are mentioned just to notice that the landscape is changing. The law of the land cannot be confused or conflated with right and wrong. We cannot think what the government approves or disapproves is lawful or binding according to Law of Liberty (Jas. 1:25).

God VS. Government

Which law will we recognize? Will we accept man’s perverted concept of right and wrong or adhere to the Lord’s will? Consider these relevant issues.

• Abortion: choice or murder (Ex. 21:22-25)?
• Euthanasia: compassion or homicide (Phil. 2:26, 27; Job)?
• Marriage: homosexual or heterosexual (1 Cor. 7:2; 6:9, 10)?
• Death Penalty: cruel & unusual or just & necessary (Rom. 13:1-4; Gen. 9:5, 6)?
• Discipline of Children: harmful or helpful (Prov. 13:24)?
• Preaching the Gospel: hate [speech] or love (2 Tim. 4:2)?

The list could be extended to include alcohol, nudity, gambling, and much more. The point is, who defines right and wrong? Who defines marriage? One man in Missouri wanted to marry his horse (http://bit.ly/marryahorse). Are they really married? No. No more than two men or two women are actually married. It might be legal, but it is not lawful by God’s standard.

Effect On Churches

Some churches already accept into their fellowship couples that were unscripturally divorced and remarried. At one time this was unheard of among brethren. However, as society shifted and laws changed to allow for such, brethren were influenced.

In the near future, will there be a “conservative” church of Christ that accepts a “married” homosexual couple or polygamists? How long will it be before a preacher advocates homosexual relationships as legitimate because there is “love” or “God made them that way”?

We might think these things are far off, but the next generation does not view moral issues the same way many of us do. Gallup recently reported that 42% believe one is born as a homosexual (http://bit.ly/viewsonborngay). In March 2013 Gallup reported that approval of same-sex marriage reached 53% (http://bit.ly/samesexmarriageviews). That is up from 27% in 1996.

Therefore, we can see why the laws are changing – it is because society is changing. These cultural shifts will affect the next generation that is coming up in the church; the next generation of elders and preachers.

Where Will You Stand?

Those with Bible convictions are increasingly on the wrong side of the law. We are being persecuted, if ever so slightly compared to ancient times. However, we have to make up our mind now before things get worse.

Who knows if preachers will be jailed and churches outlawed for preaching against homosexuality? What will you do if that happens?

We are to respect the powers that are ordained of God (Rom. 13:1-7). However, our submission and devotion to God comes before compliance with government. If the law of man conflicts with the Law of God, we obey God, not man (Acts 5:29).

The Bible tells us Cain’s offering from the ground was not accepted by God, but his brother Abel’s, from the flock, was (Gen. 4:3-5).  Why was one accepted and the other rejected?  Both made an offering, to the same God, for the same purpose.  Cain obviously wanted to please God or else he would not have been upset about his offering being rejected.

The New Testament tells us specifically why Cain’s offering was not accepted—it was not offered by faith (Heb. 11:4).  To do something by faith is to do it according to God’s word (Rom. 10:17).  Thus, Abel did what God said to do, Cain did not.  Cain did what he wanted to do and expected God to like it.

Many people today do exactly what Cain did back then—they hear part of what God says and then adapt it to their own liking and expect God to accept it.  One example of this is in musical worship.  The New Testament says to sing; speak, teach, admonish (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).  However, they hear God wants musical praise and thanksgiving, and alter it by adding instrumental music.  They offer this to God and think He ought to be satisfied with it.  After all, they say, “It sounds so good.  It really stirs me up and draws me closer to God.”  The only evidence of this is their testimony.  It may sound good to the ear, but God looks on the heart.  It may stir emotions within man, but God is not man—His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts (Isa. 55:8, 9).

Cain was condemned because he offered worship to God his way, not God’s.  Any and all who strive to worship God their own way stand condemned as well.  It does not matter how sincere their motives, nor how moving the experience—it is sinful and not accepted by God.

Does God matter? Some behave as though He does not. They live their lives in their own way. They curse, drink, gossip, lie, cheat, steal, or commit fornication. To them, God does not matter. However, logic and the Bible, teach that God does matter.

God matters because He is the Creator. He made all things through His Son (Gen. 1:1; Jn. 1:1-3; Col. 1:16, 17). Being the Creator, He is superior to the creature, man (Gen. 1:26, 27). He gave man life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:25). He is not only the giver of life, but the sustainer as well (Heb. 1:2; Acts 14:17). Man, therefore, must understand that God matters.

God matters because He is the Judge. God is the giver of the law of Christ (Jn. 16:7-15). All men will stand before God and be judged by Jesus Christ according to the law—the gospel (2 Cor. 5:10; Jn. 5:22; 12:48). Hence, God matters.

God matters because He is God. The very nature of God demands the conclusion that He is relevant. God is the Almighty (Gen. 17:1). He knows all things and with Him all things are possible (Psa. 139:7-12; Heb. 4:13; Mk. 14:36). He is self-existent and eternal (Ex. 3:14; Psa. 90:2). We know the President of the United States matters because He is the president. The CEO of a company matters to people in the company because he is the CEO. The God of the universe matters because He is God.

When Paul was in prison at Rome, he had opportunity to teach the Jews of that area (Acts 28:17-23). Some were persuaded, others were not (Acts 28:24). Before they left, he applied Isaiah’s prophecy to them, telling them they were hard hearted (Acts 28:25-27). He closed by saying, “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it” (Acts 28:28).

Are you among those of whom Paul said, “They will hear it”? Or, are you like the Jews, stubborn and unwilling to hear the “salvation of God”?

The salvation of God is multifaceted. First, Jesus is the Christ of God, the Savior of the world, and there is none other (Acts 4:12; 9:22). Second, men must repent of their sin (Acts 3:19; 17:30). Third, you must be baptized into Christ to have your sins washed away (Acts 19:5; 2:38; cf. 22:16). Have you heard the salvation of God?