IT'S NEW, BUT IS IT TRUE?
Not everything that is new is good. Regarding truth, we should sing, “Give me that old time religion.”
IT’S NEW, BUT IS IT TRUE?
Acts 17:21 Either to tell or hear some new thing
Mankind seems to be fascinated with the latest information. For those doing research, sources earlier than the last five years are considered dated.
Time
How do you spend your time? Luke the historian wrote, The Athenians and strangers spent their time telling or hearing some new thing (Acts 17:21). Life is short (James 4:14 Job 14:1). Therefore, we ought to manage our time with care (Colossians l4:5). If we are not careful, we could lose precious hours doing things that will not benefit us (John 9:4).
Tell
Interestingly, the Athenians had a huge interest in hearing a new doctrine (Acts 17:19). They wanted to hear Paul, not because of interest in the truth, but to satisfy their curiosity (Acts 17:18). As Christians, we ought to seek for the old path and walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16). Give me that old time religion. A new gospel is denounced in scripture, even if it comes from an angel (Galatians 1:6-9).
Task
Unfortunately, the Athenians did nothing else than to tell or hear something new (Acts 17:18-21). Christians, however, should be ready to defend the faith, which is already completed (Jude 1:3, Philippians 1:17). Our energy should be focused on knowing the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15, Colossians 3:16, Acts 17:10-11). Ignorance is not bliss (Acts 17:22-23, 30, 31 2 Thessalonians 1:8).
True
Our focus should not be on what is new, but on the things that are true (Acts 17:20, Philippians 4:8). Let us learn from the awful death of Uzza. God specified the way the Ark of the Covenant should be transported (Exodus 25:10-15, Numbers 7:9). Israel used a new cart pulled by oxen. Unfortunately, the oxen stumbled (1 Chronicles 13:7-10). We don’t need new carts, new arguments, or new doctrines.