Scripture:
Matthew
16:5-12
John 3:19
2 Corinthians 11:15
1 Timothy 4:1-5
1 Timothy 6:2-10
2 Peter 2:1-20
1 John 4:1-6
Jude 1:16
Reflections:
We are a generation seeking after their own desires. But is this
new? Is this selfish egocentric desire to seek salvation on our
terms? Or is this something that even in the times of the Lord
was an underlying paradigm of the majority of humanity.
As mentioned in the previous Scripture (What
do you say?), there are now so many variations and translations
of the Bible that we could easily find one that we could easily
find one to support and endorse our personal life style choice.
Regardless of how far from the original intent of the Gospel message.
And as we
search for the guiding light and understanding we desire,we soon
find those who will be Worldly Wise and Spiritually Dead. These
are the ones who will tell you not to worry. That a loving God
wouldn't really judge you so harshly. That as long as you do good
things and treat others as you would be treated, then your going
wherever you desire to go.
In some cases these cruel and deceptive toys of Satan will tell
you that there really isn't a Heaven. Or that sure Jesus is a
great role model. But don't get fooled into thinking he rose from
the grave. Like this and many other miracles are just folklore.
We read in Jude 1:4-5 how stealthily False Teachers had crept
in amongst the believers. Those that would pervert the Word of
God for their own desires. Teaching things that are not of the
Gospel. But are worded in such a way as to sway those who are
of the weaker faith. Still clinging to the ways of the flesh.
In today's Church the faithful are being stifled and gagged as
to speaking the truth. They are told that what was once considered
a sin, such as Homosexuality and Lesbianism, are now acceptable.
And that to speak against these is to not show the true love God.
The challenge is and has always been, to stand up and speak boldly.
To feel comfortable in this World should be some sort of wake
up call. We are not called to be a part of this World of darkness
And sin. We are called to stand out as beacons pointing towards
the truth.
Our life's should be a thorn in the side of those who would speak
falsely regarding the Salvation of Jesus our one and only source
of Salvation. We should constantly be seeking t know the truth.
If this means to openly shine a light on False Prophets and Teachers,
then so be it.
It was harsher in Biblical times. Someone who was found out to
be a liar and false teacher would be stoned death. Something that
was rather extreme but did keep the crazy ones from leading people
astray.
How do we test the teachings of those who lead us in scriptural
knowledge? Perhaps a basic Spiritual Health check could work.
Don't be afraid to ask them the following.
- Do they
believe in the Virgin Birth?
- Do they
believe in the Ordination of Jesus at his Baptism?
- Do they
believe in the miracles performed by Jesus?
- Do they
believe in the Death and physical Resurrection of Jesus?
- Do they
believe in the revelations of Jesus to his followers?
- Do they
believe in the physical ascension of Jesus into Heaven?
- Do they
believe in the promise of life everlasting in a real Heaven?
- Do they
believe in a Judgement to come for all, from a righteous God?
These are
tough questions. And sadly they are made all the more contentious
by those who have chosen to cling to only those aspects of the
Gospel that reflect their own life style choices. We need to be
certain that the spiritual food we are receiving is true Godly
Manna. And not a human placebo. So don't be surprised if when
you ask them, you find yourself the target for insults and ridicule.
Especially b y those who have a seditious agenda to promote.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I am tossed about in a sea of confusion.
So many want to cheat me of the truth.
They swear they alone have the answers.
That any who disagree are not to be trusted.
Guard my heart from false teachings.
Challenge my beliefs so that I may not be mislead.
Give me the strength of the Holy Spirit,
So that in all things I may stand firm on your Word.
And hold the truth of Salvation out for all to take hold.
This we pray in the name of our Lord,
Jesus the Christ.
Amen