A group of business folks invited me to a celebration they were having. I was excited to have the opportunity to spend time with them. Someone was asked to pray. The first words out of this person’s mouth clued me in that her god was not my God.
Talk about an eye opener!
I remember praying silently with something like, “God, I don’t know who she is talking to, but I am talking to you!”
Have you noticed it is getting harder to tell the Christians from the non-Christians with casual conversation? When you go deeper, you may find those folks really don’t believe the same things you do. As a matter of fact, their church doesn’t teach the things you believe.
Sometimes you have to dig into what people are saying to get to the core of what they believe. Words have begun to have double meanings as Satan – the greatest counterfeiter, deceiver, liar, and accuser – attempts to imitate God.
Words and phrases like “spiritual enlightenment” are used about Christianity, but they are also used in connection with the new age religion or movement. More and more other things – things not of God – are infiltrating our places of worship.
A pastor or teacher is held to a higher standard, but individually we each should strive to meet that same standard.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1 Corinthians 3:11-13
The lines are blurring. There will be those who buy the lie hook, line, and eternal sinker. I encourage you to dig deep into the Word of God and prepare yourself against false doctrine.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 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:
Ephesians 6:13-17
Again, what kind of church are you building?
Be careful whom you add to leadership. Be careful whom you add to membership. Carefully examine their doctrine before you assume them as fellow Christians and a part of the body of Christ.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 1:7
Today’s challenge is to look at what you believe and what the folks who teach you believe. Examine your beliefs carefully. Be sure they line up with scripture. Examine the teaching of your leaders. Hold them accountable to the Word of God. As awkward as that might feel, you will be glad in the long run that you did!