We need to make sure the message the pastor is teaching aligns with the Word of God.
1 Timothy 6:3-5, If, anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.
God warns us about false teachers and doctrines throughout the bible because it is a big problem and he does not want us to fall prey to the lies.
Galatians 1:6-8, I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
Here is another mention about an angel from heaven preaching a different gospel. The religions that were started from an angelic visitation now have millions of followers believing a different gospel. 2 Peter 1:20, knowing this first of all, that, no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. Per Malachi 3:6, God’s word does not change. So, an individual who professes to have a unique revelation that nullifies the word or twists its meaning is not to be trusted. If a church along the way has added new doctrine or changed doctrine, please question that and then compare it to the word of God.
2 Timothy 4:3-4, For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. I feel this can be related to the prosperity gospel and the liberal beliefs that are entering the church today. Some people like their sin and don’t want to be told it’s wrong. Instead of believing what the bible says they seek out preachers who are accepting of everything. Those preachers may be seeking money or fame and are willing to compromise the word to cater to those beliefs because they want a larger following and more tithers. That preacher is not serving God. These preachers leave out the important message of repentance and following the commandments. Luke 13:3, No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Those who have not allowed God to be in their lives are on their own. Those of us who have embraced God as our Father, He treats us as his child. He takes care of our needs and will guide us with His loving hand. Like any Father, God loves to bless us but, if we are living in disobedience, He will hold back on the blessings, like any parent would. You’re not going to reward your kid’s bad behavior
Deuteronomy 11:26-28, “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today.
John 14:15, Jesus says “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
Some preachers highlight the points that attract people and keep quiet on the things that don’t appeal to people. There are preachers who leave out large chunks of the word.
Revelation 22:19, If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Knowing the entire bible is valuable. The beginning through the Old Testament and the ending through Revelation. Close to 1/3 of the Bible is prophecy. Do they teach that or do they skip over it? Jesus warns us in Matthew 25 about the parable of the 10 virgins. These young ladies needed to be awake and ready when bridegroom came. Half of them were not ready when he came and were left behind. In Luke 12, starting at verse 35, Jesus is talking about servants who are not awake and looking for their master to come home. Those that believe he is delayed in coming will not be ready when he does come. They will be living their life doing what they want instead of doing what their master needed them to be doing. Your church should be preparing you to live a Godly life pleasing to the Lord so when He does come you are ready.
One thing I have noticed with some churches that have embraced false doctrine is how they keep their members from reading material outside church approved books or websites. The enemy works overtime to keep the truth hidden from them. They are afraid of you learning the real truth and telling others. Proverbs 25:2, It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. Revelation 1:6 says he has made us Kings and Priests. It is honorable to search for answers. If something is not feeling right, search it out. Most of the answers can be found in God’s Word. If you still cannot get your questions answered, ask God. Jeremiah 29:13, You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Don’t be afraid to seek out answers outside your church approved literature. Some of these churches use their own bible and writings to support their unique message. Just because literature will reference the word, does not mean it is gospel.
The Word of God, the Bible, is not a reference resource, but is THE SOURCE!
