Tag Archive | Bible Study

Be careful who you listen to for the truth!

Oct18

Question:  One of my college religion professors told us that we should not interpret the Bible as being literally given by God. Is he right?

Answer:  No. Your professor is wrong! That’s another reason why we should read God’s  Holy Word for ourselves, so we can learn the truth. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV)

Therefore, your professor can be added to a list of people you must be careful of, when you listen to them, if you are a Believer.  The Apostle John warns Christians not to believe everything they are told about matters pertaining to their faith. For there will be many claiming they are speaking moral truths, but in reality, they are lying!  (Read 1 John 4:1-6)  If they are telling you things that agree with what the Bible says, they are speaking the truth.  But if they say other things that go against what the Bible says, they are not speaking God’s truth.

Sadly, instead of using this standard as their moral guide, too many people tend to blindly believe people simply based on the person’s likeability or popularity.  That’s why you can find even Believers turning their back on God’s teachings to support the sinful teachings of their favorite celebrities and politicians. These famous people may be intelligent, beautiful, talented, and rich.  So people admire and want to support them.  And, in the case of the politicians, people may like the promises they make to them and just ignore it when those same politicians are clearly supporting sin.  Jesus warns us about these “false teachers.”  (See Matthew 7:15-19)  Don’t be fooled into listening to their sinful teachings.

The Bible also tells us that people may prefer to listen to those who simply tell them what they want to hear.  For example, 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”  In other words, they don’t want to listen to God.

So, Believers, be careful who you listen to for the truth. Know whether or not you are hearing the truth according to God’s Holy Word. Study the Bible for yourself and pray that God’s Holy Spirit will help you discern the difference between when you are hearing the truth and when you are hearing a lie.

Only follow God’s truth!

Believers beware; the battle is on!

Aug12

Question::  Why do some Christians say we’re in a spiritual war?

Answer:  Just being Believers makes us target number one for Satan.  The Bible tells us to “be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV)   Jesus also says in John 10:10 that “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…”  Therefore, Christians must be on guard against the devil achieving his goals of  causing trouble and trying to destroy our lives.  In other words, Believers need to recognize when we are facing spiritual warfare.

There are many different circumstances Christians find themselves in that are actually experiences of spiritual warfare.  For example, when you’re facing challenges like marital troubles, unemployment,  financial difficulties, medical problems — physical or emotional — and  you start to feel like things are never going to get better or that you’re just a failure in life, you’re in a spiritual battle.

Or, when your children, who were raised in the Church but then later rebel against the biblical morals they were taught to live by,  you know you’re in a spiritual battle.  Another example is when  your boss or co-workers show open resentment of you for being morally different from them.  They may even deny you promotions because you believe in living out your Christian beliefs.  They make fun of you because you don’t laugh at their dirty jokes or join them in their after-work  partying where they are known for getting drunk and doing other sinful things.   You know you’re in a spiritual battle.

God’s Word tells us to handle these times of spiritual warfare by turning to Him through Bible study and prayer to receive God’s guidance and help.  Said another way, the Word tells us toput our armor on!    Ephesians 6:11-18 says:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”  (NIV)

Nationally known pastor and author Dr. Tony Evans created a compelling and helpful Bible study on how Christians should deal with spiritual battles.  The title of the study is “Victory in Spiritual Warfare.”   Check out the 1 minute, 26 second trailer about this study here:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n6m9DLHJ_Y.

So, Believers beware; the battle is on!  Thankfully, we can trust that God has provided the way to victory over Satan in these battles.   That way to victory starts when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, ask Jesus to forgive our sins and repent, then receive the power of God’s Holy Spirit into our lives.  It is God’s power that will give us the victory over spiritual battles!

Are you living your life…for Christ?

Jul19

Question: How do I make sure I’m living my life to please God?

Answer: To know that you are living your life to please God, starts with understanding that your life and every life is a gift from God! He is the One who creates life. From conception to natural death, God loves us and cares about each of our lives. And, He wants us all to live our lives in the way He intended for us to live. If we decide to live our lives in ways that just satisfy ourselves first instead of putting God first in our lives, we are not living to please God.

The first step in pleasing God is accepting His only Son, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior. God’s Word tells us that we are all sinners in need of a Savior. That sin keeps us separated from an eternal life with God. But God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the Cross to take the punishment we deserve for our sins. (See John 3:16) Jesus rose to life on the third day and is alive with God the Father in Heaven. By asking God to forgive us of our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our one and only Savior, we will have eternal life with God in Heaven!

Jesus, Himself, repeatedly confirms this truth in His Word. For example, in John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NKJV) And, in John 10:30, Jesus says, “I and My Father are one.” We know this is true because Jesus does not lie!

The next steps to living your life for God through Jesus Christ are to pray and study God’s Word. Pray for His Holy Spirit to guide your steps so that you live in God’s plan for your life. (See Jeremiah 29:11) And, you need to regularly read and study God’s Holy Word, The Bible. This is important because “All scripture is given by inspiration of God. And it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16) And the Lord wants you to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

By following these steps, you will learn how God expects you to live your life to please Him. Will you be perfect? No! If you could be perfect, you would not need the Savior. But, when you mess up and sin, you can ask Jesus to forgive you and repent of your sins! And, He will. Does this mean you won’t have any problems? No. You are still flesh. The Word tells us that the works of the flesh create problems. (See Galatians 5:19-21). We are to pray for God to help us through the difficult times. He is faithful to see us through!

But, while there will be times of trouble, there will also be many times of great blessings! Remember that through the Holy Spirit, you will reap the fruit of the Spirit, “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Therefore, through the Holy Spirit, you will be able to be “salt and light” for the Lord (Matthew 5:13-16) and ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). You would be living a life of holiness and good works which would be pleasing to God! For such a life well-lived, you could hear God say to you, as Jesus said in His story about the obedient servant in Matthew 25:23, “…Well done, good and faithful servant…”

Amen!

How many ways to Heaven? Jesus says, just one!

Apr3

Question:  Are there many different ways to Heaven?

Answer:  No.  Jesus says there is just one way to Heaven and that’s through Him!  In John 14:6,  it reads, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” (NKJV) Believers know that Jesus does not lie.  Therefore, we can be assured that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus, as our Lord and Savior!  Jesus does not say that there is any other way.  In fact, many other scriptures in the Holy Bible confirm this.  For example, in Acts 4:12, the Apostle Peter says of Jesus, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  John the Baptist says in John 3:36,  “He who believes in the Son (Jesus) has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

Also, in 1 John 5:10-13, the Bible gives another summary on the only way to God in Heaven.  It says, “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.  And this is the testimony; that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.  These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”

These scriptures are the words of God.  Believers know that they are true.  Sadly, even some Christians will try to deny God’s Word.  They do not want to admit to others that not every person will go to Heaven even if they are doing so-called “good deeds” or saying they believe in some type of  “god.”   This “One way to God” teaching sounds mean, divisive, and unfair to them.  What these people forget is that God is a loving God.  Remember that John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son , that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” God’s offer of salvation is given to all people groups.

God wants us to realize that we are all sinners in need of a Savior.  He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to take the punishment for our sins — although Jesus remained sinless.  He wants us to ask His forgiveness for our sins and repent.   He wants us to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and be saved.  However, He has also given us free-will.  It’s up to each able-minded individual to decide to accept or reject Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior.   Those who harden their own hearts and refuse to accept Jesus as their Savior have condemned themselves to eternal separation from a holy God.  In other words, they choose Hell over Heaven!  Still, they are making this choice for themselves.

Renowned Pastor Greg Laurie does a beautiful job of explaining that the only way to Heaven is through Jesus.  Listen to this 3 minute 13 second video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch0Qcd-wufY&feature=youtu.be

Believers must continue to pray for all those who reject Jesus Christ and the teachings of God’s Holy Word, and who believe that there are multiple ways to Heaven.  Pray that they realize that God’s words are true.  Pray that they accept that when Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me,” He meant it!  He IS the one and only way!

(Reposted from my January 24, 2014 Blog)

Have you forgotten about the power of God’s word?

Mar13

Question: Just how powerful is God’s word?

Answer: God’s word is all powerful because our Almighty God is all powerful!

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV)

Also remember that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

As Believers — those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their one and only Lord and Savior — we know that the word of God is true! We can trust what He says to us through His Scriptures in the Bible because God does not lie!

Therefore, we don’t need to feel weak or helpless as we face life’s daily challenges. Through our prayers to Him in the name of Jesus, and by studying His word, we can be equipped by His Holy Spirit for the spiritual battles that come our way. (Read Ephesians 6:10-17) We can be confident as we stand on God’s promises which are spelled out in His word.

For example, God promises Believers His love. “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in Him. . . We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4 :16, 19)

God’s word also tells us He will give us peace. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Likewise, God’s word also spells out clearly that we are to live our lives in obedience to Him through the power of His Holy Spirit. He warns against provoking His wrath. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” (Romans 1:18)

Also, “Whoever believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) has eternal life, but whoever does not obey the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on Him.” (John 3:36)

God’s word is powerful! Knowing this, you can understand the Scripture, “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalms 119:105)

So, get to know His word. Learn and obey the Scriptures. There really is power in the word of God!

God said it! Do you really believe it?

Jan11

Question: Should I believe everything in the Bible?

Answer: Yes! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)

And over and over again, Jesus Himself quoted from the Scriptures and cited them as the true words of God: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)

That’s why it’s so important that we all read the Bible and study His Holy Word regularly. It tells us how God wants us to live our lives. Plus, we can have confidence in knowing “…it is impossible for God to lie…” (Hebrews 6:18)

Here are some of the many truths we find in the Bible.

From the very beginning of God’s Word, we learn that it was God who created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). We also learn that God created all life: plants, animals, and humans, who were created male and female in His image (Genesis 1:26-28). God’s first humans, Adam and Eve, did not obey God’s instructions to them. They sinned against God and passed that original sin on to all mankind.

Our sins separate us from a Holy God. We can’t go to Heaven in our sin. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 6:23). So indeed, God still made a way to heaven for us. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Jesus died on the cross to take the punishment we deserved for our sins. On the third day, God raised Him from the dead. Jesus now lives at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Jesus intercedes with God on our behalf when we pray.

So what are some other important truths God wants us to know?

In John 14:6, Jesus is quoted as saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” God wants us to know that we must accept Jesus Christ as our one and only Lord and Savior. He wants us to ask forgiveness and repent of our sins. He wants us to live our lives to please Him.

God also wants us to know that we have an enemy who is Satan (also known as the devil and the thief). In John 10:10, Jesus says: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Unlike God, we learn that Satan does lie! In fact, Jesus called him “the father of lies” (John 8:44). God warns us against falling for Satan’s many lies. One of his biggest lies is that there are many ways to Heaven instead of the truth, being that Jesus is the only way. Remember Jesus’ own words: “No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Another of the devil’s lies is that people can decide for themselves what is right and wrong. The truth is, only God says what is right and wrong. Therefore, if God says something is sin, then it is sin no matter what the world says about it.

Yet another lie is making people think that what they desire or believe is more important than what God expects us to desire and believe. We should only want to do and support what is pleasing to God! Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word…” (John 15:23)

God wants us to read His Word and pray for His Holy Spirit to guide us (John 14:24-29). He wants us to know that one day Jesus will be coming back to take Believers with Him to Heaven and to condemn those who refused to accept Jesus as their Savior, which means eternal damnation in Hell:

“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed.” (2nd Thessalonians 1:8-10 NIV. See also: John 14:1-4; Revelation 22:12-21)

God gave us all truth in His Holy Word – the Bible. Believe It!

One Nation Under God?

Oct5

Question:  What should Christians do to get our country out of its moral decline?

Answer:  Pray!  Christians know that prayers do, indeed, change things.  The Bible tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (NKJV) As Christians, we must make sure that we are living our own lives to please God.  We need to repent from our own sins before we seek to witness to others about their need to turn from their sins.  Unbelievers can often spot a hypocrite, and they are understandably turned off by them.

Plus, as Christians, we need not despair as we see evil gaining ground by way of some of the new laws being made in this country which go against the Word of God.  Believers know that if God says something is sin, we know that it is sin no matter who says otherwise. Therefore, Believers should not give their support to any politician or group who supports such laws!

Also, Believers need not feel defeated as we witness polls that show the majority of people favoring what God’s Word clearly calls sin.  We need to heed the warning found in Isaiah 5: 20, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil…” The Bible also tells us that God will not be mocked (Galatians 6:7).  He is still in control.  When a nation continues to be disobedient to God, it invites the wrath of God upon it!

Additionally, America’s founding fathers were wise to include recognition of God in such places as the Declaration of Independence.  Dr. Harold Pease, an expert on the US Constitution, wrote about the five references to God found in the Declaration of Independence.  Most famous is the following reference about our Creator, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”  (See  http://www.libertyunderfire.org/2011/07/five-references-to-god-in-the-declaration-of-independence/). 

Also, in 1954, US President Dwight Eisenhower was wise to get Congress to add the words “under God” to the Pledge Of Allegiance. ( See http://www.ushistory.org/documents/pledge.htm).  There are even carved images of the story of Moses in the building of the US Supreme Court.  Despite the many wrongs this country has contributed to like slavery and segregation, this country has done many other things right.  For example, this country remains one of the nation of Israel’s closest allies.  This country continues to be one that gives the most to address the world’s humanitarian needs.  This nation continues to be considered the most powerful in the world.  America has been blessed.  America has a history of acknowledging God in its historical documents, national buildings, and patriotic songs.  Most of its citizens call themselves Christian.

Therefore, America needs to remain a country which recognizes the existence of Almighty God.  America’s people would be wise to remember the part of the Pledge that says we are “one nation under God.” As Christians, we need to live out our beliefs and continue to pray for others to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. For the Bible tells us in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD…”   We need to rely on the teachings of the Bible when making laws for our country and not govern in ways that go against God’s Word.

Amen!

(Reposted and updated from my July 2013 Blog)

Are you really putting God first?

Sep6

Question: How can I be sure my decisions put God first instead of just pleasing myself?

Answer: You can start by making sure your decisions don’t go against the word of God! The two ways you can be guided in this are by studying to know God’s word and by praying for the Holy Spirit to help you. In reading the Bible, we learn about the many promises Our Heavenly Father has made to us as Believers. Two of these promises are that He will always be there for us and that He will give us His Holy Spirit to guide us.

Jesus said, “…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13 NKJV)

Unfortunately, there are times when we talk ourselves into believing that what we want in a situation is the same as what God wants. But this may not always be the case. In fact, God’s Word warns us against believing we know better than God. As the Prophet Isaiah cautions, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes…”(Isaiah 5:21)

Therefore, if God tells us not to commit or support sin, we should put Him first and not support sin. For example, we may want to support those who promote sinful behaviors – especially if they are people we like. We convince ourselves that it’s okay to support their sinful agendas as long as we’re not actually committing these sins ourselves and we like the good things these people may do.

But God’s word says, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones” (Proverbs 3:7-8). If your support helps these people or others sin against God, then you are sharing in their sin by giving them your support! (See Romans 1:28-32) You are choosing to put their desires ahead of God’s commands. That’s not putting God first! As Believers, our first obedience must be to God. For to God, obedience is better than sacrifice. (See 1 Samuel 15:22)

A different example of not putting God first could happen in the way we respond to our achievements. When given the opportunity, we may enthusiastically give credit for our success to many people – our parents, teachers, mentors, and even ourselves. While acknowledging the help of all these people is fine, we must remember to give the main credit to God! He is the one who blessed us to be able to achieve that success by providing us with the various people, skills, wisdom, and opportunities that helped us to achieve. Therefore, make sure to give God the credit for His many blessings in your life.

Now, we are not perfect people. The only perfect one to walk this earth was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! So, there are going to be times when we fail to put God first. When this happens, we need to ask Jesus to forgive us and repent of our sins. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you make the right choices.

Just remember that God loves us even when we fail Him. Keep reading God’s word and pray for the Holy Spirit to help you keep God first in your life. He will guide you and keep you on the right track.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3: 5-7)

Amen!

(Reposted and updated from my September 2022 Blog)

God is speaking! Are you listening?

Aug10

Question: How do I make sure I’m listening to God?

Answer: You can know that you are listening to God. You can start by being faithful in praying for God to give you clear direction, and regularly reading God’s Word to see what He wants us to know! When Believers pray for direction, God will hear and answer our prayers according to His will for us. For example, in Psalm 32:8, God says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go…”(NKJV) So, as He instructs us, we need to listen.

Also, in Proverbs 3:5-6, God tells us to, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” By praying we show that we are listening to God. We can trust Him to do what He says He will do and to give us guidance.

We also show that we are listening to God when we regularly read and study the Bible and when we pray for understanding as we read. The following are just a few of the Scriptures that reveal why this is important. Listen to what God is saying to us.

“But He (Jesus Christ) answered (Satan) and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” (Matthew 4:4)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” ( 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

When we study God’s word and pray for understanding, we learn what God has to say to us. Once we listen to what God has say, we as Believers, need to do what He tells us to do. As we learn in James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”

So, for example, when you hear in God’s word that we all need to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior (John 14:6, Acts 16:30-31, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9), do you listen and accept Christ as your one and only Savior? Or, do you continue to reject God?

When you hear in God’s word that He has made promises to those who believe – to save them, forgive their sins when they ask, help them, and be with them always (John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 2:19-20), do you listen and believe Him? Or, do you doubt Him?

When you hear in God’s word that He wants His believers to live their lives to please Him and to spread the good news of the Gospel to everyone in the world (Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 28:18-20), do you listen? Or, do you choose not to prioritize living according to God’s instruction? Do you not tell others about Jesus?

Remember, God will speak to us when we are faithful to pray and study His word. So, make sure you’re listening!

“

Be careful who you listen to for the truth!

Jul5

Question:  One of my college religion professors told us that we should not interpret the Bible as being literally given by God. Is he right?

Answer:  No. Your professor is wrong! That’s another reason why we should read God’s  Holy Word for ourselves, so we can learn the truth. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NKJV)

Therefore, your professor can be added to a list of people you must be careful of, when you listen to them, if you are a Believer.  The Apostle John warns Christians not to believe everything they are told about matters pertaining to their faith. For there will be many claiming they are speaking moral truths, but in reality, they are lying!  (Read 1 John 4:1-6) If they are telling you things that agree with what the Bible says, they are speaking the truth.  But if they say other things that go against what the Bible says, they are not speaking God’s truth.

Sadly, instead of using this standard as their moral guide, too many people tend to blindly believe people simply based on the person’s likeability or popularity.  That’s why you can find even Believers turning their back on God’s teachings to support the sinful teachings of their favorite celebrities and politicians. These famous people may be intelligent, beautiful, talented, and rich.  So people admire and want to support them.  And, in the case of the politicians, people may like the promises they make to them and just ignore it when those same politicians are clearly supporting sin.  Jesus warns us about these “false teachers.”  (See Matthew 7:15-19) Don’t be fooled into listening to their sinful teachings.

The Bible also tells us that people may prefer to listen to those who simply tell them what they want to hear.  For example, 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”  In other words, they don’t want to listen to God.

So, Believers, be careful who you listen to for the truth. Know whether or not you are hearing the truth according to God’s Holy Word. Study the Bible for yourself and pray that God’s Holy Spirit will help you discern the difference between when you are hearing the truth and when you are hearing a lie.  Only follow God’s truth!

(Reposted from my March 12, 2017 Blog Post.)