In the end times, we are told that Christians will leave the faith because they listened to and received messages, teaching, music, or doctrine that sounded pleasant to the ears, made them feel good, or appealed to their flesh:
1Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
However, we can be PREPARED to RECOGNIZE such things, as God teaches and warns us about in His Word:
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
What we must understand is that in today's Christian community, worldly philosophy has crept in. The philosphy of the world says for example that we should be like the people we are trying to witness to rather than being a peculiar people (Titus 2:14). So, Christian musicians get tattoos and sound like the world. Worldly philosophy says follow your heart but God says follow me (John 12:26, 10:27). The philosophy of the world says let your feelings guide you, but God says that we are to trust Him (Proverbs 3:5). God teaches us that we are to stand on His Word, for it is His Word which guides us, which teaches us, keeps us in the right path, and is what the Spirit of God uses to build us up in the faith:
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Far too often, this writer has encountered services that appeal to the flesh; messages that sound good, that make sense, are moral, and may even include some Bible verses, but no expounding on the Word of God; only superficial comments that sound good on the surface, but have no real power to change us:
2Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
What we fail to realize is that if a spiritual leader is NOT taking the Word of God and expounding on it: explaining it in an understandable way, to the exclusion of leaning on feelings, emotions, or worldly ideologies, then he is NOT feeding the sheep.
Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
If he is NOT feeding the sheep, then he is NOT doing what he is called to do:
1Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
Why is it, that after listening to a message the majority of Christians go right back to what they were doing?
Why is it that when we finish a worship service we feel good, we talk about the interesting points from the minister's message, yet we are NOT transformed? We have catchy slogans, nice message titles, nice music, diagrams, and even hand signs, yet what has changed IN us? How do we see God in a more proper light? How do we see Christ high and lifted up?
Why is it that when we go to church the routine is the same: Greet, sing, sit down, announcements, message, stand up, sing, go home; and then think no more about God?
Why is it, a Spirit-filled believer, after spending time in a worship service leaves starving for the Word of God? Could it be that he/she was NOT fed?
1Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Is it because the Word of God is NOT being taught? Is it because Jesus Christ is not being lifted up in Bible teaching? Has it/He become only quaint window dressing in a nice message?
The way that God warns us and teaches us from His Word if it is right teaching is this:
Is it ...after the rudiments of the world or is it ...after Christ (Colossians 2:8)? If it sounds good, looks good, seems good, or even feels good, but there is NO Scriptural support, NO Christ, then BEWARE lest you be drawn away:
1Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (4) He is proud, knowing nothing...
Why do we hear so little of God's Word expounded in messages and so much more on feelings, emotions, human strength, the power of the flesh, steps to a better..., what "I" can do, and the like? Why do we hear even less of the Lord Jesus Christ?
O dear God, please bring us back to the Bible and Jesus Christ your Son. Be glorified, magnified, exalted, and honored in and among your people!
JFS, Ptr., FMC-WOM
http://meditationsfromscripture.blogspot.com/
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