Bible in One Year

Thursday, December  9, 2010
(2 Tim 1 - 2 Tim 4)


Memorise: "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation" (James 3:1)

Read: James 3:1-2
 
In the church at Ephesus as recorded in Revelation 2:1-7, the Lord singled out a sect within its walls which believed and preached that holiness was no more truly possible. These were the Nicolaitans and the Lord said He hated them. Can the Lord hate those who claim to be His followers? This may be surprising but the Lord hates every preacher and teacher of false doctrines. This is a warning for those in the teaching ministry so that they do not veer off the path of sound doctrine and begin to teach cunningly devised fables and philosophy of men. In James 3:1-2, the Lord warns teachers to be very careful. Because God gives men liberty to say what they like without reacting immediately over it, many have taken liberty for licence to go into false doctrine. It is very easy for a teacher or preacher to say something wrong and as a result mislead others. Be very conscious of what comes out of your mouth. Cross check facts and perceived revelations with the Holy Spirit so that you do not lead any astray. The Lord hates false preachers. Anyone who teaches you that you can continue to sin after all we are human beings but that you will still get to Heaven is heading for hell and wants to take you along. Many people are heading for hell today for hearing just one wrong doctrine. 

If only you can determine the ill effects of just one false doctrine! Someone said 'God is not as wicked as to fry His children in fire for minor sins and so there is no hell fire' and millions of people who call themselves Christians are on their way to hell. Some also said that salvation is by what you are able to do - by works and as a result his followers find it difficult to accept salvation by faith and are now headed for hell. Idolatry is being openly practiced in some churches today because somebody has taught others contrary to Exodus 20:1-5 that there is nothing wrong in making images of God, Jesus, Mary and the apostles and using them to connect to God. And this is taking millions to hell! On the other hand, backslidden pastors, ministers or workers who are telling their sin partners to continue in sin because God will be merciful, are teaching them false doctrine contrary to Romans 6:1-2. They are in error! In what ways are your actions contradicting your teachings and messages? Such contradictions turn you into a false preacher! 

ACTION POINT:
Are you teaching heresy? Repent, restitute where necessary and come back on the narrow path that leads to life.