GRACE ANCHORED JOURNEY

One of the many things that I have learned in my Christian journey is to always test whatever you see, hear, and read regardless of the author being the most popular or the preacher is the most sought-after speaker. My mentor used to tell me that we must be careful with everything because so many false doctrines are out there. And these false doctrines do not seem to appear false because proponents of false doctrines know a lot about the Bible. There was this book that I read about manipulation in the church where the preacher himself was very convincing because he knew the Bible by heart and could explain it well. Yet, he had a wrong motive. He existed to lead the church to a deep pit of dependence upon him instead of pointing them to Christ.

The Scripture tells us to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8

How can we stay sober and vigilant in these last days then?

These things that I will share with you are things that may help you navigate more about staying alert these days. Come alongside the truth of staying vigilant is to defend our faith as the truth these days are being buried. It becomes harder to defend our faith as many seemingly good theologies are coming out.  I went to a bible school shortly , and one of the subjects that we had is Apologetics – which means the defense of our faith. Many people misunderstand defending our faith. Many times, even in the Christian community, thinks that if we defend our faith, we are argumentative or critical. But if we read our Bible, Jesus Himself is an apologist. He was so wise that His manner of speech is at times, let’s say unpleasant. So, is Paul.  (References: Matthew 12:34, Matthew 7:21-23, Galatians 1:8-9)

Here are 5 things to consider.

1. Test and prove all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:21. The Scripture tells us to prove all things. When we say all – it means all. It is not enough that we think it is a good book or a good sermon. We have to align it with God’s Word. Some people can say many good things, but they are not even Christians in the first place. All things must be aligned with the truth of God’s Word.
2. Search the Scriptures. Acts 17:9-11. Our feelings are valid, but they can never be the ultimate source of truth. A commendation that Bereans are more noble than the Thessalonica is given because they receive the word with readiness in mind and search the scripture to validate what they heard. As Christians, we should be like the Bereans – searching the Scriptures to check whether what we receive are biblical or not. This is not even being critical. This is being safe. The things we hear or read can shape our thinking, and eventually, it affects our beliefs and theology.
3. Be wise and discerning. Proverbs 3:5-6, Philippians 1:9-10, 1 John 4:1, John 7:24. As Christians, God intends us to get wisdom from Him. More so, discernment. I just would like to quote a paragraph from a blogsite that I read pertaining to discernment.

“Discernment, as discussed in the Bible, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and to make wise and spiritually sound decisions. The concept of discernment is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on His wisdom to navigate life’s complexities.”

4. Be careful with what we read, hear, and watch. When I was new in the faith,I used to read so many books and blogs and listen to preachers recommended by our church leaders and pastors. I actually did not bother to check whether what they were saying is biblical or not. I just knew they were good. Later on in my Christian journey, I saw the danger of always relying on these seemingly good books and sermons. We are not legalist nor separatist here. Like Bereans, we are to search the scriptures if these things are truly biblical or personal views. There is nothing wrong in reading some good books or listening to good service in podcast or YouTube. However, we have to know the Word more than theirs. If we can quote statements from books or people more than the Bible, we are in the danger zone.  There are so many seemingly Christians books, Christian podcasts, and preacher pastors all over the internet and bookstores. Let’s stay alert.

Tips to stay alert:

• Check it always against the Bible.
• Check the background of the author, speaker, or preacher/pastor.
• Trace their roots – Church doctrine, church statement of beliefs, etc.

5. Read your Bible and study it. Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:105, Colossians 3:16. Above all and the most important truth will be to read your Bible and study it. So many people have gone astray because they know other books and other sermons more than they know the Bible. Context is so important in studying the Scriptures. This is where many become mistaken in their beliefs.

My dear friends, our world is getting darker, and our path is getting narrower. Yet, we are to rejoice because we know that this is something that is already warned before us.

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:14

Let’s not be weary and disheartened if we see that no one listens to us or that what we believe is not the majority. It is an encouragement that only a few find the narrow gate. If you are one of them, always be grateful for your salvation! Hang in there, God is not slacking nor slumbering. He knows who His children are.

 Finally, brethren, remember that the Lord says, “ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”