Do you question?

 Do you question?

"Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you.  

"For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,' and will deceive many." Matthew 24:4,5.

The apostle Paul stated,

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4.

The Gospel of Christ has been around in excess of two thousand years. In that time it’s truths have been twisted by charlatans for their own purpose.

These men and women were around when Paul and the apostles were around and they warned against them.

These men and women are around today. That is why we must be carful. That is why we must read the Bible for ourselves and know what we believe and why we believe it. So that no one will call us to fall away from Christ.

I firmly believe we as individual Christians have the right to question any teaching that we may suspect as wrong. Going as far as asking the pastor, teacher or evangelist why they teach what they teach. To prove that what they are teaching is true. 

Do you ever question what is being spoken from the pulpit or by men and women claiming to be teachers of Gods word in the media?

Perhaps you should.

Please think about it.

I never knew you

  I never knew you

Jesus said,

"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'” Matthew 7:21-23.

If you consider yourself a Christian where do you stand with Jesus?

There are many pastors, evangelist, Christian teachers, and people who just sit in the pew who will hear the words, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.”

They will hear it for I believe two reason. Principally they only intellectually accepted Jesus. The simply believed he existed. They have never accepted Christ as their Saviour. Everything they have done is in their own strength.

Another reason, especially when it comes to pastors, evangelist and teachers they are simply charlatans out to get rich. They have twisted the word of God to their own ends.

They are not preaching the true gospel. They are as someone once said “out to flees the flock”. 

For anyone who considers themselves a Christian we need to look on the reasons we are following Christ. 

Additionally we need to be asking ourselves are the pastors, evangelist, and Christian teachers we follow truly teaching the word of God correctly?

The apostle Paul states,

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”  2 Timothy 2:15.

Are you and those pastors, evangelist and Christian teachers you support doing this?

Please think about it.

False teacher and the wicked

 False Teachers and the Wicked

    In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  

I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  

So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  

I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):  

Only hold on to what you have until I come. 

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— Revelations 2:18-26

Here Jesus notes that He knows of the church at Thyatira’s love, faith and perseverance. But he notes that there is a woman, a self proclaimed prophetess referred to as Jezebel. Someone who is misleading people into sexual immorality and other things, that God disapproves of.

Jesus states He has given her time to repent but she was unwilling therefor she will pay the price for her misdeeds and sins. 

Jesus notes that He searches the hearts and minds of all people. And that He will repay each person according to their deeds.

Jesus finally calls the church to hold onto their faith until His return.

Question do you know of any false teachers? Men and women who are misleading those in the church congregation or denomination you attend?

The apostle Paul writes,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

Is the church congregation or denomination doing this with false teachers and the wicked?

Please think about it.

Who are you following?

  Who are you following?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 

These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.  

I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.  

Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.  

Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Revelations 2:12-17.

Here the church at Pergamum is commended by Jesus for staying true even though a member of their church Antipas was put to death for his beliefs.

Jesus goes on however to note that the church a Pergamum is mixing the teachings of Balaam with their faith in Christ and holding to the teachings of the Nicolaitans both heretical teachings.

He warns that if they do not repent from teaching these false teachings, Jesus himself will fight against them.

Those who turn from these teachings however will be given a reward for doing so.

Question:

Are you following false teachers?

Are the pastors, evangelist, and teachers you follow truly teaching The Word of God?

Please think about it.

Wheat and Weeds

  Wheat and Weeds

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy states,

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2Timothy 4:3,4.

We especially those of us who live in the western democracies where freedom of speech is a right, are living in the times the apostle Paul is talking about. True freedom of speech allows for people to say anything they wish provided it doesn’t hurt anyone.

Thus when it comes to the interpretation of Scripture we have people who deliberately misinterpret it. Usually for personal gain. 

Jesus speaks of these people in this parable.

In the gospel of Matthew we read,

"Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.  

But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.  

When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 

"The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 

" ‘An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 

" ‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them.  

Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' Matthew 13:24-30.

Thus it will be for those preachers, evangelist, teachers and anyone that deliberately mislead people. They will be burned up.

This should be a chilling thought for anyone who would wish to deliberately misinterpret the word of God and lead people astray.

Please think about it.

Why do you believe what you believe?

   Why do you believe what you believe?

The apostle Paul writing to Timothy said,

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.

I was once told “listen not only to those who agree with you but to those who disagree with you.”

When it comes to being a Christian we need to know what we believe and why we believe it. Not only that we should not dismiss out of hand those claim to be Christians and disagree with us. We should be asking the question why do those with whom we disagree believe what they do.

Is it their misinterpretation of scripture? Or, Are we misinterpreting Scripture?

Are they being mislead by the pastors, evangelist and teachers they listen too. Or, are we?

Here in North America where I live, we have laws that protect freedom of speech. Thus everyone has the right to express their own opinion provided it does not hurt someone else.

In such an environment it is easy for someone to be turned away from the true faith. As a result we as true believers in Christ Jesus need to study the Bible carefully both by ourselves and under the tutorage of a good pastor and teacher. While at the same time questioning what we are being taught. Asking questions of those who are teaching us.

Always remember a good and honest teacher, or preacher will give you direct answers to your questions.

So, my question to you is. Why do you believe what you believe?

Please think about it.

Will welcome correction

  Will welcome correction

The apostle Paul writes,

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

The apostle Paul also wrote, 

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  

  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

The one thing I see here in North America is that Christians don’t seem to do a good job at keeping their own house clean so to speak.

When someone, be it a pastor, teacher, evangelist or for that matter a layman uses scripture incorrectly no one seems to correct them.

Part of this is due to freedom of speech laws. (Laws which are good and can used right help with the spread of the Gospel of Christ).

 Part of it however is what I see is a reluctance to stand up to teachers, preachers, and evangelists. People in authority within the church.

Now don’t get me wrong there can be differences of opinion on some interpretation of scripture. At least on minor points. The core beliefs however should never be compromised.

The trouble comes when men and women deliberately misuse scripture for personal gain or other reasons and thus lead people astray. 

Such people can bring dishonour to God among those outside the church.

It is therefor imperative that we correct wrong teaching.

After all if a person is teaching things incorrectly by mistake or because they were taught wrong in the first place. I’m sure if they are sincerely following Christ would welcome the correction.

What do you think?

Please think about it.

Are you certain?

  Are you certain?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  

I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  

So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  

I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):  

Only hold on to what you have until I come. 

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. Revelations 2:18-26.

Jesus notes that the church at Thyatira has faith and love. That they are doing more for Christ than they did at first. However Christ points out that they tolerate Jezebel. 

Some scholars believe this to be a reference to the old Testament Jezebel who married king Ahab and imposed worshipping Baal on the northern kingdom of Israel. Others believe it could have been an actual person who was leading people away from the gospel of Christ. Either way some people in Thyatira were being led astray. 

Christ warns against this. Calling Jezebel and all who follow her to repentance. If they do not they will suffer.

As for those who have not followed these false teachings Christ states He will not impose any other burdens upon them.

Today in 2023 there are many church congregations that tolerate false teachings. Either they don’t want conflict or say it is freedom of speech and belief. This should not be so.

We as believers in Christ Jesus need to speak out against false teachers. To correct them and offer them the opportunity to repent before God judges them.

The apostle Paul writes,

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

Thus I would as you the reader. First are there false or misled teachers, (Jezebels) people within your congregation or denomination that need correction?

Secondly are you certain you are believing the true Gospel of Christ Jesus?

Pleases think about it.

Do you?

  Do you?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:  

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.  

You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.  

Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.  

But you have this in your favour: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.  Revelations 2:1-7.

It is said each church represented in the book or Revelations can refer to a church, a church denomination or even a person in the present day.

Here while the Lord comments on the Ephesians deeds and hard work. That they have not tolerated wicked men. And that they have hated the practices of the Nicolaitans an heretical group. The Lord also notes,

“Yet I hold this against you: 

You have forsaken your first love.  

Remember the height from which you have fallen!

 Repent and do the things you did at first”. 

Some scholars note that this could mean that they have lost their love of God, of Christ. Some have even said they have lost their love of each other. While others say they have lost their love of both.

Either way The Lord makes it clear if they don’t repent they will loose their status before God.

As individuals we need to look at ourselves and say; Is God truly my first love? Do I truly love those around me. Family, friends, and foe alike?

Do I need to repent?

Do you?

Please think about it.

Keep your house clean

  Keep your house clean

The apostle Paul wrote,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

This I think here in North America is one portion of scripture that is difficult to practice because many false teachers and heretics hide behind freedom of speech and libel laws.

Additionally those who would pervert the meaning of scripture say it is their interpretation which they are entitled to. 

While I agree there is various interpretations of some portions of scripture. The core doctrines of the Bible must be adhered to. And those who would misinterpret these basic doctrines should be expelled from the church.

For me the Apostles creed, while not written by an apostle of Christ, states the basic Christian principles. It reads,

1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth

2. I believe in Jesus Christ God's on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.

3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary

4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.

5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.

6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the          Father almighty.

7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.

8. I believe in the Holy Ghost

9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,

10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.

11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.

12. I believe in life everlasting.

Do you believe this?

Do the pastors and evangelist you listen to believe this?

Please think about it.

You, your child, and God

  You, your child and God

In the book of Proverbs we read,

“Train a child in the way he should go, 

and when he is old he will not turn from it.” 

                                                         Proverbs 22:6.

If you consider yourself a true Christian. A true believer in Christ Jesus. Are you teaching your child to follow Christ?

By that I don’t mean forcing your faith on your child. When someone does this it has been my experience that the child will rebel and turn away from God.

Training a child in the way they should go is a combination of things. First and foremost is living your faith in front of them. Your child sees everything you are doing. As a result if you are not living what you are teaching them verbally, they wont believe a word you say about your faith.

Thus the question becomes; Are you teaching your child about Christ Jesus in word and in deed?

Please think about it.

Your best

 Your best

The Apostle Paul writes,

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15.

We are human. We make mistakes. That being said the apostle Pauls admonition to Timothy and through him to us is to do our best when presenting the word of God to those around us.

God understands we are human and all the frailties we have. That’s why I firmly believe He will judge us justly, based on what we know.

So, are you doing your best to present the word of God in spirit and in truth?

Please think about it.

Correctly

  Correctly

The Apostle John records,

“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.  

I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality.  

Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.  

Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” Revelations 2:12-17.

Here is what is commonly called the compromising church. Jesus states,

“I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.”

These people stayed true even when one of them Antipas was put to death.              That being said this church let things go on that were not Christian. Some in the church were teaching the teachings of Balaam who tired to turn the people of Israel away from God. They were also allowing the teachings of the Nicolatians, another heretic group. 

The apostle Paul wrote,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1Corinthians 5:12,13

As Christians we cannot allow anything to be taught in our churches that is not in line with the word of God as presented in the holy scriptures. Anyone preaching things contrary to the teachings of the Bible must be put out of the church.

Thus the question becomes are you and the church congregation you attend truly living out and presenting the word of God each day?

 The apostle Paul wrote,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Timothy 2:15.

Are you doing this?

A Christians duty

 A Christians Duty

Jesus said,

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

As Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus we have a divine duty to our fellow men. 

If we truly believe the words of Jesus who said,

“Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.

Then we should strive to present the Gospel Message to those around us. If we believe that we truly know the way to heaven. Then we have a duty to tell others.

And I stress here “we should present the Gospel”. We are called to present the gospel message. Not force it on people. And we are certainly Not to judge others. Especially when it come to where they will spent eternity. That is Gods job not ours.

So if you consider yourself to be a true follower of Christ Jesus are you presenting the gospel message to those around you?

Please think about it.

Where?

 Where?

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" Hebrews 12:2.

If you consider yourself a Christian where are your eyes fixed? Are they fixed on a political figure? Are they fixed on the things this world can offer? Are they fixed on particular teacher, or preacher? 

According to the writer of Hebrews they shouldn’t be. Believers in Christ Jesus should have their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

So I ask you again where are your eyes fixed?

The Shepherd of your life

 The Shepherd of your life

The Psalmist writes,

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; 

may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." 

                                                                       Psalm 143:10.

The only way anyone can know how to do Gods will is to pray and study the Bible both alone and with a group.  Studying the word of God is the only way we can know Gods will for our lives. Not only that when we present the word of God we need to do so correctly. The apostle Paul admonishes Timothy to,

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15.

If you consider yourself a true believer in Christ Jesus is this what you are doing?

Psalm 23 states,

“The LORD is my shepherd, 

I shall not be in want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures, 

he leads me beside quiet waters, 

he restores my soul. 

He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 

I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 

your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

                                                                             Psalm 23.

So is God truly the Shepherd of your life?

Please think about it.

Are they, Are you?

 Are they, Are you?

Jesus notes,

"Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:22,23.

I believe there are many men and women claiming to be Christians in this world who are in for a big shock when they stand in front of God. They will hear the words “away from me, you evildoers!”

Many calling themselves Christians especially here in North America are not Christians. They are not correctly following the teachings of Jesus. 

These people claim to be prophesying in the name of Jesus. They claim to be driving out demons and performing miracles, but they are not.

It is such people that individual Christians, followers of Christ Jesus, need to beware of. Jesus warned, 

"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.  

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?  

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  

Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-20.

As believers in Christ Jesus we need to take a very close look at the pastors, evangelist and other teachers we follow. We need to hold them to account by asking how they spend the money they give. We need to ask them to prove that the people they claim to heal are really healed.

Sadly few ask these questions. Even sadder is when these false prophets and teachers are proven to be false, many still chose to follow them. Choosing to believe the lie rather than the truth.

Thus my question to you; Are you following false teachers? Have you looked at the lives and teachings of those pastors, evangelist and teachers you support?

Have you looked at your relationship with Christ Jesus and asked the question, am I following Jesus and presenting the gospel message to the best of my ability?

Please think about it.

The Path

  The Path

The Psalmist writes,

“Show me your ways, O LORD, 

teach me your paths;

 guide me in your truth and teach me, 

for you are God my Saviour, 

and my hope is in you all day long.” 

                                                   Psalm 25:4,5.

Question; Do you ask God to show you His ways? Do you read the scriptures to learn the ways of God? Do you read biblical history books to see what life was like in the time of Jesus?

Here in North America we are blessed with having access to uncensored books and libraries. We can go to Christian book stores and find books on the life and times of Christ. We can find commentaries from various points of view on the scriptures. Yet most who call themselves Christians don’t bother to read such books.

Even when some read commentaries on scriptures themselves, they tend to only read commentaries that support their own views.

I think it is important when you can to read the scriptures daily at least. And to find commentaries and history books that put what is said in the scriptures into context. 

I believe by doing this you will learn the path God wants you to follow.

Please think about it.

Are you tolerating Jezebels?

  Are you tolerating Jezebels?

In the book of Revelations we read,

"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  

I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 

Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.  

I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling.  

So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways.  

I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.  

Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you):  

Only hold on to what you have until I come. 

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations. Revelations 2:18-26.

Jesus notes that the church at Thyatira has faith and love. That they are doing more for Christ than they did at first. However Christ points out that they tolerate Jezebel. 

Some scholars believe this to be a reference to the old Testament Jezebel who married king Ahab and imposed worshipping Baal on the northern kingdom of Israel. Others believe it could have been an actual person who was leading people away from the gospel of Christ. Either way some people in Thyatira were being led astray. 

Christ warns against this. Calling Jezebel and all who follow her to repentance. If they do not they will suffer.

As for those who have not followed these false teachings Christ states He will not impose any other burdens upon them.

Today in 2021 there are many church congregations particularly I think in large churches and denominations that tolerate false teachings. Either they don’t want conflict or say it is freedom of speech an belief. This should not be so.

We as believers in Christ Jesus need to speak out against false teachers. To correct them and offer them the opportunity to repent before God judges them.

The apostle Paul writes,

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

Thus I would as you the reader. First are there false or misled teachers, (Jezebels) people within your congregation or denomination that need correction?

Secondly are you certain you are believing the true Gospel of Christ Jesus?

Pleases think about it.

A daily thing

  A daily thing

“Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:4,5.

Here is something we as believers in Christ Jesus need to be praying daily. It’s a simple request to God to lead us into truth.

In a world filled with half truths, and out and out lies both from outside the church and from those espousing to be Christians we need God guidance daily.

We need to be praying and reading the word of God daily so that we know the paths God is leading us in.

Are you spending to quality time in the word of God?

Are you taking quality time to pray and ask God of guidance?

Is your hope truly in God?

Please think about it.