In our current teaching series, “Counterfeits”, one of our aims is to distinguish good, bad and false teaching.
The point is that there is one (and only one) gospel. That is, repenting of our sins and trusting that Jesus Christ lived a perfect life, died, and rose again and by doing so atoned for the sins of all those that would believe. This is done by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone to the glory of God alone.
Jesus provides the only way that sinful man may be reconciled to a holy God. The fact that Christ provided a way to salvation for a wretch like me brings me to my knees in humility, gratefulness, adoration, and praise.
But in this postmodern culture in which we live, this gospel seems quite offensive to some. In fact it has been this way from the earliest days of the church. Paul writes in 1 Cor. 1 that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying. People often take offense at the claims of Christ.
They would prefer to hold on to their own views of who God is rather than fall down and worship the Great God and Savior of the Bible.
As believers, we are commanded to preach the gospel to all of the world. But often, people teach and preach many things that are not Biblical and, in fact, are oftem heretical.
For discussion, what are some false or bad teachings that are currently being espoused? Or can you think of some that have been around for a long while?
Turned on TBN lately? I don’t know any names cause I generally try to avoid it. One of my favorite stories of how the scripture gets twisted though is back in 1999 someone on that channel was using the parable of the two houses built on the rock and sand to say that Jesus was talking about Y2K. Sand is used in silicone which is used in computer chips and if you’ve built your house on technology then it’s all gonna fall in 2000.
On another note, I won’t name any names but large and small churchs in the Woodstock area are preaching from the pulpit that ANY consumption of alcohol whatsoever is always an ABSOLUTE sin. 😉 Forget the scripture, personal conviction and the Holy Spirit, they went ahead and made it the 11th commandment.
Dear David:
Thnaks for your comments. It is often amazing to see the lengths that people will go to try to use Biblical text to make their point more relevant or insightful when, in fact, it is often terribly damaging.
I did a little research and stumbled on to some of the Y2k claims that you alluded to. Here are some of them:
http://www.bible.com/digest13.html
Some of the so-called “prophecies” would be very humorous if they did not lead so many people astray.
Regarding those who shout against all forms of alcohol, this is one of the most popular teachings in many churches today. While I do not claim to know their motives, and often respect their preaching of the gospel, this teaching is out-of-line with Biblical teaching. Jesus’ first recorded miracles was changing water to wine at a wedding.
The text goes on to say that by doing this, “the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” John 2:11
Manfested His glory; and his disciples believed in Him. Because of His miraculous ability to change water to wine.
Truth matters. It is very important that we seek to honor God through the teaching preaching and applcation of God’s Holy Word. May God continue to teach us His truth, correct us where we are wrong, and help us to continue to grow in our knowledge of our dependency of Him.
What about the “dog barking” in the “spirit” or laying on the floor “swimming like a fish”? These acts, done in “the name of Christ” are regular occurrences in Toronto. Here is a link:
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/96a-03.htm