The internet is a wonderful thing, making the sharing of information fast and simple. It allows people on opposites sides of the earth to be friends. It opens up a whole new world of support and encouragement. The internet is also a terrible thing, making the sharing of false information fast and simple. It allows people on the opposite sides of the earth to bully each other. It opens up a whole new world of sin and destruction. Like anything else, the internet is only a tool and how it will be used depends on the heart of the person using it.
This is good to keep in mind when speaking with people you have never met. It is good to keep in mind when reading teachings about God's Word from people you don't know, like me. There are a lot of people on the internet teaching a lot of different things. It doesn't mean they are called to that. It doesn't mean they have the anointing. It doesn't mean they have a right relationship with Jesus. It just means they have an opinion. Anyone can have an opinion, it doesn't mean it is supported by the Word of God. More than ever we need to pray for a spirit of discernment, that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all knowledge, truth and wisdom. It always starts by reading the Bible for yourself.
God warns us:
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. (Colossians 2:18)
I have met a lot of "puffed up" people on the internet. One of the tell tale signs is if they go to church or not. Do they belong to a church they have submitted themselves to, to whom they are accountable? Jesus did not leave us to go it alone. He placed us in a Body because each member has something that the others need. We have been placed in a Body where we depend on each other to grow and mature into the fullness of Jesus. Just read 1 Corinthians 12 and understand that I need you and you need me to function as Jesus intends for us to function. Those who chose to go it alone, saying the church is full of hypocrites and turning their back on God's design and purpose, are a danger to themselves and others. Again we are warned:
He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. (Colossians 2:19)
It is amazing how quickly a person loses connection with the Head when he turns his back on the Body. Yet, he is so arrogant and full of self knowledge that he thinks he is the only one with the truth and he needs to "save" everyone from the false teachings. If such a person does not know the importance of the Church then he does not know as he aught to know.
Be careful who you submit to when it comes Bible teaching. Be careful of the popular quotes that float around. Check them against the Word of God. If you have doubts, go ask your pastor or youth pastor. Do not allow a false thought or teaching take root in your mind. And above all else, pray for discernment, that you will correctly understand and live the Word of God.
1 comment:
Amen Pastor Paul! Even my Pastor at home tells us to prove Him. To read the Bible for ourselves and not take ANYONE's word for it. While He preaches NOTHING OUTSIDE the Word of God, He still tells us to check and read it for ourselves. Actually, He always has the scriptures up on the wall (from a projector). When I write my blog, I back everything up I say with scriptures. My Pastor told us that if we witness to someone and tell them something wrong, then we will be held accountable for that. We are not to be a stumbling block to others without consequences. Well, I just wanted to thank you for that post. More people need to make sure what they say AND what they hear is lined up with the Word of God.
God Bless,
PJ
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