Front Page Sunday 23rd April 2006

From the books I have been reading lately, the newspaper articles and the Christian services I have seen on the internet, I have been amazed at how each one claims to know something someone else misses out on. I have read a number of articles in newspapers reporting on the various doctrines that some churches teach and on some of the false truths that seem to be becoming part of mainstream Christian thinking, particularly in the United States. The problem is most of the Christian material we see and read comes from that source, so we are exposed to so much of this ‘questionable’ material. In addition to that we are exposed to so much “New Age” thinking in this region, ideas that appear good and pure, yet draw us away from the truth.
How do we discern just what to believe, and what to reject? A good first step is to check everything against God’s Word, don’t just take something as being correct just because you bought the book from Word or Koorong, both reputable book sellers. Check it out and make sure it’s correct, ask others, discuss it at your Home Group or wherever.
The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will guide us in all truth and Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life”. There is a simple formula for discernment, be filled with the Spirit, ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the spiritual gift of discernment and always develop and nurture your relationship with Jesus as He leads you to what is right. Jesus said “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
There are “sheep in wolves clothing” out there, be wary, be diligent and be discerning.
God Bless
Blair