In this day in age it is easy to find churches who will compromise the truth of the Holy scripture and conform to whatever it is that people want to be true, whether it is or not. They may even go so far as to form their own set of rules for people to live by and only refer to biblical teachings when it agrees with their way of thinking. Not only does this lead young believers and seekers astray, but it can also put added obstacles in the way of those who desire to live a blameless life and cause division, instead of unity, within the church. The goal of every believer should be to cling to the truth of God’s word and not be deceived by smooth talk or flattery that ultimately alters the purity of the Holy scriptures. Paul warns the Romans of this in Romans chapter 16 verses 17 and 18 which says:
“I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.”
The best way to avoid being deceived is to be educated on the truth. And the best way to do that is to learn for yourself what the Bible says. There are several absolutes and hard teachings in the Bible. What we read may not always be what we want to hear, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Compromising God’s word is sin. And God warns us that whether we sin in ignorance or on purpose, it doesn’t matter. Sin is still sin. So, I encourage you not to let your mind be deceived. The best way to avoid deception is to learn the truth. And the best way to do that, is to read the word of God for yourself.
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Do not be deceived by churches and preachers who do not hold to what the Bible says. God’s word has not changed since the days it was written. It is man who tries to change it by “making it relevant to our current culture”. God’s word is truth all by itself. And when altered by man it can, and will, deceive the minds of naïve people. So, learn the Bible for yourself, and test what you hear in church. Your pastor should support what the Bible says, not alter it.
