Timothy, stay there in Ephesus. That is what I told you to do when I went into Macedonia. I want you to command certain people not to teach things that aren’t true. And command them not to spend their time on stories that are made up. They must not waste time on family histories that never end. These things only lead to fights about ideas. They don’t help God’s work move forward. His work is done by faith. Love is the purpose of my command. Love comes from a pure heart. It comes from a good sense of what is right and wrong. It comes from faith that is honest and true. Some have turned from these teachings. They would rather talk about things that have no meaning. They want to be teachers of the law. And they are very sure about that law. But they don’t know what they are talking about.(1 Timothy 1:3-7)
Paul warns Timothy to not tolerate false teachings, but confront them! I was reminded of this very thing yesterday in church. There are many popular teachers in the public eye today . . . .yes false teachers! I won't even go as far as saying preachers! I hold that title for those instructing their sheep in the ways of sound biblical teaching!
So how do we know whom to listen to and whom to ignore? First, be sure your shepherd is sound! Test the spirits. Know the basics for yourself. While everyone has not attended bible college, seminary or even in depth bible studies, the basics are the basics!
There is ONE God in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus is God in the flesh, fully God and fully man, born of a virgin, Mary. He has always existed . . . before time! (John 1:1) Salvation comes by faith through the grace of God and Jesus' perfect and eternal blood sacrifice. Jesus was born, died on a cross for the sins of man and rose from the dead physically and was seen by over five hundred witnesses. He physically rose to heaven and will return to judge the earth all of us! We have a choice to accept Him or reject Him, but we must choose while we yet live! Hell is a real place of eternal torment for those who reject Him! We are all indeed sinners and we need a Savior to rescue us!
So you choose . . . but choose wisely! BEWARE!!! There is no room for fake truths, fictional narratives, or cute stories. We need TRUTH today!!!!
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