False Teachers (Preachers) Are Everywhere!

In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus Christ warned His disciples of the presence of false teachers (preachers).  By extension, the body of Christ is also warned of their existence, and the dangers they pose to God's people.  My next three blogs will be devoted to analyzing the three truths Jesus taught in this passage regarding false teachers.  These are:  (1) the presence of false teachers (v.15a), (2) the danger posed by false teachers (v.15b), and (3) the practical test that detects false teachers (vv.16-20).

The Presence of False Teachers (v.15a, "Beware of false prophets").  Jesus Christ states emphatically that false teachers do in fact exist.  The word "beware" is from a Greek word meaning "to turn one's mind or attention to a thing by being on guard against it."  Jesus tells all Christians that they need to take heed, be on guard, pay close attention to the fact that false teachers exist.  I personally believe the existence of false teachers today is due to two things.  First, from spiritually impoverished churches that resist and reject the truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4).  Second, from a group of malicious spirits called demons (1 Timothy 4:1).  Whatever the source, the fact remains, false teachers exist and we as believers in Christ must be aware of their presence in churches, on television, in magazines, in religious literature, on the web, and on the radio.  We must never get to the point where we believe any and everything we hear.  To do so opens the door for "seducing spirits and doctrines of devils."

Can The Bible Really Be Trusted?

Today's pluralistic society would have us believe that, in terms of what is truth, all religious writings are of equal importance and have equal value.  For many, it doesn't matter which religious group or organization a person belongs to, so long as that person is sincere in their efforts to follow the guidelines proported and handed down by the founder of the group or organization.  Truth, therefore, has become relative.  Everyone is entitled to discover or create their own brand of truth.  What is truth for one may or may not be truth for another.  Consequently, the Bible is viewed as just one of many books where truth can be found.  It is no more or no less truth than the Book of Mormons or Holy Koran.

The question born again Christians need to ask is not "Is the Bible a rule of faith and practice," but rather, "Is the Bible the only full, sufficient, clear, authoritative rule of faith and practice?"  For true believers in Jesus Christ, the Bible is not one of many sources of divine authority.  It is the only source of divine authority.  Such truth statement is based on the clear teaching of God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness").  God says Himself that His Word is infallible, authoritative, and sufficient.  To deny this is to call God a liar!

Yes, the Bible can be trusted because it is God's Word, our final authority in all matters related to faith, principle, and practice!  Hallelujah!