Reliable Sources

by Brian Bowman

We call it "the gospel according to Lexi and Kayla." Even though these two sisters from our neighborhood are just a few years older than my 10-year-old son, he accepts much of what they say as absolute truth. Almost weekly they present him with a new "teaching" that my wife and I must refute. I believe they are teasing him, but Alec tends to be literal and often misses the humor. Then again, maybe the girls really do believe in werewolves and that monsters come out of the bathroom sink at night.

We face a similar problem in our churches. I know of one Nazarene woman who believed that we become angels when we die. Where did she obtain such a belief? Many in our denomination have heard "contrary gospels," teachings that don't line up with sound biblical instruction. Unfortunately, people are embracing these incorrect teachings. What can we do to counteract this alarming trend? 

• Filter everything through God's Word. Just because a book is popular doesn't mean it's theologically correct. Nor does the fact that a proclamation comes from a well-known TV or radio personality make it legitimate. Knowing the Scriptures helps us repudiate faulty teachings.

• Prayerfully consider any troublesome issues. Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide them in all truth (John 16:13). We also must ask the Spirit for wisdom and discernment about anything that doesn't sound accurate.

• Seeking the counsel of mature Christians helps us decipher things that might be confusing. A person who is deeply rooted in Christ will be able to provide godly wisdom.

• The apostle Paul wrote that some people would not put up with sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). This is true today. Wisely investing our time in reading and listening to those who have not distorted God's Word helps us maintain a healthy separation from any individual or group that proclaims flawed theology.
  

We must guard our minds from erroneous beliefs. As we do so, we'll also ensure the spiritual integrity of our homes, our churches, our denomination, and ourselves. 

Brian Bowman pastors Grace Harbor Church of the Nazarene in Green Bay, Wisconsion.

Holiness Today

 

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