The Church

The true Church today is filled with all kinds of people from different cultures and backgrounds, various races and creeds all representing the body of Christ.  There are also many in our houses of worship that are imposters like in the days of Jesus.  It is very hard to tell which ones are genuine and which ones are the imposters. There are many cults and false teachers so it is hard to know the genuine from the imposters in those situations also.

The Word says in Matthew 7:20, “Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions,” but that takes time.  It also says in John 13:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Even knowing this, it is important that we be careful that we don’t judge too quickly or be deceived.  Many times we seem to judge people much too harshly, condemning them just because of their outward appearance.  It is very hard for us to know the thoughts and intents of the heart.  There are some guidelines that will help us in this matter in 1 Timothy 5:24, it says this, “Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later.” 

Matthew 7:15 says this, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.”  This wasn’t just a problem in Paul’s day but it is rampant today and if people are not careful many will be deceived and as time goes on it will get worse.  The only way people can keep from being deceived is to know the truth and to be spending time in prayer and close communion with the Lord.  In John 8:31-32 it says this,  “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”

Studying the Word and hearing it preached is very important, I can’t emphasize this enough, it is so very important, no believer can afford to ignore it.  It goes on to say this about false teachers in 1 Timothy 6:3-5, “Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.”

There are many warnings about falsehood in the Word to keep us from deception but without studying how will you learn about them.  I hope this lesson will encourage you to start a regular habit of studying the Word so that you will know the truth, then be able to share it with others and encourage them and bless them with the truth so that they may be set free.  God bless you and yours and have a great day!!