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Issue 1
Prove All Things
“Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1Th 5:21) This
scripture is a clear admonition for everyone to take the time to
study and prove what is taught by the religious leaders of the
world. The Bible
clearly tells us that we should not sit idly by and be told what to
believe. God's word
clearly states that we are to: "study to show thyself
approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth." (II
Tim. 2:15) Are the
teachings of the world’s religions, in fact, God’s truth or
cunningly devised fables? God
commands us to study His word to educate our minds in His
principles, so we will know His true shepherds from the
men who teach the religion of men. You
would be surprised to know that much of what is taught in churches
today has a weak scriptural foundation. You may scoff at this notion, you might say, “When I go to
church, I always hear such exciting sermons,” and these sermons
might make you feel really good.
But are you being taught the judgments and statues of God?
Many
of these same ministers who can preach such moving sermons have a
very poor understanding of the scriptures.
Even the greatest minds in the world are human, fallible, and
still imperfect. This
realization is the first step in searching for the truth.
We must recognize that we are human and can be deceived.
God says: “prove all things.” That means we are fallible.
That means all the "great men" are fallible! All can be
wrong, and nearly all are. The whole world is deceived: “And
the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil,
and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the
earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
(Rev 12:9) Here
the Bible plainly states that the world, its churches and religious
leaders are deceived! The
second step is to be willing to admit that you could be deceived.
Ask yourself, “Am I willing to admit it when shown that I
believe something that is wrong?”
Are you willing to accept the truth when you find the proof
in your Bible? Following
the word of God, as you find it in the Holy Scriptures, will not be
popular. Most of your
family and friends will not understand and may even condemn you for
following the truth. Standing
for the truth will bring its own rewards; remember the words of
Jesus, “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren,
or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands,
for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit
everlasting life.” (Mat
19:29) So, are you
willing to act on the truth and obey God, no matter what the cost in
this life? God
wants us to understand His way.
The way of God is found within the Holy Scriptures.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim 3:16)
The entire Bible should be used to gain a clear understanding
of God’s truth. When
studying, most people will look at one scripture and mix in their
human ideas to come up with what they think the scripture means.
We must avoid this type of study.
The Bible is complete; it has explanation, interpretations
and answers. We
must remember the purpose for studying the Bible is to show
ourselves approved unto God. We
need to ask God for guidance; ask Him to reveal His way. Then, we
must believe God, believe His word and accept it in its plain,
natural meaning. Be
careful to prove all things.
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