Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

Dear Father,

It’s easy to assume that some areas of life may be too fleshly to be engaged by a spiritual person or approached from a spiritual standpoint. For instance, politics seems to be a dirty game, so why should spiritual men engage in it? Doctors often work on Sundays; isn’t that profaning the law of the gathering of the brethren? Beauty pageants are no place for a true believer.
Yet the story of Esther teaches us differently.

First, she became queen through a contest, and then, concerning matters of politics, she tells Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise.” Who would have thought that a queen who lives in a palace would see a relationship between politics and spirituality, and seek Your face in the face of the impending destruction of her people?

Perhaps a position is not made carnal by the field to which it belongs, but by our interpretation of it. Perhaps politics is called a dirty game because those with clean hands have refused to play. Perhaps we can be queens and still be godly. Perhaps worship is not exclusively reserved for Sunday gatherings. We’ve come a long way, choosing withdrawal over meddling, holding firmly to the belief that, “To remain holy, I must be set apart.”

But if spiritual men would rather preserve themselves from the rest of the world, what do we do when our race is under attack and all our Esthers are found in the church?

Translations:
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu
Slide 6: Portuguese

#LettertoGod
#Estherstory
#power
#politics
#positions

Dear Father,

It’s easy to assume that some areas of life may be too fleshly to be engaged by a spiritual person or approached from a spiritual standpoint. For instance, politics seems to be a dirty game, so why should spiritual men engage in it? Doctors often work on Sundays; isn’t that profaning the law of the gathering of the brethren? Beauty pageants are no place for a true believer.

Yet the story of Esther teaches us differently. First, she became queen through a contest, and then, concerning matters of politics, she tells Mordecai, “Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise.” Who would have thought that a queen who lives in a palace would see a relationship between politics and spirituality, and seek Your face in the face of the impending destruction of her people?

Perhaps a position is not made carnal by the field to which it belongs, but by our interpretation of it. Perhaps politics is called a dirty game because those with clean hands have refused to play. Perhaps we can be queens and still be godly. Perhaps worship is not exclusively reserved for Sunday gatherings. We’ve come a long way, choosing withdrawal over meddling, holding firmly to the belief that, “To remain holy, I must be set apart.”

But if spiritual men would rather preserve themselves from the rest of the world, what do we do when our race is under attack and all our Esthers are found in the church?

Translations:
Slide 1: English
Slide 2: French
Slide 3: Bengali
Slide 4: Hindi
Slide 5: Urdu

#LettertoGod
#Estherstory
#power
#politics
#positions

Stop Overthinking Right Now 🪽

1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Overthinking is an ocean where someone is mentally sinking. So control your thoughts before they drown you in the ocean of stress, worries, and anxiety. Overthinking is simply belief in things that do not yet exist. Always use your mind to believe in God's thoughts rather than your own thoughts.
You know, that is the main reason to live a life of unhappiness—when people never believe in God's word. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." So the next time when your thoughts try to disturb you, just go into your room, bow down on your knees, and cast all your worries upon Him.
May God bless you.
🪽

Guidelines for living.
August 31st, 2026

What is a Creed?

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The industrialist Henry Ford used to say that he knew the Church was a divine institution because, contended Ford, no other organization so poorly organized and run would have survived for 2000 years. Going beyond the satire of what he said, there is a measure of truth in his statement.

After the resurrection, the followers of Jesus were left without an organization, with no financial base, and really without an organized plan for survival and growth. They had no buildings, no leader, and no game plan. It was almost fifteen years before Saul - known to history as the Apostle Paul - came on the scene. What held them together? What gave them cohesiveness?

John, one of the youngest of the Twelve, partly answered that question at the end of his life. He wrote, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us" (1 John 1:3). Simply put, two things were the basis of agreement and fellowship: what they had seen, and what they had heard, which began to be passed from generation to generation.

One of the challenges confronting the church is this old issue: What brings us together and what keeps us together? Music won't do it anymore; neither will a unified translation of the Bible, though the Bible itself is our age-abiding source of authority and belief. But is there more?

Shortly after the resurrection of Christ, men and women from different parts of the world began asking, "What do we really believe?" and "Is it the same everywhere?" The answers to those questions are contained in what are called the creeds of the church. Like you, perhaps, in the early years of my Christian experience, I thought of creeds and statements of faith as things that were rather dull and boring, of a historical nature. I wanted life and liberty.

But eventually I came to appreciate the fact that the historical creeds of the church are something like the steel or iron bands that held the staves of an old-fashioned wooden barrel together. Remember the old wooden barrels of bygone years that held cider and apples and that sort of produce? Around the world there are different groups with different cultures and sometimes differing views of the truth of God's Word. They are much like the staves of a barrel, but the concise statements of creeds are like the iron bands that hold it all together. Within is the treasure of what God has revealed in His Word.

In an age of diversity and fragmentation, we need to know what is important and why, which means taking a look at what has been believed from the days of the Early Church to the present.

The earliest creed or statement of faith was included in Paul's letter to the Corinthians about 56 AD. He wrote, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Pretty simple: Christ died, He was buried, He rose again the third day.

Over a period of years, especially when someone came along with strange or heretical beliefs, Christians said, "Whoa! Wait a minute! We don't believe that!" and they called church councils who took a hard look at what was commonly believed to be true, and the statement of faith expanded.

Usually, the councils of the church simply recognized what God's Holy Spirit had universally impressed upon people. What do you believe, anyway? It's an issue of tremendous importance, and you need to know.

Resource Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-19

In Episode 1 of Beyond Belief: Psalm 119 — The Long Way Home, we begin with the first Hebrew letter: ALEPH.
You can be busy, connected, informed and productive—and still be travelling in the wrong direction.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2561036/episodes/19723745-episode-1-aleph-the-road-that-leads-somewhere

DAY 3 — UMOH EDEM WEBSITE SUPPORT CAMPAIGN.

WE HAVE RECEIVED OUR FIRST ₦10,000 SUPPORT!

Dear friends, followers, readers, and supporters,

Today marks Day 3 of our 14-Day Website Support Campaign, and I am deeply grateful to God and to the first person who has stepped forward to support this vision with ₦10,000.

I sincerely appreciate this act of kindness and belief in what we are building. May God bless and replenish you abundantly.

OUR GOAL: ₦268,044

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We are only at the beginning, but every journey begins with a step.

The vision is to establish:

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If you cannot give financially, please pray and share this campaign.

> "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." — Habakkuk 2:2

I have written the vision.
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UMOH EDEM
Author | Christian Teacher | Evangelist

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS

SERMON TOPIC:

5 “RELIGIONS” THAT SEEM CHRISTIAN, BUT ARE NOT!

Theme Scripture:

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders…” — Matthew 24:24

> Important clarification: This message should not be used to attack people or mock sincere believers. The issue is doctrine—what a movement teaches about Jesus Christ, salvation, Scripture, and the gospel. Some groups may use Christian language while holding beliefs that differ fundamentally from historic biblical Christianity.

NOT EVERYTHING THAT SAYS “JESUS” PREACHES JESUS.

Church, one of the greatest dangers facing Christianity today is not only atheism.
It is deception wearing religious clothing.
The greatest danger is not always the person who says, “I don't believe in Jesus.” Sometimes the greater danger is the person who says, “Jesus is Lord,” carries a Bible, talks about prayer, sings Christian songs—but teaches another gospel.
Jesus warned us:
Matthew 7:15:
> “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing…”

Notice something: Jesus did not say they would come looking like wolves.
They come in sheep's clothing.
That means deception can look familiar.
It can sound spiritual.
It can quote Scripture.
It can mention Jesus.
It can even perform impressive religious activities.

But the question is:

WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?
Because Christianity is not simply about believing that Jesus existed.
It is about believing who Jesus is, what He accomplished on the cross, and how sinners are saved through Him.

1. THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES.

Jehovah's Witnesses use the Bible extensively and speak about God and Jesus. However, their theology differs fundamentally from historic Christian doctrine.
One major difference concerns the identity of Jesus Christ.
Historic Christianity teaches that Jesus is truly God, eternally existing with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
John 1:1 says:
> “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
And John 1:14 identifies the Word:
> “And the Word was made flesh…”

Jesus is not merely a created messenger.
Why does this matter?
Because if Jesus is only a created being, then the biblical doctrine of Christ has been fundamentally changed.
Colossians 1:16 says concerning Christ:
> “For by him were all things created…”
If all things were created through Him, Christ cannot simply be another created thing.

Spiritual lesson:

Do not determine truth by how much Scripture someone quotes. Determine truth by whether their teaching agrees with the whole counsel of Scripture.

2. THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS — LDS/MORMONISM.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses the name of Jesus Christ and teaches about God, salvation, prayer and family.
But its theology differs substantially from historic Christianity.
Among its distinctive teachings are additional scriptures and doctrines concerning God, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation and eternal destiny.
The biblical faith teaches that Scripture is God's authoritative revelation and that the gospel of Christ is not to be replaced by another gospel.
Paul warned:
Galatians 1:8
> “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
The issue is therefore not merely:
“Do they talk about Jesus?”
The issue is:
“Is the Jesus they preach the Jesus revealed in Scripture?”
Paul said:
2 Corinthians 11:4
> “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus…
There can be a different Jesus presented using the same name.

3. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE.

Christian Science uses Christian vocabulary and refers to Jesus, God, prayer and healing.
But its understanding of fundamental Christian doctrines differs significantly from biblical Christianity.
Historic Christianity teaches the reality of sin, the physical incarnation of Christ, His death and bodily resurrection.
The Bible says:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
> “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day…”
The resurrection was not merely a spiritual idea.
Jesus physically rose from the dead.
Thomas was invited to touch the wounds of the risen Christ.
Jesus Himself said:
Luke 24:39
> “A spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

Spiritual lesson:
Never reduce Christianity to positive thinking, spirituality or personal experience.
The Christian faith is grounded in the historical work of Jesus Christ.
The cross was real.
The blood was real.
The resurrection was real.
And salvation is real.

4. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM

Unitarian Universalism is religiously diverse and generally does not require belief in the historic Christian doctrines of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, or salvation through Christ alone.
This is important because Christianity is not simply:
> “Be a good person, love everybody, and believe in God.”
Jesus did not teach that human morality alone could save us.
Jesus said:
John 14:6
> “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Christianity is fundamentally Christ-centered.
Acts 4:12 declares:
> “Neither is there salvation in any other…”
The danger of religious morality
A person can be kind and still be spiritually lost.
A person can give to charity and still need salvation.
A person can help the poor and still need Christ.
Good works are important—but good works do not replace the gospel.
Ephesians 2:8–9 says:
> “For by grace are ye saved through faith… Not of works…”
5. ONENESS PENTECOSTALISM
Here we need to be especially careful.
Not everyone who uses the term "Oneness Pentecostal" believes exactly the same thing, but historic Christian churches generally regard Oneness theology as outside orthodox Trinitarian Christianity.
Why?
Because historic Christianity teaches:
One God in three distinct Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19 says:
> “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
At Jesus' baptism, we see the Son being baptized, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father's voice from heaven.
The Father is not the Son.
The Son is not the Holy Spirit.
Yet there is one God.
This is the mystery of the Trinity.

Spiritual lesson:

We must never reshape God into something easier for our minds to understand.
We submit our understanding to God's revelation.

THE BIBLICAL CASE STUDY:

THE BEREANS.

Acts 17:11 gives us one of the greatest examples of spiritual discernment.
The Bereans:
> “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Notice they did not blindly accept even Paul's preaching.
They searched the Scriptures.
That is spiritual maturity.
The question is not:
> “Who preached it?”
The question is:
> “Is it biblical?”
Not:
> “How popular is this teacher?”
But:
> “Does this teaching agree with Scripture?”
Not:
> “How many miracles happened?”
But:
> “Does this exalt the biblical Christ?”

5 TESTS FOR IDENTIFYING FALSE TEACHING.

1. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT JESUS?
Is Jesus truly God?
Did He truly become flesh?
Did He truly die?
Did He physically rise from the dead?
Is He the only Savior?
1 John 4:2–3 gives us a serious test concerning the confession of Christ.
2. WHAT DOES IT TEACH ABOUT SALVATION?
The biblical gospel says:
Ephesians 2:8:
> “For by grace are ye saved through faith…”
Salvation is not something we purchase with good works.
It is God's gift through faith in Christ.
3. WHAT AUTHORITY DOES IT GIVE SCRIPTURE?
Whenever a movement says:
> “The Bible is not enough; you need our special revelation…”
Christians must examine that claim carefully.
The Bereans searched the Scriptures.
Acts 17:11.
4. DOES IT PREACH ANOTHER GOSPEL?
Paul was extremely strong about this.
Galatians 1:9:
> “If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
There is only one gospel.
5. DOES IT PRODUCE CHRISTLIKE FRUIT?
Jesus said:
Matthew 7:20
> “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Truth should produce holiness.
Grace should produce transformation.
The gospel should produce Christlikeness.

DEEP SPIRITUAL INSIGHT.

The devil does not always need to convince people to stop believing in God.
Sometimes he only needs to convince them to believe in a distorted version of God.
That is why discernment is essential.
Satan quoted Scripture when he tempted Jesus.
Matthew 4:6.
So the question is not simply:
“Does this person quote the Bible?”
The question is:
“Is the Bible being interpreted correctly and is Christ being faithfully proclaimed?”

PRACTICAL ACTION STEPS.

1. READ YOUR BIBLE FOR YOURSELF
Do not build your theology entirely on sermons, TikTok videos, Facebook posts or YouTube clips.
2 Timothy 2:15 calls believers to rightly divide the word of truth.
2. KNOW THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH
Know what the Bible teaches about:
God
Jesus Christ
The Holy Spirit
Sin
Salvation
Grace
The resurrection
The second coming
The authority of Scripture
3. TEST EVERY TEACHING
Don't reject something merely because it is unfamiliar.
And don't accept something merely because it is popular.

Test it by Scripture.

4. DON'T MOCK PEOPLE
Our assignment is not to insult people.
Our assignment is to speak the truth in love.
2 Timothy 2:24–25 teaches believers to correct those who oppose the truth with gentleness.
5. KEEP YOUR EYES ON CHRIST.
The goal of discernment is not to become experts in other people's errors.
The goal is to become deeply rooted in Jesus Christ and His Word.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION.

1. Who do I believe Jesus Christ really is?
2. Do I know the biblical gospel clearly?
3. Can I recognize false teaching when I hear it?
4. Do I read Scripture for myself?
5. Have I allowed popularity to become my standard for truth?
6. Am I following Christ—or merely following a religious personality?
7. Can I defend my faith from Scripture?

POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS.

1.
Father, give me the spirit of discernment. Help me distinguish truth from error, in Jesus' name.
2.
Lord, establish me deeply in Your Word so that I will not be carried away by every doctrine.
3.
Father, reveal every false belief operating in my life and lead me into biblical truth.
4.
Lord Jesus, help me know You—not merely know about You.
5.
Give me wisdom to recognize false teachers without becoming judgmental, arrogant or hateful.
6.
Holy Spirit, protect my heart from deception and keep me faithful to the true gospel.
7.
Father, make me a faithful teacher of Your Word who will speak truth with love.

STRONG CLOSING:

DON'T JUST CARRY A BIBLE—KNOW THE CHRIST OF THE BIBLE

Beloved, we are living in a generation where information is everywhere but discernment is becoming scarce.
Everybody has a microphone.
Everybody has an opinion.
Everybody can build a platform.
Everybody can quote a Bible verse.
But not everybody is preaching the gospel.
Therefore, don't follow a preacher simply because he is famous.
Don't follow a movement because it is popular.
Don't follow a religion because it uses Christian language.

Follow Jesus Christ.
Search the Scriptures.
Test every doctrine.
Guard your faith.
Know the Word.
Know the Savior.
And when deception comes wearing religious clothing, may the Holy Spirit give you the wisdom to recognize it.
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” — 1 John 4:1
The question is not merely, “Does it look Christian?”
The question is: “Does it faithfully proclaim the Jesus of Scripture and the gospel of grace?”
Stand on the Word.
Hold fast to Christ.
Walk in truth.
And never trade biblical truth for religious appearance.

Surrender to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you.
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Titus 1:15 NASB
"To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled."

Great wickedness, you see, is unbelief. People caught up in legalistic imitations of Christianity boast in their obedience and belief, but they don’t really believe.

The word believe in John 3:16 is translated into English from the Greek word πιστεύω (pronounced pist-yoo'-o), and it means, “to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.”  (From Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)

To believe, as in what Jesus told Nicodemus in the famous John 3:16 verse, is NOT a warm and fuzzy feeling it must be true. That’s what some mean when we say “believe” today.

What Jesus meant is to trust in, rely on, and give full confidence to him for your eternal life. Do you? Salvation isn't a result of Jesus + your obedience to the 10 commandments. Being baptized in water doesn't save you either. The sacraments are powerless to wash your sins away. Only the blood of Jesus can do that.

We can do nothing to aid Jesus in qualifying us for salvation. There’s no outward action that we must do. There is only the inward reaction to his love of believing in him alone.

When we trust in, rely on, and give full confidence to Jesus, as our only hope and source of salvation, we inherit eternal life. Boom! Full stop.

If you still disagree and you still maintain that the blood of Christ isn't enough ... REPENT of your heresy!  Quit claiming you are the bride of a Christ but then flirt with Moses behind his back. Let go of the former husband that is dead and buried and fully embrace the living husband that resurrected from the dead and is delivering people still.

Isaiah 12:2 NASB
“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”