The 28 Beliefs # 1 THE HOLY SCRIPTURES The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration. The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to humanity the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the definitive revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God’s acts in history.

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 1 Chronicles 1–2 | Ephesians 3 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 1 Chronicles Overview Remembering God’s Faithfulness and Preparing for the King The book of 1 Chronicles retells Israel's history from a different perspective than Samuel and Kings. While those books emphasize the political history of the nation and the consequences of sin, 1 Chronicles focuses on God's covenant faithfulness, the worship of His people, and the preparation for the coming Messianic King. Written after the exile, it reminds God's people that their identity and hope are found not in past failures but in God's enduring promises. The book begins with genealogies that trace God's redemptive plan from Adam to the family of David. These lists are far more than historical records. They demonstrate that God has been faithfully preserving His covenant through every generation. No matter how difficult Israel's history became, the Lord continued advancing His purposes toward the coming Messiah. The narrative then turns to the reign of David. Rather than emphasizing David's failures, 1 Chronicles highlights his heart for worship, his preparations for the temple, and God's covenant promise concerning his descendants. The book consistently points readers toward God's kingdom rather than merely human leadership. Throughout the book, worship remains central. The temple, the priesthood, the Levites, and the Ark of the Covenant receive significant attention because God's presence among His people is the true source of their identity and blessing. Theologically, 1 Chronicles reveals God's covenant faithfulness across generations. He preserves His promises despite human weakness and continually works toward His redemptive purposes. The book reminds God's people that their future remains secure because God's Word cannot fail. This book points directly to Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David. Every genealogy, every covenant promise, and every preparation for the temple ultimately finds its fulfillment in Him. Jesus is the eternal King, the true Temple, and the fulfillment of God's covenant with David. Through Him, God's people become part of an everlasting kingdom that cannot be shaken. For believers today, 1 Chronicles reminds us that our identity is rooted in God's faithfulness rather than our failures. He has been working throughout history to accomplish His redemptive plan, and every believer has a place within that story. In Christ, we are called to worship wholeheartedly, trust God's promises, and live as citizens of His eternal kingdom. 1 Chronicles 1 God’s Redemptive Plan Through Every Generation 1 Chronicles 1 begins with a genealogy stretching from Adam through Noah, the patriarchs, and the descendants of Abraham. At first glance, the chapter appears to be simply a list of names, yet it serves a profound theological purpose. It reminds God's people that history is not random. Every generation unfolds under the sovereign direction of the Lord. Beginning with Adam immediately connects Israel's story to all of humanity. God's redemptive plan has always been global, extending beyond one nation to His purpose for the entire human race. From creation onward, God has faithfully preserved the line through which His promises would ultimately be fulfilled. The genealogy moves through Noah and his sons, reminding readers that God preserved humanity through the flood and continued His covenant purposes despite human rebellion. It then focuses increasingly upon Abraham, the man through whom God established His covenant promises concerning blessing, land, and the coming Messiah. The inclusion of many nations demonstrates that God is Lord over all peoples. While Israel holds a unique covenant role, the Lord remains sovereign over every family and kingdom on earth. History unfolds according to His purposes, not merely human decisions. Rather than emphasizing individual accomplishments, the chapter highlights God's faithfulness across centuries. Many of these individuals remain unknown to us, yet each one occupied an important place within God's unfolding plan. The Lord works through generations, preserving His promises with perfect faithfulness. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 1 reveals that God is sovereign over history. Every generation matters because every generation participates in His redemptive purposes. The chapter reminds us that God's covenant never depends upon human greatness but upon His own faithfulness. This chapter points directly to Christ, who stands as the fulfillment of the covenant line traced through these generations. Every name ultimately leads toward the promised Savior, demonstrating that all of history finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 1 reminds us that our lives are part of God's larger story. We may not fully understand our place within His plan, but every generation matters to Him. In Christ, we belong to the family of God and participate in His eternal purposes, knowing that the same God who guided history continues faithfully directing our lives today. 1 Chronicles 2 The Line of Promise and the Faithfulness of God 1 Chronicles 2 narrows its focus from the broader human family to the tribe of Judah, emphasizing the family line through which God's covenant promises will continue. The chapter demonstrates that among all the tribes of Israel, Judah holds a unique place because God has chosen this lineage to bring forth the royal line that will ultimately lead to the Messiah. The genealogy highlights the descendants of Judah, including familiar names such as Perez, Hezron, and eventually David's ancestors. Along the way, the chapter also records examples of both faithfulness and failure. Certain individuals experience blessing, while others suffer the consequences of disobedience. The genealogy reminds readers that although people often fail, God's covenant purposes continue uninterrupted. Particular attention is given to the family of Caleb, whose life stands as an example of faithful devotion to the Lord. Caleb's legacy reminds us that wholehearted faith leaves lasting influence upon future generations. God's blessings are often experienced not only by individuals but also through the faithful example they leave behind. The chapter repeatedly demonstrates that God's promises continue despite human weakness. Generations rise and fall, yet the covenant line remains intact because God Himself preserves it. His redemptive plan never depends upon flawless people but upon His unchanging faithfulness. The focus on Judah also prepares readers for the central role David will occupy throughout the remainder of the book. Long before David appears on the scene, God has already been guiding history toward the fulfillment of His covenant promise. Theologically, 1 Chronicles 2 reveals God's sovereign preservation of His covenant line. He works through ordinary families, imperfect individuals, and successive generations to accomplish extraordinary purposes. The chapter reminds us that God's promises cannot be frustrated by human failure. This chapter points directly to Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the promised Son of David. The genealogy prepares the way for the coming King whose reign will fulfill every covenant promise made throughout the Old Testament. Jesus stands as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan preserved through these generations. For believers today, 1 Chronicles 2 reminds us that faithfulness matters because God often works through generations. Our lives can leave a legacy that influences those who come after us. In Christ, we are part of God's eternal family, called to walk faithfully so that future generations may also know the goodness, faithfulness, and salvation of the Lord. Ephesians 3 — The Mystery Revealed Through the Christ Ephesians chapter 3 reveals the greatness of God's eternal redemptive plan and the privilege believers have in participating in it. Paul explains that what had once been hidden has now been fully revealed through the Christ, the Son of God. God's purpose has always been to bring people from every nation into one family through faith in His Son. The chapter also contains one of the most beautiful prayers in Scripture, asking that believers would experience the immeasurable love of the Christ and be strengthened by His power. The chapter begins with Paul describing his ministry as a stewardship entrusted to him by God. Though imprisoned, he does not view himself as defeated but as a servant of the Christ carrying out God's purposes. Christian living is rooted in the understanding that every circumstance can be used by the Son of God to accomplish His redemptive plan. The believer's calling is determined by God's purpose rather than outward conditions. Paul explains that God revealed a mystery that had not been fully understood in previous generations. This mystery is that both Jews and Gentiles are brought together into one body through the Christ. The redemptive plan has always pointed toward this unity, but it is now fully revealed through the gospel. The Son of God has removed every barrier that once separated people, creating one family united by His grace. The chapter emphasizes that this work is entirely the result of God's grace. Paul recognizes that he was given the privilege of proclaiming the riches of the Christ not because of personal merit but because of God's mercy. Christian living is built upon the understanding that every opportunity to serve comes from grace. The Son of God delights in using humble servants to proclaim His glorious gospel. Paul also reveals that through the Church, God's wisdom is being displayed to both the visible and invisible realms. The gathering together of redeemed people from every background demonstrates the greatness of God's eternal purpose. The redemptive plan is much larger than individual salvation. Through the Christ, God is revealing His wisdom, glory, and power to all creation. Because of the finished work of the Son of God, believers now have confident access to God. They no longer approach Him in fear or uncertainty but with assurance through faith in the Christ. Christian living is strengthened by this confidence, knowing that the believer has been welcomed into the Father's presence through His Son. The second half of the chapter records Paul's heartfelt prayer for the believers. Rather than praying primarily for physical blessings, he prays for spiritual strength through the Holy Spirit. He desires that the Christ would dwell richly within their hearts and that they would become firmly rooted and grounded in His love. The redemptive plan is not only about knowing truth intellectually but about experiencing the transforming love of the Son of God personally. Paul continues by praying that believers would increasingly comprehend the vastness of the love of the Christ. His love surpasses human understanding because it extends beyond every limitation of time, distance, and human ability. Christian living grows stronger as believers continually discover more of His love. The Son of God never ceases to reveal the depth of His grace to those who seek Him. The chapter concludes with a magnificent declaration of God's unlimited power. The Lord is able to accomplish far more than believers could ever ask or imagine because His power is continually at work within them. The redemptive plan is not limited by human weakness or circumstances. The Christ is accomplishing His eternal purposes through His people for His own glory. Throughout Ephesians chapter 3, the Christ stands at the center of God's revealed mystery, the unity of the Church, the believer's confidence before God, and the limitless love that transforms every heart. Everything God has planned from eternity finds its fulfillment through His beloved Son. For believers today, this chapter reminds us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves. Christian living is rooted in God's eternal purpose and sustained by the limitless love of the Christ. We are called to grow deeper in our understanding of His grace, stronger in our dependence upon His Spirit, and more confident in His power. As we remain rooted in the love of the Son of God, our lives become living testimonies of His wisdom, His grace, and His glorious redemptive plan for all who believe. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

🔥 When Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come forth!", it was not just a miracle, but a declaration of war on death. The crowds witnessed a friend restored, while the religious leaders saw a threat to their power. This moment was God's answer to death's claim on humanity. 🙏 Fun fact: This was the only resurrection Jesus performed before witnesses—highlighting what was to come next... ✝️ 🌐 Explore more: lazaruscameforth.com #LazarusComeForth #ResurrectionPower #GreatestMiracle #CostOfLove #NoMoreTombs #JesusVsDeath #WitnessTheWonder #BibleTruth #GameChanger #FaithRevolution

Ellen G. White JESUS CHRIST IS TRULY GOD, THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD WHO BECAME FULLY HUMAN FOR OUR SALVATION. The Bible tells us that Christ is “FOREVER TRULY GOD” while also becoming truly human. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore.” John 1:1 (KJV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” When people ask, “Is Christ God?”, let us not allow the question to become merely an argument between religious groups. Let us go back to the Word of God and look to Jesus with faith. Christ humbled Himself, took humanity upon Himself, suffered and died for our sins, and rose again. The One who gave His life for us is not merely a religious teacher, He is our DIVINE SAVIOR and our ETERNAL HOPE. Titus 2:13 (KJV) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us worship Christ, trust Christ, follow Christ, and proclaim Christ. Our salvation is found in Him. And as we await His glorious return, may our hearts continually say: “My Lord and my God!” — John 20:28

BY HIS WOUNDS, WE ARE HEALED. ✝️ The wounds of Jesus are not merely a reminder of His suffering—they are the eternal sign of His immeasurable love for humanity. He carried our brokenness, our sins, our pain, and our burdens upon the Cross. Every stripe speaks of sacrifice. Every drop of blood speaks of mercy. And every wound proclaims the promise of redemption. “He was wounded for our transgressions… and by His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 Today, place your fears, pain, and brokenness into His hands. Trust His love. Trust His Cross. Trust His promise. Jesus heals. Jesus saves. Jesus loves. ❤️

✝️ Why Only Jesus? The real question is not, “Why not others?” The real question is—What does humanity truly need for salvation? 📖 Humanity’s greatest problem is not suffering or circumstances, but the separation from God caused by sin. Humanity could not reach God through its own works… So, ✝️ God Himself came near to humanity through Jesus Christ. Others may show a way to reach God, but Jesus said: 📖 “I am the way.” — John 14:6 He did not come merely to show us the way to life— 🔥 He came to give us life Himself. He did not come merely to point out sin— 🩸 He went to the cross to set us free from sin. He did not come merely to teach about death— 🌅 He rose again, conquering death. 💎 Therefore, Jesus does not merely show us the way to God… He Himself is the One who bridges the broken gap between God and humanity. ✝️ When humanity could not reach God, God Himself came near to humanity through Jesus. ❤️🔥

❤️ We All Need God's Grace Psalm 53 reminds us that humanity cannot save itself. Every person has fallen short. Every heart needs forgiveness. Every life needs the transforming grace of God. The good news of Scripture is that God did not abandon us in our brokenness. He provided salvation. 🙏 Our failures may be great, but God's mercy is greater. #Psalm53 #GodsGrace #Forgiveness #Salvation #JesusChrist #ChristianEncouragement https://youtube.com/shorts/sssf0qJZfUw?feature=share

🙏 THANK YOU, LORD, FOR THE GIFT OF LIFE Good morning, people of God. Good morning, humanity. ❤️ This morning, I want to begin with one simple and powerful word: Thank You, Lord. We do not know why we were born or why God has given us the grace to still be alive today. We did not choose to come into this world. Yet the Supreme Being, the God of Israel, freely gave us the precious gift of life and the breath in our lungs. So, if I were standing where you are today, what would I say? I would simply say: “Lord, thank You for everything.” Thank You for life. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for the Holy Bible, which teaches us Your truth and gives us strength to believe, hope, and love more deeply each day. Every morning, I ask myself: “Lord, what can I still change in my life so that I can become a better person before You? How can I grow in holiness, humility, love, forgiveness, and truth?” Because walking with God is not simply about talking about God. It is about allowing God to transform the way we live. The Bible reminds us: “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19 If my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, how can I despise it? How can I use my life to hurt others, hate, lie, humiliate, or destroy? And Scripture also tells us: “So God created mankind in his own image.” — Genesis 1:27 My brother, my sister, take a moment and think about this: You were created in the image of God. And so was your neighbor. The person you love was created in God's image. The person you struggle to love was also created in God's image. So why should we despise someone whom God created? Why should we hurt someone whose life has value before God? Why should we live in pride when everything we have is ultimately a gift of grace? And there is another truth that should live in our hearts every day: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” — Galatians 2:20 Oh, Lord! If Christ truly lives in me, then my heart should reflect Christ. My words should reflect Christ. My actions should reflect Christ. The way I treat others should reflect Christ. My forgiveness should reflect Christ. My love should reflect Christ. Let us look around us and recognize the greatness of God. The birds of the sky, the trees, the stars, the beauty of creation—all remind us that we are not here by our own power. We are God's creation, standing before our Creator. And yet, God does not treat us according to our failures, our mistakes, or our pride. He continues to give us time. Time to repent. Time to change. Time to forgive. Time to love. Time to return to Him. That is the depth of His grace. God could have turned away from us because of our failures, but He continues to call us. He says, in essence: “Come back to Me. Change your heart. Love one another. Walk in truth.” That is why, people of God, we should never take life for granted. Every breath is a gift. Every morning is a blessing. Every new day is another opportunity to choose love, kindness, forgiveness, and faith. So let us not allow pride, hatred, ignorance, or bitterness to control our lives. Instead, let us ask God for hearts that reflect His character: A humble heart. A compassionate heart. A patient heart. A forgiving heart. A joyful heart. A heart ready to serve and do good. Jesus teaches us: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:39 Imagine what our world could look like if we truly lived by these words. Less hatred. Less revenge. Less violence. Less division. Less deception. And more forgiveness. More love. More respect. More kindness. More unity. More peace. More smiles. ❤️ That is a life that truly reflects God. So this morning, I invite you to say with me: 🙏 I was created in the image of God. 🙏 My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. 🙏 It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And above all, let us pray: “Lord, I recognize that my life is a gift of Your grace. Keep me from pride. Teach me to be humble, to love, to forgive, to serve, and to walk in Your truth. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness, Your mercy, and Your love.” People of God, let us recognize God's grace while we still have time. May our lives not simply be long, but meaningful, faithful, holy, valuable, and pleasing to God. May God give us the wisdom to understand that every human being is precious in His sight—and therefore, every human being should also be precious in our eyes. Let us choose peace. Let us choose forgiveness. Let us choose love. Let us choose hope. Let us choose to be a blessing to someone today. And let us never forget to smile and be grateful for the beautiful gift of another day. 😊❤️ Lord, thank You for life. Thank You for Your grace. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for Your love. And above all, thank You because You give us another opportunity today to return to You, to love one another, and to make this world a better place. Amen. 🙏❤️ — Bagamang Bertrand, Evangelist

🕊️ DOMINION DAILY DEVOTION ~ DAY 242 DATE: 30TH AUGUST 2026 TOPIC: SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS_1 ANCHOR SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NKJV) “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe...” — Devotional message: One of the greatest strategies of the enemy is not only to create problems but to blind people to the solutions God has already placed within them.Paul tells us that “the god of this age has blinded” the minds of those who do not believe. Spiritual blindness can cause a person to see the problem but fail to recognize the grace, authority, wisdom, resources, and potential God has placed within them to become part of the solution. You see your family in trouble, and instead of asking God, “What can I do?”, you join everyone else in complaining.You see your child trapped in addiction, drunkenness, or a lifestyle that does not glorify God, and you simply say, “That is how they are.”You see problems in your community, workplace, nation, church, or family, and you join the multitude in lamenting about them. Child of God, you are not merely a spectator of the problems around you; you are called to be part of God's solution.Why should the sick be around you without you praying for them and trusting God for their healing? Why should someone oppressed by darkness be regarded as a hopeless case when Jesus has given His Church authority over the power of the enemy? Why should a child lack school fees while you have been entrusted with resources? Why should a servant of God go hungry while God has blessed you with the ability to provide? Why should someone struggle to pay rent while you have the capacity to help? This is not to suggest that every problem around us is solely our responsibility or that we can solve everything through human strength. Rather, God has strategically positioned His people in different places and entrusted them with different resources so that they can become channels of His grace. What you carry matters.Jesus said:“He who believes in Me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” — John 7:38 (NKJV).There is something God has deposited within you that is meant to flow beyond you. A river does not exist merely to water itself; it flows so that others may live. Therefore, do not become so consumed by the magnitude of the problem that you forget the greatness of the God who lives in you.The enemy wants you to look at the mountain and conclude, “It is too big.”God wants you to look at the mountain and ask, “Lord, what have You placed in me that can become part of the answer?” The Israelites cried because of their oppression in Egypt, and God raised Moses. When humanity was lost in sin, God sent His Son. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly raised people whom He positioned as instruments of deliverance, provision, leadership, wisdom, and transformation. Complaining without action does not transform communities. But prayer, wisdom, obedience, generosity, creativity, courage, and action can become instruments through which God brings transformation.Remember: you are not the source; God is the Source. You are the vessel. The power, wisdom, grace, and resources ultimately come from Him. Prayer Heavenly Father, open my eyes to see what You have placed within me.May I never overlook what You have placed in me. Here I am, Lord; send me. In Jesus' name, Amen. Daily Bible Reading Isaiah 6:1–8,John 7:37–39,Matthew 5:13–16,Ephesians 2:10 Author : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi Contact : Email : Dominionvoicesminisrty[gmail].com Facebook : Alfred Wabuko Manyasi 🌐 Dominion Daily Devotion, 2026 © Dominion Voices Ministry

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. You can get inspirational ebooks from my selar/Amazon shops below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem https://www.amazon.com/author/umohedembooks https://afrikdp.com/author/9128a016-dd79-4f17-9e60-bf11f65f1a34 CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173028, +2349055447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com