In a recent survey conducted by the Barna Christian Research Institute, when questioning a group of young college students, the following is just one result of their findings ...... "12% of those surveyed thought that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife." ... My initial reaction was laughter, but then after contemplating this unbelievable response for just a moment, my attitude quickly changed to sadness ......................
Just then, I began to think back to my own experiences relating to this lack of knowledge concerning basic Bible teachings. .... I remember a time when my wife and I agreed to lead a teen youth group at an established denominational church. ... There were about 20 young people and most all had grown up in this fellowship. ... On the first evening, after telling them all to bring their Bibles ... I asked them to turn to the Book of John. .... Not one of them could find it! .... They had no clue as to where to start looking! ... and after some questioning, we realized that their group had never really studied the Word ... it was all just recreation and 'something to do' .....
Now let me fast-forward to the last 10 years ... a time of intense study and research for me ... a time of coming to terms with those questions that remained unanswered in my heart. .......... I can't begin to tell you how many churches I visited or how many church leaders and pastors I met and talked with, either in their offices or over coffee ..... and what I came away with has left me amazed and perplexed ... disappointed and deeply concerned for the future success of our churches as to being strong fortresses for the true Gospel of Christ in these challenging times.
In all of my discussions with the aforementioned, the lack of knowledge was almost beyond belief! ..
There were many areas discussed, but let me focus on just Bible prophecy for the sake of time here. ... and please remember that this subject alone encompasses approximately one-third of the entire Scriptures!
Rarely could any one of these purported leaders answer even the basic questions of the end-times.
... In fact, many told me that it is no longer taught in the cemeteries (I mean seminaries) ... that in fact it just wasn't considered that necessary in today's world! (Are you kidding me?!).... and the lack of knowledge went way beyond this subject. .... I once read a survey result that I frankly didn't believe until after this period of research ... that over 50% of seminary graduates today were not convinced of the existence of Hell ... and that there more than likely were more ways to Heaven than faith in Jesus Christ!
So now let's take our attention to the limitless dangers this presents to the body of Christ, and to all people in general ...... To start, Christ Himself said in Matthew 24:4 to "watch out that no one deceives you." ... He went on to say that many deceivers would come along in these last days to deceive ... to fleece the flock ... to misguide the masses as they usher them along to the gates of hell. ... 2 Timothy 4:3-4 say is very clearly ... "For a time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4) They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." ...... Well? ......
Look at just some of the false doctrines emerging all around us ... Wealth teaching (give me your money and God will make you rich) ... Seeker-friendly (avoid any kind of 'hard' teachings such as consequences for sin ... any kind of judgement) ... Dominion Theology (The great coming revival & the church ushering in the 1000 year reign of Christ) .... the list goes on & on, but again, for the sake of time ........
It can easily be summed up by saying that this lack of knowledge and basic understanding of the Word of God is that too few pastors & leaders in our churches today void of the intellectual acumen or the necessary zeal to meet and then confront the onslaught of secular humanism and the like head-on.
Having said that, what can we do about it? To start, take responsibility for yourself and study the Word. ... Then, seek and find a teacher or pastor who is teaching the Bible and not compromising or watering down any part of it. .... I must tell you that from my own experiences, there are not too many out there ... but there are a few ..... Then, to be sure, test the teachings against the Word. ....
1 Thessalonians 5:21` says, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." ... and be extremely careful when it comes to the forced, or often 'faked' feelings ... the 'show' instead of the 'glow'...... anything that takes the focus off of Christ and on to anything else. .... 1 John 4:1 makes it very clear ... "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."
I know I'm railing & preaching, but I just feel an incredible burden for those who are falling for all the nonsense that is going on all around us! ... and the only reason it is happening is because of people's lack of solid Biblical teaching. ... And what is really scary is that we all are responsible for ourselves. .... Lame excuses on Judgement day ain't gonna cut it! ... 1 Timothy 4:16 says this ... "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." .... I sincerely hope those you need it are hearing it! ..... and as it has been the case in the past, some will ... and some won't ......
I know many folks don't like hearing this stuff ... and it may make some not want to read my comments any more ... but if it should wake up one soul who is sitting under some false teaching out there, then it's all worth it ....1 Peter 5:8 says that ... "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." .... Don't let that person be you or someone you know and care about. ..... ....... Know that I care and am praying constantly for each of you ... and God knows who you are! ... Praise His name!
Until next time,
Red