"...In order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.”
- Daniel 4:17b
I write this Jym-shorts on the day following what will surely be considered one of the most contentious and unprecedented elections in the history of the United States. Today many are rejoicing, and many others are weeping. No one really knows yet what happened, and to an even greater extent, no one really knows what to expect. But should we really be surprised? Has not God demonstrated time and time again in our world that it is he, not us, who determines the times and the seasons - physically, politically, and spiritually? Many good kings, queens, rulers, potentates, presidents and even dictators have come and gone in this world, and many really bad ones have had their day as well. God is sovereign over all of these great movements in history, and none of them change him in even the slightest way. Whether you woke up cheering today or cried in your cereal, this is but for a time. The comings and goings of U.S. election cycles do not vary God in the least, nor do they impact the Kingdom of Heaven, which never has been, and never will be, a part of this world (John 18:36).
Last week I wrote an article that stirred up quite a few questions concerning what makes up false teaching, leading to me naming some that I believe have either clearly shown that they are teaching a false gospel, or are beginning to show leanings that should cause us as followers of Christ to be cautious. I considered writing a follow-up article today, but due to the many questions I received this week asking for additional information or clarification, I believe I will simply address the issue in my message Sunday in our Life Together series as I challenge all of us from Jude vs. 3 to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. However, I will include here some resources for those of you who would like to know where I generally turn to find information on teachings, new and old, as I do my own research. Please note that I do not endorse everything at these websites. I do, however, find that they are a helpful starting point:
*Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry: www.carm.org
*Theopedia: www.theopedia.com
*Tim Challies – Informing the Reforming: www.challies.com
*Got Questions?org: www.gotquestions.org
Of course, the Scriptures give us the final and definitive word on what makes up true and false teaching (e.g. Job 4:12-16; 2 Chron. 18:18-21; Jer. 14:14; Matt. 7:15-20; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1). These passages warn us to be wary of false teachers, give us examples of false teachers, and tell us some of the things that false teachers do and say, but with all the variations in teachings that are available to us today, we do have to be careful and test the specific claims and words, not just the general overview of particular ministries. This is, admittedly, not always easy. We cannot spend all our time tracking down everything that a person has ever said (please see my article from last week concerning how difficult it can be to be a public speaker/preacher), but when something begins to sound “odd,” we do well to take the time to check it against Scripture.
In my opinion, the word “heretic” gets thrown around far too easily in churches today. Many use it to denounce anyone with whom they disagree on any number of matters. Being wrong, even grossly wrong, does not make a person a heretic. Continuing to teach what is false after being shown the truth from Scripture, and doing so in such a pervasive manner that it leads the unsuspecting or uninformed astray over time, with no intention to stop, and in a manner that touches upon essential matters of the faith or Christian life and behavior is what constitutes heretical teaching. It is a word that we must be extremely cautious to use, and ready to defend Biblically when challenged.
One final thought about the election. Is it not a tremendous blessing to wake up the day following a very contentious election and go to school, work, play, etc. without any fear of seeing tanks and soldiers in the streets, or radio broadcasts declaring a state of emergency? We are blessed beyond measure to live in these United States.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym