LIKE THE BEREANS

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

Paul wrote, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11

Paul was talking about the Bereans. They searched the Word daily. It filled their hearts. Amen.
The Word should illuminate all the situations in our lives, and when interpreting scripture, we need to use other scripture. When we do not know the scripture, people can mislead us. We need to be Berean like. Search the scripture to see if it is true. Not search the latest self-help book, the latest guru. Jesus sent His word to heal, not to kill. Amen

1 Tim 4:1 says.."Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in latter times some shall depart (revolt or detest) from the faith (the moral conviction of the truthfulness of God), giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." (italics mine)

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

When we fill up on the Word of God, we can be ready to "Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (teaching). For the time will come when they will not endure (hold oneself up against something) sound doctrine, (teaching) but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they will turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables"
(italics mine) 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Sound familiar?? End times, latter days? i believe this time is now. False teaching, doctrines of devils, will build up inside and kill us in time. It will turn us away from Jesus and righteousness. We have got to know the Word of God so we will not be turned away from it.

Ephesians 4:11-15 says, "And He gave some, apostles and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the faith (the moral conviction of the truthfulness of God) and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and for, and carried about with every wind of doctrine (teaching), by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive." (italics mine)

We are called to bring people to "come to the unity of the faith" (the moral conviction of the truthfulness of God). This does not mean we will always get along, but that there will be a greater judgment against teachers and preachers of the Word, a higher standard. We need to be grounded in the soundness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is given by the inspiration (breathed by God, theopneustos-greek) of God, and is profitable for doctrine (teaching), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (italics mine)

Grab hold of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Otherwise we are vulnerable to anything that "sounds good, demands little and promises everything". Sharpen your sword, be ready to use it in love.!!

God bless you all, have a safe and blessed holiday weekend. Please pray for our team in NYC, and for all who are in need of healing.