Here’s Your Sign

Have you ever been to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?

It’s a fun place to visit!

I am seriously missing those long walks on the beach right now.

Seriously . . . missing.

One morning, when we ventured out of our hotel to walk the property, we saw a very interesting sign.

Check it out.

You know, I thought I saw something move by that bush over there.

“Here’s your sign,” as Bill Engvall used to say in his comedy routine.

It’s a good thing the hotel put out a warning, right?

Venture too far out into that marsh and you could end up as appetizer for a real live alligator.

No thanks.

Another Warning Sign

Here’s another sign we need to be aware of.

Jesus Himself issued a warning to His disciples to beware of false teachers.

A Tree and Its Fruit

¹⁵ “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. – Matthew 7:15. NASB.¹

Fortunately, there are still good Bible teachers out there.

Unfortunately, there are also false teachers (and book authors) who are teaching anything but sound doctrine.

Discernment is a must.

For instance, just because a popular book in the Christian category of a bookstore becomes a best seller – that doesn’t mean it’s biblically sound. 

You’d be wise to read reviews from people who have actually purchased and read the book.

Going strictly by the endorsements isn’t always the best method (what if the endorser is also a false teacher?)

Beware of buying “Christian” books whose messages don’t line up with Scripture. If a teacher or author tells you they’ve received a “new revelation from God,” your red flags should be flying.

Jesus was the most loving person that ever lived and would say “neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” He did not judge in the condemnatory sense but He certainly made a judgment of discernment. And that’s where we get confused. When the Bible tells us not to be judgmental, it means we are not to have a spirit of condemnation towards fallen people. We are to love them, be concerned for them, pray for them—all of that. But we are still supposed to have discernment—to be able to distinguish between what is righteous and what is unrighteous. – R.C. Sproul, theologian, Founder of Ligonier Ministries.²

Let’s Get Equipped

If you’re not familiar with a teacher’s background, then what?

Here’s some good advice.

In summary:

• What does this teacher say about Jesus?
• Does this teacher preach the complete gospel? (including the Resurrection of Christ, repentance for our sins, and salvation by grace alone. Remember, helping the needy is not the entire gospel message.)
• Does this teacher exhibit qualities that glorify the Lord?

I hope this is helpful to you.

God bless

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¹ Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

² R.C. Sproul quotation, courtesy of  Ligonier.org/blog. 23 November, 2016. para. 2. Web. Accessed 27 October, 2019. Retrieved from https://www.ligonier.org/blog/difference-between-being-judgmental-and-exercising-discernment/