BE CONFIDENT IN GOD’S WORD – IT IS NOT A HOAX

“Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning,
it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
so that you may know the certainty of  the things you have been taught.”
Luke 1:3-4

Social media is both used and misused.
We often see a startling story, or special prayer request,
or a warning of a vicious virus.
Many believe whatever has been sent and forwards it on to others.
Then come the replies:  “It’s a hoax.”
There are so many fabricated stories that there are some web sites (like Snopes)
dedicated to exposing stories that are untrue.
There are many who will check these sites before forwarding any unusual stories.
When they find it is not true, they feel obligated to notify those who sent it to them.
Others however, just accept it as truth and forward it to many others.

It’s good to question what you read, especially if it is received through social media.
No one enjoys passing on incorrect information, so it is good to verify what we read
to prevent being embarrassed for passing on ‘hoaxes’ to our friends and acquaintances.

In contrast to hoaxes, Luke begins his gospel with the comforting statement that
“it seemed good…to write an orderly account…,
that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught”
Luke 1:3-4

Luke did his homework and research before passing on this information.
He “carefully investigated everything…” before sharing with Theophilus.
He was confident of what he was sharing because he had a “I know this is true” mentality.

Any teaching that does not match up with God’s Word is a ‘hoax’.
The scriptures warn us about this type of teaching,
“But there were also false prophets among the people,
just as there will be false teachers among you.
They will secretly introduce destructive heresies,
even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them
—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
1 Peter 2:1

“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.
1 John 4:1

This type of ‘hoax’ can be seen in some churches today
as speakers try to convince hearers that only selected folks can be saved.
Is that what God’s Word says?
No, it says “whoever believes” can receive salvation.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16

The Bible is true, and all teaching must be measured by it.
Read your Bible with confidence.
God gave it to us so we will know the certainty of our faith.

Thank God for the certainty and accuracy of His Word.
We can live with a confident “know so” hope,
and not a “think so” uncertain one.
Our hope can be strengthened through obedience to God’s command,
“..not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing..”
Hebrews 10:25

If your pastor or teacher is sharing God’s Word accurately (when measured against the bible),
then encourage him or her as much as possible (Satan continually tries to discourage them).
This may be how the Lord wants to use you as a member of His ministry team.