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

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“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)

MEDITATION:
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 forward it on to others.

Then come the updates: “It’s a hoax.”
There are so many fabricated stories that websites have been created
(like Snopes) which are 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 in order to avoid
the embarrassment of 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 researched and did his homework before passing on this information.
He “carefully investigated everything…” before sharing with Theophilus.
He was confident of what he was sharing
because he had an “I know this is true” mentality.

Any biblical 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 listeners 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)

ACTION:
Some say that “God is dead”, He’s not!
The Bible is true, and all teaching must be measured by it.
You can read your Bible with complete confidence.
God gave it to us so that we could know the certainty of our faith.
Be thankful to God for the certainty and accuracy of His Word.

We can live with a confident “know so” hope of assurance,
rather than a “think so” uncertain one.
Our hope is strengthened through obedience to God’s command.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and
good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of
doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the
Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

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 (remember Satan is continually trying to discourage them).
Providing encouragement may be
the way the Lord wants to use you to support His earthly ministry.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the bible. Forgive me if
I have allowed mine to collect dust, or failed to spend time reading
it each day. I realize that the more I read it, the more I will be able
to detect false doctrine, and I will also be able to better understand
Your plan for my life.”

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