Nothing New Under the Sun…

{Click on Chart to Enlarge}

For thousands of years men have strived for a deeper walk and understanding of the Lord.

As this basic chart of church history shows, it is full of competing ideas of how to obtain that walk. The Holy Spirit is “the teacher” which Jesus spoke about teaching his disciples, and he always teaches us on a personal level, of what we are to receive in that moment. The Holy Scriptures are “but confirmatory” of the Holy Spirit, who God is, and how he works: so we should always read the scriptures prayerfully in order to be shown greater truths.

The problems arise when men try to take the Lord and have him conform (or fit) into their personal beliefs; instead of simply following him in obedience, like we were designed to do! This is simply what the flesh does, no matter how you dress it! I have taken a couple of verses from Ecclesiastes in the publishing of this graph to show that basically humanity has always fallen into the same doctrinal traps since the beginning of the “church age”, so that no one should be surprised if they hear some type of retread as exhibited here!

If one so chooses to live their life of faith (by the Holy Spirit) yet without an understanding of the past, and sound doctrines (as written in the scriptures); it certainly can be done by the Grace of the Lord alone; yet it is better to be enlightened by others errors who came before us, than us making them all ourselves, and having to learn most by trial and testing.

Yet it seems that each new generation must “taste of and learn anew”; only that which the brethren who have gone before us once learned and understood. My advice is to seek the truth (Jesus Christ – who is the truth) in all that you do, and when unsure if you are walking right; use the “owner’s manual” (Bible)!

In the end days many will be deceived by false teachers, and those who tickle our ears; so the only way to avoid these false brethren is to hold their teachings up in the light of the scripture, which our Lord has graciously provided for us (the people) with the invention of the printing press and of the Reformation!

Of course, we did not receive the scriptures to become scribes and Pharisees or false teachers, but rather to examine our own walks as the Lord be pleased to show us as we grow. Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers and Evangelist are all ministry giftings are given of God. Yet Satan is very capable in stumbling our understanding and “twisting truth” as the father of lies:  so we must seek to supplement our understanding, and properly identify heresies’, so as not to perish (be deceived) for lack of understanding about the Lord.

Never think that you have discovered a new a “prescriptive religion” which has never been followed since Jesus Christ; as it is likely a type of belief system that has been tried before, and you may be entering into apostasy unknowingly!

And always remember, Salvation is by Grace alone, not works!