In our culture there are many who teach things they claim are in the Bible, but in fact are not. Here are a few of the more common ones:
The Lie: “The Bible says that God helps those who help themselves.”
The Truth:
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:3
The Lie: “God will never give you more than you can handle.”
The Truth:
For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. 2 Corinthians 1:8
The Lie: “When you become a Christian the bumps in your road will disappear and life will be smooth.”
The Truth:
After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Acts 14:21-22
The Lie: “God is Love. He will never send anyone to Hell.”
The Truth:
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:21-23
Why are these things being taught in our Christian churches?
Perhaps ignorance of what the Word of God says is one answer.
Another might be that the Bible is not the ultimate authority in our lives as disciples of Jesus.
When you mention the Bible, the conversation often turns, because it is a very controversial book. Here are some of the things people say about this book:
“The Bible is not a historical book. It’s a collection of oral tales that have been passed on from generation to generation and finally written down.”
“If you told someone a story and they told that story to someone at the next table, and they repeated the story to the next table, by the time the story got to the end of the third dining room, it would be very different than the story originally told.”
“The Bible was written hundreds of years after the alleged event occurred. How can we be sure that anything it describes actually happened?”
“The Bible has little bearing on what I think about Jesus, because He is in my heart, and He talks to me.”
“The Bible is just other’s opinion of what is the Truth. I know the Truth, because it comes from within me.”
All these comments were spoken to while having breakfast with some new friends a few months ago at the Rio Coco Cafe. I understood why they were saying these things, because I used to think of the Bible in the same manner.
