Sunday, November 19, 2006
The recent elections in our country brought out to us the differing opinions of people on various matters. On the national level the problems of the Iraq War, global warming, unemployment, taxes and national security were all met with different ideas and philosophies. On the local level we saw such issues, as hospital expansion and government office hours become the focal point of controversy. The idea of differing opinions is a value that is held close to the heart of the American citizen for it is the very foundation of our country's democracy. In politics having a different opinion might be helpful in finding the best solution to a problem.
Unfortunately, for many this same concept also influences they way they think about religion. The prevailing idea today is one of "many" religions and "many" ways of salvation. Some people even believe that there will be "many" different religions represented in heaven. Nothing could be farther from truth. Jesus stated in Mat 7:13-14 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." This is not exactly the all-inclusive philosophy that many Christians hold to today.
As Christians we are called to confront false teaching wherever we find it. However, The enemy has done a good job at intimidating Christians who confront false teaching by causing them to be labeled as "prideful" and "arrogant." Satan further causes truth-seeking Christians to compromise Bible doctrines because they are fearful of being thought of as exclusionary. Certainly we are to be "gentle as doves" when dealing with false teaching but we must not compromise the truth of the Word just because someone might take offense. As Jesus said, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." There is one Lord one faith and one baptism. Be a lover of truth, not of opinion or political correctness.
posted by Steve Stevens at
1:27 PM
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