Color Within the Lines

It's amazing to me just how much teaching there is out there that calls itself Christian. Some of it is great - and the variety is good. In fact, Paul told his protegy Timothy to "follow the pattern of sound doctrine" that Paul had laid down. That Greek word means "outline." I love that - Paul gave us the outline of healthy doctrine and then like a coloring book Timothy fills in the shades and colors of that doctrine - just making sure to color within the lines.

You'd think that would be enough - but there are plenty of people who use the same crayons as we do but color way outside the lines. Their doctrine may sound Christian but it does not reflect the outlines of doctrine that Paul and the Apostles gave us.

So how do you tell the difference? First you have to trust that the Bible is the Word of God. Peter tells us that the Scriptures were not "cleverly devised fables" but eyewitness accounts and words given directly by Jesus Christ - inspired by the Holy Spirit - and recorded and passed down to us.

Secondly the doctrine needs to follow this basic tenant: "By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God."

The person and work of Jesus Christ is central. God, became man, died on the cross for our sins, raised to eternal life. There are other shades of things that add to this, of course, but that's the core of the gospel. Believing in this, giving your life to this, is what saves us.

This space is too short to expound more - my point today is actually to suggest that our filter be a little more stringent when it comes to new ideas and doctrines.

John writes: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your hous or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked words." 2 John 10-11

My encouragement today is just be wary when someone comes into your computer or your TV or your iPod - listen carefully to make sure their teaching squares with the gospels and Apostles teachings. If not - just say "good bye".

Pastor Tom