The game is afoot.... and you’re already playing!

Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle (22 May 1859 – 7 July 1930) was a British writer best known for his detective fiction featuring the character Sherlock Holmes. He is quoted for saying, “You see but you do not observe.” Cartoonist Gary Larson jovially acknowledges and highlights this point in the following comic:

Charles Spurgeon (19 June 1834– 31 January 1892) was a highly influential English Particular Baptist preacher, revered by Christians of various denominations, whom is known as the "Prince of Preachers," is quoted for saying, “Discernment is not simply telling the difference between what is right and what is wrong; it is the difference between what is right and almost right.”

Jesus readily called out false teachers and deadly doctrines with ease..... 

Yet, considering our hearts are untrustworthingly deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9) and our propensity to confuse evil for good and good for evil, (Jeremiah 4:22, Isaiah 5:20-24) can we be certain of our ability of discernment? This is reminiscent of the song, “Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd.” Are we truly certain that we “can tell heaven from hell” or“blue skies from pain?” Can we really distinguish and separate the pyrite of false and erroneous notions of God, spoken by children of Satan (John 8:44) who are enslaved to sin (Romans 6:16-23), verses the true golden nuggets of God's Word spoken by sheep who clearly hear and follow the voice of their Good Shepherd? 

Please take a moment to read the below linked articles about false teachers:

1. Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

2. How Jesus Called Out False Teachers and Deadly Doctrine

3. What does it mean to test the spirits?

Here is a sermon on this topic:  The Profile of a False Teacher

Please consider Proverbs 3:5-8, remember and thank Our Loving Creator for his gift of the long suffering, indwelling Holy Spirit, who patiently teaches us all things (John 14:26) as we  heed the caution provided by J.C. Ryle (1860-1900): 

"The blindness of the ministers is no excuse for the darkness of the people! The man who from indolence or superstition, or affected humility - refuses to test the teaching of the minister whom he finds set over him, however 'sound or unsound it may appear', will at length share in his minster's portion! If people will trust blind guides - then they must not be surprised if they are led to the pit!"

For more: Shocking Youth Message - Paul Washer

What are your thoughts? Let’s discuss. Thank you for your comments…