Precept Upon Precept, Line Upon Line, Here a Little, And There a Little -- Part 949

"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:17-18)

Oddly, in these last days, the religious culture is targeting those who point out errors in the teachings of the gospel as "causing division" within the religious organization, rather than conforming their respective institutional teachings to the doctrine(s) which they have learned from His Word.  In some cases, the scripture from above is cited as justification for their actions.

Therefore, it is within this context that I write ... "and this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words." (Colossians 2:4) Because I too, "count all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings ..." (Philippians 3:8-10)

This is why preserving His Word and the apostolic doctrine and teachings therein is so critical to those of us who love Jesus. We have received Christ Jesus the Lord into our hearts and lives, and willingly desire to walk in Him "rooted and built up in Him and stablished in the faith, as [we] have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7)

Not rooted in a religious culture that has forgotten to proclaim His precious name far and wide. Not built up in a religious culture that proclaims faith, but is so entrenched in long standing traditions that ironically ignore Jesus as the Head of the body of Christ. Not stablished in a religious culture that prefers to tickle the ears of congregations, rather than seek the glory and peace and joy that can only be found in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.  

This is why we as believers in Jesus are encouraged to walk worthy of God who has called us unto His kingdom and glory. "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing because when we received the Word of God which ye heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth -- the Word of God -- which effectually works also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13-14)

Beloved of the Lord, remember that God "hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or by epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God -- even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given everlasting consolation and good hope comfort your hearts and stablish you in every good word and work." (II Thessalonians 2:13-17)

Give thanks to our Lord and King for His mercies. Stand in His offering plate.