by Zina Leone

Created on: September 19, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

With the abundance of study resources available to us today, a lot of people seem to think it's enough to just read or listen to what others have to say about the Bible. Maybe they believe they are being diligent in their Bible studies when they read a lot of books and commentaries, listen to various preachers on the radio or on TV, or search the internet in search of truth. Naturally, they are very careful to only listen to "reputable" teachers who have done enough studying and research to know what they're talking about. Unfortunately, many of these "reputable" Bible scholars are leading people astray and don't even realize it themselves. They really believe what they're teaching so they can be very convincing.

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." I John 4:1

People are always asking why there is so much disagreeing in the Christian faith and this is one of the reasons. All it takes is one person who thinks he has discovered a unique truth about God's word, and it isn't long before he's out preaching about it. As more and more people hear this new "truth" and begin agreeing with it, it isn't long before a new doctrine and another new denomination is born. There are so many different denominations and doctrines in the world today, it's no wonder there is so much disagreeing among Christians. The Bible says "the gate is straight and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few there are that find it," (Matthew 7:14) so naturally, each one wants to believe they are one of the few who have found it. Sadly, by following a person instead of God, they are going through "the wide gate and traveling the broad way, that leads to destruction." (Matthew 7:13)

"Don't give heed to fables and commandments of men that turn from the truth." Titus 1:14

Although most people, who inadvertently end up following a person rather than God, are sincerely seeking the truth, there are others who latch onto a particular person's doctrine mainly because what they preach sounds a lot more appealing than what the Bible actually says. They don't want to hear anything that might convict them, so they look for preachers who say what they want to hear. It's amazing how verses of the Bible can be sugar-coated to excuse sins that people don't want to acknowledge. Today, there are as many doctrines and denominations as there is candy in a candy store, and people can just take their pick. It's

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>