Beech Tree News Network

Deception happens daily. Some people have lost their life savings because they were deceived. Others have been deceived by criminals who were preying on them. People are deceived spiritually when they are led to believe that any “religion” and any “religious” person pleases God. Some are deceived into thinking that so long as God “didn’t say not to” do this or that, then it is authorized. Deceit will blind men to the truth and rob men of their salvation if they die in that condition.

    We are warned against being deceived no less than six times in the Bible (Deut. 11:16; Lk. 21:8; I Cor. 6:9, 15:33; Gal. 6:7; I Jn. 3:7). Unfortunately, many do not heed these warnings. The deceit in the hearts of men grows and grows. In fact, Paul said, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (II Tim. 3:13). Do you want to be counted in this number?

    Some today allow the theories and ideas of men to taint their understanding of the Scriptures. When this happens, they are being deceived. Friends, there are many passages in the Bible that are so simple, that a man would need help to misunderstand them! Yet, I am afraid that many are getting “help” that they do not need! Please note three common deceptions which ensnare men today.

    The theories of men which teach that we are descended from lower forms of life deceive many! God made this world and all living things (Gen. 1-2; Acts 17:24; Ps. 33:6-9). He made men whole, and as distinct sexes “at the beginning” (Matt. 19:4-6). The Bible says men were created at the beginning of the world, literally, on the sixth day (Gen. 1:26-28). Man was not created 6,000,000,000, 6,000,000, 6000, 60, 6 years, or even 6 months after God created the world, but on the 6th day!

    Another way men are deceived is when they say that all “religious” people are saved. Just because one has religious fervor does not mean he is right with God. The Jews had “a zeal toward God,” yet Paul prayed that “they might be saved” (Rom. 10:1-3). He noted the Athenians were “very religious” because of their various altars dedicated to the worship of many gods (Acts 17:22). Yet, they were not saved (Acts 17:30). Religious fervor alone saved no one then, and it will not save anyone today!

    Finally, justifying our actions based upon God’s silence is a way some are deceived. Many false doctrines have been justified by God’s silence. God’s silence does not permit action, but prohibits it! The reason Christ could not be a priest on earth was because of God’s silence (Heb. 7:12-14). Paul said whatever we do or say must be according to the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17). How do we know what is authorized? We know it when we read it in God’s Book. How regularly are we reading the Bible so that we might not be deceived (Jn. 17:17)?

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167