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 what they want to do is authorized of God. Not so! 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 theory of evolution, which teaches us that we are descended from lower forms of life, deceives 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 are taught that all “religious” people are saved. This may seem like a strange this to say, but it is a fact that just because one has religious fervor does not mean he is right with God. For example, the Jews in the first century had “a zeal toward God,” yet Paul prayed that “they might be saved” (Rom. 10:1-3). On another occasion, Paul noted that 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 people (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 based upon God’s silence in the Scriptures. God’s silence does not permit action, but prohibits it! For example, 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 what is authorized 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” (Gal. 6:7)

 -- 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