Where do we find godly doctrine or teaching? Jesus said,” and you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free" (John 8:32). Truth is revealed in the Bible, but we must also practice the truth, Jesus said in the previous verse "if you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed" (v.31).
Sadly the majority will not practice the truth; The Apostle Paul prophesied that "religious” people would seek teachers to preach what they want to hear, rather than the truth of the Bible. The Apostle Paul exhorted the young evangelist Timothy "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to desire, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for them-selves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be tunred aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4: 2-4).
Are you willing to be guided and corrected by the Bible? Or will you be turned aside to fables? One of the major errors of professing Christianity is the practice, by some, of pagan traditions.
Many do not realize that Easter eggs are a pagan symbol of fertility. Decorated trees, holly wreaths, and mistletoe were pagan traditions. December 25 was celebrated as the birth of Mithras, the sun god: it was not the date of Jesus' birth, Should Christians observe Valentine's Day? In 496AD, Pope Gelasius 1 established the Feast of St. Valentine on February 14; previously, since the days of ancient Rome, young lovers had often observed the Lupercalia-- the feast of Lupercus, a fertility god, on February 15. Even in ancient Greece, mid-February was associated with love and fertility: the Greek month of Garmelion, ending in mid-February: was associated with the marriage of the gods Zeus and Hera. Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it. The Greek mind, dying, came to a transmigrated life in the theology and liturgy of the church. The Greek language, having reigned for centuries over philosophy; became the vehicle of Christian literature and ritual; the Greek mysteries passed down into the impressive mystery of the Mass. Other pagan cultures contributed to the syncretistic result... Christianity was the last creation of the ancient pagan world.
Are you practicing pagan traditions in the name of Christianity? Remember Jesus' warning to the Pharisees and scribes concerning certain religious customs. He warned them, "all too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your traditions" (Mark 7:9. The book of Revelation warns us about one of the most pervasive deceptions. The Apostle John saw in a vision the famous four horsemen of the Apocalypse. He writes "And I looked and beheld a white horse, He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer" (Revelation 6:2). The true Revelator is Jesus Christ, He reveals the meaning of the white horse and its and its rider Jesus, described that the white horse symbolizes false religion, including those who falsely claim to come in Christ's name; "and Jesus answered and said unto them; Take heed that no one deceives you, For many will come in my name, saying, "I am the Christ" and deceive many (Matthew 24: 4-5).
Yes, Jesus predicted that many would use His name and deceive many: in verse 24, Jesus states that, "false Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect". WILL YOU BE DECEIVED?
The Devil Satan, has deceived the whole world, Those whom he deceive he holds captive. You can read about that in 2 Timothy 2:26. We must all be on guard against the devils deceptions: like the Apostle Paul, we must not be unaware of his schemes.
I pray that ever one that reads this will let Jesus have his way in your life. Amen
A friend in Jesus, GWC.
