Aug. 2

Read 2 Peter 2

^"1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. ²Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. ³In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." (NIV)

One of the primary concerns of the early church leaders was the possibility of false teachers leading people astray from Jesus. There were many cults and heresies during that time and many of them took some basic teachings and carried them beyond what was true into false teachings. It can be fascinating to read about the early heresies and a simple Google search will give you many opportunities to learn more.
The risk hasn't ended to be lead astray however. Recent history tells us that there are charismatic leaders who have taken some Bible teachings and led people into dangerous places. It is one of the reasons why I believe so strongly that every person should be a part of a larger gathering of believers. A small group that never interacts with scripture and others can soon begin to believe that they "have the answer" or that "God has given them special instructions." This is what Peter and others were warning against and it is something that we have to continue to be wary of.
The other side of the warning is about teachers who make the Gospel to easy. They too take parts of the scripture and then ignore other parts so what one ends up with is half a Jesus. These teachers are selling an easy faith or cheap grace as it is often known. This heresy is different only in that it is more acceptable in today's world of self-help and get it done quick and easy lifestyles.
Here are a couple of things that I find helpful in bringing my own discernment to what others teach so as to avoid the false teaching that can suck us in so easily.

• Know the whole Bible. For several years I read through the whole Bible each year. It gave me a broad scope of what is there and keeps me from just getting comfortable with the scriptures that I like.
• Engage in civil dialog with people who have different understandings than you do. I have several friends who are no where near me when it comes to theology and politics. Every once in a while I like to engage them in talking about why they believe what they do and the conversation always makes me rethink my own assumptions about scripture and faith.
• Study the Bible with others not to get the right answer but rather to explore how God might be speaking to you in that moment. The Bible is a living book and it speaks to us today just as it did to those who heard it first so many years ago. It is amazing what others will hear that I would have never considered because of their life experiences.

I'm sure there are many other things that can keep one focused in healthy ways so please feel free to offer other suggestions in the comments.

Thoughts to ponder and share with others:

• Have you ever met someone who seemed to have gone off the deep end in their Bible beliefs? What made them different?
• How much of the Bible do you actually know?
• Do you have a tendency to talk only to people who agree with you or do you search out those who might see things differently? Why do you do this?
• What can you begin doing that would increase your Bible knowledge?