REHEARSING 1st THESSALONIANS 5:21

In 1st Thessalonians 5:21, scripture says thus, "prove all things; hold fast that which is good." I have never seen a generation that believes in anything they hear or see like this present generation. They take anything told them hook, line and sinker without verifying from the Bible. They are carried away by every wind of doctrine and all sorts of cunning craftiness of men, Ephesians 4:14. The Bible to some of them is just an ordinary religious book they carry to church on Sundays. They hold dear to their bulletin than they do the Word of God. No wonder there is so much division in the body of Christ in recent times than in the past when the Bible was the source of church doctrines and believes. 

Acts 17:11 described the Berean Christians as more noble than the Thessalonian Christians in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. They weren't ready to accept any teaching or doctrine except it was in line with the Word of God. Scripture says that they searched the scriptures 'daily.' Not once in a while but daily. Jesus said to the Jews in His day to search the scriptures, John 5:39. How would you know the God you claim to serve if you don't study the Bible? Have you ever seen a perfect man? If you've not, why would you think nor believe that all that preachers tell you are all correct? You've got to study to be approved of God, 2nd Timothy 2:15. Moreover, Psalms 62:11 says, "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this..." God's Word is consolidated in your heart when you go back home and do your own study. Whatever you hear in church won't produce its maximum result until you study and meditate it. Remember Romans 10:17, "Faith cometh by hearing and hearing..." It is only when you act like the Berean Christians that you can prove the Word of God and hold fast to the right teachings. 

In every wheat there are chaff. You don't consume the chaff along with the wheat. You must do a proper separation if it will benefit you. Sometimes, when ministers preach they say some things that may not be in line with the gospel. They say it, not because they mean to, but because of the moment of excitement, just to stir up your heart to believe. But if you are wise, you should know what really belongs to you and run with it. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11:3, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." Then he went further to say in Galatians 1:6-9 thus, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you unto the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that you received, let him be accursed." 

Beloved, why do you run from pillars to posts hearing all sorts of gospel that is not in line with the Word of God? Are you so desperate that you no longer care about the source of your miracles? Are you a miracle seeker or a believer in Jesus Christ? Scripture says in Acts 2:42 and 47 that the early church continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, therefore they had favour with all the people. Obeying the doctrines of Christ and of the apostles makes favour to follow you. Whatsoever doctrine the apostles did not teach we have no right to practice then. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1st John 4:1. 

Please be careful. See you next month, God bless you.