many accept things as true without really testing them n more and more i am hearing of christians...

Many accept things as true without Many accept things as true without really testing themreally testing them

More and more I am hearing of Christians More and more I am hearing of Christians who go to a denomination or become who go to a denomination or become involved with new movements under the involved with new movements under the name "church of Christ.”name "church of Christ.”


More and more I am hearing of Christians More and more I am hearing of Christians who go to a denomination or become who go to a denomination or become involved with new movements under the involved with new movements under the name "church of Christ.”name "church of Christ.”

It is not uncommon to hear those make It is not uncommon to hear those make comments that "I used to believe this, but I comments that "I used to believe this, but I never was challenged to test it.”never was challenged to test it.”


The problem is one that is more prevalent The problem is one that is more prevalent amongst young people, but I am finding amongst young people, but I am finding more adults making drastic changes because more adults making drastic changes because they were never grounded.they were never grounded.


The problem is one that is more prevalent The problem is one that is more prevalent amongst young people, but I am finding amongst young people, but I am finding more adults making drastic changes because more adults making drastic changes because they were never grounded.they were never grounded.

The real tragedy comes when they accept The real tragedy comes when they accept something else just because it is different something else just because it is different and still are unwilling to have the openness and still are unwilling to have the openness to have that new belief tested as well!to have that new belief tested as well!


There is only one kind of heart that will find There is only one kind of heart that will find God's truth and be saved. God's truth and be saved. (Jn 3:19-21)(Jn 3:19-21)


(John 3:19-21 NKJV)(John 3:19-21 NKJV) - “And this is the - “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and world, and men loved darkness rather than men loved darkness rather than lightlight, because their deeds were evil., because their deeds were evil. {20} {20} “For “For everyone practicing evil everyone practicing evil hates the lighthates the light and and does not come to the light, lest his deeds does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.should be exposed. {21} {21} “But he who does the “But he who does the truth truth comes to the lightcomes to the light, that , that his deeds may be his deeds may be clearly seenclearly seen, that , that they have been done in Godthey have been done in God.”.”


Jesus challenged the Jews to test themselves Jesus challenged the Jews to test themselves and find the truth. and find the truth. (Jn 8:32; 7:17)(Jn 8:32; 7:17)


(John 7:17 NKJV)(John 7:17 NKJV) - “If anyone wants to - “If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, doctrine, whether it is from Godwhether it is from God or or whether whether I speak on My own I speak on My own authorityauthority.”.”


(John 8:32 NKJV)(John 8:32 NKJV) “- And “- And you shall know you shall know the truththe truth, and the truth shall make you free.”, and the truth shall make you free.”


Truth has not changed nor the way to find Truth has not changed nor the way to find it. it.


Satan also has deceitfully placed deadly Satan also has deceitfully placed deadly error before Christians for centuries and error before Christians for centuries and called it truth. He, however, does not want called it truth. He, however, does not want to be tested at all. to be tested at all. (2 Cor 11:14-15; 1 Jn 4:1)(2 Cor 11:14-15; 1 Jn 4:1)


(2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NKJV) - “And - “And no wonder! For no wonder! For Satan himself transforms Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of lighthimself into an angel of light.. {15} {15} Therefore Therefore it is it is no great thing if his ministers no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”to their works.”


(1 John 4:1 NKJV)(1 John 4:1 NKJV) - “Beloved, do not - “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but believe every spirit, but test the spiritstest the spirits, , whether they are of God; because whether they are of God; because many many false prophets have gone out into the false prophets have gone out into the worldworld.”.”


It is crucial that each one be grounded in the It is crucial that each one be grounded in the truth of God. truth of God. (Eph 4:14-15)(Eph 4:14-15)


(Ephesians 4:14-15 NKJV)(Ephesians 4:14-15 NKJV) - “that we - “that we should should no longer be childrenno longer be children, , tossed to and tossed to and frofro and and carried about with every wind of carried about with every wind of doctrinedoctrine, by the trickery of men, in the , by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, {15} {15} but, but, speaking the truth in lovespeaking the truth in love, may , may grow up in all things into Him who is the grow up in all things into Him who is the head; Christ;”head; Christ;”

How to know when you have made faith How to know when you have made faith your ownyour own

It can be defended. It can be defended. (1 Pt 3:15; Jude 3)(1 Pt 3:15; Jude 3)


(1 Peter 3:15 NKJV)(1 Peter 3:15 NKJV) - “But sanctify the - “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always Lord God in your hearts, and always be be ready ready to to give give a defense to everyone who a defense to everyone who asks you a reasonasks you a reason for the hope that is in for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”you, with meekness and fear;”


(Jude 1:3 NKJV)(Jude 1:3 NKJV) - “Beloved, while I was - “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to write to you exhorting you to contend contend earnestly for the faithearnestly for the faith which was once for which was once for all delivered to the saints.”all delivered to the saints.”


How many have avoided talking to their How many have avoided talking to their friends about the Bible?friends about the Bible?


In that isolation you may never be tested! In that isolation you may never be tested! When we share the gospel with others, we When we share the gospel with others, we are benefited too. (Ex. Young people study are benefited too. (Ex. Young people study on Calvinism.)on Calvinism.)


In that isolation you may never be tested! In that isolation you may never be tested! When we share the gospel with others, we When we share the gospel with others, we are benefited too. (Ex. Young people study are benefited too. (Ex. Young people study on Calvinism.)on Calvinism.)

We base our lives upon it. We base our lives upon it. ((2 Cor 1:24; 1 Jn 5:4)2 Cor 1:24; 1 Jn 5:4)


(2 Corinthians 1:24 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 1:24 NKJV) - “Not that - “Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for fellow workers for your joy; for by faith by faith you standyou stand.”.”


(1 John 5:4 NKJV)(1 John 5:4 NKJV) - “For whatever is - “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And born of God overcomes the world. And this this is the victory that has overcome the world; is the victory that has overcome the world; our faithour faith.”.”


It is the wisdom and the warnings from It is the wisdom and the warnings from God's word that blesses us. God's word that blesses us. (1 Jn 5:3)(1 Jn 5:3)


(1 John 5:3 NKJV)(1 John 5:3 NKJV) - “ - “For this is the love For this is the love of Godof God, that , that we keep His commandmentswe keep His commandments. . And His commandments are not And His commandments are not burdensome.”burdensome.”


When others misrepresent what we stand When others misrepresent what we stand for as "traditional" or "blindly following for as "traditional" or "blindly following church of Christ opinions", we know better!church of Christ opinions", we know better!


When others misrepresent what we stand When others misrepresent what we stand for as "traditional" or "blindly following for as "traditional" or "blindly following church of Christ opinions", we know better!church of Christ opinions", we know better!

We will stand for it. We will stand for it. (1 Cor 16:13)(1 Cor 16:13)


(1 Corinthians 16:13 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 16:13 NKJV) - “Watch, - “Watch, stand fast in the faithstand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.”, be brave, be strong.”


Some of the strongest attacks will come Some of the strongest attacks will come because you will not have fellowship because you will not have fellowship with those who have gone beyond the with those who have gone beyond the scriptures. (Ex. My father and instrumental scriptures. (Ex. My father and instrumental music)music)


Even as a non-Christian I knew that if I Even as a non-Christian I knew that if I could get someone who claimed to be a could get someone who claimed to be a Christian to go along with me, that he really Christian to go along with me, that he really had no convictions, just talk.had no convictions, just talk.


Even as a non-Christian I knew that if I Even as a non-Christian I knew that if I could get someone who claimed to be a could get someone who claimed to be a Christian to go along with me, that he really Christian to go along with me, that he really had no convictions, just talk.had no convictions, just talk.

It becomes a part of us! It becomes a part of us! (2 Cor 4:13-14)(2 Cor 4:13-14)


(2 Corinthians 4:13-14 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 4:13-14 NKJV) - “And - “And since we have the same spirit of faith, since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “according to what is written, “I believed I believed and therefore I spokeand therefore I spoke,” we also believe and ,” we also believe and therefore speak,therefore speak, {14} {14} knowing that He who knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present up with Jesus, and will present us us with with you.”you.”

Why some people have problems Why some people have problems developing their personal faithdeveloping their personal faith

Because of the natural doubts that go from Because of the natural doubts that go from being a child to being an adult.being a child to being an adult.



As a child we believe certain things because As a child we believe certain things because our parents taught us. (Ex. Is there a God?)our parents taught us. (Ex. Is there a God?)



As a child we believe certain things because As a child we believe certain things because our parents taught us. (Ex. Is there a God?)our parents taught us. (Ex. Is there a God?)

It is not uncommon when one is faced with It is not uncommon when one is faced with other who have a different belief to other who have a different belief to conclude that everyone is influenced by their conclude that everyone is influenced by their upbringing and there is no "absolute truth.”upbringing and there is no "absolute truth.”


It is possible to have a genuine faith given It is possible to have a genuine faith given by godly parents and also wrong views by godly parents and also wrong views given by parents. given by parents. (2 Tim 1:5; Mt 10:34-38)(2 Tim 1:5; Mt 10:34-38)


(2 Timothy 1:5 NKJV)(2 Timothy 1:5 NKJV) - “when I call to - “when I call to remembrance the remembrance the genuine faithgenuine faith that is in that is in you, which dwelt you, which dwelt first in your grandmother first in your grandmother Lois and your mother EuniceLois and your mother Eunice, and I am , and I am persuaded is in you also.”persuaded is in you also.”


(Matthew 10:34-38 NKJV)(Matthew 10:34-38 NKJV) - “Do not - “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.did not come to bring peace but a sword. {35} {35} “For I have come to ‘set “For I have come to ‘set a man against a man against his fatherhis father, , a daughter against her mothera daughter against her mother, , and and a daughter-in-law against her mother-a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-lawin-law’;’; {36} {36} “and ‘“and ‘a man’s enemies will be a man’s enemies will be those of his those of his own own householdhousehold.’.’


{37} {37} ““He who loves father or mother more He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Methan Me is not worthy of Me. And he who . And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.worthy of Me. {38} {38} “And he who does not “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.”worthy of Me.”


If truth is the issue, them what is right can If truth is the issue, them what is right can be found.be found.


Because of the guilt associated with doubts.Because of the guilt associated with doubts.


Sadly we may reinforce this guilt by our Sadly we may reinforce this guilt by our impatience. (Ex. They have been in impatience. (Ex. They have been in church for years and should know this!")church for years and should know this!")


Sadly we may reinforce this guilt by our Sadly we may reinforce this guilt by our impatience. (Ex. They have been in impatience. (Ex. They have been in church for years and should know this!") church for years and should know this!")

The Pharisees used pride and intimidation The Pharisees used pride and intimidation to line others up with them. to line others up with them. (Jn 7:45-52)(Jn 7:45-52)


(John 7:45-52 NKJV)(John 7:45-52 NKJV) - “Then the officers - “Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?”Him?” {46} {46} The officers answered, “No The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”man ever spoke like this Man!” {47} {47} Then Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived?deceived? {48} {48} ““Have any of the rulers or Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Himthe Pharisees believed in Him??


{49} {49} ““But this crowd that does not know the But this crowd that does not know the law is accursedlaw is accursed.”.” {50} {50} Nicodemus (he who Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them,said to them, {51} {51} “Does our law judge a man “Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is before it hears him and knows what he is doing?”doing?” {52} {52} They answered and said to him, They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galileefor no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”.”


We know far less than we think. It is high We know far less than we think. It is high time for us to be honest and let our guilt time for us to be honest and let our guilt lead us to seek for the truth. Do you fear lead us to seek for the truth. Do you fear questions?questions?


We know far less than we think. It is high We know far less than we think. It is high time for us to be honest and let our guilt time for us to be honest and let our guilt lead us to seek for the truth. Do you fear lead us to seek for the truth. Do you fear questions?questions?

Because we have never learned to trust Because we have never learned to trust God.God.


Because we have never learned to trust Because we have never learned to trust God.God.

This is the first step in coming to know This is the first step in coming to know anything else! anything else! (Heb 11:6)(Heb 11:6)


(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) - “But without - “But without faith faith it is it is impossible to please impossible to please Him, Him, for he for he who comes to God who comes to God must believe that Hemust believe that He is, is, and and that that He is He is a rewarder of those who a rewarder of those who diligently seek Himdiligently seek Him.”.”


Many have sought out answers to issues Many have sought out answers to issues before ever yielding their hearts to God. before ever yielding their hearts to God. What does it mean to trust God?What does it mean to trust God?

Things to remember while making faith Things to remember while making faith your own.your own.

Avoid the emotional response to run and Avoid the emotional response to run and hide.hide.


Some when they decide what is right will Some when they decide what is right will often run and hide from others who may often run and hide from others who may have a different view.have a different view.


Some when they decide what is right will Some when they decide what is right will often run and hide from others who may often run and hide from others who may have a different view.have a different view.

Remember that truth can be examined. Why Remember that truth can be examined. Why should you refuse to discuss it?should you refuse to discuss it?


The false teacher will actively work to The false teacher will actively work to subvert your faith and then cut you off subvert your faith and then cut you off from those who may disagree. Satan is from those who may disagree. Satan is pleased with this kind of "faith." pleased with this kind of "faith." (Gal 4:16-17)(Gal 4:16-17)


(Galatians 4:16-17 NKJV)(Galatians 4:16-17 NKJV) - “Have I - “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?you the truth? {17} {17} They zealously court They zealously court youyou, , but but for no good; yes, for no good; yes, they want to they want to exclude youexclude you, that , that you may be zealous for you may be zealous for themthem.”.”


Do not make sweeping generalizations.Do not make sweeping generalizations.


There are two wrong reactions when you There are two wrong reactions when you find yourself in error.find yourself in error.


To blindly accept everything another tells To blindly accept everything another tells you.you.



To blindly set aside everything you have To blindly set aside everything you have learned.learned.



To blindly set aside everything you have To blindly set aside everything you have learned.learned.

Do not in pride think you are the first to Do not in pride think you are the first to discover new truths and that everyone discover new truths and that everyone else in the church is blind. else in the church is blind. (1 Cor 8:1-3)(1 Cor 8:1-3)


(1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NKJV) - “Now - “Now concerning things offered to idols: We concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs upKnowledge puffs up, but love edifies., but love edifies. {2} {2} And if anyone thinks that he knows And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to knowto know.. {3} {3} But if anyone loves God, this But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.”one is known by Him.”


We need to learn patience with ourselves We need to learn patience with ourselves and with othersand with others. (Jas 5:9-11). (Jas 5:9-11)


(James 5:9-11 NKJV)(James 5:9-11 NKJV) - “Do not grumble against - “Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! {10} {10} My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and suffering and patiencepatience.. {11} {11} Indeed we count them blessed who Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end Job and seen the end intended by intended by the Lord; that the Lord; that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”


Do not flee from the struggle for truth. Do not flee from the struggle for truth. (Rom 12:1-2)(Rom 12:1-2)


(Romans 12:1-2 NKJV)(Romans 12:1-2 NKJV) - “I beseech you - “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, holy, acceptable to God, which is which is your your reasonable service.reasonable service. {2} {2} And do not be And do not be conformed to this world, but conformed to this world, but be transformed be transformed by the renewing of your mindby the renewing of your mind, that you may , that you may prove what prove what is is that good and acceptable and that good and acceptable and perfect will of Godperfect will of God.”.”


The struggle for truth is a daily one. If for The struggle for truth is a daily one. If for no other reason than the danger of my no other reason than the danger of my heart becoming corrupted and I then heart becoming corrupted and I then become self-deceived. become self-deceived. (Mt 13:13-15)(Mt 13:13-15)


(Matthew 13:13-15 NKJV)(Matthew 13:13-15 NKJV) - “ - “Therefore I Therefore I speak to them in parablesspeak to them in parables, because , because seeing seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understandhear, nor do they understand.. {14} {14} “And in “And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive;see and not perceive;


{15} {15} For the hearts of this people have For the hearts of this people have grown dull. grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closedAnd their eyes they have closed, Lest they , Lest they should see with should see with their their eyes and hear with eyes and hear with their their ears, Lest they should understand with ears, Lest they should understand with their their hearts and turn, So that I should heal hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.”them.”


I need the wisdom to find godly council. I need the wisdom to find godly council. (Prov 24:5-6)(Prov 24:5-6) (This does not mean that you (This does not mean that you follow them blindly)follow them blindly)


(Proverbs 24:5-6 NKJV)(Proverbs 24:5-6 NKJV) - “A wise man - “A wise man is is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;strength; {6} {6} For by wise counsel you will For by wise counsel you will wage your own warwage your own war, And in , And in a multitude of a multitude of counselors counselors there is there is safetysafety.”.”


Pray to God for wisdom and serve Him Pray to God for wisdom and serve Him with the knowledge you have. with the knowledge you have. (Jas 1:5-8)(Jas 1:5-8)


(James 1:5-8 NKJV)(James 1:5-8 NKJV) - “If any of you - “If any of you lacks lacks wisdom, let him ask of Godwisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all , who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.given to him. {6} {6} But let him ask in faith, with But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. {7} {7} For let not that man suppose that he will For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;receive anything from the Lord; {8} he is {8} he is a a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”


Always serve God vigorously while seeking Always serve God vigorously while seeking His will. It is folly to sit and study and do His will. It is folly to sit and study and do nothing else. nothing else.


Always serve God vigorously while seeking Always serve God vigorously while seeking His will. It is folly to sit and study and do His will. It is folly to sit and study and do nothing else. nothing else.

Wisdom takes time. There are great truths Wisdom takes time. There are great truths that you keep learning throughout life. that you keep learning throughout life. (Eph 3:16-19)(Eph 3:16-19)


(Ephesians 3:16-19 NKJV)(Ephesians 3:16-19 NKJV) - “that He would - “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,His Spirit in the inner man, {17} {17} that Christ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,you, being rooted and grounded in love, {18} {18} may be able to comprehend with all the saints may be able to comprehend with all the saints what what is is the width and length and depth and the width and length and depth and height;height;


{19} {19} to know the love of Christ which to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”with all the fullness of God.”


Where is your faith?Where is your faith?


Where is your faith?Where is your faith? If we could humbly see where we really are If we could humbly see where we really are

then God can do something with us. then God can do something with us. (Mk 9:23-24)(Mk 9:23-24)


(Mark 9:23-24 NKJV)(Mark 9:23-24 NKJV) - “Jesus said to - “Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things him, “If you can believe, all things are are possible to him who believes.”possible to him who believes.” {24} {24} Immediately the father of the child cried out Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; Lord, I believe; help help my my unbeliefunbelief!”!”


It is best to know so that we may It is best to know so that we may powerfully serve God. powerfully serve God.

many accept things as true without really testing them n more and more i am hearing of christians...

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