The sign says that it is all about Jesus, but do they teach the doctrine of Jesus? Just as it was in the past, so it is now. People will say “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,” but their teaching will be the doctrines of men taught as if it was a command of God.
Matthew 15:8-9
8 “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'” NKJV
If it is all about Jesus, why can’t what He said be taught? In fact, most teach in opposition to what Jesus taught. If you don’t think so, then when is the last time you heard the following verses?
Matthew 5:27-31
27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. NKJV
If it is all about Jesus, how many sermons does it take to get around to what He taught? No, the problem is that those verses no longer fit into what we have come to believe, do they? That’s why we don’t hear them. We have a better, more user friendly Gospel message today.
Nobody is going to hell because of sin any more, right? So says the doctrine of men. Nobody has to stop sinning any more, because Christians cannot stop sinning, right? So says the doctrine of men, and so says the sign.
The sign says it’s all about Jesus, but I can’t find anyone left who teaches Jesus, but maybe I’m not looking hard enough. I’ve got to look to try and find just one that is all about Jesus, and I’ve got 3 Christian TV channels in my home, 5 in my car, and I don’t think I can drive a mile in any direction before finding a church building in the county. Imagine that. That’s how close to the end we are.
Real disciples of Jesus hold to the teachings (John 8:31-32, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2). Hold on my friend, the real Jesus is coming!
John 8:31-32
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” NKJV
1 Corinthians 15:1-2
15 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you — unless you believed in vain. NKJV
2 Thessalonians 2:13-15
13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. NKJV
If you don’t learn anything else from me, learn that. Hold to the teachings!
In the last days, many teachers will rise who say what people want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Why will they say what people “want to hear” rather than preaching what Jesus actually said? They will do it to draw away disciples (followers) for themselves.
Acts 20:29-31
29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. NKJV
That’s where the money is! People will pay to hear what they want to hear; the doctrine of demons (1 Timothy 4:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:20-21). However, all who do not love the truth, and take pleasure in unrighteousness will be condemned.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. NKJV
If it is all about Jesus, then this you can be sure. The teachings (doctrine) of Jesus Christ will be heard and accepted according to the Word of the Lord written in 2 John 1:9-11 below.
2 John 9-11
9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. NKJV
If someone comes to you and does not bring the doctrine of Jesus Christ, do not welcome him, because if you do then you share in his wicked work. Know that so that you will not be deceived, since people are being sucked in by the thousands.
By the way, the photo above has nothing to do with this message. I took that picture because I thought it was the prettiest little church I’ve ever seen. I think it was in the Blue Ridge Mountains somewhere, I’m Alan Ballou; a servant. If I may be of service to you, please contact me. HowToStopSinning.com
