Are you following the ways of God or religion? So many in churches these days claim the title “Christian.” They think their beliefs and traditions are correct, and they confidently teach others the same things. Why? Because others taught them the same things. But the question is, “is what they follow from God or men?”
After all, the doctrines, teachings, philosophies, ideals, and traditions that many churches rely upon were taught to them by their respected peers. They learned them from the scholars and teachers of their day. They agreed with the teachings of a pastor or teacher taught in an esteemed biblical institution by men. Unfortunately, there have been many doctrines and concepts were taught incorrectly in the Church for many hundreds of years. Undoubtedly, the teachers believed every detail of their theology was correct, or at least the most important aspects of Christianity. They could not have been wrong, could they?
Yet, why does much of the Church look just like the world? Why is Christianity split up into tens of thousands of known denominations? Is this how Jesus intended the Church to be? Absolutely not; this is Satan’s doing to divide the Church. Did you know that according to a well-known research foundation, there are over 40,000 different divisions of Christian denominations worldwide?
Even more surprising is that many of these denominations hold firmly to diverse doctrines and beliefs about what the Bible teaches when there is only one Truth. To put it into simple terms, they declare, “We are right, and everyone else is wrong.” They believe they have chosen the “right way” according to their understanding. Everyone else needs to listen to us and do it our way. Humanly speaking, Christianity is, therefore, vastly splintered.
But faithful followers of Jesus Christ are not divided; the Spirit of the Lord unifies them. They know what is right because they depend on the teachings of the Holy Spirit rather than men. On the contrary, men without the Spirit listen to other men to make up their minds. They even deny the essential truths of faith in Jesus Christ: Creation, the Flood, God’s Sovereignty, His prophets, Jesus’ virgin birth, His death, resurrection, and the function of the Holy Spirit..
If this offends you, please search your heart and seek the Word of God, His Law, and the Holy Spirit to determine if you are following Him or the words of others.
Knowing this, first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.”
For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these, the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word, the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. 2 Peter 3:3-7
Sadly, this is true. Many who occupy church buildings deny God by closing their ears and eyes to His instruction through the Holy Spirit. They would rather listen to biblically educated men and women who other biblically educated men and women have taught. They determine their worth by the paper degrees and certificates they have earned.
What happened to listening to the Lord and seeking the guidance, instruction, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit? But instead, they desire to be teachers of the Law and theologians. They seek to be directed and approved by men instead of seeking God’s approval and the servants He has appointed.
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?
These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:20-23
In many cases, men are placed on the pedestal of leadership because he has more degrees than the next person. Because a man approved of him. They then praise this man’s ability instead of what the Lord has done. They glorify the scholarly trained instead of honoring the anointed of God. They have no spiritual wisdom or understanding of God. In many cases, their speaking becomes a regurgitation of words from other teachers. In essence, they have become plagiarism, claiming it was from God.
Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. 1 Timothy 1:6-7
No wonder there are so many divisions because every man believes he is right in his own heart. But this is an act of religious pride and arrogance, sins that took down the devil himself.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart. Proverbs 21:2
If there are so many divisions in Christianity, most of them must be wrong. Therefore, it is only trustworthy if it comes from the Spirit of the Lord. Be like the Bereans, whom it was said of them that they were “of more noble character.” They were commended by Paul and searched the scriptures daily to see if what was taught agreed with the Word that came by the Holy Spirit.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11
The true believer in Jesus Christ does not follow man. But they test the word and they follow God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit with complete devotion and trust. Seeking to be taught by Him. True servants of Jesus Christ follow the Lord where He leads, not listening to the direction of the religious, but to give prominence to anyone else is idolatry. It does not matter what denomination you come from; they mean nothing to God.
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and He lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what He teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as He has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27
Consider that all the church rules, regulations, and traditions are worthless in God’s eyes, including titles, man-made doctrines, theologies, and rituals. It is of absolute rebellion, idolatry, and in some cases, witchcraft. God has warned that those who rebel against His commands will suffer punishment. Run from men and women that teach what is against the Spirit of the Lord. Otherwise, you be in a dangerous place before the Lord.
And Jesus said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” Mark 7:6-8
Seek to be guided by the Holy Spirit in everything you do and say. God will never lead you astray. Even the Apostle Paul went away to Arabia for three years to be instructed only by the Holy Spirit. Why? Because God had a special mission for Him and he could not learn what was true from the teachers of the Law. He had to learn from the teacher of the Truth.
Why would you think that teachers in this day would be any different? Considering how diverse the churches’ teachings are now, could you pick the correct denomination by your judgment? When we all make mistakes every day. It is like playing the lottery and hoping for the winning number on the first try. It is not going to happen.
The bottom line is that you must follow and obey the ways, precepts, and the Word of the Lord God. You must be taught by the Holy Spirit. Any other belief, teaching, or instruction contradicting Him is from the devil.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Determine in your heart and mind to follow the Lord only. Seek good and not evil. Walk away from your false teaching church if necessary. Yes, it is very hard, I know. But God knows what is best for you. Let God teach you even if you initially do not understand or your spiritual discernment is small. He will give you the wisdom and insight you need. If you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, He will instruct you.
“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord,
choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15
The Soul Sower 