Here in Sherwood Park there is a subdivision called Foxboro. It’s like any other relatively new subdivision, full of nice homes and well-manicured lawns.
I frequently sigh with the irony of the name when I drive by. There are neither foxes nor burrows there.
That wasn’t always the case. Before the subdivision went in, there was a stand of trees and a farmer’s field where a family of red foxes lived. I often saw them hunting or playing in the field.
The foxes are gone now, but the ironic name remains.
The same has happened to many churches. They boldly identify themselves as Christian, but there is no Christ in their teaching. They deny the resurrection, instead claiming there are many paths to heaven. They deny the truth of the Scriptures, but claim their teaching is Biblically based.
What often began, as a subtle softening has become a complete compromise. If Christ is not the way and the Bible is not the truth, why bother with the pretence of calling themselves Christian?
There are plenty of good social clubs or service clubs out there who do wonderful things. Instead of clinging to the name of something they don’t believe, why not have the honesty to rename themselves “The Sunday morning social club, nice people group”?
I’m not speaking here of any particular group, just offering a warning that just because someone or something uses the name Christian doesn’t mean it is.
But 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. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In 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.
(2 Peter 2:1-3)
Know what your Bible says, compare the teaching you hear to it and live by its precepts.
Are you certain your seat in heaven is secure, or have you accepted a counterfeit gospel — “another Jesus?”
There is a way to know without doubt that you are His. If you have never truly accepted Jesus or are not certain, email me. I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain the need for a relationship with Jesus and a prayer that makes it possible.
You can be forgiven and guaranteed a seat in heaven. Don’t wait; get your guaranteed reservation today.
By Kevin Corbin
GOD’S INCREDIBLE GRACE
(http://hometown.aol.com/ChristianArticle/Archives/08-19-01.htm)
Gleanings From The Word
(http://gleanings.jesusanswers.com)
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue #322 November 14, 2001
© 2001 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin All Rights Reserved
(Submitted by corbin_writer@hotmail.com, 11/14/01)