I was challenged by someone who took issue with my warning of apostasies and false gospels.
Perhaps there are those who think such warnings uncomfortable; such teachings challenge one to examine their faith and to take stock of what teachings of the Bible they are accepting, and what they are choosing to reject.
The sad thing is, brothers and sisters, there are too many people in this country, and around the world, that are settling for a second rate gospel. Who are giving up the true Cross for a lesser one, and exchanging a saving faith for one that merely makes them feel comfortable.
The Bible is meant to make us uncomfortable at points. It is meant to make us question what we believe and where we stand.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
As outlined in my post about false gospels and apostasies, the Bible told us false teachers would come, false gospels would arise. It is not a "might happen" but a "has happened and will happen again."
I cannot stop warning you of the perils and traps out there, my friends. I love you too much to not warn you. And the Bible warns every teacher that they will be judged by a harsher standard; so if I fail to warn you, then God will judge me for it.
"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment." James 3:1
Brothers and sisters, it is not my wish to un-necessarily make you upset; but if making you uncomfortable results in you examining your faith, rejecting heresy and holding fast to Christ, then God be praised!
Your eternal soul is at stake! Nothing less! Don't you think the devil wants to lure you into sleepiness? Don't you think the enemy of the children of God wants you to fall into apostasy?
You must be alert! You must be on guard! And you must always examine your faith and hold to Christ above all else.
Question every teacher, every author, every preacher. Read the Scriptures so you KNOW what the Bible says on any subject. Read good commentaries, read the writings of the early Church fathers and the faithful that have gone before. Arm yourself with knowledge and treasure the Gospel, as a man treasures that which is most important to him.
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
Perhaps there are those who think such warnings uncomfortable; such teachings challenge one to examine their faith and to take stock of what teachings of the Bible they are accepting, and what they are choosing to reject.
The sad thing is, brothers and sisters, there are too many people in this country, and around the world, that are settling for a second rate gospel. Who are giving up the true Cross for a lesser one, and exchanging a saving faith for one that merely makes them feel comfortable.
The Bible is meant to make us uncomfortable at points. It is meant to make us question what we believe and where we stand.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
As outlined in my post about false gospels and apostasies, the Bible told us false teachers would come, false gospels would arise. It is not a "might happen" but a "has happened and will happen again."
I cannot stop warning you of the perils and traps out there, my friends. I love you too much to not warn you. And the Bible warns every teacher that they will be judged by a harsher standard; so if I fail to warn you, then God will judge me for it.
"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment." James 3:1
Brothers and sisters, it is not my wish to un-necessarily make you upset; but if making you uncomfortable results in you examining your faith, rejecting heresy and holding fast to Christ, then God be praised!
Your eternal soul is at stake! Nothing less! Don't you think the devil wants to lure you into sleepiness? Don't you think the enemy of the children of God wants you to fall into apostasy?
You must be alert! You must be on guard! And you must always examine your faith and hold to Christ above all else.
Question every teacher, every author, every preacher. Read the Scriptures so you KNOW what the Bible says on any subject. Read good commentaries, read the writings of the early Church fathers and the faithful that have gone before. Arm yourself with knowledge and treasure the Gospel, as a man treasures that which is most important to him.
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
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