Let us be beacons for the truth

Take a look at this article http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/24/whos-hell-michigan-pastors-book-sparks-debate-eternal-torment/ and you will see a perfect example of why we need to be doing what we are doing in guiding men to the truth of God's word. It is very easy for people to get confused and to be swayed by emotional arguments that sound really convincing if you aren't really sure what is right. This pastor has fallen into this trap. He has subordinated the word of God to his own reason, which he believes will better guide him to truth. He found an ally in author Rob Bell's book which I guess in his mind persuaded him to abandon the truth of God's word about hell. He basically is saying that Rob Bell has it right even though it goes against what thousands and thousands of godly Christian men and women have believed for centuries, probably because he feels bad that some people will end up in hell. And in his position as a pastor he will potentially lead many unsuspecting others astray. This is why it is so important to be diligent in the pursuit of biblical truth. We need to be able to recognize the counterfeit. Obviously, just because someone has been to seminary or is in a position of authority in the church doesn't mean they can't be deceived. When people can't recognize error themselves, they are easily led astray.

2 Cor. 4:4 says that Satan "has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel". 2 Tim. 2:26 says that Satan holds them captive and uses them to do his bidding. Sometimes Satan is able to get blinded people into church leadership. Many times he comes disguised as the "angel of light", hard to recognize unless you know the truth. This has happened numerous times throughout the history of the church. Some leader goes down the path of error and takes many with him. Then a split occurs as those who know the truth stand up to the error. The Protestant Reformation is one example and the cults are others.

My friends, heaven and hell are real places that Jesus taught about. He also gave us access to the truth that will lead us from hell into heaven. Pay attention to Him. Be alert and sober. No one will be able to blame someone else for leading them astray when they stand before him on judgment day.

Let us be beacons for the truth for there are many who are speaking and teaching error and leading many astray. "For the time will come when they will no endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their won desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths." 2 Tim. 4:3-4.