<h1>Hold Forth the Word of Truth</h1>

As we enter the new year, we are reminded again of the encroachment of false teachings within the Church. Jesus prophesied that many will fall away." (Matt. 24:10) Likewise, Paul, speaking of the last days said, "Men will hold to a form of religious but will deny its power." Paul also said that the Anti-Christ cannot be revealed until the great apostasy" takes place. (2 Thess. 2:3) Many Christian scholars believe that the beginning of apostasy began in the 1920's when the German School of Higher Criticism teaching swept into American seminaries, stating that the bible should be treated like any other piece of literature with a critical eye. The concept of inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible were rejected. The Bible came to be viewed as man's search for God rather than God's revelation to man. As a result of human interpretation, the Bible was considered to be full of myths, legend and superstition. Before long, theologians denied the virgin birth of Jesus, His miracles, His resurrection and His second coming.

The Rise of Universalism

As the uniqueness of Jesus was downplayed, many denominations began teaching the doctrine of "Universalism." This doctrine says, "Believe what you want. The important thing is to be sincere. There are many roads to God." The result is that there are many 'sincere' people who are going to Hell! This teaching contradicts what Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:16)

“I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.”

— John 14:16

The Deception of Cults

Another warning given to the Church is that of cults, Satan uses cults to deceive even the "elect." Paul warmed us, "The Spirit says that in later times some will fall from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. (1 Tim. 4:1) Here is an example: Mormonism, which claims "Jesus is the brother of Lucifer-Jesus is a created being-He is the Archangel Michael. Another teaching is the concept of "Satanic Salvation, which teaches that we do not owe our salvation to the shed blood of Jesus, but rather, by the torment that Jesus suffered for three days in Hell!

“The Spirit says that in later times some will fall from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.”

— 1 Timothy 4:1

Holding Fast Amid Apostasy

Doctrinal error has always plagued the Church, but the proficiency of error is unheralded in these last of the last days. Paul warned the Church; "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will gather unto themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." (2 Tim. 4:3-4) The winds of doctrinal error are blowing into many bible-believing churches today. If a church is not dedicated to preaching the Word of God, that church is open to all kinds of manmade doctrine. It may sound good and make us feel good, but if it does not line up with the Word of God our supreme authority - it will only lead to a shallow spintual experience and not the abundant life Jesus promised us! Your pastor loves the Word of God He will defend it and preach it without compromise as long as God gives him breath to do sol Together, we will continue to "Hold Forth the Word of Truth!

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine... but will turn away their ears from the truth.”

— 2 Timothy 4:3–4

Together, we will continue to “Hold Forth the Word of Truth!”