March 15
PROVE ALL THINGS
-1ST Thessalonians 5:21 states, … Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good … The word "prove"
in this passage means: to test, try, approve, or to examine. The apostle Paul is here telling us to test, try, approve, and
to examine ALL THINGS. Did he say to prove some things? NO! HE SAID TO PROVE ALL THINGS!
-Why is it then, that so many Christians are afraid to, do not want to, or will not test, try, approve, or examine their
beliefs in God? Here are the two main reasons:
1. They already have a belief system about God, and they refuse to stay open minded, afraid that they will come across
something in their studies that will either confuse them, or show they have been believing something about God that is incorrect.
They are not willing to go against the traditions and doctrines of men. In other words, they have all their “ducks in
a row”, have put God in a box, and already have their mind made up about God. THEY REFUSE TO STUDY OR EVEN CONSIDER
ANYTHING CONTRARY TO WHAT THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAUGHT. THIS IS DECEPTION, AND STRONG DELUSION!
2. They are LAZY! They do not want to take the time to prove ( examine ) or think through their beliefs. This is also part
of DECEPTION, AND STRONG DELUSION!
-We must test all of our beliefs with the Holy Scriptures. The object of our study must be to arrive at TRUTH! WHAT IS
THE TRUTH? This is what the goal of examining all things is … THAT WE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH, AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE
US FREE!
According to Dr. Harold Lovelace:
-"Many people are satisfied with the status quo. They just accept what has been told to them for the truth and never question
it. The truth is so important, and it is the truth that will make us free. If we receive less than the full amount of truth,
we are denying ourselves of God’s blessings. Everything you hold to be true should be tested, doubted, searched, and
researched again against all reasonable standards to see if it is in fact truth. You see, all truth, as far as teachings,
doctrines, etc. about the Lord God and His Word will in ALL CASES GLORIFY HIM. If it does not, discard it. Many of man’s
own ideas, those passed down to him or those popular, are accepted without question. Accepting these ideas without researching
them is not wise. After all, when you question, doubt, or search thoroughly as the Bereans to see if those teachings are so,
you will NOT DO ANY DAMAGE TO THE TEACHINGS WHICH YOU ARE RESEARCHING. Again, if the idea or dogma can’t stand the test
TO GLORIFY GOD, it should be discarded anyway. In other words, know WHY you believe what you believe." ( Read And Search
God’s Plan, Dr. Harold Lovelace)
-PROVE ALL THINGS!-
