Vol. 04, No. 15

Steven J. Wallace
04/20/25 - Mt. Baker Beacon - 2025

“VARIOUS AND STRANGE DOCTRINES” (1)

Steven J. Wallace
 

"Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them." (Hebrews 13:9)

1. Do Not Be Carried About—Do Not Be Led Astray

It was not only possible but was a present danger for Christians in the first century to be led astray. Why would some think there is no danger of Christians being carried away by error today? Why would some believe that sincerity alone is enough, regardless of what one believes?

Scripture repeatedly warns against deception and drifting from the truth. Jesus cautioned, “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4). He foretold of false christs and false prophets who would arise (Matt. 24:24). Paul warned the Ephesian elders that men would arise, speaking perverse things to draw disciples away (Acts 20:30). He instructed the Romans to “note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17).

The Corinthians were warned about false apostles and the danger of accepting “another Jesus” or a “different gospel” (2 Cor. 11:4, 13). The Galatians had turned away from Christ’s gospel to a different one and were at risk of falling away (Gal. 1:6-8; Gal. 5:4). Paul issued a storm warning to the Ephesians, warning that they should not be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). He cautioned the Colossians against being deceived by “philosophy and empty deceit” (Col. 2:8).

Jude also warns of those who would “turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). These individuals distort grace into a license for sin, just as others distort the gospel to accommodate human traditions or personal preferences.

These warnings demonstrate the real and present danger of error. False doctrines can affect a Christian’s standing with God. The faith has not changed and will not change.

2. With Various and Strange Doctrines—The Appeal of Novel Teachings

The early Christians were to test every teaching against what had been delivered by the apostles. Paul wrote, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8, emphasis added). John reinforced this, stating, “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 Jn. 2:24). Jude also exhorts us to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). This faith, once and for all given, is the standard by which all teachings must be measured.

If a teaching doesn't align with this original faith, it is to be rejected—along with the one promoting it (2 Jn. 9-11).

To be continued…

SENTENCE SERMONS:

Comfort can kill you when it numbs you!

Replace panic with prayer.

AVOIDING ICEBERGS: FAITH REFLECTION FROM TITANIC FAILURE (3)

The Sinkable Delusion: Luxury Before Lifeboats

Proverbs 11:2-6

The Titanic’s “unsinkable” doctrine paved the way for tragic neglect and deadly complacency. Confidence turned to carelessness. Elegance was chosen over emergency preparedness. Lifeboats—vital for survival—were dismissed as clutter that spoiled the view. Style won. Safety lost. And when the icy waters rose, all the luxury and comfort in the world couldn’t save a single soul.

1. Will the one who loves silver ever be satisfied, and what profit does Solomon say such an owner has? (Eccl. 5:10, 11)
2. What does 1 Timothy 6:9 say drowns men in destruction and perdition today?
3. How much of the Titanic’s wealth and luxury actually floated after the ship went down?
4. Based on 1 Timothy 6:7, how much of our earthly wealth will we carry with us when our bodies sink into death?
5. According to estimates:
   1. How many lifeboats could have fit on the Titanic?
   2. How many were included in the ship’s early design plans?
   3. How many were actually onboard when it set sail?
6. What contributed to so few lifeboats on the Titanic, despite its massive size?
    
7. Like the Titanic, what did the Rich Fool place his confidence in? (Lk. 12:18-21)
    

THOUGHT QUESTION: Of all the churches mentioned in the New Testament, which one might be considered the “Titanic church,” and why?

AVOIDING ICEBERGS (4)

Complacency and the Lack of Disaster Preparedness

Proverbs 1:30-33

1. What does Proverbs 1:30-33 assure those who turn away from divine counsel?
2. What difference exists between the prudent and the simple man? (Prov. 22:3)
3. Ironically, what was planned and then canceled by Captain Edward Smith the day an iceberg struck the Titanic?
4. Succinctly describe Amos’ message in Amos 4:11-5:2.
    

TWO KINGS. TWO LEGACIES. ONE TITANIC CONTRAST.

Downloadable File(s)

1. 0420_0415.pdf (1.48 MB)
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