The early church was saturated with false teachers. To gain a hearing, they devised clever stories that would appeal to their listeners. To the intellectuals, they philosophized. To the emotional, they told stories that grabbed the heart. To the spiritually naive and immature, well, anything worked with them. False teachers always skipped a significant doctrine (or two), but they could sure draw a crowd, so Peter made it clear that his message about Jesus was as an eyewitness.

2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Every generation has its share of misleading teachers. From the first century until now, men and women have twisted the truth. Some have made slight and subtle changes by redefining an aspect of theology or emphasizing one truth but ignoring another. Others have flatly denied the very essence of the gospel. Each group attracts gullible or rebellious followers.

For this reason, we must know what we believe and why we believe it. We must understand the essential elements of the faith. We must develop a theological grid through which to evaluate the plethora of books, blogs, and media that bombard us from every direction. So, keep your feet planted in Scripture. There you find the truth from those who “were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

Lord, protect us from errant doctrine. Keep us grounded in Scripture. May we examine all we read and hear by the truth revealed in your inspired, inerrant, authoritative Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.