1 John 4:1-6

GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE THO DISTORT GOD’S TEACHINGS IN THE BIBLE

The Bible is referred to as God’s Word for good reason, yet man, out of ignorance, being misguided, or perhaps for spite, distort and at times re-write the very words of our Lord. In 1 John 4 we are warned of this.

As the co-leader of a teen Bible Study group, I recall playing a game one evening called “Is it from the Bible?” We were all to write down three verses, sayings, or phrases. One was to be from the bible, and two not from the bible. As each selection was read, the group was to determine whether or not they were taken directly from the Bible.

Though there were many that caused thought and discussion, I recall two that resulted in a great deal of debate;

1^st: “God helps those who help themselves.”

2^nd: “God will never give you more than you can handle.”

Without being able to reference their Bible for the game it was amazing to see those teens think, attempt to reference similar scripture, and genuinely seek the correct answer because they honestly wanted the truth revealed.

Sometimes only portions of God's word are quoted, but the missing portion of the verse is what makes the biblical impact. These types of misleading phrases are seen as basically harmless, yet wrong is wrong and truth is truth. When the only exposure some have to God’s word are untruths, they can be very easily lead astray.

John warns us not to believe every spirit “but test the spirits we see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

What we believe and how we think will affect what we do and how we act. So let’s be very cautious about what we take in, what we share and how we share it. 

Speaking of the spirit of the antichrist, John says; “You, dear children are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4: 4)

Read/Listen to: 1 John 4:1-6

Read Lyrics to: Greater by Mercy Me

Matthew 1: 18-25 and 2:13-23

The Birth of Jesus

I have the privilege of working with an honorable man of God facilitating a youth group on Friday afternoons in our public school. We are blessed to be working within a district that values faith and allows us to gather in the name of God. We are also cautious and prayerful regarding our ability to continue this valuable ministry for our youth. I am a teacher and he is a counselor. Our group is called FROGS (Fully Rely On God). Friday we visited the scripture we address today.
Matthew 1:18-25 “The Birth of Jesus.”

It was very encouraging to hear the comments and questions of our young people, with a heart for God, and a yearning to understand this complicated world through scripture. Some of the young teens had a great deal of biblical background and others very little. Questions were posed by young hearts eager to understand, and their classmates jumped in to respond with passion for scripture and wisdom beyond their years….so cool!

“So why did God send his son here? If God can do anything why didn't he just fix things instead of going through all that with Mary and Joseph and everything?” asked one newcomer. A confident 8^th grade young man couldn't hold back blurting out; “He came to save us all from our sins!” A great deal of conversation ensued from there, and we sat back with confidence, observing the teens go back and forth.

Every year it is different. We do not always have students so well versed and confident in scripture they can share with their peers in such a comfortable manner, but when they can, it is a beautiful thing because teens appeal to each other more effectively than we can as adults, and in turn make a difference out there in the hallways, lunch rooms, and classrooms.

We must continue to teach our youth the realities of then and now. Mary was a teen herself. It is never too early to share the truth of Jesus’ time here as being much, much more than simply a reason to celebrate Christmas. That baby in the manger has such significance it is impossible to put into words… but we must continue to try. The evening in the stable was merely the beginning of “The greatest story on earth” and it affects the heart and soul of each one of us.

Thank you Lord for Mary, and for youth everywhere. They are the future of this world and the world to come..... with YOU.

Read/Listen to Matthew 1:18-25 

                        Matthew 2:13-23