As we are living in the end times, we should be equipped with the ability to differentiate the genuine from the fake. These include the types of scams we talked about and the large amount of fake news about the COVID pandemic. It could also be false teachings taught in some churches. If we do not take seriously and take preventive measures against these false messages or teachings, it is a matter of time before we are deceived. We might, as a consequence, pay a heavy price for this neglect. Hard-earned money that are scammed could be earned back. The damage done for believing in wrong teachings, however, could bankrupt your faith with eternal consequences. To recognise fake news or false teachings is sometimes not easy. First, for someone to bite the bait of fake news or materials, they are usually tied to something that would trigger an emotional response. Phishing messages exploit the inner fear or greed of an individual to entice them to fall into the trap. Fake pandemic reports make use of the importance of freedom and the public’s distrust of western medicine to mislead them into doubting the efficacy and the motive behind a government’s vaccination programme. False teachers in churches aim to satisfy people who want to “feel good” mentally but refuse to forsake worldly pleasures. Thus, these false teachers misinterpret the Bible and preach false gospels so as to gather more followers. As you can see, if we were led just by our personal pleasures or desire to “feel good,” and we ignore facts or truth, we would easily be a victim of the next scam. The bad news is that scamming would increase, and scammers would be even more rampant. This will be especially so for matters related to the teachings of the Bible. “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time” (Matt 24:24-25). The Lord Jesus had warned us 2000 years ago about false teachings leading followers astray, He even wanted us to remember and pay attention to His warning, so that we will not be deceived. The Book of Jude wrote: “But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, ‘In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.’ These are the people who will divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life” (17-21).
To be able to differentiate truth from falsehood, surely one must first know what is truth. Regarding the teachings of the Bible, our church is committed to educate our brothers and sisters in knowing how to interpret the Bible and understanding its teachings. We also want to equip our brothers and sisters in topics of theology: to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith”. Therefore, please see as important attending Sunday school and the series of special topics. We are immediately starting our first special topic the next Lord’s day (23/1), which teaches our brothers and sisters how we should regard “The Charismatic Movement.” Besides equipping ourselves with the truth, the Book of Jude also reminds us to pray and to always keep close to God, and also to keep close to God’s children. Therefore, I urge our brothers and sisters to see as important fellowship and spiritual growth this new year. We need God as much as we need each other, in order to stand firm in the face of confusion.
translated by Elaine Chew