The difficulty with this information overload is our society is catering to many different groups. Your average book store is serving the needs of all types of churches and religious affiliations. So what are you suppose to do? Well there are several ways to make sure you are getting sound biblical teaching.
Read your bible. There is no more perfect authority than the word of God.
Look at your church doctrine. This information is generally posted on a church website but can also be obtained from the Pastor or staff. Do the beliefs line up with scripture?
Talk to your Pastor. He is the shepherd of the flock. His education, knowledge and leadership should be grounded in the Word of God (Bible).
Research it. When you find a book, a preacher, a podcast, a bible study, a video series or whatever - look them up. Don't just assume from the one paragraph blurb on the back they are solid in their doctrine.
Pray about it. Are you unsure if you should attend a bible study or read a particular author? Then ask God to give you clarity.
So what happens if you read your bible, know your own personal doctrine, talk to your Pastor, research it and pray and still don't know if it is right for you or not? Well, I would say at that point if you are still questioning it then it is probably better to leave it be.
When I started learning, there were several popular teachers available. As women, we are drawn more to women and I did participate in many studies that today I would not. During that time, I was more interested in learning about the bible. I did not have the ability to determine if what was being said adulterated God's word. There was no way for me to tell if it wasn't exactly correct - much like Eve being led off base by Satan in the garden. By twisting the words every so slightly, he was able to cause her sin.
"Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God has made. He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?' And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'" But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths." Genesis 3:1-7
So what did God actually say.....
"The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." Genesis 2: 15-17 ESV
Once I had built up some knowledge I realized Satan did two things. He started with a very broad statement "not eat of any tree". Once Eve had clarified God's instructions, he then used the word "die" incorrectly. That is how he misled her. He used the same word but the meaning was off just enough and so began the fall of all mankind.
I am approaching the twenty year mark of my walk with Christ. I have learned so much in that time. I also realize there is more, much more to come. Part of this process has been to understand when I need to steer clear of a teaching. Now this could mean a faith based teaching but it could also be a secular (worldly) practice as well. I have drawn a fairly hard line in the sand.
Now, I am just not a huge fan of watching preachers or evangelists on TV or even really listening to them on the radio. So, that has never really been an issue for me. Books, studies, and blogs, I love. Today, my resource list is fairly restricted. There is no participation in formal printed bible studies/video series by your big name authors. Books by many of these same writers have been purged from my home. Our women's ministry is aware of my beliefs on this matter (my husband is the Pastor) and our church does not promote any of these studies. When we as women gather to study God's word we use the bible. I am blessed to have a husband who has a very solid foundation in scripture. I know I can rely on him to guide me to solid reference material. We have a few commentary series in the home and several websites we trust.
Several years ago I came across a woman by the name of Michelle Lesley. Her website is www.michellelesley.com . Michelle has done extensive research on many of today's popular authors and teachers. I could give you a very lengthy explanation of what Michelle has to say about false teachers, but it would be better for you to read it yourself. When you start going through her information you will likely be disappointed to see how many of these popular teachers are on your reading list. I know I was. As I looked through her website, thought about it and prayed, I realized where I needed to stand. This choice has created some uncomfortable conversations and situations. There has been some ridicule, judgement and ill feelings. It is okay. When I stand before the Lord I am only accountable for myself. I want to know I made the best possible choices for His glory.
Your line does not have to be the same as mine. We are all at different places in our walk with Christ. I choose to be a bit more cautious. As I watch our world disintegrate around us I know my choice is the right one. Please Lord never let me be softened to violence, sexual impropriety, the murder of babies, greed, the tainting of scripture and much more. When you are tasked with teaching God's word to others, you are held to a higher standard (see James 3:1) Do not be fooled by those who seek to make the Holy Bible comfortable and palatable to the masses.
Telling my story and giving HIM glory,
Mally
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