by Desiree Bustamante

Watch out for watered down beliefs and the lies of this world!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:4-17 New Living Translation

Martin Luther didn’t decide overnight that some Catholic church beliefs were incorrect. He relentlessly studied the word of God and asked Him for discernment about the verses he was reading, seeking His truth. Luther wrestled with what the church taught, challenging the church’s practice of selling indulgences, which was basically paying to expedite entering heaven. Luther discovered that through His intense examination of God’s Word, grace could not be bought, and salvation was a gift from God based on faith alone.

His persistent study of Scripture, much prayer and seeking wisdom led Luther to write the 95 theses that he nailed to the Wittenberg Castle door.

Today, God’s word is easily watered down by a worldview that distorts or omits the truths of Scripture to justify earthly behaviors and perspectives. We must be aware of this as it so easily infiltrates our daily lives.

Test everything you read and hear, confirming everything against God’s words. The more you study God’s word and learn what the Scriptures say, the less chance that you will be led astray by those who want to interpret Scripture for their own purpose.

“Every word of God proves true.”
Proverbs 30:5a New Living Translation

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