Catholicism, for instance, believes that Jesus is represented in statues made of stone or wood and that He is pleased with the penances that the faithful offer to Him. Evangelical Christians, on the other hand, do not worship images but consider Jesus as a “trusted friend” to whom they can approach to ask for whatever they wish. A large portion of Christians believes in a pre-tribulational rapture, while others think it will occur after the great tribulation. Some leaders require women to wear veils, while others allow them to cut their hair. Thus, the beliefs of each group vary depending on who founded the religion or denomination; in reality, what is practiced in the different congregations today is what the founder “believed” to be the correct form of worship.
The followers of these leaders continue to follow their teachings without questioning them, as they believe this is the will of God. Some of these leaders even leave precise instructions about the form and dogmas that their followers must adhere to. None of them, including preachers, considers that they are acting against the will of God; on the contrary, each one believes they have received a “different vision” from God. They consider the diversity of sects, beliefs, and cults today as proof of God’s will, without ever assuming that they might be in error.
In some way, they assume that the existence of multiple denominations has divine approval, since many of these organizations prosper: some own their own buildings, others have opened schools for their children, and many have grown from a few members to hundreds or even thousands. These signs reinforce the members’ confidence in the organization, as they interpret the “success” achieved as proof that God is present, guiding the spiritual life of the entire congregation through its leaders. Thus, the leaders become spokespersons for God, and the members obey without questioning whatever they are told.
Most denominations around the world essentially adhere to the concept and “vision” of their leader to define their worship and devotion to God. Christians rarely question what their leader preaches, and even less do they examine the Scriptures to verify if what is said from the pulpit is truly in context. How could an ordinary Christian dare to contradict the “famous servant of God”? Isn’t he the one chosen by God to deliver His word to the people? This situation, filled with confusion and certainly fear, leads many Christians to discover that many of the words of their leader are not supported by the Bible. However, they refrain from commenting because they think it would be an act of disloyalty to their pastor and rebellion against God.
Around the world, the general belief is that if a pastor is in the pulpit, it is by the express will of God; therefore, everything he teaches is considered true. Even when the doctrines of such a preacher are merely human concepts and not divine, the Christian people experience a certain “resignation” in believing that no church is perfect. For this reason, many accept the teaching without questioning or objecting. Other Christians, eager to know the truth, try to inform their pastors that a certain teaching is not true. However, they encounter the harsh reality that their leaders are unwilling to accept teachings coming from their own members. Nevertheless, they are kept in the congregation because they represent part of the income, and consequently, part of their salary.
In this way, many pastors retain the sheep seeking better pastures through threatening remarks from the pulpit. They warn them that leaving the congregation will make them easy prey for the Devil or that changing churches is an act of disloyalty and spiritual instability. Additionally, many dedicate a large part of their sermons to the topic of tithing, thus encouraging those who do not tithe regularly to do so. These religious leaders seek to have people with a “sheep’s mind,” who accept their doctrines unconditionally and follow them without question.
On the other hand, the Christian fears that if they leave this environment, they will lose their salvation and friendships. They cannot imagine leaving their religious group, even though they know that their spiritual life and relationship with God are stagnant. They prefer to conform to the “system” rather than seek the truth. Sometimes, when someone studies the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and receives a revelation, their leaders, instead of accepting it, impose a sanction for “rebellion” or even suggest the door to silence them. Thus, many prefer to continue in their religious routine, “persevering” in human traditions rather than seeking the will of God.
God’s Word is sent through the least expected.
One of the greatest challenges that Christianity has faced throughout the ages is the lack of humility. When God reveals His word, He often does so to the simplest, those whose hearts are right before Him, even though they go unnoticed by others. These people are part of the “remnant” that God has kept hidden for centuries, to reveal the truth of His word and show His people what He truly expects from His children.
God always sends His people “prophets” with the purpose of unifying them in one vision… HIS VISION… so that all walk in the same purpose. God desires to gather us, just as “a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” However, the people, “stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart,” reject His messengers and prefer to build human institutions called “denominations.” The leaders of these denominations seek to exert authority over others, and thus, none is willing to listen to another leader in theological or doctrinal terms; for that, to them, would mean losing their “Christian identity” and, especially, renouncing their denomination’s creed.
Most consider that engaging in dialogue with other leaders is a waste of time, as no one is willing to yield on their dogmas of faith. Even if they were to think that the “doctrine” of their “fellow believers” in the Christian faith is correct and aligned with Scripture, many would not have the courage to accept it out of fear of reprisals from their congregation, to which they have probably belonged all their lives.
Accepting a different teaching could lead them to lose their job as pastors, provoke the abandonment of members, and see their beliefs collapse. What would their parents, brothers, or leaders say if they stopped thinking like them? Paradoxically, if a leader or pastor believes they have received “something” from God, whether through another person or by personal revelation, by trying to teach it in their congregation, the only thing they could achieve would be to divide the body of Christ even further, rather than unite it. This cycle becomes an endless process of “revelations” and divisions that distance the true Word of God from the multiform denominational currents.
However, there is a correct way to worship God, and it is precisely the one He has chosen. This differs substantially from many of the modern forms of worship, some of which are practiced by certain congregations without even being aware of it.
The true and correct way to worship God is recorded in the New Testament, in the ordinances of Jesus as the disciples understood them and put them into practice. These men, whose academic preparation was limited and whose minds were not burdened with philosophies and pernicious doctrines, were the instruments that God used to continue Jesus’ mission. They did not attend theological universities to obtain titles like “doctor” or “pastor”; instead, they were filled with the Holy Spirit to discern the true from the false.
They accepted the simplicity of the gospel and put it into practice, desiring to please Jesus even if it brought difficult consequences to bear. If you search the Scriptures for the men God used, you will see that He used ordinary people, like you and me, to carry out His plans and proclaim His word, while leaving aside the “teachers of the law.” These, in their pride, could not humble themselves to receive God’s teaching nor accept that others, less “qualified,” enjoyed the divine favor.
There are not multiple gospels, but people who pervert the one true gospel.
Many insist on believing that the gospel has changed over the years; however, the word of God affirms the opposite. For the modern believer, it is almost unthinkable that the gospel can be practiced as it is presented in the book of Acts. Those who recognize the deep need for reform within the evangelical Christian church are often accused of being sectarians seeking to divide congregations. Without exception, all religious leaders are sincerely convinced that they worship God and fulfill His will, doing exactly what their superiors or founders taught them.
They cannot accept something new (though, in reality, it is not new revelations) because it would require humbling themselves and abandoning what they have believed throughout their entire Christian life. It also requires a change in life, a new beginning, and many are unwilling to give up their comfort to dare follow what the Scriptures truly command.
Millions of believers from different Christian denominations cannot even change their preferred seat in church, much less renounce their traditionalist lifestyle or even their sin. They only believe what they have learned from their leaders but cannot believe in the words of Jesus. For example, millions of Catholics attend St. Peter’s Basilica to listen to an elderly man who is considered the representative of God on earth; they sincerely believe that this man is infallible and that every word he speaks comes directly from God, but they never read the Bible. Instead, they place it in a corner of their house as if it were a relic. The evangelical church is no exception, as they trust that their “prophets,” “evangelists,” “teachers,” and “doctors” are the ones who must guide their spiritual life, and they accept without question “the vision” or “the revelation” of their leader as if everything he does is directly guided by God.
Thus, many follow their pastor in disproportionate projects because they feel obligated to do so, even if it goes against the express will of God. Leaders from different denominations lead their congregations into debt to purchase a larger building, install a television channel, or other “projects to reach lost souls” that, in reality, seek to increase the number of members and ensure that their names, as preachers, are known worldwide. Many sheep follow these leaders because they are charismatic, because they are “good administrators,” or because they preach with “passion,” even though their speeches are out of context.
These types of Christians are unaware of the Scriptures because their Bible reading is limited to a couple of verses read aloud at the beginning of a Sunday sermon, and their prayer is reduced to a “micro prayer” to thank God for the food. The more “spiritual” ones dedicate hours to elaborate litanies, trying to impress God with flowery language, instead of offering a sincere and deep plea to remain in the truth.
The religious customs inherited from their ancestors greatly facilitate the assimilation of these errors, which are subtly absorbed. These practices are hardly perceptible but are equally damaging and destructive. They fail to see that they are following a mortal man subject to error, someone whom God has given the opportunity to lead a congregation, but who is no superior to his brothers and, therefore, must also be edified with the teaching of others.
On their part, the leaders claim to be in the truth and that their teachings are supported by the Bible, which is why they feel they should not change anything of what they have learned or preached. Generally, these men are placed in their positions by their closest followers, either for the charisma they radiate as “leaders” or for their active participation in the congregation’s activities. Others become pastors because they have “inherited” the position from their parents.
For the “lay” Christian who regularly attends worship, it is almost impossible to think that their pastor could lead them down the wrong path, as they believe their sermons are the truth. Even the most evident proponents of heresies and false doctrines have followers who would do anything to defend them. Some even go as far as imitating the gestures, tone of voice, and expressions of their leader; they believe that by doing so, they are practicing the true gospel and “sincerely” fulfilling the will of God.
Millions of believers are convinced they are right, basing their faith on the belief that “many cannot be wrong.” Some think that simply by being part of the millions who make up their denomination or religion, their worship of God is the true one.
Thus, each person who professes a religion may feel proud to belong to it and is rarely willing to give up their traditions, much less renew their mind. However, sincerity, commitment, and devotion do not, in any case, constitute the truth or God’s approval.
There is only one God and one Word.
In the history of humanity, only one God, among the many that are professed in various religions, has shown evidence of His power and mercy. No Baal, Buddha, Allah, or Krishna has brought fire down from heaven or parted the sea. Only the God of Israel is the true God who created the heavens and the earth.
Men can even verify, through science, many of the miracles recorded in the Bible, such as the crossing of the Red Sea or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They can also confirm that the glory of Jehovah descended on Mount Sinai and the reality of divine healing miracles. No leader, prophet, or god made by human hands can perform the works of Jehovah. Therefore, if there is only one God, there is also one truth, and this is found in the Bible.
The Bible is the only ancient scripture that speaks about God in a verifiable way, and it is also the only one we must obey, for He is our Creator. It would be foolish not to believe in His warnings. The word of God warns, for example, that if we sin, our destiny will be a place of torment called hell, but if we obey His will, He will raise us and give us eternal life.
The sincerity of the believer, in any case, does not mean that they are pure or that their form of worship is pleasing before God. Everything that you learn in a congregation that contradicts the Scriptures must be rejected, even if it comes from the most recognized preachers of our time. Absolutely nothing that differs from what the Bible teaches is worthy of being accepted as coming from God.
“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:1-3.
Pure spiritual milk is the word of God, unmodified or adulterated.
This is the fundamental reason why there are so many religions or denominations. Each one modifies, that is, adulterates the word of God, mixing it with human perspectives and transforming it through rational understanding to produce “something” that seems like Christianity but differs in many ways from the biblical gospel. If modern sermons truly conformed to the will of God, the only division that would exist would be by language and distance, never by doctrines that clearly depart from the Scriptures. Because Jesus did not teach one thing to some and the opposite to others.
Today, it is common to hear different “gospels” attempting to adapt God’s word to modern times. However, Peter urges us to desire the word just as they received it from the Lord: without adulteration. This becomes difficult when the word contradicts what the world has influenced in us. For example, some Christians claim that “we cannot stop sinning while we are in the flesh,” but the apostle John says the opposite: “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” 1 John 3:9.
Modern preachers also say that God wants us to be rich like Abraham, Job, or Solomon; however, in the New Testament, the way to enter the Kingdom of Heaven is through poverty. Nowhere does it mention that the rich will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven: “Jesus looked at him and said, ‘How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!’” Luke 18:24.
If you wish to know a bit more about the Kingdom of Heaven, I invite you to listen to our study titled: The Kingdom of Heaven.
Moreover, we are urged to reject all hypocrisy and the works of the flesh, for our desires are contrary to the Spirit of God: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.” Galatians 5:17.
It is clear that anyone living in sin, whether they know it or not, will try to justify themselves by saying that they cannot stop sinning because “the flesh is weak.” However, the word says that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven:
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:18-21.
At this point, many will reject this simple statement, as they do not believe in the Scriptures but in the doctrines of their leaders.
Justification is of no use before God.
It is sad to know that many Christians live “practicing” sins such as anger, envy, or quarrels, and they don’t even realize it. They simply downplay this warning because they believe that the Kingdom of Heaven already belongs to them. However, the word of God is clear, and although it may sometimes seem harsh and difficult to accept, it is no excuse to disobey it: “Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29. This is precisely the reason why many seek interpretations that align with their carnal desires. The human mind opposes the Scripture, and what is “illogical” to men is ultimately rejected.
In this way, men modify the word of God, trying to find a “rational explanation” for explicit commands that, because of their demands, seem illogical and irrational in their eyes. Although the Bible speaks of a God of love who delights in showing mercy, it also requires His true servants to be holy, willing to suffer, and to voluntarily renounce the pleasures of the world. From the perspective of the natural man, these requirements may seem incomprehensible and impossible to fulfill.
How can a God of love allow His children to suffer needs?
However, the Bible shows that the heroes of the faith were despised and mistreated merely for showing the people their error and sin. In contrast, false prophets and false teachers often present encouraging words that encourage people to reach their material goals and desires. They proclaim “good omens,” like astrologers, trapping the minds of millions, even Christians, with their famous horoscopes. Thus, the gullible place their hopes in the nonsense they read.
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They keep saying to those who despise me, ‘The Lord says: You will have peace,’ and to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, ‘No harm will come to you.’ But who has stood in the council of the Lord to see or to hear His word? Who has listened and heard His word?” Jeremiah 23:16-18.
Responsibility before the word of God
When Adam sinned, he tried to blame Eve, and she, in turn, blamed the serpent, even though the serpent acted deceitfully by taking advantage of her innocence. Despite their attempts to justify their actions, Adam and Eve were not forgiven by God. They only had one commandment to obey, and failing to keep it, their disobedience brought pain and death to all of humanity. God’s law was clear and precise, with no excuses for disobedience.
Likewise, just as the serpent deceived in the Garden of Eden, today Satan’s ministers disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness, distorting the word of God so that people believe anything, except the explicit commandments of Jesus, which are recorded in the New Testament.
Jesus said: “If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” John 12:47-48. Therefore, any excuse we attempt to present to God to justify our ignorance or rebellion will be of no use on the day when EVERYONE will have to give an account for their actions.
For this reason, Peter exhorts us to desire the word of God as it comes, without interpreting it to soften its demands, for only through it will we reach salvation. This longing for the truth should not be compromised by any church membership. The truth revealed by God must prevail over any friendship or commitment made within a congregation.
If the true desire of the Christian were to worship God in spirit and truth, they would strive to do His will exactly as it is written, without adding or subtracting anything. This implies a fervent desire to know the true doctrine of Christ and an open mind to receive God’s word, no matter if it comes from those Christians they have criticized for years or from those they consider enemies without reason.
If the Christian truly desired to know God, they would not compromise with sin nor sell the truth for a handful of coins that blind them to the true treasure of wisdom and eternal life hidden in the Scripture.
It is possible to achieve unity, for the Lord says so.
All Christians will be built up in one mind, one faith, and one word, because this is God’s will. Only when, as a well-coordinated body, we walk in the unity produced by the Holy Spirit, and not in alliances with the children of darkness, will we become part of the “true church of Christ.”
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:1-6.
The unity that comes from God is the only one He will accept. Nothing in Scripture suggests that something promoted by men could be approved by God. Even if men form great alliances to achieve a specific goal, as happened in the plains of Shinar when they decided to build a monument to be remembered by all generations, the result was confusion. This project, known as the Tower of Babel, gives us an idea of the fate that awaits a modern “Tower of Babel” called “Ecumenism.”
I invite you to listen to our study titled: Ecumenism or Dangerous Alliances, where we address the issue of ecumenism and how this movement is capturing the minds of many believers.
Christ is coming for a church without spot or wrinkle, not for a church in its current state.
As we have said before, sincerity in approaching God is not enough to please Him. The only way to attain salvation is outlined in the Bible and in the words of Jesus. Therefore, if a preacher tries to soften or alter in the slightest what Christ taught, you should know that such a preacher is discarding the truth and the foundation of true Christianity.
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’ To you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,’ and, ‘A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.’ They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.” 1 Peter 2:4-8.
Jesus is the only way that leads to eternal life; when we obey His commandments, we can reach the stature He expects from us. His teaching, the same as it was two thousand years ago, remains valid in our time, for He is the same teacher as always: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. Only from Christ can we learn what is necessary to live eternally, though He was rejected by His own people, who questioned and reasoned about everything He taught. He was appreciated by those who, with a childlike heart, came to Him believing everything He said.
For all of us who have believed, He and everything He represents are precious. But for those who do not believe, the same Scripture becomes a stumbling block, because they read it but do not believe it. It seems too harsh or too difficult to adapt to the changing world in which we live.
Millions of Christians have never known the gospel of the New Testament, though they are well acquainted with the rituals of the modern church. They know about the latest album by a famous singer or the new movie about the rapture, but they are unaware of the consequences of sin, even as Christians. They also do not know what God desires for us to do as individuals and as a church. The usual excuse is that “there is no perfect church,” and therefore, they believe they cannot fully fulfill the will of God.
Some expect God to appear in a cloud saying: “My child, this is what I want you to do.” They have not realized that Christ spoke two thousand years ago to reveal God’s will for all of humanity. They still do not understand that there is no other will of God but that which Jesus expressly declared two millennia ago, which was written and can be found in the Bible.
Christ is coming for a church without blemish or wrinkle, for a perfect church.
Many still do not know that Christ is coming for a church without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; He will accept nothing less than perfection. The model of the church for which He will come is reflected in the book of Acts: a holy, pure, unblemished, and PERFECT church, like that of the first century. Any other standard that is not perfection is a human idea that in no way represents God’s desire.
Now, how can we become the unblemished church that God requires for His Son? For us, this is impossible; but for God, nothing is impossible. He only expects His people to believe in what He will do, not in what we want to do. It is up to us to wait for the cloud of His Spirit to move and follow Him.
Currently, we live in what many call a “new dispensation of grace.” However, this is nothing more than apostasy at its highest expression, as this doctrine teaches Christians that the gospel has changed. Dispensationalism was developed in the nineteenth century by John Nelson Darby, a British theologian. Darby formulated this interpretation, which divides biblical history into different “dispensations” or periods in which God relates to humanity in specific and progressive ways. According to Darby, each dispensation has its own expectations and norms, and these reveal how God unfolds His plan in different epochs.
Dispensationalism also establishes a distinction between Israel and the Church and applies a literal interpretation to biblical prophecies about the last days and the return of Christ. This theology became popular in the United States, largely thanks to the Scofield Reference Bible, which included study notes based on dispensationalism. The Bible warns us that in these times, many teachers will arise who will falsify and adapt the Scripture to their own desires.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
These false teachers argue that because we live in the 21st century and the pace of life is radically different from two thousand years ago, the gospel must adapt to the modern world, rather than the world being transformed by the gospel.
The distortion of God’s commandments brings condemnation.
These teachers focus on external aspects, such as how to dress, manners, and the morality of their members. However, the Bible does not focus on external appearances like modes of transportation, clothing, entertainment, or means of livelihood, but on spiritual aspects. God’s commandments never change. If the Scripture says stealing is a sin, this commandment will remain valid for all eternity. But the Bible does not mention that having a mustache or a beard is a sin, although some congregations interpret it that way.
Today, there are many teachers who impose “man-made laws” or “customs of the ancestors” without biblical support. They teach that the pleasures of life, living in economic abundance, overeating, taking vacations, having beautiful homes, and luxury cars are God’s will for the modern Christian.
Paul warned the Corinthians to stay away from those who, calling themselves “brothers,” live like people of the world. These “Christians” embrace worldly customs without hesitation and introduce them into the congregations, presenting them as “revelations” from God to reach the lost world.
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” 1 Corinthians 5:9-11.
This type of false Christian differs from the religious man like Saul, who was sincere and zealous for the word of God, although in his ignorance, he persecuted the true children of God. The sinners Paul refers to are carnal Christians who seek only to satisfy their senses, much like the abundance of such individuals today.
Today, these “Christians” are very popular; they attend congregations that preach almost exclusively about “financial blessings,” so the gospel of the Kingdom seems strange and unknown to them.
Peter reminds us that God has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light so that we may proclaim the power and glory of Jesus, keeping and teaching others to keep His commandments. At no point does it suggest that we should satisfy the desires of the senses, as modern Pharisees so often promote. Thanks to His infinite mercy, God has made us part of His people so that we can proclaim His holiness, His mercy, and His dedication to us; not to preach about how to “enjoy the abundant blessings of our Father.”
How would you feel if someone approached you only for your money or influence? God is not a genie in a lamp to whom we can ask for whatever we want; He is the Lord, and we must obey Him.
Jesus never preached about enjoying the temporary pleasures of this world; on the contrary. As God’s chosen people, it is our responsibility to be like our Creator.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:9-11.
So, if we are part of God’s people, we must be like Him: holy.
In this world, we are passing through, so we must focus our energy and minds on seeking God’s righteousness and fulfilling His will, living in the Spirit to avoid satisfying our carnal desires. The fallen nature of man drives us to seek our own satisfaction, but the Scripture calls us to renounce our desires.
God’s word contradicts our expectations and desires. So, if you hear a gospel that promotes sensory indulgence, be sure that this word has been misinterpreted. Even if the preacher has good intentions, this teaching remains false.
The word of God, taught by the Holy Spirit, leads us to the understanding necessary to grasp His perfect will, even if it goes against the current of this world: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” John 6:63.
The Christians of the first century and the call to live in truth.
The Christians of the first century were guided by the Holy Spirit, and this was the reason why they lived in “one accord and simplicity of heart.” Meanwhile, the religious leaders of their time could not understand how these uneducated fishermen and common people could possess wisdom and power that, according to them, were destined only for the “priests” and representatives of God on earth. They never understood that the Kingdom of God is not of this world and that the laws that govern it are different from the human model; for this reason, they hated them and pursued them to death.
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” John 15:19 and John 12:25. The will of God is contrary to the desires of the flesh. The disciples understood this clearly and lived according to the teachings of Jesus. The logical consequence of believing and obeying Jesus is enmity with the world, including among the enemies those who call themselves Christians but follow a different path. This is why Peter advised Christians to remain faithful to God even amid tribulation: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12-16.
Even in times of distress and persecution, we are commanded to submit to all human authority in such a way that no one can accuse us of being criminals, but instead, by doing God’s will, we silence the unbelievers through our good works. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. This calling is not to act for the approval of others, but to please God.
The early Christians learned the lessons of the Master very well, and in the same way, they taught these truths to the new believers. Peter writes: “For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.’ When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:19-25.
This example of love and surrender is the one we must imitate, not the example of the world that pushes us to seek our own interest. This way of life is the only one God accepts, the way of life of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Therefore, while sincerity, honesty, and devotion in worshiping God are necessary, these are not enough if they are not grounded in the truth. The life God calls us to live is one that follows in the footsteps of Jesus, in love, holiness, and humility. Accept this truth with a willing heart, so that, like those early Christians, you ma
