Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

2 Timothy 1:13-18 (NRSV)

Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

You are aware that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain; when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me —may the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well how much service he rendered in Ephesus.

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Reflect

We’re told that whenever a teaching is included in our Bible more than once, that teaching’s importance is multiplied. Boy, there must have been an abundance of people going around the early church spreading rumors and untruths about God, because over and over again we read about Jesus warning against “false prophets.” We read about Paul warning people against “false teachings.” Aren’t we glad we don’t have this problem today? Oh, wait…we do still have this problem!

Even though the Bible plainly says that there is no other way to heaven except belief in Jesus, some denominations tell their members many roads lead to heaven. Some denominations teach that only their own members are truly saved. Some denominations even teach that, with hard work, you, too, can become a god!

So how do we know what to believe? Who is right, anyway? The answer to both questions is God! Any time you’re confronted with issues about God’s Word that you don’t understand, consult with the author, God. Any time you have questions about the doctrine of a church, consult with the originator of the church, God.

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Pray

God, we are sometimes confused by the teachings that come at us from many different sources, some who seem very knowledgeable. Please give us the direction we need concerning these teachings. Help us always to go to you and your Word for the answers to the questions. Amen.

Go with God.