By now, if you've been reading my posts for awhile, you already know I'm discussing A. W. Pink's book, The Attributes of God. You can read it free online here, which I highly recommend that you do. The below is from Chapter 3, which you can read here.
"There is only one safeguard against error, and that is to be established in the faith; and for that, there has to be prayerful and diligent study, and a receiving with meekness the engrafted Word of God. Only then are we fortified against the attacks of those who assail us."
How true that is. Without diligent, and prayerful study, we can be led into all kinds of doctrinal errors. Which led me to think more on what I posted about two days ago, and the Word of Faith type of false teaching.
Aside from the fact that the name it/claim it teaching is false, there are dangers in believing it as well. The danger comes into play when a person believes that God has promised certain things, such as healing, a restored marriage, children who never go astray, financial blessings, and the like. When the healing doesn't come, and a loved one dies, the marriage is still not restored, children rebel, and you are poor, it destroys that person's faith, and they blame themselves for whatever reason. Most of the time they believe they lacked the faith to believe God could do what they think He has promised. They don't understand that it's through trials that our faith grows the most. God has not promised that everything will be wonderful in our lives, or that we will never be sick, or anything like that. He does tell us in Psalm 46 that He is a very present help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 To the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
Psalm 46:3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah.
Psalm 46:4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
Psalm 46:5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
Psalm 46:6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
Psalm 46:7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
Psalm 46:8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
Psalm 46:9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Psalm 46:11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah.
Another thing He tells us is that ALL things work together for our good. There is a purpose in our trials, though we may not know what that purpose is, it's enough to know that He knows, and that He can be trusted.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
I just noticed that Lydia, at The Purple Cellar has a good devotional today about triumphing in trials. If you haven't read it yet, I encourage you to read it, it's very good.
Another blog I just came across tonight is Steve Camp's. If you are feeling discouraged, go read his blog. Both his music and his posts will encourage you, and lift your spirits.
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