QKAG: Issue # 138

PAST ISSUE # 138
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: What should I do if my church teaches unbiblical teachings?

Answer: First, you should tell your parents or mature Christians about the teaching in question (1 Timothy 5:19). If they agree with you, you should ask them to help you write a letter to your pastor or Sunday school teacher, telling them the reasons why you think the teaching is not correct. If the church replies that the teaching is correct even though it clearly contradicts the Bible, then you should consider finding another church. However, you should only leave a church if their teachings on salvation, divinity of Jesus Christ and Christian living are against what the Bible teaches. Below are examples of false teachings or practices of some churches:

The church teaches that the Bible is NOT the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16).
The church teaches that certain books in the Bible are unimportant and should be excluded (Matthew 5:17). For example, some churches discard the Old Testament and use only the New Testament.
The church teaches that another "holy" book (which is NOT the Bible) is necessary to learn about God and salvation (Revelation 22:18). For example, the Book of Mormon.
The church teaches that Jesus is NOT the Son of God but only a man, angel, or spirit (Matthew 3:17; John 8:18; Hebrews 1:4-6).
The church teaches that Jesus is NOT the only way to God (John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12).
The church teaches that Jesus' work on the cross is NOT finished (John 19:30; Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20).
The church focuses on ONLY one person of the triune Godhead (Matthew 28:19; John 15:26; 1 John 2:23). For example, some churches worship ONLY God the Father and NOT God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
The church teaches that all religions are the same (John 3:16, 14:6; Acts 4:12).
The church teaches salvation by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The church teaches that they are the ONLY true church of Jesus Christ (John 1:12; Romans 10:9-13; Galatians 3:26-29).
The church teaches that their leaders are the ONLY chosen servants or messengers of God (Acts 2:17-18, 18:24-25; Philippians 1:18).
The church teaches about worshipping the earth, nature, sun, moon, angels or goddesses (Exodus 20:3-6).
The church teaches that members can be their own gods or goddesses (Acts 11:11-15).
The church condones or accepts lifestyles which are against the Bible (Galatians 5:16-6:10; 1 John 2:15). For example, adultery, fornication, etc.
The church is legalistic, that is the church places high requirements or burdens on their members, and condemns them if they fail to meet these requirements (Matthew 11:30; Romans 8:1; 1 John 4:18, 5:3). For example, failing to tithe exactly 10 percent of your income to the church or witness to a quota of people per week will result in condemnation.
The church teaches that materialism, greed or the love of money is good (Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5; 1 John 2:15).
The church teaches racism or bigotry (Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:26-29).
The church predicts the "exact" date or year of the second coming of Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:50, 25:13; Mark 13:32; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1).

Related topic in Issue # 44, 113 & 137.

Key Bible verses:
Romans 16:18; Ephesians 4:14, 5:6-7; Colossians 2:4; 2 Peter 2:1; Revelation 2:1-3:22

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please protect your church from false teachings. Please give us Your wisdom and help us to study Your Word so that we will not be deceived by the evil one. I would also like to pray for those who are trapped by false teachings, please set them free so that they can worship You in truth and spirit. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Last words...
"Jesus answered: 'Watch out that no one deceives you.' " (Matthew 24:4)

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