Morning Meditations: Becoming Berean

From my morning devotion:

Acts 17:10-14 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. 14 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

also:

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

These are perilous days. False teachers with slick styles are everywhere. It's more important than ever that we read and understand the scriptures. Otherwise we might fall into false religion. The emerging church, prosperity doctrine, Calvinism, Gnosticism, they're all covered in the scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Let's see what Mr Webster has to say about perfection:

Perfect - Finished; complete; consummate; not defective; having all that is requisite to its nature and kind.

Study the scriptures every day. Read it, listen to it, sing it, preach it to your kids, whatever you have to do, then walk it.

Malachi 3:18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.

If your church doesn't line up with scripture, no matter how hard GET OUT!!! Just walk away. Don't feel like you have to give an explanation to anyone. You will be able to tell who serves God and who doesn't.

Lord get us up early enough to study the scripture when we first get up. Grant us eyes that can see and ears that can hear. Give us the grace to do what is right. In Jesus name, amen.