Discernment in the Faith Journey
When you go to a market to buy fresh produce, do you grab everything at first glance? No. You patiently examine and select only what’s fresh and healthy. The same principle applies to your spiritual walk. Not everything you see or hear about religion comes from the true God, ADONAI Elohim.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Yeshua) warned in Matthew 24:23–24 that false messiahs and prophets will appear and perform great signs to deceive—even the elect. Matthew 7:15–20 echoes this warning, urging believers to identify false teachers by their fruit. Good trees produce good fruit; bad ones, bad fruit. The evidence is in their actions—especially love.
Follow the Example of Christ
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Messiah.” A key trait of any good soldier is the willingness to learn from their commander. In faith, this means learning from Jesus Christ.
We all follow rules in workplaces or schools to avoid penalties. Spiritually, we also need guidance—our “rules of engagement”—found in the Holy Scriptures. The Bible, God’s instruction manual, helps us prepare for spiritual warfare. It teaches us to follow the Ten Commandments, love our neighbors, forgive others, and believe in Yeshua as the Son of God.
Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Obedience to God’s Word keeps us aligned with His will.
The Deception of Changing God’s Laws
Some modern voices claim God’s laws are outdated. But James 1:17 reminds us that God doesn’t change. Malachi 3:6 and Ecclesiastes 3:14 confirm this: God’s laws endure forever.
Yeshua spoke more about Hell than any other topic, emphasizing the reality of Heaven and Hell. In Luke 16:19–31, the story of the rich man and Lazarus clearly illustrates this. Matthew 25:41 teaches us that Hell was created for the devil and his angels—not for us.
The Sabbath and the Law
The Sabbath begins Friday evening and ends Saturday night. This practice began in the wilderness on Israel’s way to the Promised Land. If God intended to change the Sabbath, wouldn’t He have announced it clearly?
In Matthew 5:17–18, Jesus said, “Do not think I came to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” Yet, many now worship on Sunday.
Daniel 7:25 warned of a power that would try to change God’s appointed times and laws. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 and Acts 20:28–30 caution that deceptive leaders would rise, steering believers away from truth.
Pagan Influences and Historical Changes
Around 100 B.C., Egyptian Mithraists brought Sunday worship into the Roman Empire. Later, church leaders adopted pagan customs to grow membership, including Sunday worship to separate from Jews.
In A.D. 321, Roman Emperor Constantine—formerly a sun worshiper—enforced Sunday worship by law. His conversion to Christianity seemed more political than spiritual.
More recently, Pope Francis approved a change to the Lord’s Prayer, altering “Lead us not into temptation” to “Do not let us fall into temptation.” He claimed the original translation portrayed God incorrectly. But Yeshua’s words are sacred—should they be changed?
Stand Firm in the Truth
The enemy has worked through centuries to standardize worship and twist Scripture. But Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of Hell would not prevail against His community. We are the church—His temple, not buildings.
Yeshua said in John 8:31–32, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Obedience and Rest in God
Follow the Ten Commandments and honor the Sabbath. Hebrews 4:9–10 says, “There remains a Shabbat rest for the people of God.” Don’t be led astray. Read the Scriptures with your heart. Let the Holy Spirit guide your prayers. You don’t need quick fixes or flashy teachings—just sincere faith.
1 Corinthians 3:16 reminds us, “You are God’s temple, and the Spirit of God dwells among you.” Yeshua summed up all commandments in Luke 10:27: Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind—and love your neighbor as yourself.
Prayer Point
Oh Holy Spirit, lead my heart so I won’t be drawn to the ways of the world. When You bless me, Lord, let it be everlasting. Guide me in love and truth. Have mercy on me. In Jesus Christ’s (Yeshua’s) name, Amen.
Further Reading: Exodus 20:1–17, Matthew 5:17–18, John 8:31–32, Hebrews 4:9–10, 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, Acts 20:28–30, Daniel 7:25, Revelation 11:15–19, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Luke 10:27
