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“The Source of Heresy”

Thoughts for Today:

Some Christian scholars (who hold a more extreme view of God), say that our passage today indicates that God is the author of differences (or heresies in the KJV) which He uses to reveal His true followers. I don't personally agree with this view. I believe it is because of God's guarantee of man's freedom of choice that differences or heresies are allowed to exist in the first place.

Let's look at the example of Pharaoh as recounted by Paul in Romans 9:17: "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: 'I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.'" Some people have taken these words of God to conclude that the Lord predetermines everything in our lives and freewill does not exist. But it's not what this verse says. The Lord gave Pharaoh a lot of time to respond to Him, yet Pharaoh had already made his choice.

God did not make Pharaoh the way he was, but God used him anyway, for His glory. God raised Pharaoh up, giving him leadership of a nation, knowing all along how he would respond to His demands to let His people go. Since Pharaoh had already hardened his heart toward God, God was not unjust in continuing to harden his heart. Exodus 10:1: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them...'"

In the church today, the Lord has NOT permitted differences to occur as a way of weeding out false believers. Rather, differences are the direct result of our God-given freedom of choice. He doesn't control us against our will, so incorrect thoughts and ideas will be allowed. Unfortunately, some of those will seduce people whose hearts are not right with God.

Questions to Ponder:

What is the source of conflict, discord, dissension and differences? The Lord has made us uniquely, however the choices we make are our own. Have you been exercising your God-given right to chose properly? What leads your decisions?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.