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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 17, in these opening verses, we read of Jesus Christ teaching His disciples, and through this Word teaching us, "Don't think you are going to avoid temptation. Don't think you are going to be shielded from the realities of life, and from the dangers of the world and from traps and snares and nets into which you could fall, if you are not careful.
As disciples of Jesus - as believers in Christ - we face the same temptations and difficulties and dangers as other people - perhaps even more so.
But we can avoid falling, with the help of the Risen and Living Christ.
Jesus goes on to say, "If anybody does call you to fall - woe to that person. If anyone leads you astray - woe to that person. If anyone causes you to doubt this Word - woe to that person."
If anyone tries to persuade you - that worship is not important - that worship is not a priority - that fellowship is not all that vital - that commitment is unnecessary - woe to that person. If anybody leads you in a wrong way, it would be better if that person had been drowned. Now, that is strong!
Jesus Christ says that it would be better for a millstone to be tied round that person’s neck and for him to be thrown into the sea, that for that man to cause someone to stumble and sin.
Jesus speaks seriously - and severely - regarding the misleading of any of those who belong to the Father through faith in Jesus Christ. This must make some people tremble - if they read it.
And, it should make them tremble and do something about it - so-called theologians - biology teachers - people whom we see on television who are regarded and treated as experts, who disregard God’s Word and undermine its authority.
They have good reason to tremble, and this should make every preacher and teacher and pastor very careful and cautious.
Remember, that every word which is preached and taught and written, particularly for the people of God - one day we will be answerable if we have led anyone astray.
One day I will be answerable for every word I preach, speak, teach and write, and there is no use trying to argue, “O, I did not really mean that.” Jesus clearly tells us that we will be answerable for every careless word, and you will find that in Matthew Chapter 12. There comes a time when we have to clean up our language and vocabulary, and we are living in a day when almost anything goes on Radio and Television and in Films, but God’s standards remain unchanged.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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