I believe many of the teachings and traditions of the Christian “church” are not in keeping with the teachings of Christ Jesus. Many professing Christians have accepted lies and deceptions for truth; darkness for light and any one else’s words about Christ more than the Words of Christ Jesus Himself.

I believe most professing Christians are walking about in various shades of darkness. They praise the Lord with their lips, yet their hearts are far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Many refuse to come to Christ Jesus on His terms; or for that matter, know that there are terms.

It is written that Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV).” I believe many have unknowingly entered by the wide gate and travel the broad road because it’s easier and requires very little substance and sacrifice. There is no pressure to do any more than conform to the norm of your denomination or church of choice.

By the grace of God, I believe the Word when it says, “For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them (Matthew 13:15).” Please pray for yourself and all you love and hold dear for eyes that see and ears that hear and hearts that understand, so that all may be healed. In Jesus’ name.

I believe we can read the Bible from cover to cover, as often as we choose, and learn nothing unless God grants us revelation. And I believe as we truly seek Him with all our heart He will be found, like He said He would (Deuteronomy 4:29, Jeremiah 29:13).  Then He will whole heartedly open our eyes and our hearts to His will and His Word.

I believe we must be born again in accordance to Christ Jesus' command (John 3:3-8).

I believe if we truly love Christ, like many of us say we do, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15, 21); because His is the Word of God (John 3:34).

I believe it is essential for us to pray for wisdom because the Word says it’s the principle thing (Proverbs 4:7). Pray for understanding, because it’s the key to putting it all together. Pray for knowledge of the Lord and discernment against deception and the times in which we live.

Finally, I believe each of us, no matter what our religious affiliation or lack there of, must cast away the dictates of man and yield to the Holy Spirit of God for  instruction in the Word of Truth. Only than can we become true disciples of Jesus Christ.

S. A. Bishop