Don't Be Deceived: The Bible vs. Popular Church Myths

Shining light on popular church myths that tickle the ears of people to draw them in

It's so easy to get swept up in the current of many popular myths about the Church that swirl all around us today, but we must be Christ's disciples who stand firm upon His Word of truth. Let me mention some popular myths in light of His truth.

Myth 1: "God Wants You to Be Happy Above All Else"

It's a lovely thought. But the Bible tells a different story.

Mathew 16:24 records Jesus speaking, "If any desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Coming after Jesus is not always a day at the beach; it is about obedience, even when it is not cozy.

Myth 2: "Once Saved, Always Saved"

This myth can lead to complacency in our faith. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns, "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God," Continuing in salvation will need more than a commitment that is ongoing but complete repentance not just in changing your mind or "feeling sorry" for your willful sin but a change in actions, a new person, one repentance not ongoing daily repentance. There are sins of ignorance, which differ from willful choosing to disobey the scriptures.

There are plenty more myths that masquerade as truths for centuries

Myth 3: "God Will Never Give You More Than You Can Handle"

This saying is often meant to comfort but is not entirely biblical.

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" It is just resisting and not standing against life. Sometimes, God allows us to face more than we can handle to teach us to rely on Him.

Myth 4: "All You Need is Faith, Not Works"

Or, as James 2:26 succinctly puts it, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." In other words, if faith is without works, it is dead. How does one prove faith? It is not enough to say one has some belief; one has to do something about it.

Myth 5: "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves"

This famous saying is nowhere in the Bible. Scripture often tells us the opposite. As the Scripture in Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." God's help is not to help himself but to all who call upon Him.

Therefore, let us not be deceived by common misperception. Let us rather lay hold of the truth of God's word and walk in the light of his words. "It is not about making life easy and comfortable but following Jesus wherever possible. Stay strong, ladies. Let's keep seeking truth together.

By Grace through Faith,

Jenifer, A Girl with a Bible