Just off the boat

Ever heard that expression, "just off the boat"? A century ago, when immigrants arrived in America by steamboat from Europe, they came full of naïve expectations of what life would be in the land of opportunity. Many were easy prey for cruel and unscrupulous people who took advantage of their lack of knowledge of the laws and customs of these United States. My own grandfather was an immigrant from Denmark. Family lore includes stories about his own misfortunes when he was 'just off the boat.' But, he worked hard, found the Lord, and enjoyed many blessings in the second half of his life; blessings that passed down to his family.

In your Christian life have you confused faith with credulity? Simple faith, a willingness to trust God in every situation, is admirable, a rock solid foundation for the a life that pleases the Lord. Mistaking real faith with naïve expectations that are not grounded in principles of Scripture will certainly lead to disappointment and even bitterness! We are 'aliens and strangers' in this world if we belong to Christ, but we must not live like we are 'just off the boat.'

In the book of Acts we are introduced to a group of people who came to faith in Christ as a result of Paul's preaching. But, note what that for which they are commended in this passage. "The brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." (Acts 17:10-12, NIV) They were not gullible, yet they were eager to hear. They were not quick to believe everything that was said, yet they were willing to listen. Most important is the note that they compared Paul's preaching with the Scripture!

Are you a Berean kind of Believer?
Do you prayerfully listen to teaching and ask, "does this align to the whole counsel of the Word?"
Is your faith informed by study of Scripture as the Spirit illuminates Truth through the Living Word?

As one who preaches, it pains me to admit that not every person who claims to have a message from God speaks from pure motives and sound doctrine. There are those who preach fairy tales. They substitute wishful thinking for real faith. Many preach what people want to hear rather than what God wants to say.  

Peter warns that "there were also false prophets among the people (of Israel), just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up." (2 Peter 2:1-3, NIV)

Here's a word from the Word. I pray it will help you to find a solid faith that lasts a lifetime and leads you to your eternal home. "Evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.  

You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.  

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right." (2 Timothy 3:13-16, NLT)