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To those brought up and raised on sound Biblical doctrine based on the final authority and infallibility of the Bible, it is shocking that Christians in general seem to hold so many erroneous and heretical ideas, not to mention the stark levels of ignorance regarding important tenets and doctrines of the faith. Clearly there are gaps and even heresies in teaching from many pulpits, not to mention that many Christians do not seem to be bothered to open the Bible and read for themselves what God has to say about these things. As stated by Ed Stetzer, executive director of LifeWay Research, many Americans do get the basics right, but they’re often fuzzy on the details.

No doubt it’s time for evangelicals and all other professing Christians to heed seriously the instructions so clearly laid out in the scriptures for every Christian to follow. Clearly we are each responsible to ensure that we study God’s word to share with others and apply it correctly to our own lives. We are in peril if we fail to do so and to check that spiritual leaders are not themselves deceived and misleading us. Listed below are just a few examples:

- These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so (Acts 17:11)
- Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3)
- As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1:3-4)
- All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16)
- Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1).
- “…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—(Ephesians 4:14-15).
- Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

I think there has ALWAYS been the problem of people who claim to be Christians, who may attend "church" regularly, tithe and who put on the trappings of "good" Christians, but who live their lives as functional atheists the rest of the week out of view of fellow church members. A functional atheist is one who lives as if there is no God to answer or be accountable to. Someone who doesn't really care about learning to know more about God, have a personal relationship with Him or be dependent upon Him for ALL things. Functional atheists are those who it seems so easily step out of godliness and into worldliness depending upon who they are in company with at the time. Christians who are functional atheists are the ones who do the most harm to the cause of Christ.

I find that the more we delve into the word of God and the more it sinks into our hearts, the LESS worldly we become and our lives bring glory and honor to Almighty God.

Disagreement over various issues and doctrines seems to be common and the Apostles were not even immune to it. But we have been give the Scripture as our rule of faith and the indwelling Holy Spirit who will lead us into all truth. My pastor said, The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. The main thing is Jesus and the gift of God which is eternal life through faith in Christ.