Christ and countering confusion.

A friend of mine had gone from unbelief, through exploring what he called ‘various spiritualties’ which even involved living in a commune for a while, being a part of a fringe Christian movement until he ended up in a mainstream Christian Church which held tightly to historical Christian beliefs.  There he found contentment and flourished. 
 
I had various conversation with him about his experiences and discoveries.  One thing that he said he had discovered through his spiritual journey is ‘if it is new, it is likely not true.  If its old, it may be gold’.
 
In his search for truth my friend said he became convinced that there is something more to life.  He tried various alternatives but in the end came to the conclusion that Christ and Christianity is the truth.  He became very involved with the church he then attended with its very strong stress on miracles and experiences of God, but became increasingly disillusioned as he saw how this often led to abuse and exploitation.  He ended up stating:
 
‘I have come to a Church that holds to the Scriptures as God’s Word and takes seriously the Councils of the Early Church and how they worked through various issues and challenges.  I hold to the faith as it has largely been handed down and confessed from the beginning.  I believe in the supernatural, have had many incredible answers to prayer and believe God is to be personally known and experienced, but am convinced that our experiences need to be made subject to God’s Word.  At the heart of the Scriptures or God’s Word is Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death for our forgiveness and triumphant resurrection to make us new, open heaven for us and bring new life now and forever.  In a time of confusion and lost-ness, God’s direction for life as revealed in the Christian Scriptures or Bible, brings clarity, protection and a true and proven path.
 
How then do we find the way in a day when so many voices are telling us different things?   Jesus says ‘I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me’ (John 14:16)  Coming to Jesus, that is the starting point.  That is the most foundational and important point.  Jesus said:  
 
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
 
We are then to grow in our faith.  I would urge seeking out the guidance of a faithful Church that has a high regard for God’s Word, has Christ at the centre, and which takes seriously the historical Councils and confessions of the Church.  Yes, this takes some diligence and sifting, but doesn't’ everything valuable in life?  From buying a product to forming our views on various political and social issues prudent, wise and authentic people sift through and weed out the sales talk, spin, fads, hype and propaganda and seek to come to mature and responsible positions. Surely we should be even more diligent with that which determines our present direction and eternal destiny, namely our Maker and Redeemer.  Jesus said:     
 
“ ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”  (John 10:27-30).    
 
 
Warmest regards and blessings,
 
Pastor Mike.