[249]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – STRANGE DOCTRINES ARE AMONG US
[[ “Secernment” (third stanza) refers to the act or process of separating or distinguishing substances, often used in a physiological context to describe the secretion of substances in the body. It can also mean the ability to discern or differentiate between different stimuli. As used in the poem, it is necessary to differentiate between the threads of opinion and belief, so we know the truth. ]]
Paul explained that in the last days wolves acting like sheep will come – {{2 Timothy 3:13 “Evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”}} {{Matthew 7:15 “Beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are RAVENOUS WOLVES.”}} {{Acts 20:29-30 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, NOT SPARING THE FLOCK and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.”}}
However the responsibilities to protect the flock was given to the elders as Paul explained to the Ephesian elders – {{Acts 20:28 “BE ON GUARD FOR YOURSELVES AND FOR ALL THE FLOCK, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”}} The leadership of the church is really letting down the side, and has done so for a considerable time.
More and more strange doctrines are among us, multiplying all the time. The “little gods” doctrine of Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar” is blasphemy, and the travels in heaven by Jesse Duplantis are demonic imaginations. The denial of the virgin birth, the rejection of parts of the bible, the acceptance of evolution, the “many ways” to God – all these are wicked, strange doctrines. I won’t list the huge barrow load of errors and strange doctrines.
One verse of a hymn is quite applicable here –
'Mid toil and tribulation
And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation
Of peace forever more;
Till with the vision glorious
Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious
Shall be the Church at rest.
The author of that hymn “The Church’s One Foundation” was Samuel John Stone, a clergyman of the Church of England, the son of Rev. William Stone, and was born at Whitmore, Staffordshire, April 25, 1839. How distressed and horrified that man would be today to see his British Anglican Church racked by false teaching, acceptance in the pulpit of homosexuality, and disgustingly wicked doctrines.
I won’t say any more about the background for this poem, but in the last stanza, there is recognition that there are defenders of the faith also among us –
“The soldiers of Christ have arisen, those who keep
Vigil for the truth, and have not fallen asleep;”
We need more vigilant men for the faith because, as I said, elders and church leaders have fallen asleep, and worse than that, some themselves have become the promoters of the evil doctrines among us. I have tried to introduce some practical measures into this poem.
Here is the practical warning from Paul – {{1 Timothy 1:18-18 “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, KEEPING FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.”}}
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STRANGE DOCTRINES ARE AMONG US
The Christian profession sees many strange doctrines.
We know these all spring from Satan’s foul, deep fountains.
The Church has been plagued by wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing;
These ones who circulate; for truth have a loathing.
Be vigilant, on guard; God’s word we must protect.
False teachings must be exposed, and those, we reject.
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False notions about the Person of Christ are here.
They come from those who are malicious, and sincere.
Sincerity does not make it right, when it’s plain
The authority of the bible has been slain.
The teaching on the Holy Spirit is abused
By some, whose frightful excesses can’t be excused.
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What is the cause of the false being promoted;
Of errors taking root and becoming bloated?
It is none other than the tares that are thriving;
That Satan keeps watered to keep them surviving.
Malicious they are and we must have discernment,
That in accord with God’s word, there is secernment.
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What is the correct way to deal with false teaching?
Challenge it? Yes; not rude to the one you’re reaching.
The leaven can not be tolerated one bit,
For it causes dissention once the fuse is lit.
Correct and exhort with the confidence you face,
But take great care that others, that error won’t embrace.
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Impediments are many where faith is attacked.
Consider the beast of many heads, which in fact,
Is named Liberalism, Bible Deniers,
Higher Criticism, Destroyers and Liars.
Each godly truth is challenged, opposed, condemned;
The things of God are hated, and by men, contemned.
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How can the converted in churches just ignore
This assault on faith; continue to sleep and snore?
Where is their sense of scriptural inspiration;
That consequence of “heavenly transpiration”?
Who will stand against the strange doctrines of error –
The fight against the words of demonic terror?
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The soldiers of Christ have arisen, those who keep
Vigil for the truth, and have not fallen asleep;
Defenders of the faith who have God’s approval.
With truth, they labour for the complete removal
Of what’s false, but they face many fiery darts,
With much opposition aimed at their honest hearts.
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Ron Ferguson 3 November 2025 12 throughout ABAB etc