Beware Intellectual Babble!

For Tuesday, August 18, 2026:

Colossians 2:8 AMP, Paul writing to the church in Colossae: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ.”

The world is constantly undergoing change. God gave mankind brains and the ability to think up new ideas. That creative curiosity is what moves our world forward. I’m often amazed, not that things change, but by the speed at which they change! That’s good in scientific and technological circles, but a bad idea in religion. As a group, mankind is quick to jump on the bandwagon and investigate new and exciting things, but it’s unnecessary and in this case, undesirable. The Bible says that both God the Father and his Son are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God’s value system and commands are unchanging. Truth doesn’t change.

Are all religions the same? On the surface, many look similar. They advise being nice, loving our neighbor and helping the less fortunate. But only one has dealt with mankind’s sin problem. Only one religion has a Savior, a Redeemer, someone who took the sins of the world to the place of the dead. Our Savior rendered us forgiven, pure and unblemished, prepared for residency in God’s Holy Heavenly eternal Kingdom.

As far as religion is concerned, don’t fall for the latest, greatest innovation. Stick with fellows who teach truth from the Bible, tried and true. Paul counsels us to beware of intellectual babble! And most of all, avoid the myths perpetrated by Satan and his demons. He’ll do anything to take you off the Christian pathway.

Pastor Norton Lawellin

The Father’s House

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Truth & Freedom Church

P.S. Satan isn’t taking a vacation this year!

About Prayer!

For Wednesday, January 25, 2023:

Matthew 6:7-8 NLT, Jesus speaking: “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

Our Father doesn’t want us wasting our time or his time. From this scripture, I surmise that God appreciates people who are direct and get right to the point. Repeating something over and over doesn’t make a prayer better. The Bible calls that “vain repetitions.” Inserting the word “just” 16 times doesn’t make the prayer better. Jesus is teaching that longer prayer isn’t better prayer. He advises less verbiage and more heart. Present your case to the Lord and move on.

Prayer doesn’t inform God. You can’t tell the Lord something and expect him to respond, “Gee, I never thought of that!” In fact, he already knows. We pray because we have a relationship with Our Father, and like any father, he wants to hear from his children.

Jesus doesn’t specifically mention it, but I believe the same principle applies to preaching. Longer isn’t better. The words, “In conclusion…” should only be in a sermon once! A friend told me about an elderly lady in church who suffered from dementia. She thought she was whispering: “When’s that windbag gonna knock it off so we can get out of here?” Everyone laughed! It’s funny because we’ve all been there!

God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship