Someone comes up to you with information you have never heard before. It sounds incredible, unbelievable. But they seem so sure of what they are saying, it makes you wonder whether or not it might be true. You ask, “Who told you that?” or “Where did you hear that?”

Even though it was a long time ago, I remember writing essays and papers for college and seminary classes. It was always important to document your sources of information in the form of footnotes and/or endnotes. The instructors wanted to make sure you were citing credible resources.

Unfortunately, not everyone takes that approach where spiritual matters are concerned. If someone brings a message that sounds appealing and doesn’t require you to change your behavior, that would be attractive. They purport to have new wisdom or information. It sounds wonderful, maybe even too good to be true. Do you simply accept it, or do you ask where the information is coming from?

Jeremiah 23:16–17 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. They keep saying to those who despise me, ‘The Lord says: You will have peace.’ And to all who follow the stubbornness of their hearts they say, ‘No harm will come to you.’

There have always been those who tell people what they want to hear. They make a living speaking false words of hope. Prophets for profit. You have to be careful who you listen to and what you believe.

The source I trust is God and those who speak His Word. The one who made everything, the one who promised a Savior as soon as man sinned, has proven Himself to be faithful. He chose a people through whom He would fulfill His promise of a Messiah. He was their God even when they turned away from Him. He cared for them, protected them, rescued them, delivered them. And this was all before He came through in the biggest way.

Galatians 4:4–5  But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

At just the right time, the Messiah came to God’s people so that He could save all people from their sins. He kept the Law we did not keep. He made the payment our sin demanded. And He conquered death and the grave for everyone. If you put your faith and trust in Him, you will be saved. It is the only way God has provided for mankind’s salvation. That is why you always need to check the source. Be careful who and what you listen to.