These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word of God with all readiness of mind, and searched the scripture daily, whether those things were so.  Acts 17:11.
    The religious world is filled with church members who are careful as to how they invest their money, as to the reliability of the fire, health and life insurance.  These precautions are worthy from a natural standpoint and should be given our attention along with other business undertakings.  On the other hand many of the same people who are so extremely careful concerning sound business will accept any doctrine that has to do with their eternal soul!  They are quick to swallow any tradition handed down from other quarters and they seldom stop to prayerfully consider by examining the word of God if they be true.  These people should take a look at the words of Solomon when he said:  There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.  (Prov. 14:12)  My friends, A person can be honestly wrong and be lost!  This is sad indeed.
    The road that leads to destruction (hell) is broad and many travel thereon. (Mat. 7:13-14)  Jesus told us in verse fourteen WHY the road to destruction is broad and many travel it.  He said, BECAUSE strait is the gate and narrow is the way, which leadeth to life, and few there be that FIND it.  The highway that leads to heaven is undesirable by the rushing throngs!  It is strait and narrow and in order to walk thereon one must denounce self and the world and take up His CROSS and follow Jesus in holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. (Luke 1:74-75)  When you compare this strait and narrow way with all it's persecutions with other religious movements as they scoff at the idea of living a separated life, an altar of prayer, signing a card to be a member or just shaking the preacher's hand . . . Just one good look will convince you which manner of life would be the most appealing to the carnal person!  The old man of sin does not want to die!  He loves that doctrine of sinning more or less every day.  Therefore it is easy to see why the multitudes would choose the way of less resistance and travel the broad way that will bring everlasting shame and contempt.  (Dan. 12:2)
    The "strait and narrow way" must be found!  Notice where Jesus said, ". . . few there be that FIND it."  When Jesus walked the shores of Galilee the majority of the multitudes that followed Him from place to place were religious people!  At that time their movements did not have the same names as we hear today but their religions were many and well mixed with truth and error!  Let us notice these words:  The Pharisees  found fault with the disciples because they ate with unwashen hands. (Mat. 15:1-3)  Jesus said, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by you TRADITION?  In truth only a FEW remained loyal to Jesus until the end who openly confesses to be His disciples!  Many turned and walked with Him no more . . . (John 6:66)  In hearing the message of the "strait way" they said, "This is a hard saying; who can hear it?"  (Ver. 60) They like many today loved darkness rather than light . . . (John 3:19)
    The apostle Paul told the church at Corinth to "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith . . ." (2nd Cor. 13:5)  This same apostle said there is one faith . . . (Eph 4:5)  Just any doctrine, faith, practice or opinion is not good enough!  Just to be honest, sincere and good isn't enough!  One must be right and right scriptually.  It is a sad thing to think that a person can live in some religious system faithfully all the days of their life and then die and go to hell!  It is certainly possible to be lost in the end because you were never right to start with.  We have this in clear words by the Master.   He will say to those who thought they were right, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Mat.  7:23)
     Examine yourselves is the need of this hour!  How do you stand in the light of God's word?  I am not asking how you stand in some Civic Organization, in your church or home?  I ask you in Jesus' Name, How do you stand in the face of eternal truth? It is time to rise up and search the scriptures daily and see what is truth!   Don't spend your money, your life and service for a religious cause that will disappoint in the end.  Seek for the true foundation and build thereupon for all else is sinking sand.  (Mat. 7:24-29; 1 Cor. 3:10-11)
    Jesus Christ said in the long ago, Search the scriptures . . . (John 5:39)  If it was necessary then it is also necessary today!  God warned us to, Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God . . ." (1st John 4:1)  The Bible is the standard; it is truth!  Compare the teachings of all religions in the light of truth.  Examine every Holiness and Pentecostal movement.  Compare their teachings, practices and views in the light of the Bible.  God's word is right and man is wrong when he speaks differently to that which is written.  Let God be true, but every man a liar . . . (Rom. 3:4).  I am sure today that many, many religious practices that are accepted as truth by the multitudes are just as rejected by the God of heaven as the heathen worship in the dark places of the world!  Accept truth but in the same action denounce error and sinful exercises in religion.
     If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.  (Isa. 8:20)  Just because a religious order is large and widely accepted doesn't make their teachings as a whole right!
    As an individual let me ask to examine your religion in the light of the Bible.  Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5) that you might understand.  Seek His face for grace to walk out of any order that isn't in the will of God.  Denounce any message that isn't in the will of God.  Denounce any message that can't be proved in rightly dividing the word of truth.  You will not be alone for there are others that are seeking truth too!  The Bible has the answer and God is looking for those today that will show an honest heart.