Beware of false Prophets

By Ethan Tidwell

One of the great dangers in the church are false prophets. Jesus calls them “ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing.” (Matt 7:15). There will always be those who try to turn those who believe in the truth away from it (Matt 24:24). One of the biggest affects they can have on someone is their subtlety. 2 Peter 2 talks about their deception vv.1-3.

False teachers will have an influence even on the most faithful Christians. Those who heed the lies and deceit from false teachers will leave the faith, for some hear what they want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Those who have itching ears will inevitably enter false ideologies. Those who are weak are at more risk. Jesus condemns those who cause others to stumble, false teachers can fit into what He said in (Matt. 18: 6-7).

If we are ever doubtful of someone being sound or true to God’s word when they speak, we need to make sure we know the scriptures. We must be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11. Search the scriptures daily like they did. We are to be active in our awareness, making sure if someone is speaking from the word of God. 1 John 4:1 says, “Test the spirits.” Be ready to expose, rebuke those who try to turn those away from the faith and into false doctrines.

This past week I had the privilege of holding a Gospel Meeting in Murfreesboro for the Westvue congregation.

The church there is probably one of the older congregations in Murfreesboro. They are down in number from where they were in years past. They average around 20-25 members now.

The meeting was well attended by their members and Monday night they had several visitors, with more visitors on Tuesday night. Several from the Eastside congregation visited and supported those brethren in their efforts.

The topics I preached on for the week were;

Sunday Am – Answered Prayers

Sunday Pm – Fighting the Giants in Our Lives

Monday – Traveling Through Enemy Territory

Tuesday – God is Love

Wednesday – Fellowship

All of the lessons were well received.

I also want to thank the elders for allowing me the opportunity to share the gospel with other congregation and other areas. I also appreciate the men that stood in for me (teaching class, and preaching) while I was gone.

Let’s not forget that our meeting is October 13-16 with Brother Leland Ping.

Meditate on this:

Proverbs 29:25

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Shooting the Messenger

By David Merideth

Some people are more open to the gospel than others and unfortunately this includes people in and out of the body of Christ. A Christian or Gospel Preacher of the Lord’s church never knows how it is going to be received, so we should just give out the Word of God and invite people to obey Christ in all things. People will react in different ways. The apostle Paul received three reactions to the gospel when he preached it: "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, ‘We will hear you again on this matter…” However, some men joined him and believed" (Acts 17:32, 34).

We find the same reactions to the gospel today. Some will mock. The term "mocked" used in Acts 17 also could be translated "sneered" or "burst out laughing." In other words, “Are you serious? You actually believe that”? To these educated fools, it all seemed silly and unbelievable. But this very mockery was an indication they were going to perish because "the preaching of the gospel is to them that are perishing foolishness" (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Not only will Christians and Preachers of the Lord’s church be “mocked” it can get worse.

Jesus told His disciples: "Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master. “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). He promised that if we follow Him, we will be persecuted. “Declaring the whole counsel of God” is the primary goal of all those who preach, teach, and study the word of God. Whether we are teaching others or engaged in personal Bible study, we must hear God’s whole counsel on any given topic. "I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts.20:20,27).

In John 5:31-47, we are told that Jesus was persecuted because He spoke the truth uncompromisingly, and because His whole life was a testimony to that truth. A barometer of how well our lives reflect His is whether or not we're being persecuted. Also, Revelation 2:10 says, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you; the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give your life as your victor’s crown.”

Some will mock and persecute, while others will delay. We will hear you again on this matter. This is a very common reaction. What it actually means is, "I really don’t want to decide right now." The devil uses this tactic to great effect. Don’t worry about it now. Deal with it later.

But some believed. Some repented and changed their minds, and among them was Dionysius the Areopagite, one of the judges who was an intellectual and ruler of the city.

Conversion is God’s job, not ours. It is the work of the Holy Spirit through the word in the life of an unbeliever and Christian alike. God holds us responsible for proclaiming the truth with love. But the rest is up to Him.

We read in Hebrews 4:12 NKJV, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Meditate on this:

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.