In the Mouth of Two or Three Witnesses Shall Every Word Be Established - Part 934

In these latter days, we hear a lot about "apostles" and the "new apostolic leaders" and "new apostolic" movement(s) -- particularly among big name self-proclaiming evangelists -- leading people to believe (as a consequence of some of the signs and wonders performed) that these same apostles have an accurate insight into the scriptures. 

The question is this. Can signs and wonders performed be considered a sufficient gauge for measuring the difference between those evangelists and ministers who seek Jesus and His righteousness, and those who do not? What do the scriptures -- (the express Word of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ) -- state, particularly when many today deliver a "different gospel" from the good news message originally preached by Jesus and His apostles?

Remember, the Bible tells us that the spirit of this world also had disciples. So how do we know the difference? How can we be sure that those who we support are preaching Jesus and His kingdom?

First and foremost, to those which believed on Him, Jesus said, "If ye continue in my Word, then are ye My disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-33)

And we can be assured that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Why? So that "the man of God -- [being you and I who believe in Jesus and seek His righteousness[ -- may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 2:16-17)

The Word also counsels believers accurately when it comes to prophecy. The scriptures state: "we have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto we do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts knowing this first -- that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (II Peter 1:19-21)

But the Word does not stop there. It comes with warnings about false prophets and false teachings so that we can both see and understand what is happening within the "religious culture" in these last days.

Paul writing to the Galatians said: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

He did not mince words. If any man, or even an angel from heaven preach any other gospel than the one Jesus and the apostles delivered, the Word declares "let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

This is why we are to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints -- the same doctrines that Jesus gave His life for, so that we might worship the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and ending with all our heart.

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

Indeed, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

Moreover, "beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world ... We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God hears not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." (I John 4:1-6)

"This know also that in the last days perilous times come ... more than lovers of God having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" ... "from such turn away." (II Timothy 2:1-5)

And again: "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you ... which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor who loved the wages of unrighteousness." (II Peter 2:1-22)

Remember, as the scriptures point out, "those that promise liberty [while] they themselves are the servants of corruption - the dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire." (II Peter 2:19;22)

So what are we to do? First, seek our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Be baptized in the precious name of our Lord Jesus the Christ. (Acts 2:38) Read His Word and ask Him for wisdom and knowledge. "Continue steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:38-47)

And most of all, "let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all this worshipped God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told ye these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time."

"For the mystery of iniquity doth already work, only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way, and then shall that Wicked be revealed whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming -- even him, whose coming is after the working of satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie .. that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (II Thessalonians 2:3-12)

Tomorrow, we will discuss "disciples" and "apostles" from a scriptural perspective. In the interim, stand in the offering plate, remembering that the Lord doesn't want your money. He wants your heart!