Jesus Himself warned us of false prophets, those in the midst who would teach contrary to the Word. Indeed, Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:15) And that many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (Matthew 24:11) For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. (Mark 13:22) Moreover, Jesus said, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you for so did their fathers to the false prophets." (Luke 6:26)
Please allow me to digress for a moment. If we understand God's perfect righteousness and how He willingly prepared for Himself a body so that He could become our Saviour and Redeemer on that cross, we must also know in our hearts, that we, being each and every one of us, have fallen short of the glory of God. In that state, we were condemned for eternity. No good work could be sufficient because there had to be a purchase made for our transgressions, a purchase paid through the shedding of blood.
It is here that the greatest love story ever told to mankind begins to unfold, when He who made the world and all things therein, made His appearance in the world so that we could behold His glory. The Word made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-8) After His kindness and love toward men, God was manifest in the flesh so that you and I could obtain an assurance of our salvation -- because of His holy precious blood willingly shed on the cross. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 9:8, 15-18)
Therefore, His abundance of love and kindness for His beloved creation won the day, which He determined from the very beginning of the world when He said He would do a new thing -- in this current dispensation of grace. The mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning of the world is now revealed for one and all to see. His glory, His love, His mercy that led to God being robed in human flesh so that He Himself could become the perfect sacrifice on a cross, in order that we might have salvation. He paid the ultimate price. The Great Shepherd laid down His life (His humanity) for His sheep and did so, even when we were still His enemies.
"He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
But there are those who don't want you and I to know the truth of the good news gospel, or how much the same God who made the world in the beginning loved us so much to become our Saviour. His love forever -- "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)
It is for this reason that we should not be carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. Why? Because we have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle, for the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. Wherefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate. Therefore, let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
What does this mean? "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name. And to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased ... Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:8-25)
What does this mean? "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name. And to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased ... Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:8-25)
But as the scripture declared, there shall come a time wherein "there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:24) And this is my concern, for those hearts who willingly seek the truth, but get lost by the fine sounding words and traditions of men, rather than the Word of God.
Jesus told us, "Thy Word is Truth!" (John 17:17) Jesus also told us, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" (John 14:6)
In this day and age, the new testament is readily available to most, and it is for this reason, that there is no excuse for not seeking the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In fact, we are instructed to study the Word, as doth a workman approved unto God, so that we can rightly divide the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
As for those who preach contrary to the Word, the scripture is clear. "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, "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)
But to those who have been called, and have been water baptized in His precious holy Name, the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever." (Hebrews 13:20-25)
Grace be with you all! Stand in the offering plate.
Grace be with you all! Stand in the offering plate.
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