Beware of False Teachings

And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mark 13:5-6 

Not every one that speaks the name of Christ really is a child of God… I was once told that Satan spends his days in the church; not because he wants to be converted but because he wants to pull others from their faith… Those in the world are not of God and therefore Satan doesn’t have to worry about them… Understanding that Satan does attend church keeps me informed that I must be on guard at all times and as Paul tells the church of Ephesus “put on the full amour of God…” This battle we face is indeed NOT in the flesh but in principalities and darkness in high places… These high places can be in the pulpit, and these high places can be positions of leadership; whatever the case may be, I know that I must stay alert and be vigilant at all times… Our focus verses today shine a light on Jesus telling us to take heed… Don’t for a second let your guard down; don’t for the smallest window of time become complacent… The devil only needs a small window of time to tear you down… Look at David when he became King, his small window came in the form of Bathsheba; think about Sampson in all His might and how he let his guard down to Delilah, think about Solomon who was the wisest man to ever live but saw his kingdom divided and torn down before his very eyes, think about Peter who vowed to follow Jesus at all cost, but before the cook crowed he denied knowing the savior and left the courtyard weeping… 

This list can go on and on and we need to take note today that we must open our eyes to the will of God and not lean to our own understanding and comfort… Today’s message reminds us of two very important things; one, we must be careful with whom we associate and second, we must study the word of God for ourselves and apply it to our everyday life… Mark informs us today that many people will come into our lives claiming to be of God, but the fruit that they bare is totally different… Jesus says to take heed, and be slow to accept people into your inner circle (Jesus had 3 disciples that He was close to), but more importantly, pray about every situation that you encounter! The Bible records that the devil is a wolf in sheep’s clothing; he has the appearance of a loving character but is scheming like a wolf trying to destroy any and everything around him… We must be careful that we are not destroyed. We must stay vigilant and alert at all times. The devil will show up and various forms, sometimes even in the church, and will lead many astray. This is why we must know the Lord for ourselves, this is why we must study His word for ourselves. We can't take someone else's word for it, or we are running the risk of being led down the wrong path that will produce an undesired outcome.

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!