Hot Topics: Another Jesus

False christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:24 (ESV)

By covetousness, they will exploit you with deceptive words…

2 Peter 2:3 (NKJV)

Most of us (Christians) think we’re far too smart to follow false Christs. We’re way beyond that!

  • But are we floating like smug little ducks, or blindly trotting like unaware sheep, behind a sly, well-dressed, smiling shepherd?

  • And if I pause and think about  Satan, the king of con, the master deciever, I realize I'm not nearly that smart. 

He wormed his way into the early church. The New Testament (as well as the Old) is filled with warnings about false prophets (aka false shepherds and sly pastors).

Consider:

Jesus Himself, Peter, Paul, Jude, and John… counseled caution to new Christ followers, as Satan wormed his way into the church, by playing to our needs, fears, and desires.

Our ancient kin had eye-witness accounts and first-hand evidence of miracles. Even so, their church was infiltrated!

Do we really think we're any smarter? (What a silly and arrogant question.)

One “thing” we DO have is easy access to the Sword of the Spirit: THE BIBLE! Therein, we DO have foolproof protection…

  • If we’re anchored to God's actual Word: reading, meditating, memorizing– tying our heads and hearts straight to Jesus. (Devotions and sermons are NOT enough.)

  • If we know our Teacher intimately, then we’ll be able to spot a false Christ in his smooth-talking tracks of departure, as he “spins” messages to suit himself.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

False prophets (pastors) appear warm-hearted. They lead small and large congregations. They often focus on Bible blessings… OR hellish fears attached to manmade rules.

You MUST KNOW the Word of God well enough to discern when, where, why, and how they’re wrong! (Misrepresenting Jesus is lethal.)

Hot Topics: Another Jesus (Part 3)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban