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TRUTH PROTECTS
The Bible warns us to "Beware lest ye...fall from your own stedfastness."
In numerous places, the Word tells us that un-Scriptural notions and teachings will lead us "away" from "stedfastness" in the LORD:
"Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness." 2 Peter 3:17
The only way we can know the false is to intimately and personally know the true - God's Word. God's constitution is on record for us in tangible form. While on earth, Jesus defined what "truth" is when He prayed for us to His Father:
God's Word saves then sets us apart (James 1:18, 21; 1 Peter 1:23, 2:2). Personally learning and knowing God's Word is the only protection we have against falsehoods. After using all of his might and power to teach the FULL-counsel of the LORD, the apostle Paul solemnly warned the Ephesian believers of those who would come behind him seeking to deceive the disciples at Ephesus. Here is what Paul warned them and us of:
"For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." Acts 20:29-30
Deceivers are those who are in leadership positions and through disobedient lives, have be sent a "strong delusion." (2 Thess. 2:11) Many of our leaders are under the influence of Satan - no matter how "nice" and "cordial" they may appear. Beware. Rat poisoning is 95% good corn meal.
False teachers and prophets are an absolute REALITY throughout the NT era. Notice the definitive wording of the Holy Ghost here, like this phrase: "I KNOW THIS, that after my departing SHALL grievous wolves enter in among you." (Acts 20:29)
In conclusion, the LORD tells them how He desires to protect them and keep them safe from deception. Remember that God could have spoken many things here through Paul to reveal to His people how they are to remain protected in Him, and here is what He stated:
"And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace (this is the way to remain protected in the LORD), which is able to build you up (spiritual strength), and to give you an inheritance (eternal life) among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32
Many so-called "Christian" leaders today condone and send folks to books (resources) and men who espouse and teach psychology, problem-centered counseling (instead of Christ-centered counseling), philosophies, traditions, and outright heresies, etc., instead sending them to God's holy Word which is the only protection from spiritual infection. Leading someone to follow anything except the very Word of God is antichrist and contrary to the LORD's warning to us in Colossians 2:8, which states:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him..." Colossians 2:8-10
Fellow disciple, we "are complete in him", our Savior Jesus Christ, who is the grand and central Subject and focus of all of holy Scripture.
PRAYER: LORD, make me intense about knowing You through Your Holy Spirit and Scriptures. Teach me to discern using Your holy Word and Holy Spirit. I love You my LORD Jesus. I beg You to cause my heart to ever love You more and devour Your wonderful words.
Jesus Is Coming,
todd
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