Bible Pathway - Dec. 22, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Adhere to the teachings of Christ; be diligent; don't be deceived (II John). All Believers in the world are the Family of God as a "Christian community" (III John). Beware of false worship; express mercy to all; rescue others from sin. The Bible is the Truth, the only way of life, The Son — Lord of all (Jude).
The majority of the Books in our New Testament warn us to beware of false teachers who often pose as an angel of light (II Cor. 11:14) — attractive, brilliant, convincing, and proclaiming their teachings on a small fraction of the Scriptures. They appeal to the popular crowd. Even Satan quoted the Bible to accomplish his purposes (Matt 4:5-6). Many deceivers . . . confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist (II John 1:7). Beloved . . . it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3-4; comp. Col. 1:12-20).
Prayerfully question and carefully examine the doctrines of every preacher and teacher, comparing their teaching and conduct with All Scripture (II Tim. 3:16) to determine if they are actually led by the Spirit of God (I John 4:1; Rev. 2:2). We need to know All Scripture to make a reliable assessment. Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (as the virgin-born Son of God) is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God (I John 4:2-3).
There are many religions today that are deceiving multitudes who will be eternally lost. Some of their teachers appear to believe in the Bible, but in works they deny Him (Titus 1:16). They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves (Matt. 7:15), motivated by self-interest and deceiving those who do not know the Scriptures.
While we are to respect our church leaders, even their actions must be compared to the Word of God. For 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 (Matt. 24:24).
Our Creator and Savior (John 1:1-3,14) made the Truth unmistakably clear when He said: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).
Thought for Today:
And ye shall know The Truth, and The Truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
Cross References:
For Jude 1:5: See Num. 14:28-35. Jude 1:7: See Gen. 19:24. Jude 1:11: See Gen. 4:3-8, Num. 16:1-3,31-35; 31:8-16. Jude 1:23: See Zech. 3:2.
Word Studies:
III John 1:10 prating against =falsely accusing; Jude 1:4 turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness =perverting the grace of God to permit immodesty, immorality, lustfulness.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. B. Glick • Staff: Mike Moore • Country: Poland (38.6 million) in eastern Europe • Major language: Polish • Religious freedom • 96% Roman Catholic (including Greek Catholic — .31%); 1.56% Orthodox; .5% Protestant; .01% Muslim; .01% Far Eastern Religions; 1.7% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Cry and pour out your soul in prayer in time of affliction (Is. 26:16).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 28:19
