Daily Bread 3-14-18

The Sermon on the mount(cont'd)

Matthew 7:15

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

ref. - Jer 23:16 - Thus saith he Lord of hosts, Hearken no unto the words of the prophets that prophesy you, they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.

Mic 3:5 - Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

2Tim 3:5 - Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Ac 20:29 - For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

This scripture pertains to those who appear as Christians and have information as Christians but only use it to take good, God fearing people off of the pathway to righteousness that is Jesus Christ. There is a reason in this sermon that Christ was warning the people so much. Because he knew what they were going to face and he also knew what we would face today. So many so-called Churches and Ministers out there only in it to have a career or for their own gain. Misleading people away from the ways of God and into their own traditions and ideas. Soothsayers and gainsayers standing behind pulpits and camouflaging their own purpose with a couple of verses while only trying to gain followers of themselves. These are the men and women, wolves if you will, that we are to watch out for. These are men who stand in the Church and cry out support for it, but when they get outside they cause much confusion and try to take the attention off of Christ and onto them. Not forgiven men or called men, but filthy possessed human beings that shine themselves up come Church time but are nothing more than deceiving sons of the devil. So, how do we avoid or how do we identify these ones? First, we must be right with God in Jesus Christ. Next, we must learn and become obedient to what we have been taught through the Holy Bible, divided rightly and in the Holy Ghost. We mustn't follow those outside of the gospel in which we have been called. If it doesn't agree with the teachings and example of Christ, we mustn't take it in. Then we must pray for understanding and that God will put the information needed in our paths. Once we have learned what Christ is really about it will not be hard to identify who is for Christ and who is anti-christ. The simplest way to do this is to look at what fruit they have to offer. Does the true Spirit of God work through them? Do they practice to live what they preach and repent when they have fallen short? Is what they preach according to God's Holy word? Do they preach with rumors and outside information, study from text books or other mens' preachings to get their messages, or does it come through prayer, the Holy Bible, and the Holy Ghost? Do they soften the word for some and harden it for others, or does it come out as it is supposed to for all to hear? And most of all, do they preach in a manner that produces lasting results. Christ warns us to beware just after he tells us that the path is narrow and there be few that find it. He is making that narrow path available to all, but we must heed the call and take the warnings seriously. This word was not written to fill a page, it was written to save our souls. Have a great day!!!!