From the Pastor’s Heart…

 (February 20, 2011)

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” 

-          Matthew 7:15-20NKJV

There would have been no reason for Jesus, Paul, Peter, John or Jude to warn us of false prophets if it weren’t possible to be deceived by them. Such people are cunning, and could very well put you on a path that leads to a destructive end. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV). Your only safeguard is Christ and His Word. Always look to Him.

The Bible warns us: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20 NKJV). I believe this wholeheartedly. No doubt, they speak things that are contrary to the truth, but much of what they say actually agrees with the truth. It’s just the right mixture of truth and error to lure unsuspecting minds into a web of deceit.

So what are we to do then? How can we know they are false if they speak words that are truthful?

Please don’t hesitate to take advantage of the Sermon CD  order slips that are at the welcome center at the rear of the sanctuary. The messages last Sunday and this morning will answer that question clearly.

As  your Pastor, my warning is: Beware of such people; for they are evil. While they may say many things to sway the senses and the emotions, they do not know the Father.

But if you know Jesus, you will know them by their fruits.

It is a joy to be your pastor.