" WORD of TRUTH Lighthouse ": October 2024

Friday, October 25, 2024

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Satisfaction"

1st.Timothy 6:1-8 "Let as many as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of GOD and HIS doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the WORD's of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strife's of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising's, perverse disputing's of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain."

Many today fall short of the LORD's will concerning the area of contentment. They find themselves in company with those described in verse five -- "supposing that gain is godliness" rather than joining the faithful few who recognize the truth of verse six: "But godliness with contentment is great gain." This "great gain" is a value that GOD, not man, places upon SPIRIT-wrought godliness. The false charismatic teaching that health, wealth, and prosperity are always GOD's will for the believer has crept into even some fundamental churches. They fail to realize that the earthly, temporal blessings promised to Israel, under the Law, must be distinguished from the spiritual blessings GOD promises to all who are in CHRIST in the present dispensation.

No person without CHRIST can ever find true satisfaction, and no Christian who is more interested in his own comfort than in perfect submission to the will of GOD can experience the genuine contentment the LORD provides for all who walk by faith, not by sight. Believers must realize that favorable circumstances alone do not yield peace of mind and that every child of GOD can experience perfect serenity even in the most difficult circumstances and in the deepest trials. Why ? It is because our contentedness depends upon simple faith in the many great and precious promises of GOD. Authentic satisfaction hinges upon our complete confidence in the truth of Romans 8:28 (pictured above) -- that GOD will work out HIS purpose in us. It is a mistake to follow the ways of the world, which seeks gratification in all the wrong places. Let us remember that contentment is guaranteed to the believer who yields to the HOLY SPIRIT rather than to the flesh. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Separation"

2nd.Corinthians 6:14-18 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? and what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath CHRIST with Belial ? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement hath the temple of GOD with idols ? for ye are the temple of the living GOD; as GOD hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a FATHER unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the LORD ALMIGHTY."

The Bible teaches that every believer is to separate from false teachers (v.17; Ephesians 5:6-7 pictured above), from disobedient brethren (2nd.Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15 pictured below), and from the world (1st.John 2:15-17 pictured below). These are specific, simple, plainly-stated commands given by GOD for the spiritual welfare of HIS children (v.18). Sadly, it would be difficult to find another doctrine of Scripture that is more universally detested and disobeyed by the majority of professing Christians today. Failure to practice biblical separation has opened up the floodgates of compromise and apostasy to an unprecedented degree.

Many in the church today offer excuses as to why they refuse to obey GOD in this important matter. Some say, "Well, the fundamentalists tried separation, but it didn't work. Now, we realize they were mistaken. They should have emphasized unity rather than separation." The result is that many disobedient believers are now practicing unscriptural unity rather than biblical separation but guess what -- it "works" from a human, pragmatic standpoint ! Of course, we know that disobedience to GOD's WORD always brings ultimate disaster; however, the concept of unity -- any kind of unity -- is quite popular today, so those who still teach biblical separation are in great reproach.

Some excuse their disobedience to GOD's command to separate by claiming that they do not know how far to separate. However, the Bible says, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11). The LORD always knows what is best for HIS OWN. The doctrine of separation is often not easy to obey, yet it is clearly stated in Scripture. What GOD says, we must simply do. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Service"

Colossians 3:16-24 "Let the WORD of CHRIST dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the LORD. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the LORD. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as manpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing GOD:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD CHRIST. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

Our text sets forth a very simple yet extremely important principle that every believer should remember every moment of every day: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD JESUS, giving thanks to GOD and the FATHER by HIM . . . And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men; knowing that of the LORD ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the LORD CHRIST" (vv.17 pictured above and 23-24). Not every child of GOD can or is expected to perform the same amount or types of service, but all who faithfully serve the LORD, even in the simplest, most menial and least-noticed tasks, have the assurance of a full reward if their motives and actions are scripturally correct.

Today, the simplicity and humility in service that GOD desires are too often subverted by jealousy in the local church with regard to preaching, teaching, music, leadership, etc. This is a sad state of affairs in CHRIST's body, and we must take care that we are not coveting someone else's position, prominence, or praise. Such envy not only causes trouble in the church but also prevents the jealous Christian from receiving a full reward.

In recent years, the teaching that every Christian has been given at least one gift and should focus on discovering what that gift is has gained wide acceptance. Yes, an element of truth is in this teaching; however, those who become obsessed with trying to determine "their gift" dangerously subject themselves to flawed human judgment and open themselves up to a spirit of pride in the use of their gift. GOD will bless our simplicity and our passion in service when whatever we do is for HIS glory alone. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Thursday, October 24, 2024

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in Sanctification"

1st.Thessalonians 4:1-7 "Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the LORD JESUS, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please GOD, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the LORD JESUS. For this is the will of GOD, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel (body) in sanctification and honor; not in the lust of concupiscence (strong sexual desire), even as the Gentiles which know not GOD: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the LORD is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For GOD hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness."

Like salvation, sanctification is an important doctrine to understand and believe; it is another subject that men have corrupted from its biblical simplicity, resulting in much confusion and frustration. The believer's positional sanctification (his eternal salvation) is assured, not by means of his own works but by "the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST" on the cross "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10). While "positional sanctification" refers to one's permanent standing in CHRIST, "practical sanctification" conveys the important truth of being set apart unto holiness through the work of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT -- a work that the Bible promises will continue "until the day of JESUS CHRIST" (Philippians 1:6) when we are finally glorified. The LORD desires for HIS children to be holy just as HE is holy (1st.Peter 1:13-16 pictured above). Put simply, daily sanctification entails choosing to obey GOD rather than the world or the flesh every time the decision arises (James 4:4), and this is only possible when we "walk in the SPIRIT" (Galatians 5:16-25) in continual, unbroken fellowship with our LORD (John 15:4-5).

Failing to compare Scripture with Scripture, some erroneously teach that once saved, the believer must work to keep that salvation, expecting "sinless perfection" as a result of those efforts. Galatians 3:3, pictured above, refutes such erroneous thinking: " Are ye so foolish ? having begun in the SPIRIT, are ye now made perfect by the flesh ?" This truth, however, does not give license for believers to live carelessly and walk disobediently. Our text makes this abundantly clear (vv.3-4). Denying the world and the flesh is not legalism, as some falsely claim; rather; this is the will of GOD for every believer. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity Concerning Salvation"

1st.John 5:9-13 "If we receive the witness of men, the witness of GOD is greater: for this is the witness of GOD which HE hath testified of HIS SON He that believeth on the SON of GOD hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not GOD hath made HIM a liar; because he believeth not the record that GOD gave of HIS SON. And this is the record, that GOD hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS SON. He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the SON of GOD; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the SON of GOD."

Men often seek to render salvation as a very complicated thing, but the LORD has made it so simple that even a little child can understand. Men make salvation to be provisional through their various theological systems, but GOD has offered an eternal salvation of which one can be firmly sure right now. Many people "hope" they have salvation; many are "trying" to be saved; others say we cannot be certain whether or not we are saved until we die -- but the LORD says we can "know" (v.13 pictured at top of post).

Today's text and, of course, many other Scriptures clearly set forth the simplicity concerning salvation. In verse eleven GOD says that salvation ("eternal life") is a gift and that "this life is in HIS SON." Verse twelve makes it evident that only two groups of people are in the world today -- those who have the SON (JESUS CHRIST) and those who do not: "He that hath the SON hath life; and he that hath not the SON of GOD hath not life." That is certainly simple and definite ! But what does it mean to have the SON ? Verse ten explains that this entails believing "the record that GOD gave of HIS SON" (the Gospel message of the substitutionary death of JESUS as the payment for man's sin and HIS glorious physical resurrection from the dead). By trusting in the divine person and saving work of JESUS CHRIST, the believer can know that he has eternal life (v.13 pictured at top of post). Many other texts likewise set forth GOD's simple plan of salvation. Read John 3:16-18 & 36 which are pictured above, also 5:24; Romans 3:20-29; 1st.Corinthians 15:1-4 pictured below; and Ephesians 2:1-9. Do not complicate that which the Bible makes so simple ! Are you sure that you possess eternal life in CHRIST ? You can be, and GOD clearly wants you to be certain today. MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"Simplicity Series: Simplicity in CHRIST"

2nd.Corinthians 11:1-3 "Would to GOD ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to CHRIST. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST."

We live in as day of great confusion. "Scholars" disdain the simple truths of the Bible and speculate about what GOD intended to say when they should be seeking to understand what HE did say. The world and even compromising fellow believers who think they have discovered the "deeper things of GOD" belittle those who are faithful, Bible-believing Christians. But if we are to walk in purity before CHRIST (v.2), then we must reject whatever new teaching, whatever "another. . ." (v.4 pictured above) comes along. The charismatics, liberals, cults, and even new evangelicals on every hand speak of JESUS, but what they proclaim does not agree with the teaching of Scripture.

Verse three of our text provides a very important corrective. The concern of the Apostle Paul and his admonition to the Corinthian believers, given by inspiration of the HOLY SPIRIT, was to warn of the subtle way in which Satan seeks to "[corrupt]" our minds "from the simplicity that is in CHRIST." Paul feared that some of the Corinthian believers might be carried away with -- or would "bear with" -- the error of the false religionist (v.4 pictured above). And, if the first century believers needed that warning, surely it is doubly important in our day ! The humble, faithful believer often feels that he cannot challenge modern scholarship because he does not possess the academic credentials that are supposedly necessary to successfully refute the unbiblical "findings" of the scholars. But true believers must not be intimidated by modern academia that seeks to beguile and corrupt the child of GOD's mind away "from the simplicity that is in CHRIST" (v.3). "Through [GOD's] precepts [we] get understanding" (Psalm 119:104 pictured above). MHR

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Friday, October 18, 2024

"Where is YOUR Destination ?"

Where did you leave from on your last trip ? Where are you going now ? Where will you be going on your next trip ? When you travel, your goal is to arrive safely at your destination. There is no certainty that you will arrive safely, but you will use all of your skills as a driver to attain your goal.

However, there is a final destination that you have total control over. At the end of your life, you will go either to Heaven or a Devil's Hell. It is your choice to make. Your friends and family will have no say-so on this trip, because you are your own trip planner, and you have the opportunity to choose your own destination.

You could choose to spend eternity in a Devil's Hell, where you would suffer pain, agony, and anguish forever, alone. Wouldn't you rather live in a place of no pain, sorrow, worries, trials, temptations, and failures ? None of these exist in Heaven; instead, Heaven is a place of peace and happiness forever. The Bible says that Heaven has twelve foundations made of precious stones, streets of gold, walls of jasper, gates of pearl, and a refreshing river of life flowing through it. Wouldn't you regret missing a place like this for your final destination ? Sure, you would ! JESUS, GOD's SON, does not want you to miss Heaven either. When HE spoke to HIS disciples, HE told them, "In MY FATHER's house are many mansions . . . I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2). JESUS will prepare a place for you as well, if you will simply accept the payment HE has already made for your sin. HE shed HIS blood and willingly gave HIS life for you, so your eternal destination can be in Heaven with HIM.

As a traveler, you follow a road map or GPS to arrive at your destination. The Bible also gives us a map which you must follow in order to become a Christian and live for all eternity in Heaven.

ROMANS' MAP TO HEAVEN

The first stop is that you must realize you are a sinner. The Bible states, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Romans 3:10). "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD;" (Romans 3:23).

The second stop on the Romans' map is that you must realize that your sin has an eternal cost. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death . . ." This death is eternal separation from GOD in a Devil's Hell.

The third stop is that you must know that you cannot save yourself or pay the cost of your sin. The Bible says, "Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in HIS sight. . ." (Romans 3:20).

Next, you must realize that GOD has provided the way for you to be saved. "But GOD commendeth HIS love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8).

Your fifth stop on the Romans' Map is that you must place your complete faith in JESUS CHRIST. The Bible states, "Even the righteousness of GOD which is by faith of JESUS CHRIST unto all and upon all them that believe . . ." (Romans 3:22). "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9).

Do you believe that JESUS CHRIST alone can save you ? HE will, if you will simply ask HIM. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). If you will accept JESUS CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, please pray this simple prayer or one similar to it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me. Come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth MY WORD, and believeth on HIM that sent ME, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24) Only you can make sure that your eternal destination is a mansion in Heaven. Do it today, tomorrow may be too late.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

"Living in the Millennium"

Revelation 20:1-7 "And I (John) saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

And I say thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of JESUS and for the WORD of GOD, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with CHRIST a thousand years.

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of GOD and of CHRIST, and shall reign with HIM a thousand years. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,"

What will it be like to live in what has been called by many "GOD's Golden Age" -- the Millennium ? The Bible speaks to us of a 1,000-year reign of CHRIST upon the Earth in the future. All things, both spiritual and material, will be under CHRIST and HIS rule. Let us examine four matters of instruction concerning this wonderful time:

1.) The first item in GOD's program will be the restraining of Satan who will be locked up in "the bottomless pit" for the whole period of 1,000 years. A single angel acts as policeman, putting Satan under arrest and shutting him up in prison. No trial is necessary, for long ago "the prince of this world" was judged (John 16:7-11) -- the sentence has already been pronounced, though its execution has been long delayed.

2.) In that day, JESUS CHRIST will reign as universal KING. That is implied in today's text and taught elsewhere in Scripture with great clarity (Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Luke 1:31-33). This will be the final answer to the petition contained in the Disciples' Prayer: "THY kingdom come, THY will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven" (Matthew 6:10). JESUS will rule with "a sceptre of righteousness" (Hebrews 1:8).

3.) In the Golden Age of the Millennium, the land of Israel will be the center of the whole Earth. GOD loves that land which HE has given to Israel. In that day, the curse upon creation will be removed, and the wilderness will "blossom as the rose" (Isaiah 35:1).

4.) In the 1,000-year reign of CHRIST, Jerusalem will be the universal capital of the whole world, this restored earthly city, described in the final chapters of Ezekiel, will be a marvelous masterpiece of GOD's grace. JESUS CHRIST will rule and reign over all the Earth. Oh, hasten that day, LORD ! MARANATHA ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

"The Deceitfulness of Sin"

Hebrews 3:12-13 "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living GOD. But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

I am told, and it sounds reasonable, that if you were to puncture an insect with a fine pointed needle, the effect could not be clearly seen with the naked eye. However, if you were to examine the creature under a powerful microscope, then you would discover a large gash and blood flowing copiously from the wound. Sin seems to be a trifling thing until it is viewed through GOD's divine microscope -- the WORD of GOD -- wherein it is addressed, magnified, and clearly seen to be destructive.

The writer of Hebrews gives this warning: "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief . . . But exhort one another daily . . . lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (vv.12-13). Albert Barnes has some pertinent thoughts on "the deceitfulness of sin": "Sin is always deceitful. It promises more than it performs. It assures us of pleasure which it never imparts. It leads us beyond what was supposed when we began to indulge in it. The one who commits sin is always under a delusion; and sin, if he indulges it, will lead him on from one step to another, until the heart becomes entirely hardened. Sin puts on plausible appearances and pretenses . . . If sin was always seen in its true aspect when man is tempted to commit it, it would be so hateful that he would flee from it with the utmost abhorrence . . . Sin deceives, deludes, blinds. Men do not, or will not, see the fearful results of indulgence. They are deluded by the hope of happiness or of gain . . . drawn along by the fascinations and allurements of the pleasure, until the heart becomes hard, and the conscience seared." Yes, sin is a pernicious enemy that we must view through the lens of GOD's WORD. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

" Lights and Ambassadors "

2nd.Corinthians 5:14-20 "For the love of CHRIST constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then we're all dead: and that HE died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto HIM which died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known CHRIST after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we HIM no more.

Therefore if any man be in CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of GOD, WHO hath reconciled us to HIMSELF by JESUS CHRIST, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the WORD of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST's stead, be ye reconciled to GOD."

As believers in JESUS CHRIST and as part of HIS body, the church, we are "new creatures" in CHRIST (v.17) who have a new calling: to live for the LORD rather than for ourselves (v.15). Today's text reveals that part of this new responsibility entails serving as "ambassadors" of CHRIST in this evil world in which we live (v.20). Earlier in the New Testament, JESUS exhorted HIS disciples to be "lights" in the world (Matthew 5:14-16 pictured above). Therefore, should someone ask us, "Who are you to judge ?" we can unequivocally proclaim that we are called by GOD to be a light to this world and an ambassador of JESUS in this world. In other words, we are to declare right from wrong and truth from error because these demarcations truly matter to GOD, and we represent SOMEONE infinitely wise WHO obviously knows what is best for HIS creation.

Our role as ambassadors of JESUS CHRIST is to represent HIM before others. We noticed in yesterday's text (1st.Thessalonians 5:20-22) that we do this by "proving all things" and then embracing what is right and rejecting what is wrong. As lights, we are to shine forth in this dark world. Consider the effects of light: It dispels darkness; it exposes and illuminates; it provides clarity. It is impossible for us to be lights in this world without judging truth from error (Romans 13:12 pictured above). Please read Proverbs 4:14-18; here, Solomon exhorts his son: "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men . . . But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Unhypocritical judgment and spiritual discernment are to be a vital part of our Christian life if we are to serve as lights and ambassadors of JESUS CHRIST. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation

Friday, October 11, 2024

" Judge the Fruit, Not the Motive "

Matthew 7:15-20 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

When confronted with the "Who are you to judge?" question or accusation, a response we can give is: "I do not know your heart or motives, but I can recognize behavior and beliefs." In other words, "I cannot -- and must not --judge your intent, but I can discern your doctrine and deeds." We notice from today's text that it is possible to observe the "fruit" of those who claim righteousness yet teach error. "Fruit" does not simply entail outward actions; more specifically, it comprises the words and beliefs that come from within. In the Old Testament, false prophets were proclaiming peace to GOD's people while inwardly they were far from HIM (Jeremiah 23:9-40). JESUS condemned the religious leaders of HIS day who performed "good deeds" but who taught error and rejected HIM as MESSIAH (Matthew 6:1-18). Thus, "fruit" is more than just works -- it is creeds and teachings. Many people do "good" things outwardly, but their doctrine is contrary to Scripture. Thus, these "false prophets" are "wolves in sheep's clothing," and JESUS tells believers to judge and beware !

Also consider 1st.John 4:1-6, which exhorts us to exercise judgment and discernment with regard to our spiritual fellowships. The basis for association or separation lies in the "fruit" of the other person, that is, his or her beliefs or doctrines. Those from whom we must separate may be very pleasant people with many admirable credentials, but they are dangerous to our spiritual well-being if they believe and teach that which is contrary to GOD's WORD (see Jude 1:16-19 pictured above). While we must not judge people's motives, we are to exercise judgment and discernment regarding their beliefs and behavior. MDC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Used with permission. www.featoday.org

https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation