Could you tell a false teacher from one rightly dividing the Word? Repeatedly Jesus and the New Testament writers warn us not to be deceived by false prophets, teachers, apostles, or even messiahs. Do you remember reading those passages? Jesus said,

“And then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ’; or, ‘Behold, He is there’; do not believe him; for false christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
But as for you, see! I have told you everything in advance.”

Mark 13:22-24 Legacy Standard Bible

In addition to such warnings, Jesus affirmed two great commands: Loving God and Loving our Neighbors. Just like these two support towers on the amazing bridge pictured above, these commands will stabilize our journey to the next world and can help protect us from deception.

Apostle John writes about this extensively in his gospel and letters, and with good reason.

Our security in our relationship with God and our security in our relationships with other believers, will help stabilize us on the journey. We need each other’s encouragement – especially in times of testing. We need the ‘Oil of the Holy Spirit’ to keep the Body of Christ in harmony: encouraging, forgiving the messy, sinful parts and most of all, keeping the focus on building the Kingdom as God directs us through His Word.

Of course, the enemy can test and tempt us along the way – tease us with short-cuts and empty promises, glib sound-bites that could be Scripture to the unpracticed ear, but aren’t. The wolves in sheep’s clothing are many. (Are you surprised?) The end result is the same – killing, stealing and destroying as many as possible – if only it is possible. But Jesus made very clear statements about His followers in John 10:27-28 as He responded to the nay-sayers:

WOW! What a promise to the “sheep” who hear and follow.

What a warning to be sure we hear His Voice and follow Him.

This is why we developed the fifteen (15) part series on Discernment. Basic principles are developed and wonderful discoveries are to be made as you diligently work through Scripture after Scripture. You won’t be disappointed, and your ability to Hear His Voice will become more clear.

Check out the series on its page – Need Discernment?

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And ALL God’s Best to you as you Discover Him!

Jon & Leah