Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 279

October 6;    2 Peter 2:3;      229/260(IV);      ‘Exploitation’

2 Peter 2:3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

As end times approach, one of the characteristics will be the rise of false prophets and false teachers (verses 1-3).  These greedy, false ministers will teach heresies to gain a following.  Though there have always been false prophets and teachers, they will be more prevalent as the return of Jesus Christ nears.  These truths make it vitally imperative for Christians to know the Word of God and to be part of a church that teaches the Word.  The devil and these spiritual imposters cannot deceive those who know the Word and are continually taught the truth in church.  There are many believers who, usually because of pride, feel they do not need to be part of a local church.  Often they begin to fellowship with these false prophets and false teachers who look for these circumstances so that they can take advantage of those who choose to do their own thing. Those who refuse to attend a local church and these false ministers endeavor to draw away other believers who feel the same way about a local church.  Their rebellion opens the door for the devil to deceive them with ‘tantalizing’ lies that make these believers feel they know more than legitimate five fold ministers.  There are churches that have hurt Christians, but there are a multitude of good, Jesus loving, believer serving churches that the Lord raised up to protect and mature the body of Christ.  Over the years we have seen a few of these false teachers, but knowing the Word and the warning of the Holy Spirit, has protected this church and our congregation.