Real or Fake

[Chad]

Real or Fake - June 27, 2006

"For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect - if that were possible." Mark 13:22, Matthew 24:24

My sister is quite a yard nut. She loves more than anything to be out in her yard, digging in the dirt, trimming, weeding, planting, and transplanting. Poison ivy gets her if she isn't really careful, but several bouts haven't stopped her from her favorite pastime.

Last week we were visiting Marion and her husband, and she couldn't wait to walk me around outside. She excitedly showed me this, that and the other (names I can never remember). Some flowers caught my eye; I remarked, "Oh! Irises. I love irises. They are just beautiful!" She laughed and said, "Oh, only the top ones are real. I just stuck the other ones in there. They're fake!"

They all looked real to me. So I got a little closer; they still all looked about the same. I went up really close to inspect, and touched the petals. Sure enough, the pinkish ones were artificial; the purple on top, genuine.

Real, fake. Sometimes it is hard to tell which is which. I have been fooled by imitation jewels, like cubic zirconia, which resemble diamonds. The difference is just short of polar, but I couldn't tell.

In the Bible, there's a warning: He (Jesus) replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. (Luke 21:8

Real, fake. How can you tell which is which?. When it comes to spiritual things, we can rely on the Holy Spirit, who witnesses to the Truth, which always lines up with the Word of God.

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." (the words of Jesus, John 16:13)

Real or fake; the Lord can tell us. That is good news.

Contributed by Sally I. Kennedy: boca7565@bellsouth.net Sally is the author of "52 Little Parables from Ireland" Creation House Press.

 

[hadirfuss]

2 Peter 1-2

Hello Chad,

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth." (the words of Jesus, John 16:13) Good News Indeed!This Article is very timely,

FACTS: "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (1:20-21) "The LORD is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (3:9)

Peter shows us in Chapter 1:2-4 how having a true knowledge of God has transforming power. Having this power by faith, the Christian should then demonstrate progressive growth towards true knowledge of Jesus. First faith, then goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. (1:3-11)

Chapter 2 tells us what to expect from false teachers (2:1-22) and what false teachers can expect from God. Peter describes false teachers as lawless men (2:11,8) with sinful corrupt desires (2:2,7,10,13-14, 18-19), greedy (2:14-15), arrogant (2:18), self-willed (2:10), and despisers of authority (2:10-12).




God Bless you
hadirfuss