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HELEN SANDERS
8-20-2022
MARKING THEM
The Apostle Paul wrote most of the epistles to set things straight in the local churches that he started and others. Those that were gentile believers had no knowledge of the scriptures, and even the Jewish converts did not have their own copies of scripture. Most of their learning came from rabbis in the synagogues who taught the word.
Paul had been a student of a famous teacher named Gamaliel. In the book of Acts Gamaliel is called “a doctor of the Law. He had an excellent reputation among the people. He warned the religious leaders to be leave those men of “the way” alone. Acts 5:38-39 says, “and now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel (message about Jesus) or this work (spreading the gospel) be of men, it will come to nought. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
This was tremendous wisdom, and Paul had set under this man. Paul had insight into the scriptures, and God used that natural wisdom along with the anointing of God for God’s glory.
In the book of Romans chapter 16 Paul is commending many people including: Phebe, Priscilla, Aquila, Mary, Andronicus, Junia, and many others. Paul spoke of the good works they were doing, and then in verse 17 he changes the subject. He said, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (spirit); and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (The unlearned or ignorant.)
This shows us that there were those that were teaching heretical teachings. Then, in Galatians 1:8 (an epistle Paul wrote) it says, “But thou we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
John confirms what to do in 2 John 10-11, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
This brings me to the warning for each of us. When someone shares a different gospel than the true gospel of Jesus Christ, you are not to invite them into your home.
What is the gospel? First, that Jesus is God in the flesh. Second, that he was crucified. Third, that he died on the cross. Fourth, that he rose from the dead after three days. Fifth is that you must receive him as Lord and Savior, or you are forever damned to hell. Sixth is that He is coming back to set up his earthly kingdom.
This is the basic gospel. You are to witness to those that are not saved, but if one comes to your door preaching something different than this, you are to mark them as it says it Romans 16:17 and have nothing to do with them if they do not repent of their heresy and receive salvation. Be careful who you friend in person or on the internet. Satan is seeking to deceive people more than ever.
It is a serious matter with the Lord that His gospel remains pure. Many teach that The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all the same person, but that is proven error by the scripture. Then there are those that do not believe that Jesus is God incarnate, but that is proven error by scripture.
I truly believe there are so many heretical cults because most people do not even know what their church or “organization” that they attend believes. They are being deceived if they are preaching anything but what the bible says, and we are to “mark them” and avoid them.
How do you know what is truth? You study the word and ask Holy Spirit to guide you. He will lead you to all truth. We are warned to study, so we are without excuse if we do not. Then, if someone brings division by teaching something contrary to scripture, you go to them, tell them they are wrong. If they receive your correction, you win a brother/sister. If they do not, and continue in their heretical walk, you are to mark them – let others know what they are doing – and avoid them.
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