Category false teachers

Jeroboam REPLACED the worship

The Preacher 1 Comment

“Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” (1Kings 12:28)

Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, initiated a series of significant changes that altered the course of worship for his people. His actions were driven by political motives rather than spiritual fidelity, leading to the establishment of a false system of worship that had long-lasting ramifications.

Replacing the Place, Object, and Priests of Worship

His primary objective was to prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem, in the southern kingdom of Judah, for worship. He feared that such pilgrimages would foster loyalty to the house of David and threaten his own reign. To counter this, Jeroboam replaced the central place of worship and also substituted the object of worship with idols. He also appointed non-Levitical priests to serve, undermining the divinely ordained priesthood.

The Enduring Error of Jeroboam

Jeroboam’s innovations did not end with his reign but extended into the next generations. His establishment of idolatrous practices became a stumbling block for the northern kingdom of Israel. Kings who followed Jeroboam perpetuated these errors, leading the people further away from true worship. The legacy of Jeroboam’s apostasy was so significant that it became a standard by which the sins of Israel’s kings were measured (1Kings 16:26).

The Idolatrous Practices of Ahab and Jezebel

The reign of Ahab and his queen, Jezebel, marked a further decline in the spiritual state of Israel. Jezebel introduced the worship of Baal and Asherah into Israel, practices that were abominable to the Lord. Ahab provoked the Lord more than all the kings of Israel before him (1Kings 16:31-33).

The Lord’s disapproval on Mount Carmel

The prophet Elijah emerged as a powerful voice against the rampant idolatry. In one of the most dramatic confrontations recorded in Scripture, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He called upon the Lord to demonstrate His sovereignty, and God responded with fire from heaven, consuming Elijah’s sacrifice (1Kings 18:36-39). This miraculous event underscored the Lord’s disapproval of Israel’s idolatry and called the people back to genuine worship.

Prophetic Admonishment and Call for Repentance

Despite Elijah’s victory, the prophets continuously admonished Israel to repent. The persistent call for repentance echoed throughout the ministries of subsequent prophets, yet the people remained obstinate. Their refusal to abandon false worship led to their downfall (see Hos 8:4-6; Amos 4:4-5).

The Consequences of Continued Apostasy

Israel’s continued apostasy ultimately resulted in their captivity. In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom, scattering the ten tribes and bringing an end to the Northern Kingdom. The seeds of their destruction were sown by Jeroboam’s initial departure from true worship.

The Persistence of Errors in Judah

In the southern kingdom of Judah, despite periodic reforms, such as those under King Josiah, errors persisted. Josiah’s reforms were extensive, yet they could not completely eradicate the entrenched practices of idolatry.

Nehemiah’s Acknowledgment of Persistent Disobedience

Centuries later, Nehemiah reflected on Israel’s history of disobedience and idolatry. In his prayer, he acknowledged the persistent sinfulness that had plagued the nation, attributing their suffering to their unfaithfulness (Nehemiah 9:26-37). Nehemiah’s reflection underscores the long-lasting impact of Jeroboam’s initial errors, demonstrating that false worship and disobedience to God’s commands lead to severe consequences.

Conclusion

The establishment of false worship by Jeroboam in 1Kings 12:25-33 had long-lasting effects on the northern kingdom of Israel. This sin was perpetuated by subsequent kings and contributed to the spiritual decline of Israel. Prophets repeatedly condemned these practices and called for repentance, but the people’s persistence in idolatry ultimately led to their downfall and exile. The enduring influence of Jeroboam’s sin is a stark reminder of the consequences of deviating from God’s commands.

Agape,
Spencer

“Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7)

What is a DEVO book really?

The Preacher 1 Comment

What’s a DEVO book? DEVO is short for “DEVOTIONAL.”

A devotional book is a text, often religious in nature, designed to inspire and guide individuals in their spiritual practices. These books typically contain daily readings, reflections, prayers, or meditations aimed at fostering a deeper connection with one’s faith or spiritual beliefs. They can cover a wide range of topics, from personal growth and introspection to theological teachings and biblical passages.

While devotional books can be valuable tools for spiritual growth and contemplation, they can also potentially lead individuals into a false sense of godliness or spirituality for several reasons:

One. Verse. Every. Day.

What’s wrong with reading a DEVO?

DEVO’s…

They DON’T TEACH the Whole Bible, and often Don’t teach it accurately. It’s really just a commentary of man on one or a few verses.

Surface-Level Engagement: Some devotional books offer quick, easily digestible readings that may encourage a superficial understanding of faith or spirituality. Readers may mistake this cursory engagement for genuine spiritual depth.

Acts 20:27 KJV. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

They’re usually full of EMOTIONALISM without the whole truth. They often have highly charged stories that can make one believe something that’s not true.

Emotional Appeal: Devotional books often appeal to readers’ emotions, offering comforting words or inspiring stories. While emotional resonance can be a powerful aspect of spiritual experience, it can also lead individuals to prioritize feelings over critical thinking or authentic spiritual growth.

Romans 10:2 KJV. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

They VIOLATE basic Bible authority by not handling the word correctly. They often ignore who’s speaking, who’s being spoken to, and ignore the covenant that is in place.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Lack of Covenant context: Many devotional books are written from a particular Old Covenant, potentially limiting readers’ exposure to the New Testament covenant. This lack of diversity can reinforce existing biases and prevent individuals from engaging with more accurate and applicable viewpoints.

Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

They’re usually OUT OF CONTEXT Joel Osteen style of reading the Bible. Not everything in the Bible is written about you. Everything in the Bible is for us, but not necessarily about us.

For example, do we need to do animal sacrifices? Nope! Look at this verse. Are we to continue to make animal sacrifices now that Christ has sacricfied Himself?

Psalm 66:15 KJV. I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

Hebrews 10:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

There are 31,102 verses in the Bible. At that pace of One. Verse. Every. Day. It would take 85 years to read through the Bible.

I don’t have that kind of time left.

Agape,

Spencer

Here is a link to printable bookmarks to help you read through the bible in an organized fashion.

Test every spirit. 1John 4:1-6

The Preacher 1 Comment

How do we know who is an antichrist?

1Jo 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

The spirit of truth HEARS…

HEAR the sayings of Jesus. Matt 7:24; John 12:48
EXAMPLES that match Christ. 1Cor 11:1; Php 3:17; 2Th 3:9; John 13:15; 1Tim 4:12; 1Pet 2:1-6, 21;
APOSTLES Doctrine. Acts 2:42; 1John 1:5; 2:19; John 17:20; 1Thess 2:13; 1Cor 2:9-13
READING is hearing. John 20:30-31; Eph 3:3-4; 1John 2:12-14.

additional outlines from 1John can be found here.

Take Heed unto the Doctrine

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The denominational world is trying to CHANGE the church, which means they’re trying to CHANGE the doctrine of Christ.

DOCTRINE DEFINED. Doctrine is Teaching.

DOCTRINE DIVINE & DOCTRINE DELIVERED.

DOCTRINE that is DIFINITIVE, and DOCTRINE that is DENIED.

DOCTRINE to be DEFENDED, and a DOCTRINE so DEAR.

Why so urgent about the Doctrine of Christ? Because heaven is at stake. Fellowship with God and His Son Christ Jesus demand it.

Agape,

Spencer

Spencer is an evangelist for the church of Christ at Franklin & Juniper st. in Borger Texas. You’re invited to visit one of our services to learn more about the doctrine of Christ.

1JOhn 2:18-23 Who is the ANTICHRIST?

The Preacher 1 Comment

Who is the ANTICHRIST? 18-23

ALREADY in the world 2:18.
fits with an early dating

NOT CONTINUING in the Apostles Doctrine. 2:19; Act 2:42.
see 3John 9

TRUTH denier (liar). 2:22-23.
Hate Jesus… John 15:23;

Jesus did not come IN THE FLESH. 2:22; 1John 4:1-3;

Here’s a link to all the published studies from 1 John.

The Franklin and Juniper church of Christ begins an overview study of the book of 1John. If you live in the Borger area, We invite you to join us at 9:30am each Sunday Morning.

The Parable of the TARES.

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Kingdom Parables of Jesus in Matthew

The Parable of the TARES.

“24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” (Matt 13:24-30).

Jesus spoke in parables. Some were very plain, some a bit more difficult, and still others He gives the meaning as He does in this parable (36-40).

Let us understand and apply the parable of the TARES.

TARES appear to look like wheat, but are really a kind of undesirable grass, a weed. It is TOXIC to man and to most herbivore animals. “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” In the explanation, Jesus said, “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;” (38). All men look the same on the outside. We will only know them by their fruits. Jesus said in another parable, “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” (Matt 7:15-18).

False teachers are TOXIC to sound doctrine. It is a poison that can destroy the soul of the righteous if we’re not careful. This is the world we live in.

They are sown and intermixed AMONG the wheat. Therefore, they grow up together and their proximity to the wheat makes it very difficult to remove without also harming the good plants. “But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.”

We live in a dangerous world full of false teachers that appear and live among us. Peter wrote, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2Pet 1:1). We need to heed the warning lest we fall. “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”

Our gut reaction is to ROOT them up now and get RID of them so the wheat doesn’t suffer, or get choked out (cf. Matt 13:7). We want them out now! “But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.” Why does the Lord allow this to go on? I don’t know all the reasons of the Lord, but here we’re given a clue. It’s to spare the good plant. The fact that He allows them to remain is evidence that it is wise to do so. Allowing something to exist is not approval.

The Tares are the ENEMIES teachings of the wicked one who is the Devil. This can be compared to the seed, in the parable of the Sower in an earlier parable (vs 13:18), which is the word of God. The seed in that parable produces Saints. It stands to reason that the tares are the teachings of the Devil that produces false teachers. “The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.” (38-39).

Jesus warned of false teachers Matt 7:15-20. Paul warned of false teachers (Rom 16:17-18). Peter warned of false teachers (2Peter 2). John warned of false teachers (2John 9). Jude warns of them also. “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). Perhaps there’s something to this?

The Lord’s response implies that we are to Keep SUPPORTING the good plants. “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

In the harvest, which is the end of the world, God will take care of the GOOD and the BAD. “The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt 13:39-42).

The lesson of the TARES is plain. Beware of the TOXIC Teaching of false teachers. They live AMONG us, and appear to look like us. We will know them by their fruit. REMAIN faithful till the end when the Lord’s REAPERS will take care of the problem once and for all. The ENEMY can’t hurt us while we remain faithful (cf. Jas 4:7-8). Continue to SPEAK the things which are proper for sound doctrine (Titus 2:1).

With the Lord’s help, His word, and our prayers, we can endure this. We’re all in this together. “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (43).

–Agape,

Spencer

At the Franklin & Juniper st church of Christ, we do not claim to be perfect people, but we strive to be a local church of Christ sound in its teaching, sound in its actions, and united in the bond of peace.

Here we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. Thus, we insist upon Bible authority for everything that we teach and practice (Col 3:17).

We teach what people in the first century were taught, believe what they were taught to believe, and do what they were taught to do.  

We want you to feel welcomed. We will not ask you to believe anything unless we can give you Bible authority for it.

“The churches of Christ salute you!”  [Rom 16:16]

There’s Death in the POT

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Today’s reading is so good that I had to share it with you.

Proverbs 19:27 KJV

“Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.”

It reminded me of a story in 2Kings 4:38-41.

“And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot, and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” So one went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered from it a lapful of wild gourds, and came and sliced them into the pot of stew, though they did not know what they were. Then they served it to the men to eat. Now it happened, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it.”

I use this story to make the point about eating a drinking from secular pots in our studies. Far too many times we drink from secular pots and wonder why we have division. Paul warned of this problem of listening to unsound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:3 KJV

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

“Man of God, there is death in the pot!”

I’ve noticed gospel preachers consuming books by well known false teachers. Francis Chan, Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Jakes, and the like.

“Man of God, there is death in the pot!”

Let us return to the old paths. The scriptures shall make us wise unto salvation. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Jesus is the bread of Life. “And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

Man of God, there is LIFE in that pot!

Agape,

Spencer

SERMON: 3 things SIN will always do.

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3 things SIN will always do.

Sin SEPARATES us from God. Is 59:1-2.

Sin Takes us farther than we wanted to go.

JUDAS went from disciple, to thief, to the betrayer.

Jesus knew Judas was a betrayer. John 6:70
Jesus knew Judas was an Underhanded thief. John 12:6
Judas Delivered Jesus to Die. John 18:2-3
Judas betrayed Jesus with A Kiss. Luke 22:47
Judas was already Satan’s minister. John 13:27;

“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” [Jas 1:15].

2Tim 3:13 Wax worse & worse.

It IMPRISONS us. John 8:34

It Keeps us longer than we INTENDED to stay.

JUDAS plotted for 30pcs of silver. Mat 26:14-16; But couldn’t undo what He had done. Matt 27:3-10.

2Pet 2:19. in bondage. Rom 6:16.

Luke 15:11-17. Swine Feeder

we have NOTHING to repay. Rom 6:23

Sin will cost us more than we wanted to pay.

JUDAS Hangs himself. Giving back the money didn’t fix his sin. He sought his own solution, not God’s. Mt 27:5; Ac 1:18.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Matt 16:26.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Luke 7:42, Nothing to repay

This sermon was preached Sunday morning at the Franklin and Juniper st church of Christ on July 16, 2023 by spencer blackwelder

Click here to read an article about why we’re different.

5 ways we try to ALTER God’s Word.

The Preacher 1 Comment

5 ways we try to ALTER the word to validate a false belief.

5/5

1. We ADD to the word.

2. We LESSEN the word of God.

3. We TWIST the scriptures to fit us.

4. We EXPLAIN away clear scripture.

5. We REJECT plain truths.

1. We ADD to the word.

We ADD to the word like Satan did with Eve.

Genesis 3:4 KJV

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall NOT surely die: (emphasis mine seb)

In our times people try to ADD that same not to Mark 16:16, but the ADD it in different places.

faith alone.

He that believeth and is (NOT) baptized shall be saved;

Baby baptism

He that believeth (NOT) and is baptized shall be saved;

Universalists

He that believeth (NOT) and is (NOT) baptized shall be saved;

atheists

He that believeth and is baptized shall (NOT) be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Jesus said,

Mark 16:16 KJV

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

2. We LESSEN the word of God.

Revelation 22:19 KJV

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Some say, “this verse only applies to the book of revelation.”

I say, “so you’re saying God is ok if we take away from other parts of the Bible?”

Look at what Jehoiakim did…

Jeremiah 36:23 KJV

And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth.

Deuteronomy 4:2 KJV

Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

Proverbs 30:5-6 KJV

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. [6] Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

No, we cannot ADD nor LESSEN God’s word. His word…

2 Timothy 3:15-17 KJV

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

3. We TWIST the scriptures to fit us.

2 Peter 3:16 KJV

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable TWIST, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Psalm 56:5

All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise.

Jeremiah 23:36

But refer no more to the burden of the LORD, for each man’s word becomes the burden, so that you pervert the words of the living God, the LORD of Hosts, our God.

For example…

People TWIST what Jesus said about the personal indwelling of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and make it about themselves.

John 16:13 KJV

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

This was spoken to the Apostles and does not apply to us in the same way.

We are guided by the holy Spirit in as much as we study and understand the written word.

Ephesians 3:3-4 KJV

How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

John 20:30-31 KJV

And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: [31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

We need to see what the context is of each passage. Not every passage is about us.

Let’s stop TWISTING the scriptures to fit us.

4. We EXPLAIN away clear scripture.

This one accepts that passages are God’s word, but somehow they don’t mean what they say. It’s a form of denial.

For example, Mark 16:16 KJV

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Folks will use the second half of the verse to EXPLAIN away the first half, or just deny that those verses are even in the Bible.

Some will come up with an unlikely, implausible scenario to EXPLAIN away the command.

For example; “What if you’re on the way to be baptized but die on the way?”

All this shows is a lack of concern for the commandments of the Lord.

Luke 6:46 KJV

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

John 14:15 KJV

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Ps. The pic is just to match the topic and is not a solicitation.

5. We REJECT plain truths.

For example; Naaman was given plain instruction about how to be cured.

2 Kings 5:10-12 KJV

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

[11] But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

[12] Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.

Another example from Jesus:

Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

We do the same thing regarding baptism.

We REJECT it even though it’s clearly taught to be saved by grace through faith.

BAPTISM.

Is a BURIAL Col 2:12.

ADDS us to the church. Acts 2:41,47

PUTS on Christ. Gal 3:27

TAKES away (washes) or sins. Acts 22:16

It is INTO His death. Rom 6:3-4

SAVES us. 1Pet 3:21; Acts 16:31-33

MADE free from sin, and a new creation through Christ. Rom 6:3-4; 2Cor 5:17.