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Pastor Bob's Two Minute Devotion
June 9, 2008
Counterfeit
In order to have a counterfeit, there must be a "real thing." They keep changing our currency because the counterfeit is closer and closer to the real thing.
I hardly know how to tell if that ten or twenty dollar bill is real anymore. There are several versions of bills in circulation and I haven't taken the time to study them so that I can distinguish a real bill from a counterfeit bill. I need to pay closer attention so that I will know the difference.
The same thing can be said about our Christian faith. There are so many philosophies, viewpoints, opinions, beliefs and religions being talked about and promoted as truth.
Do you know the difference? Do you know what to look for and how to understand the meanings behind the words? Do you know truth when you hear it, or a falsehood when it is told?
A good counterfeit has to be believable. Many people are good at dressing their statements in just the right garments so that they are acceptable to most Christians while they still promote their own philosophy. Many of us are deceived by arguments that sound similar to accepted beliefs.
Jesus warned us that we would see more counterfeits as we get closer to end times. It is so important that we read the Bible and listen to faithful preachers and teachers who live out the Christian faith. We must study to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and to stand firm.
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Matt 24:10-14
The Apostle Paul started his letter in 2 Timothy 3 with these words: 2 Timothy 3:1 "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days." That doesn't sound like a very good way to start a letter, does it? Paul felt that it was necessary for him to give warning to what was coming. He goes on in that chapter to say this.
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:10-17
We need to learn to know the difference between a counterfeit and the real thing so that we will not be deceived. Pray for wisdom and discernment - and the reminder to be alert.
Staying alert,
Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth
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