What protects me from being susceptible to deception? I do want to be receptive to new ideas: I am glad to show the strength of my faith by listening with an open heart and mind to what others have to say and asking questions to ensure I fully understand their point, even if it disagrees with what I believe. I do not want to be a mocker (Jude 1:17-21).
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I am going to suggest that the heart of a good teacher is pure and righteous, seeking after God and desiring God's best for all. This person would be a believer who knows the Bible and believes it is the Word of God. They are also led by the Spirit so they get revelation insight, just as the disciples did on the Emmaus Road.
Let’s examine false teachers who cause divisions in an unacceptable manner. Perhaps it begins as a heart issue, which is then manifested by what they say. According to these verses, it appears the main characteristic of a false teacher is an evil heart.
How much emphasis does the Bible put on the antichrist? I have read 200-page books about him. Well, here is an interesting observation.
I was shocked to find the word "heretic" occurs only one time in the King James Version of the Bible (Tit. 3:10)! It is the Strong's Greek word G141 and means “factious, schismatic, causing division.” The Young's Literal Translation translates this word sectarian and the NASB translates it factious, which means the word "heretic" is NEVER found in either the NASB or the YLT!
This is true for almost all of my Journaling Prayer but especially for this one… Jesus is not just speaking to me. He is speaking to all who will hear Him. So, every time you see my name, insert yours and let the Lord bless you as only He can.
A time for war and a time for peace. (Eccl. 3:8)
Jesus said things that would be considered heresy if someone today said them. "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life" (Jn. 6:54). This statement prompted me to do a deep dive into "heretics" and "heresy" in the New Testament.
In my vision, my flashlight beam is weak and not fully lighting my way. As I journal, I hear the Lord say…
