Bible Study: Beware of Impostors

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Today is Saturday November 13, 2010 and we are continuing our reading through the Bible. Today's message comes from the Book of Acts, chapters 11-13. In these chapters we will read about, Peter speaking to the church at Jerusalem and confirming that salvation is for both Jew and Gentile, the first Christians, Herod having James killed then putting Peter in prison, angles freeing Peter, Herod getting killed, a history lesson given to the Jews, a light to the Gentiles, and God's Word being published for all. If you would like to read today's chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: imfollowingjesus.com/bible-november-13 All Scripture quoted comes from the King James Version.

Today's Message: Beware of Impostors
You know, if you stop to think about all the people in the world who God has saved and uses to be a testimony you would be pretty shocked. Now, there is a difference between someone who has lived the worldly life and has turned to Christ and someone who remains in the world and just uses His name to become rich. It is sad when you hear of men of God getting arrested and corrupting Christianity, it makes God and all the rest of us look like we are the enemy. The truth is, they are not men of God, they are impostors. Jesus warned us not to believe everyone that speaks in His name, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” - Matthew 24:24.

When the Jews heard that the Gospel was being preached to the Gentiles or common people they were upset and confronted Peter as to why he was even talking to them. “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them....Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.” - Acts 11:1-3,16-18.

God never or has ever rejected a person because of their ethnicity, even though He chose the Jews to be His people first, He allowed anyone who believed in Him to be one of His people. “And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” - Leviticus 19:33,34. God is the Lord your God, once you were a stranger, but you have trusted in and accepted His Son and now you are one of His people, a child of God.

When Herod, the king, heard what was going on he was determined to get rid of the apostles, he first killed James, then he had Peter arrested. “And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.” - Acts 12:4-8.

Herod's main motivation for killing the apostles was just political, many of the Jews were angry that Gentiles were being saved and when they cheered over his having James killed he sought to get the rest because he wanted the glory. Herod's tactics did not work, Peter was freed, and he was later killed himself. Herod is proof that God will not let anyone who harms one of His people go unpunished. “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;” - II Peter 2:12.

After Herod was killed the word of God grew and multiplied throughout the nation, both Jew and Gentile believed and were saved. Yes, there were Jews that caused trouble because they still thought that salvation was only meant for the Jews, but many were converted when Paul and Barnabas preached the truth. “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” - Acts 13:46-49.

God published His Word for all to know His truths, we need to beware of the impostors, including books that were written by men or women claiming to explain the Word of God. These people are full of corruption and are deceiving many, who have even been saved. As long as Satan is here on earth no one is exempt from his deception, while he can not take away our salvation he can deceive even us into thinking that a person is a true man or woman representing God. “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” - II John 1:7.

While I do everything I can to teach the truth, I carry around this flesh too and it can be deceived or misinterpret things as well, I have read and heard some things from others that I thought were truths, quoted them, and found them to be lies. That is why I now, back up everything I say and quote with Scripture. It is important to stay in the Bible, it is our only defense and witness to the truth. You can get some truth out of me, but it does not compare to what God has to say to you personally. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand...Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” -Ephesians 6:13,16,17.

Be blessed, enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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