Beware of Deception: Unmasking False Teachers

False teachers are clever in their craft, packaging lies in robes of truth to deceive even the elect. They twist Scripture and present doctrines that seem convincing but stray dangerously from the essence of true Christianity. Here’s a look at some of their most common deceptions:

1. The Prosperity Gospel:

This doctrine proclaims that with enough faith, positive speech, and financial offerings, you’re promised wealth and perfect health. It conveniently ignores the reality of suffering and the biblical call to self-denial.

3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

Misuse: False teachers cherry-pick the words “prosper and be in health” to guarantee riches and physical well-being, missing the true spiritual emphasis of the verse. Remember, we are called to a path marked by suffering, a refining process that deepens our understanding of Christ’s sacrifice.

Philippians 4:19 states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Misuse: Twisted into a promise of wealth rather than a reassurance of God providing what we truly need. It is all about a greedy lust, “give me more”.

2. Works-Based Salvation:

This lie suggests that heaven can be earned by good deeds or rituals, nullifying the truth that salvation is a gift of grace alone.

3. Universalism:

The claim that all paths lead to salvation, regardless of faith in Jesus, is a denial of the need for repentance and belief in Christ alone. Often linked to worship of the creature rather than the Creator, it manifests in phrases like “ask the universe” or “the universe gave it to me”. This is idolatry in disguise.

4. Denying Christ’s Divinity or Humanity:

Some dare to teach that Jesus was not fully God or not fully man—heresies that strike at the heart of His mission. I’ve addressed these in detail before, but it bears repeating: if they deny who Christ truly is, they are false teachers.

5. New Revelations and Extra-Biblical Sources:

When someone claims to have fresh revelations or secret knowledge beyond Scripture, be wary. God’s Word is complete and sufficient.

6. Hyper-Grace Doctrine:

This teaching distorts grace by suggesting sin no longer matters, downplaying repentance and holiness. But grace is never a license to sin—it empowers us to live righteously.

7. Gnosticism:

This ancient lie exalts secret knowledge as the key to salvation and denies the goodness of the physical world, including the bodily resurrection of Christ.

8. Moral Relativism:

The claim that right and wrong are subjective contradicts the Bible’s clear moral standards. Traditions and cultural preferences are exalted above Scripture—an alarming trend in today’s church.

Context is Key:

As I’ve warned, one of the clearest signs of deception is when Scripture is taken out of context or only partially quoted. False teachers wield the emotional draw card, closing in with phrases like “it’s all about love” to justify sin. But do not be deceived, God will not be mocked! The cross stands as a stark reminder of the cost of sin: Christ had to die to rescue sinners like you and me.

This is a call to vigilance. Pray for discernment and the grace to see through the lies that parade under the banner of so-called Christianity.

May the grace of God be your portion

Signing off,

Tyrone

ATTENTION!

 As a watchman, it is our responsibility to sound the alarm and highlight warnings that may impact many. We must remain vigilant, staying rooted in Scripture and heeding the warnings we have received.

The Bible repeatedly warns of deception within the church, cautioning that false teachers and doctrines will arise to mislead believers. Here are some key verses emphasising the danger of deception within the true church:

1. Warnings About False Teachers and Apostasy

• Matthew 7:15 – "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."
• 2 Peter 2:1-2 – "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction."
• 1 Timothy 4:1 – "Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons."

2. The Church Being Led Astray

• 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."
• Colossians 2:8 – "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
• Matthew 24:24 – "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect."

3. Staying True to the Gospel

• Galatians 1:6-9 – "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ."
• 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
• Jude 1:3-4 – "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ."

4. Christ’s Call to Overcome Deception

• Revelation 3:11 – "I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown."
• John 8:31-32 – "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’"
• 1 John 4:1 – "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

These verses highlight that deception within the church has been a concern since biblical times, emphasising the need for believers to stay watchful, discerning, and firmly grounded in the true gospel to prevent being led astray.

 

Our ultimate authority is the Word of God, not prophecy, which may sometimes contradict Scripture. While many references are drawn from the Old Testament, one verse clarifies any confusion:

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world." (Hebrews 1:1-2)

The Lord Jesus is the Word (see John 1). He spent three years teaching His disciples and then entrusted them with the keys to spread the gospel. Therefore, our doctrine must come from the apostles, not the Old Testament. If you hold fast to this truth, it will be well with your soul.

Additionally, Paul received his revelation directly from heaven. So, when you hear claims such as "Paul was anti-women," do not be deceived—such statements are false.

 

May the grace of God give your eyes to see always remaining vigilant.

 

Signing out

 

Tyrone

"This article was partially written with the help of AI."

Typology

 They say history often repeats itself, and we know this expression to be true if we use the typology in the Bible as a rudder to our understanding. It is remarkable how early in my Christian life typology glared back at me without spotting it. The pattern of scripture in the lives of others teaches us so many valuable lessons especially when we look at God's patterns with His beloved Son our beautiful Saviour.

 

Typology in the Bible: Understanding Symbols and Foreshadows

Typology in the Bible refers to people, events, or things in the Old Testament that symbolically foreshadow a greater reality fulfilled in Jesus Christ or the New Testament. These “types” serve as divine patterns or previews of God’s ultimate plan.

 

1. Key Elements of Typology

• Type – A person, event, or object in the Old Testament that points to Christ or a New Testament truth.
• Antitype – The fulfilment of the type, usually in Jesus Christ or His work.

For example:
 Adam (type) → Christ (antitype)
The Passover Lamb (type) → Jesus, the Lamb of God (antitype)

2. Examples of Biblical Typology

A. People as Types of Christ

1.     Adam → Christ

o    "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." (1 Corinthians 15:22)

o    Adam brought sin and death, but Jesus brings life and salvation.

2.     Melchizedek → Christ as the Eternal Priest

o    "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:1-3)

o    Melchizedek was a priest and king, foreshadowing Christ’s eternal priesthood.

3.     Joseph → Christ’s Suffering and Exaltation

o    Joseph was rejected by his brothers, suffered unjustly, and later saved them—just as Jesus was rejected, suffered, and became the Savior of the world. In like manner, the Jews rejected Jesus and eventually will accept him as Saviour   

B. Events as Types of Christ’s Work

1.     The Passover Lamb → Jesus, the Lamb of God

o    "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed." (1 Corinthians 5:7)

o    The blood of the lamb in Egypt spared Israel, just as Jesus' blood spares us from sin and death.

2.     The Exodus → Salvation in Christ

o    Israel’s deliverance from Egypt symbolizes our deliverance from sin through Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-2).

3.     The Bronze Serpent → Christ’s Crucifixion

o    "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up." (John 3:14)

o    Looking at the serpent in faith brought healing, just as looking to Jesus brings salvation.

C. Objects as Types of Spiritual Realities

1.     The Tabernacle → Jesus as the Dwelling of God

o    The Tabernacle housed God's presence; Jesus is "God with us" (John 1:14).

2.     The Ark of the Covenant → Christ as God's Presence

o    The ark represented God's presence and the atonement; Jesus is our true mediator (Hebrews 9:11-12).

3.     Manna → Christ as the Bread of Life

o    "I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died." (John 6:48-50)

o    Manna sustained Israel physically; Jesus sustains us spiritually.

3. Why Typology Matters

• Shows the unity of Scripture – The Old and New Testaments form one divine plan.
• Strengthens faith – Seeing Christ in the Old Testament deepens our trust in God’s promises.
• Reveals God’s sovereignty – He designed history to point to Christ long before His coming. Reveals God’s sovereignty – He designed history to point to Christ long before He came.

Conclusion

Typology is a powerful way to understand how the Old Testament foreshadows Jesus and His redemptive work. From Adam to the Exodus, from the Passover to the Tabernacle, everything ultimately points to Christ as the fulfilment of God’s plan.

 

Always looking to Jesus in faith to get us home.

 

Signing out

 

Tyrone

 "This article was partially written with the help of AI."

Israelite Clans

 This list provides a census of the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, which helps us obtain verified historical records.

Why the need for all this information you may ask? The summation of it all is this is the Land God gave to them, regardless of who lived there at the time. The whole world belongs to God, He created the world, and it is not ours, we are simply custodians. This is a fundamental that most have forgotten. Those who oppose the will of God will suffer the consequences.

Here’s a breakdown of the clans of each of the Twelve Tribes, as recorded in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 26):

1. Reuben (Firstborn)

• Hanochites (from Hanoch)
• Palluites (from Pallu)
• Hezronites (from Hezron)
• Carmites (from Carmi)

2. Simeon

• Nemuelites (from Nemuel)
• Jaminites (from Jamin)
• Jachinites (from Jachin)
• Zoharites (from Zohar)
• Shaulites (from Shaul)

3. Levi (Priestly Tribe, No Land Inheritance)

• Gershonites (from Gershon)
• Kohathites (from Kohath)
• Merarites (from Merari)
• (Aaron and his descendants were the priestly lineage)

4. Judah

• Shelanites (from Shelah)
• Perezites (from Perez)
• Hezronites (from Hezron)
• Hamulites (from Hamul)
• Zerahites (from Zerah)

 

5. Issachar

• Tolaites (from Tola)
• Punites (from Puvah)
• Jashubites (from Jashub)
• Shimronites (from Shimron)

6. Zebulun

• Seredites (from Sered)
• Elonites (from Elon)
• Jahleelites (from Jahleel)

7. Dan

• Shuhamites (from Shuham)

8. Naphtali

• Jahzeelites (from Jahzeel)
• Gunites (from Guni)
• Jezerites (from Jezer)
• Shillemites (from Shillem)

9. Gad

• Zephonites (from Zephon)
• Haggites (from Haggi)
• Shunites (from Shuni)
• Oznites (from Ozni)
• Erites (from Eri)
• Arodites (from Arod)
• Arelites (from Areli)

10. Asher

• Jimnites (from Imnah)
• Ishvites (from Ishvi)
• Beriites (from Beriah)
• Heberites (from Heber)
• Malchielites (from Malchiel)
• Serah (Asher's daughter, also mentioned)

 

11. Ephraim (Son of Joseph)

• Shuthelahites (from Shuthelah)
• Bekerites (from Becher)
• Tahanites (from Tahan)
• Eranites (from Eran, son of Shuthelah)

12. Manasseh (Son of Joseph)

• Machirites (from Machir)
• Gileadites (from Gilead, son of Machir)
• Iezerites (from Iezer)
• Helekites (from Helek)
• Asrielites (from Asriel)
• Shechemites (from Shechem)
• Shemidaites (from Shemida)
• Hepherites (from Hepher)

     A modern-day map of the Middle East that God Gave to the Israelites

Signing off

 

Tyrone

"AI was used as a resource in the development of this article.'

Jewish History and Persecution

The history of the Jewish people spans over 3,000 years and is marked by resilience, endurance, and significant contributions to civilization despite facing repeated persecution from various nations and empires. Below is an overview of their history and the major entities that have sought to harass or eradicate them.

Origins and Early History

• Biblical Period (c. 2000 BCE – 1000 BCE)
  The Jewish people trace their origins to Abraham, who, according to the Hebrew Bible, entered a covenant with God. His descendants, through Isaac and Jacob (Israel), became the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
• Egyptian Cruelty (c. 1600 BCE – 1200 BCE)
  The Israelites settled in Egypt, where they were eventually enslaved. Pharaoh ordered the killing of male Hebrew babies, but Moses led the Israelites to freedom in what is known as the Exodus.

Ancient Kingdoms and Enemies

• Kingdom of Israel & Judah (c. 1000 BCE – 586 BCE)
• Philistines fought the Israelites frequently, with famous battles such as David vs. Goliath.
• Assyrian Empire (722 BCE) conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling the Ten Lost Tribes.
• The Babylonian Empire (586 BCE) under Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the First Temple and exiled the Jews to Babylon.
• Persian Period (539 BCE – 332 BCE)
  The Persians, under Cyrus the Great, allowed Jews to return and rebuild the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
• Greek Oppression (332 BCE – 167 BCE)
  Under Antiochus IV (Seleucid Empire), Jewish worship was banned, the Temple was dishonoured, and Jews were persecuted, leading to the Maccabean Revolt (Hanukkah story).

Roman Oppression and the Exile

• Roman Empire (63 BCE – 476 CE)
• In 70 CE, the Romans under Titus destroyed the Second Temple.
• In 135 CE, the Bar Kokhba Revolt was crushed, and Jews were exiled.
• Jerusalem was renamed Aelia Capitolina, and Jews were banned from the city.

Medieval and Early Modern Persecutions

• Christian Persecutions (4th–19th centuries)
• The Byzantine Empire restricted Jewish rights.
• Middle Ages (500–1500 CE): Jews were blamed for plagues, expelled, and massacred.
• Spanish Inquisition (1492): Spain expelled Jews or forced conversions (Conversos).
• Russian Pogroms (1800s–1900s): Massacres and oppression of Jews in the Russian Empire.

Modern Attempts to Eradicate Jews

• The Holocaust (1933–1945)
• Nazi Germany, under Adolf Hitler, attempted to exterminate Jews through the Final Solution.
• Six million Jews were murdered in concentration camps, ghettos, and mass shootings.
• Arab-Israeli Conflicts (20th–21st Century)
• After Israel's establishment in 1948, Arab nations launched wars to destroy the Jewish state.
• 1948, 1967, 1973 Wars: Israel survived multiple invasions.
• Terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah continue attacks on Jews and Israel.

Conclusion

Despite repeated attempts by powerful nations and empires to eradicate them, the Jewish people have survived, rebuilt, and thrived. Their resilience is evident in the re-establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the continued contributions of Jews worldwide to science, culture, and politics.

So, I am drawing a line in the sand, we need to pick a side. I am most certainly pro-Israel and the truth be told all those opposing God’s Elect will suffer His wrath. He made a covenant with Abraham and will honour His Word. Did you know it is impossible for God to lie? Having said that not every Jew will see the light. But the nation of Israel will eventually confess Jesus as Lord.

 

Signing off

 

Tyrone    

 "AI was used as a resource in the development of this article."