As the apostles strove to establish more congregations of believers among the nations, a phenomenon arose that produced an (outwardly) christian religion--quite different from the Church Jesus and His apostles established. New and different doctrines were (subtly) introduced. Some began subverting (sabotaging) the Church by challenging and contradicting the teachings of the apostles. Paul said: " For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and decievers, especially those (of the circumcision), whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain" (Titus 1). To counter this subverting, Paul instructed Titus to carefully consider the background, knowledge and character of anyone being considered for ordination: "Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work and word, he must be blameless... He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:7,9)...
"Increasingly", false apostles began contradicting and undermining the teachings of the true apostles of Christ. Paul cautioned the church in Rome: " I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions (discord) and offenses, in opposition to the (teaching) that you have learned; (avoid them). For such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they decieve the hearts of the simple-minded. Competing religious leaders, masquerading as ministers of Christ began teaching their own false doctrines. Simon the Sorcerer was one such false teacher mentioned early in the scriptures. After his baptism by Philip, Simon attempted to buy the office of apostle from Peter, hoping to obtain the power to grant others the Holy Spirit. Motivated by greed for power and influence, he faked his conversion, was baptized, to appear to be Christian ! (Acts 8). Later sources indicate that he blended elements of paganism and mysticism into a counterfeit Christian philosophy. A dangerous trend was established in the church, and soon "false apostles, "false teachers" and "false brethren" abounded. A counterfeit christianity was born. And it continues to grow this day..
In saying his farewell to the elders in Ephesus, Paul stated: "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock! (Acts 20)... As one Pastor put's it; "the devil is raising the level of deception in this country/church and he is trying to pervert the ways of God and cause us to remove all of the boundries of holiness and righteousness for the sake of "mammon"... ~Church Of God~
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