" COUNTERFEIT CHURCH " PART 2

            "SABOTAGE FROM WITHIN"
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~

" COUNTERFEIT CHURCH "

           " Take heed that no one decieves you.  For many will come in My name... and will decieve many "

                                                                     Matt 24: 4-5

People assume that all, or at least almost all, who bear the name Christian follow the beliefs, teachings and practices of Jesus Christ. But the Bible tells us that not everyone who accepts the name of Jesus is really a Christian!  Jesus said; that some would claim His name but deny Him by their actions. He said they would "call Me 'Lord, Lord," but "not do the things which I say" (Luke 6).  Jesus and His apostles spoke of false prophets, false apostles and a false brethen. They revealed that two opposing religions would emerge, both claiming to be Christian. One--the actual Church (people) Jesus founded--would be led by God's Spirit and remain faithful to His teachings.  The other--guided and influenced by a different spirit--would accept the name of Jesus but twist His teachings to create a convincing counterfeit of the Church...  Both would use Jesus name and claim His authority. Both would perform works that would outwardly appear good. Both would claim to be following Jesus true teachings. But only one would faithfully represent Him (Jesus Christ). The apostles repeatedly warned Jesus followers to be aware of false teachers who would introduce this counterfeit Christian belief. Jesus Himself warned: "Take heed that no one decieves you. For many will come in My name... and decieve many"... Where do most churches get their teachings and practices? Most of us assume they come from the Bible, Jesus Christ Himself and The Holy Spirit but do they? Jesus commanded His apostles to teach others exactly what He taught them--"teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt 28). He condemned the replacing of God's commandments with the traditon of man and his human reasoning. Speaking to religious leaders of His day, He said: "For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men... All to well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition"(Mark 7).He warned: "Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied (preached) in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness"!! (Matt 7). He knew that false teachers would arise and reject the commandments of God for a distorted gospel of NO LAW-- lawlessness!! Like Jesus, the apostles consistently taught obedience to God.  Peter and the others risked their lives to make it clear that "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5). Paul later cautioned members of the congregation in Colosse to hold fast to what he  had taught them: "As you have therefore recieved Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in faith, as you have been taught" (Colossians 2).  Paul warned: " Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ"...

Why would Jesus Christ and His apostles sound such urgent warnings to avoid the traditions of men? It's in your Bible !!  "That's why it's so important to study the word of God for yourself "...  Jesus not only promised He would build His church, but He assured His disciples that His Church would not perish.  The promise that" the gates of hell shall not prevail " should be consisdered a guarantee that those who believe on His name and stand on His word will always seek the narrow path....   ~Church Of God~