Among The People

Among The People by Kirk Hunt

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

2 Peter 2:1-2 NKJV

Apostle Peter warned the early Church. False prophets and false teachers would inflict harm and destruction from within the Church. Peter’s words were true then. Peter’s words are true now. False teachers and false prophets are now among the people of God, wounding the modern Church.

False teachers and false prophets can be detected. Is someone preaching or teaching something in conflict with the Bible? Is there more confusion or strife within the Christian community after they preach or teach? Do they live a life of immorality or licentiousness? Any single “yes” should trigger a careful and open evaluation of their lives and ministries.

A true teacher or true prophet is eager to prove their ministry through Scripture. Godly men and women will always submit themselves to Church authority. Godly men and women live their lives trying to become better disciples and followers of Jesus Christ.

True teachers and true prophets may be imperfect, but they seek God in all sincerity and truth. Whoever is among you, test them with Scripture and Godly examination. The authentic do not mind.

Think: False teaching and preaching cannot hold up in the light of the Bible.

Pray: “Lord, help me to test all prophecy and teaching with Your Word.”

Copyright © February 2021, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

How To Correct And Rebuke Yourself

How To Correct And Rebuke Yourself by Kirk Hunt

“Your own wickedness will correct you,
And your backslidings will rebuke you.
Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing
That you have forsaken the Lord your God,
And the fear of Me is not in you,”
Says the Lord God of hosts

Jeremiah 2:19 NKJV

Instead of repenting and asking God for help, ancient Israel turned (again) to idolatry and foreign alliances. Their sin made them weaker. Their errors only served to speed up and intensify their correction and rebuke. The nation would be exiled in Babylon.

Israel came to understand, as early as their forced march to captivity, how choosing sin led to their downfall. Internal error, not external threats, led to their exile. Please know that self-correction and self-rebuke applies to whole nations as much as individual men and women.

Like the Prodigal Son, we come to ourselves in a humiliating circumstance (pig pen) of our own making. Our rebellion, lust and greed always leads us to a place of debasement away from God’s perfect will. Prayerfully, in that place of correction and rebuke, we turn back to Father-God. Know that God always loves us, despite our error and in the midst of our sin. Our chosen sin causes our separation, not His Heart.

God did not allow the Babylonians to exterminate Israel. In fact, God commanded His people to live, grow and increase during the Babylonian Captivity. Father-God loves you, even now. Allow the correction and rebuke of your circumstance to drive your heart back to Him in repentance.

Think: My self-inflicted correction and rebuke is an opportunity to repent.

Pray: “Lord, help me to repent and return to You.”

Copyright © February 2021, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.