13th June 2024

13th June 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (1 John 4v1-6)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


It is vitally important that you know what you believe and why you believe it. Why? Because many false prophets and lying spirits have gone out into the world (v1). We shouldn't be surprised that Christ is the supreme test of truth. Every spirit that says Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God (v2) and conversely any spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God (v3a). There were those in John's day who taught that God would never take on flesh - they were false then and they are false now.


Jesus Christ is God and He came in the flesh some two thousand years ago. To deny this is the spirit of the antichrist (v3b) which still abounds in our modern age. Anyone who is antichrist seeks to take the place of Jesus and rob Him of His glory. There are many antichrists in this world and there will be one final antichrist before the Lord's return. Islam may be growing in the western world but it is false because it denies Christ's divine nature. Mormons may be lovely people but they have believed falsely for they claim Christ was created not begotten. Brothers and sisters, be careful what you listen to and be careful what you believe.


Thankfully you are not on your own. The Lord dwells within each believer by the Holy Spirit (v4). Our God is greater than any opponent and not least the great enemy Satan (v4b). Whilst the world listens to the world (v5), the Christian knows God and listens to His Apostles (v6). In this way we can discern the difference between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error (v6b).


If there is a worrying characteristic of the modern church I believe it to be its unteachability. Many modern Christians are drawn to famous teachers rather than the local unknown preacher, they'll happily sit through a week long conference but the thirty minute Sunday sermon bores us and they  would never dream of going to a bible study but complain when they don't understand the things of God.


Brothers and sisters, falsehood abounds and the spirit of the antichrist stalks this land. Cultivate a teachable spirit and by all the means of God's appointment be certain of what you believe and why you believe it. The Gospel is too serious a business to be distorted and trampled by liars.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q64 What is required in the fifth commandment? The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honor, and performing the duties, belonging to every one in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.
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