Author: patricia grace

Bible Study Notes

Deception and False Teaching

patricia grace

~~Today’s reading is in Deuteronomy 13~~

What first struck me about this passage is that when it speaks of “a prophet or a dreamer of dreams…[that] gives you a sign or a wonder…” and who entices you to follow other gods, I was expecting to read that the sign or the wonder did not occur and by that the people would know they were dealing with a false prophet; however, instead we read in verse 2 “…and the sign or wonder…comes to pass…”!!!

This reminds me of the verse that tells us that Satan comes as an angel of light (see 2 Corinthians 11:14). What may appear to be good and godly may be altogether otherwise. Another passage of Scripture comes to mind: 2 Timothy 3. In this chapter, we receive warning from Paul that in the last days there will be people who have an appearance of godliness, but deny its power (2 Tim 3:5). This passage gives reference to “Jannes and Jambres”, which may refer to the sorcerers under Pharaoh in Egypt in the time of Moses, who were able to do some of the wonders that Moses had done. Even though they were able to repeat some of the signs and wonders, we certainly wouldn’t follow them as godly men! (See Exodus 7: 8-11)

***Important to note that after warning against people who practice ungodliness comes the blessed verse that reminds us that with the inspired Word, we have all we need for training in righteousness. Hallelujah! (See 2 Tim 3:16)***

This morning’s reading ties in nicely with the sermon last night, which was from Colossians 2:16-23. I’m thinking in particular of verse 18 from that passage, about those who advocate the worship of angels and who speak about visions they’ve had. We are warned again, that following such deception is of no value in keeping us from sin, even though the false teaching appears to have wisdom and godliness.

I would encourage you to read over the passages mentioned above and pray to the LORD with me, that He would keep us from being deceived by others and from being self-deceived.  There is a prayer of John Bunyan that he wrote in response to his reading some popular religious books of his day, which I’ve made my own:

“O Lord, I am a fool, and not able to know the truth from error. Lord, leave me not to my own blindness, either to approve of or condemn this doctrine; if it be of God, let me not despise it; if it be of the devil, let me not embrace it. Lord, I lay my soul in this matter only at Thy foot; let me not be deceived, I humbly beseech Thee.” Section 44 of Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, by John Bunyan

Scriptures mentioned:

  • Deuteronomy 13
  • 2 Corinthians 11
  • 2 Timothy 3
  • Exodus 7
  • Colossians 2

Blessings,

patricia grace

Musings and Amusing

Daily posts

patricia grace

In an attempt to get into the habit of daily postings, I’ve decided to post the insights I’ve learned from time in God’s Word. As I read through the Scriptures, I plan to write out here, what God has taught me (or reminded me) from the study of His Word. I add that bit about “or reminded me” because I seem to forget important concepts so quickly! My prayer is writing down the insights electronically will aid in remembering what I’ve learned, also, because it will be easier to search on those insights later by adding tags and categories to my postings, rather than trying to flip through pages of a notebook.

I’m not abandoning pen and paper, however. I love stationery in general, and love the look of a fresh new page in a pretty journal. I write down notes first, before coming here–there’s less distractions that way. As a computer science student, I get side-tracked very easily when turning to the computer, because there’s always something I need to learn how to do and I sometimes forget why I turned the computer on in the first place! There’s another benefit, too. I’m not only typing my insights here, but I’ve written them in a notebook, too, which will hopefully aid in memorizing what I’ve learned. And, if one thing is destroyed, I’ve got a copy elsewhere.

There’s something about that fresh, blank page in a notebook that is so refreshing and hopeful. Perhaps it’s a reminder that His mercies are new every morning (BibleGateway Lam 3:22-24) and that fresh page is a reminder that because of the steadfast love of the Lord, I am not utterly cut off. My fine has been paid; God has not overlooked my sin, as a corrupt judge, but as a Righteous Judge, He has made certain that my sins were punished–He paid the penalty Himself in His own Dear Son. And He is pleased to look on Him and pardon me.

Have you been forgiven? How do you know?

I hope that you enjoy connecting with me here. I plan to turn on comments for each daily posting on what I’ve learned from God’s Word, so please share your own insights with me. And, like a Berean (BibleGateway Acts 17:10-11), be sure to call me out if you think I’ve missed the mark!!

Blessings,

patricia grace

Musings and Amusing

Falling Away

patricia grace

Faith feeling wobbly? Concerned that your walk with Christ isn’t what it should be? Are you easily daunted, easily falling away from Christ when trials come?

Wobbly, weak, falling away, easily daunted…all of these described me for years. If you struggle with the same issues, then please listen to these teachings from Living Waters/Way of the Master ministries:

Hells Best Kept Secret

On the same website you may also listen to “True and False Conversion”. Could it be that you’ve come to Christ under a false gospel? (Which isn’t really the gospel or “Good News” at all).

Prayerfully,

patricia grace