Issue 19 - Day 2

2 Corinthians 11

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
13)  For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14)  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15)  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Have you ever heard the saying, “too good to be true”? The bible is clear that people will more and more seek ministers who preach a nice message. Something soothing to the ears that makes them feel good. The bible is also clear that the task of any minister is to make their flock feel uncomfortable. We are to challenge for change so that the people under our care grow and become more like Christ, walking in his ways. Sadly, when selecting a pastor, most churches set the criteria to me, the man with the most pleasing preaching ability. If you find that man that sparkles in the pulpit the odds are that you have just found a minister of light, after the angel of light.

How do you spot a false apostle, or a deceitful worker? It is the same as how you spot anyone out for themselves only. It will become clear at every point of trial, are they in it for the money or the people? Equally, does the message hold true to the bible?

A while back I was in a church led by a false apostle, and I say this not to judge, for he was a man of God trying his best, yet for us he was false. I decided to take notes during every sermon, concentrating on challenges to change taken from the bible, and promises of blessing taken from the bible, whether relevant to me or not. When after a couple of months I still had not covered one sheet of A4 paper I knew that for us this was a teacher of vain words. However, pray for your leaders that they may stay true to God’s word.