Tag: hypocrites

An Appearance of Godliness: Case Studies in Evil (Part 16)

~ Jeff Crippen ~ Leave a comment

2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV  But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.  (2)  For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  (3)  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,  (4)  treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  (5)  having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

There is the central scripture passage once again for this series of articles. Having an appearance of godliness but in fact being devoid of and even denying the truth of being born again. What is the fountain of real godliness? A new heart. A new man. A new creation in Christ. The wicked who parade themselves with an exterior skin of “holiness” detest this truth – you must be born again. 

And local churches, including the pulpits, are typically filled with just this kind of counterfeit. It is the intent of this series to present you with real life examples of wolves in wool who are always at work to creep in among us and bring us into bondage.

Continue reading “An Appearance of Godliness: Case Studies in Evil (Part 16)” →

An Appearance of Godliness: Case Studies in Evil (Part 15)

~ Jeff Crippen ~ Leave a comment

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 ESV  But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  (4)  For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough….

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ESV  For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.  (14)  And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.  (15)  So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

We frequently need to be reminded of what the Apostle Paul is saying here. Just recently as most of you probably know, another “Christian” celebrity’s hidden, ongoing, unrepentant evil has come to light. And typically, many professing Christians are running to his defense, insisting that without doubt he was a godly, though flawed man, who was without question a true servant of Christ. Really?

Continue reading “An Appearance of Godliness: Case Studies in Evil (Part 15)” →

His Sheep Hear His Voice

~ Jeff Crippen ~ Leave a comment

An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule at their direction; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes? (Jeremiah 5:30-31)

One of the characteristics of a true Christian and a true church is a love for truth. God’s Word is received like honeycomb even if it announces judgment on the wicked or coming suffering for the righteous. It is truth and it is life-giving and a real child of God hungers and thirsts for it.

Not so with the counterfeit.

Continue reading “His Sheep Hear His Voice” →