Be Careful Whom You Trust

Sunday, March 31, 2019

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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.”

2 Corinthians 11:13–15

In December of 1944, the beleaguered German army launched a desperate counterattack, attempting to drive back the advancing forces in what came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge. Taking advantage of bad weather, which kept Allied planes grounded, they launched a surprise attack. In heavy fighting, American forces suffered many casualties before finally restoring their lines and halting the German offensive. This was the final serious German offensive of the war, and in May they surrendered.

A vital element of the German plan for the Battle of the Bulge was Operation Griffin, led by a highly decorated commando named Otto Skorzeny. He and his men, all of whom spoke fluent English, wearing captured American uniforms and driving captured American vehicles, made their way in secret across the American lines before the attack was launched. Then they changed road signs, acted as traffic coordinators to intentionally send responding units in the wrong direction, and spread false reports and rumors to sow confusion about what was actually happening.

Just because someone stands behind a pulpit, opens a Bible, and speaks eloquently, does not mean that he is speaking the truth. There are a host of quite popular teachers and preachers who are undermining if not outright denying much of what the Bible teaches. Although they are wearing the “uniform,” they are enemy agents sent to sow confusion and discord. It is vitally important that we exercise discernment rather than blindly accept what someone says because of the packaging in which it is presented. The devil is out to deceive us, and we must remain on guard.

Today's Growth Principle: 

Unless you evaluate teaching and preaching by the Word of God, you are subject to deception.