Some Folks Cheat

Some Folks Cheat By Kirk Hunt

 

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2: 8 NKJV

 

No matter who the preacher or teacher is, I check their work and words in my Bible.  I assume other Christians do not cheat or misinterpret Scripture, but even true saints make mistakes.  That also presumes that I am listening to a true disciple of Christ in the first place.

 

There are lots of ways and reasons for the mistakes (innocent) saints can make.  There are lots of ways and reasons that some (guilty) folks cheat.  Either way, I have to do my part not to be deceived.

 

I receive God’s truth with joy and gladness.  Of course, it hurts when His truth is a corrective Word for my life.  Still, I am glad that God speaks to me.

 

God is not the only one trying to get a message through to me (or you).  There are a variety of false prophets, errant teachers, and blatant crooks out there.  They peddle spiritual snake oil to the unwary.  The less actual Scripture is involved, the more likely you are dealing with a cheater.

 

Follow along in your own Bible.  Unique insights hold up under scrutiny.  Spiritual truth is always supported by Scripture.

 

True prophets and sincere teachers always support their work and words with Scripture.  God’s people, especially teachers and preachers, always accept the Bible as their source and standard.  Cheaters always reject correction or accountability.

 

Think:        It may sound good, but is it consistent with Scripture?

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to see and resist those who would cheat me out of You.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

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Render As Appropriate

Render As Appropriate By Kirk Hunt

 

And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?

They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”

And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.

Matthew 22: 20–21 NKJV

 

Jesus, the all-powerful King of all kings, did not move to overthrow the Roman Empire.  In fact, the Disciples themselves seem to have been bewildered (Acts 1:6) by Jesus’ “failure” to seize political power.  Instead, through His example and instructions, Jesus commands them and us to render good citizenship and make disciples.

 

The Romans were polytheistic pagans.  The Caesars spent lavishly on the human blood sport of the gladiator games.  Still, Jesus did not seek to directly overthrow the Romans.  Being a good citizen does not mean you condone or (choose to) participate in everything the government does. 

 

Jesus, Peter, John and Paul lived, worked and evangelized under the Roman Caesars.  There were occasional inconveniences (imprisonment, beatings, beheading or crucifixion).  Ultimately the Kingdom of Heaven was established in the earth. 

 

Christians today have the same instructions (Matthew 28: 19–20) as Christians then; make disciples, everywhere.  You may have to render some good citizenship to your “Caesar” but your King (Jesus) still commands. 

 

The Roman Empire eventually ended, but not because Christians worked against their government.  Despite being thrown to the (literal) lions, Christians worked to turn pagans into Christians.  It took blood sweat and tears, but enemies became Gospel brothers and sisters.  Should we not do the same?

 

Think:        Scripture commands me to make disciples and be a good citizen of my government.

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to be a good citizen, first of Your Kingdom, then of my earthly government.”

 

Copyright © August 2016, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

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Avoid Contrary Souls

“Avoid Contrary Souls By Kirk Hunt

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.   For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Romans 16: 17–18 NKJV

 

Unleashed in the world are men and women who deliberately cause wounds, separation and needless controversy.  Contrary souls are not always easy to spot.  Contrary souls can be dealt with, once detected.

 

Contrary souls assault others because they can, and the victim cannot (usually) retaliate.  Contrary souls start brawls among others, because they somehow profit from the disturbance.  Contrary souls violate Scripture and take pleasure, or income, from the act.

 

Most groups have one or two souls who are (usually) at the root of controversies and clashes.  In too many churches, extended families, or workplaces a sigh goes up when certain names are spoken.  Everyone knows that bad news is associated with certain souls.

 

They may hide for a season, but sooner or later their contrary nature is exposed.  Once they are out in the open, you can start to minimize the damage and heartache they cause.  Shining Scripture and Godly wisdom on their toxic words and ways will always begin the healing process.

 

You may not be able to evade seeing a contrary soul, but you can avoid giving them room to operate.  You can avoid letting them get away with their selfish and self-serving actions.  The aggravation you avoid may be your own.

 

Think:        Scripture commands me to identify and avoid those who act contrary to Scripture.

 

Pray:           “Lord, help me to first see, then respond to contrary souls, according to Scripture.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

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Enough Love To Persist

Enough Love To Persist By Kirk Hunt

 

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.   But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’

Matthew 18: 15–16 NKJV
Please also read Matthew 18: 15–17

 

Confrontation is an act of love and loyalty.  It is part of the healing protocol against moral and spiritual infection.  One dose is not always enough.  Godly men and women must persist in loving confrontation until there is change.

 

Jesus gave us a procedure for resolving conflict.  We are commanded to have courage and speak, alone the first time, directly to an offending brother or sister.  The goal is not hurt feelings but restoration.  The best outcome is reconciliation driving out separation.

 

Men and women continue to sin (a specific way) either because they do not know better, or because they benefit (profit) from the sin.  Persistent, Godly confrontation forces home the truth and degrades the benefit. 

 

Human beings can be willful, obstinate creatures.  While it is easy to recognize error and willfulness in others, it is more difficult to see it in yourself.  Dismissing a single complaint is one thing.  Dismissing a growing portion of your community is a different thing.

 

Persist in saying the truth, especially to power.  Shine the lights of Scripture and publicity on injustice and wrongdoing.  After a while, God’s righteousness will disinfect even the most deeply entrenched infection of sin.

 

Think:                I must be persistent in Godly confrontation, an act of love and loyalty.

 

Pray:                   “Lord, help me to persist with love and grace, especially in confrontation.”

 

 

Copyright © August 2016, Kirk Hunt

 

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

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