BSBBABKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
Home  › Illustrations  › Sermon Illustrations on False Teaching

25 Sermon Illustrations on False Teaching

25 illustrations

False teaching in Christian preaching warns against distortions of the Gospel that lead believers astray, often using images of corruption and misuse of Scripture or sacred practices (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Illustrations highlight how false doctrines can exploit faith for gain, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to true doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9).

Scripture, False

Misusing Scripture can lead to false teachings and misunderstandings of God's word.

A little boy, when asked what was his favorite text in the Bible, repeated the stirring order of Gen. Dix when he was Secretary of War: "If any man hauls down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." A great Sunday-school man, when encouraging teachers to meet often together for mutual improvement, enforced his remarks by adding, "As the good book says, 'Birds of a feather should flock together.'" Dr. Peirce.

from New Cyclopaedia of Prose Illustrations · Elon Foster

Enough Bad Books Already

Even the New Testament was once condemned as a 'bad book' by a religious leader.

The following is from "Les Archives du Christianisme," a French religious monthly publication:

We can attest the truth of the following fact. At a sale, made after the death of the minister of the village of Dosenheim, (Lower Rhine,) when the books of the deceased were about to be sold, the Romish minister of a neighboring parish seized a volume, declaring that there were enough of bad books in the world already, and this should not be sold. It was not sold, and the reader will be more afflicted than surprised, to hear, that this bad book (as he called it) was the New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

from Cyclopaedia of Moral and Religious Anecdotes · Kazlitt Arvine

St. Peter'S At Rome

The selling of indulgences funded St. Peter's Basilica but corrupted true repentance.

Pope Julius II began the building of the magnificent church at Rome, but left it unfinished. His successor, Leo X, was desirous to complete this superb edifice, but being involved in debt, and finding the apostolic treasury exhausted, he had recourse to the selling of indulgences, a gainful traffic, for the procuring a sufficient sum of money. Accordingly, in 1517 he published general indulgences throughout all Europe, to such as would contribute to the building of St. Peter's. The sum of ten shillings was sufficient to purchase the pardon of sins, and the ransom of a soul from purgatory!

from Cyclopaedia of Moral and Religious Anecdotes · Kazlitt Arvine

Absolution In Advance

Indulgences were sold to absolve sins not yet committed, exposing papal corruption.

When Tetzel was at Leipsic, in the sixteenth century, and had collected a great deal of money from all ranks of the people, a nobleman, who suspected imposition, put the question to him, "Can you grant absolution for a sin which a man shall intend to commit in future?" "Yes," replied the frontless commissioner; "but on condition that proper sum of money be actually paid down." The noble instantly produced the sum demanded; and in return received a diploma, sealed and signed by Tetzel, absolving him from the unexplained crime, which he secretly intended to commit. Not long after, when Tetzel was about to leave Leipsic, the nobleman made inquiry respecting the road he would probably travel, waited for him in ambush at a convenient place, attacked and robbed him; then beat him soundly with a stick, sent him back to Leipsic with his chest empty, and at parting, said, "This is the fault I intended to commit, and for which I have your absolution."

from Cyclopaedia of Moral and Religious Anecdotes · Kazlitt Arvine

Shoemaker Of Hagenau

A shoemaker exposed the false promise of indulgences granting immediate heaven without mass.

The dealers in indulgences had established themselves at Hagenau in 1517. The wife of a shoemaker profiting by the permission given in the instruction of the commissary-general, had procured against her husband's will, a letter of indulgence, and had paid for it a gold florin. Shortly after, she died; and the widower omitting to have mass said for the repose of her soul the curate charged him with contempt of religion, and the judge of Hagenau summoned him to appear before him. The shoemaker put in his pocket his wife's indulgence, and repaired to the place of summons. "Is your wife dead?" asked the judge. "Yes," answered the shoemaker. "What have you done with her?" "I buried her and commended her soul to God." "But have you had a mass said for the salvation of her soul?" "I have not—it was not necessary;—she went to heaven in the moment of her death." How do you know that "—"Here is the evidence of it." The widower drew from his pocket the indulgence, and the judge in presence of the curate, read, in so many words, that in the moment of death, the woman who had received it would go, not into purgatory, but straight into heaven. "If the curate pretends that a mass is necessary after that," said the shoemaker, "my wife has been cheated by our holy father the Pope; but if she has not been cheated, then the curate is deceiving me." There was no reply to this defence, and the accused was acquitted. It was thus that the good sense of the people disposed of these impostures.

from Cyclopaedia of Moral and Religious Anecdotes · Kazlitt Arvine

Cross In Switzerland

Indulgences were publicly granted for prayers said before a roadside cross in Switzerland.

In Switzerland, says Bishop Wilson, we actually saw on a cross, by the road side, this notice: "The archbishop of Chamberry and the bishop of Geneva grant forty days' indulgence to all those who shall say before this cross a Pater, 301-303

PAPACY.

and an Ave-Maria, with an act of contrition, 1819."

from Cyclopaedia of Moral and Religious Anecdotes · Kazlitt Arvine

False cause, Support of a

Acts 24

A clear conscience protects God’s people from fear despite false causes and arguments.

Every false cause can find men of sharp wits to plead it. If God's people can answer with the language of a clear conscience, they have nothing to fear

from Sermon Illustrations of the Bible, Topically Arranged · Keith L. Brooks conscience

False Teachings

1 Kings 12:25

False teachings originate in selfish hearts and lead to sin and idolatry.

Golden calf set up where first altar to God had stood (v. 29. See Gen. 12:8). All isms originate in man's heart (v. 26), have a selfish purpose back of them (v. 27-29) and are launched on a pretense that it is for the people's good. Always tend to sin and idolatry

from Sermon Illustrations of the Bible, Topically Arranged · Keith L. Brooks idolatry

Higher Criticism, Jericho theology, the dry rot of the church

2 Kings 2

False theology and doubt hinder God's power and ministry effectiveness.

Sons of prophets air their doubts about miracles (v. 16). Questioned literal translation, so the Christ of some preachers is but a ghost Christ. Theologians hindered Elijah, demanded critical investigation (v. 17). Elijah yielded to their clamor, but did not regain his power until he rebuked the false theologians (v. 18). Repudiate the Jericho theology (2 Tim. 4:2).

from Sermon Illustrations of the Bible, Topically Arranged · Keith L. Brooks doctrineprophecy

PRIESTS—Superstitious Reverance of

Superstitious reverence of priests leads to degrading practices and false reliance on human mediators.

A writer on the manners and customs of India, says:—"I was informed that vast numbers of Shoodras drink the water in which a Brahmin has dipped his foot, and abstain from food in the morning till this ceremony be over. Some persons do this every day, and others vow to attend to it for such a time, in order to obtain the removal of disease. Persons may be seen carrying a small quantity of water in a cup, and intreating the first Brahmin they see to put his toe in it. This person then drinks the water, and bows or prostrates to the Brahmin, who gives him a blessing. Some persons keep water thus sanctified in their houses." How few steps would land Tractarians in the same degradation! Their priests are the channels of grace to them, from them they receive regeneration and absolution, and from their hands they receive the god of bread whom they adore and cat. Believing all this of their sacerdotal fathers, to drink the water in which they wash their feet would be no humiliation; their minds have stooped to drink far fouler puddle, they may well put their bodies on the same level.

Drought, Responsibility For

Misplaced blame on natural phenomena leads to destructive superstition and violence.

When the electric trolley-cars were first set running in Seoul, a peculiar result manifested itself in the nation. We quote from _The Outlook_:

Little by little the heavens grew dry and the earth rolled up clouds of dust; day followed day with no signs of rain, and the caking paddy-fields grinned and gasped. What could be the cause of it? The geomancers and ground-prophets were consulted, and their answer was, “The devil that runs the thunder and lightning wagon has caused the drought.” Eyes no longer looked with curiosity but glared at the trolley-cars, and men swore under their breath and curst the “vile beast” as it went humming by, till, worked up beyond endurance, there was a crash and an explosion, one car had been rolled over, and another was set on fire, while a mob of thousands took possession of the streets foaming and stamping like wild beasts.

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles deception

Earthquakes, Superstitions About

Superstitions reveal the need for discernment over false explanations of events.

Some Chinese attribute the latest earthquake shocks to the water-dragon of Canton, whose anger has been raised by the reclamation works. Coolies are dumping daily boatloads of sand and stone on the poor dragon’s back, and the beast naturally feels hurt.

It appears, however, that the real causes of the earthquakes were the Macao crabs! Here is the story:

Close by the hot springs in the neighborhood of Macao stands a small village wherein lives an old woman who has the misfortune to be the mother of an unworthy young man whose sole occupation is fishing. A few days previous to the first earthquake shock experienced in Macao the young man returned home with a couple of crabs and a few small fish.

Nothing extraordinary was noticed at first, but when the crabs had been boiled, one of them presented a peculiar appearance, as on the red background of its shell stood in bold relief a design in white which resembled a Chinese character.

Neighbors were called, and the wise man of the village soon explained that it was the king of the crabs that had found its way into the old woman’s kettle.

Thereupon the village prophet predicted that some great calamity would visit the unfortunate village.

Meanwhile the crabs of Macao and the neighborhood, having learned the fate of their king, assembled in great numbers, filling up every available hole, and started to shake the earth. Thus was their displeasure at the death of the king crab clearly shown.

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles discernment

Keys, False

False keys like alcohol or pretension fail to open the right doors in life.

The notion that alcohol may do good because, for a moment, it seems to do good, was well answered by a physician’s response to a man who was somewhat too much given to the pleasures of the table. This man had said to the doctor:

“What do you think of the influence of alcohol on the digestion, doctor?”

“I think that its influence is bad,” said the physician.

“But a little whisky taken just before a meal is the only key that will open my appetite, doctor.”

“I don’t believe in opening things with false keys, sir!” answered the other.

Nor is alcohol the only false key in common use. Pretension, misrepresentation, any means not adapted to the desired end--all are false keys and must fail.

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles sinconscience and sin

New, The

Old truths repackaged with new labels can deceive, leading to compromise in faith.

To market old remedies that have gone out of fashion, or fallen into discredit, clever manufacturers give them another name and a new wrapper. Purchasers who go by the label, and they are in the majority, think that they have found a godsend, and take up the concoction eagerly.

One is occasionally tempted to have recourse to such a trick, in the interest of certain old practises, excellent in themselves, but disqualified by abuse.--CHARLES WAGNER, “The Gospel of Life.”

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles compromise

Remedies, Strange

Many strange folk remedies contrast with the one true remedy: God's life in the soul.

There are many remedies, real or reputed for physical ills, but there is but one sovereign remedy for body, soul and spirit, namely, the life of God fully received into the human soul. In an article on “Strange Medicines,” in the _Nineteenth Century_, Miss Cumming quotes a few of the healing spells which to this day are practised by the peasantry of various districts in Great Britain, and which are considered certain remedies:

The Northumbrian cure for warts is to take a large snail, rub the wart well with it, and then impale the snail on a thorn-hedge. As the creature wastes away the warts will surely disappear. In the west of England eel’s blood serves the same purpose. For goiter or wen, the hand of a dead child must be rubbed nine times across the lump, or, still better, the hand of a suicide may be substituted. In the vicinity of Stamfordham, in Northumberland, whooping-cough is cured by putting the head of a live trout into the patient’s mouth, and letting the trout breathe into the latter. Or else a hairy caterpillar is put into a small bag and tied around the child’s neck. The cough ceases as the insect dies. Another cure for whooping-cough is offerings of hair. In Sunderland the crown of the head is shaved and the hair hung upon a bush or tree, with the full faith that as the birds carry away the hair, so will the cough vanish. In Lincolnshire a girl suffering from the ague cuts a lock of her hair and binds it around an aspen-tree, praying the latter to shake in her sted. The remedy for a toothache at Tavistock, in Devonshire, is to bite a tooth from a skull in the churchyard and keep it always in the pocket. At Loch Carron, in Ross-shire, an occasional cure for erysipelas is to cut off half the ear of a cat and let the blood drip on the inflamed surface. In Cornwall the treatment for the removal of whelks or small pimples from the eyelids of children is to pass the tail of a black cat nine times over the part affected. Toads are made to do service in divers manners in Cornwall and Northampton for the cure of nose-bleeding and quinsy, while “toad powder,” or even a live toad or spider shut up in a box, is still in some places accounted as useful a charm against contagion as it was in the days of Sir Kenelm Digby. The old smallpox and dropsy remedy known as _pulvis Ethiopicus_, was nothing more nor less than powdered toad. In Devonshire any person bitten by a viper is advised to kill the creature at once and rub the wound with its fat. It is said that this practise has survived in some portions of the United States, where the flesh of the rattlesnake is accounted the best cure for its own bite. Black, in his “Folk Medicine,” states that the belief in the power of snake-skin as a cure for rheumatism still exists in New England. Such a belief is probably a direct heritage from Britain.

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles healing

Remedies, Strange

Quaint Jewish folk remedies illustrate reliance on mystical names and curses for healing.

* * * * *

The following is the belief of Eastern Jews in very queer remedies:

For hoarseness and complaints of the throat and air-passages an approved prescription is to take a new plate, write on it with ink the three mystic names compounded of the Hebrew letters, “Ain, Yod, Aelph,” “Vau, Teth,” and “Teth, Yod, Koph”; then wash them out with wine, and after adding three grains of a citron used at the tabernacle festival, drink the beverage. Fits, epileptic, and ordinary, are treated after the following fashion: The patient’s head is covered and a pious neighbor stands by the bedside while the “practitioner” called in recites this invocation: “In the name of the Lord of Israel, in the name of the angel Raphael, and in the name of the hosts of heaven, and in the name of the One hidden and concealed, I adjure you to quit the body of So-and-So, the son of So-and-So, to quit him at once and without doing him hurt; and if you do not go, I curse you with the curse of the tribunal above and of the tribunal below, and with the curse of Joshua, the son of Nun.” In cases of severe prostration and debility, pounded mummy and human bones are administered, but this is considered a very dangerous medicine and great precautions are taken to prevent evil spirits interfering with the patient or hindering his recovery.--_Public Opinion._

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles healing

Thinking Empirical Or Scientific

Empirical methods can lead to false beliefs due to mistaken cause-effect assumptions.

* * * * *

While many empirical conclusions are, roughly speaking, correct; while they are exact enough to be of great help in practical life; while the presages of a weatherwise sailor or hunter may be more accurate, within a certain restricted range, than those of a scientist who relies wholly upon scientific observations and tests; while, indeed, empirical observations and records furnish the raw or crude material of scientific knowledge, yet the empirical method affords no way of discriminating between right and wrong conclusions. Hence it is responsible for a multitude of false beliefs. The technical designation for one of the commonest fallacies is _post hoc, ergo propter hoc_; the belief that because one thing comes after another, it comes because of the other. Now this fallacy of method is the animating principle of empirical conclusions, even when correct--the correctness being almost as much a matter of good luck as of method. That potatoes should be planted only during the crescent moon, that near the sea people are born at high-tide and die at low-tide, that a comet is an omen of danger, that bad luck follows the cracking of a mirror, that a patent medicine cures a disease--these and a thousand like notions are asseverated on the basis of empirical coincidence and conjunction. Moreover, habits of expectation and belief are formed otherwise than by a number of repeated similar cases.--JOHN DEWEY, “How We Think.”

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles

Heresy On the Airwaves

John 10:34

TV evangelists are accused of sloppy theology, especially on health & wealth, Trinity, and salvation. Kenneth Hagin maintains even Jesus needed to be born again. Swaggart gives God a spirit body and neglects the unified "substance" of the Godhead. Michael Horton is editor of book and wants Evangelicals to clean up their theology.

Christ's Attitude Toward False Teachers

John 1:29

My Source:

CHRIST IS OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE

3rd Annual Mississippi Lectures, 8/ 88

pp. 31-33

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Introduction:

During our Lord's earthly ministry we find Him acting BOTH as the "LAMB OF GOD" (John 1:29; Acts 8:32) and as the "LION THAT IS OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH" (Revelation 5:4-5). When He was attacked PERSONALLY, he acted as the LAMB and did not retaliate (Matthew 27:12; 1 Peter 2:22-23). When His TEACHING was attacked, He acted as the LION and boldly defended it (Matthew 12:1-8, Matthew 12:22-28; Matthew 21:23-27). We are urged to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), thus whatever Christ's attitude was toward false teachers, must be mine as well! Christ's attitude toward false teachers can be seen--

ONE-----IN HIS SERMON ON THE MOUNT (Matthew 7:15-23).

01. He warns us to BEWARE of them (v. 15).

02. He cautions us that we must EXAMINE their fruit,

since they will not advertise themselves as false

teachers (v. 16-20).

03. He points to the CONTRAST bewtween their profession

and their practice (v. 21).

04. He foresees their pitiful pleas forthcoming at the

the judgment day (v. 22).

05. He professes His judgment upon them (v. 23).

TWO-----IN HIS CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM.

01. He rebuked Nicodemus, "THE TEACHER OF

ISRAEL," for his ignorance (John 3:1-10).

02. He corrected the Samaritan woman, who, by

her practice was teaching falsely regarding

marriage, divorce, and remarriage (John 4:7-18).

03. He corrected the Samiritans' false teaching

regarding worship (John 4:20-26).

04. He considered them--some who boasted of

being Abraham's children--to be children of

the devil (John 8:39-47).

05. He refused to allow teh Scriptures to be

twisted, even by Satan, the father of all

false teachers (Luke 4:9-12).

06. He identified the Pharisees as hypocrites as

they tried to "ENTANGLE HIM IN HIS TALK"

(Matthew 22:15-22).

07. He put to rest the idea that some

commandments are not important, the

Pharisees' popular belief notwithstanding

(Matthew 22:34-40; cf., Matthew 23:23).

1) Jesus taught in His answer to this false

doctrine that love is the SUMMARY of

the Law, not a SUBSTITUTE for part

of it.

2) Even though the application of Jesus'

answer was to the Mosaic Law, the

same answer stands in this age.

3) Truly to love God, is to keep ALL of

His commands (John 14:15; 1 John 2:5),

including contending for the faith

(Jude 1:3), etc.

THREE-----IN HIS LAST PUBLIC DISCOURSE (Matthew 23).

01. By the seven names He attached to them (vv., 13,

16, 17, 27, 31, 33).

02. By the seven times He calls them HYPOCRITES

(vv. 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29).

03. By the seven WOES he pronounced upon them--

1) For denying common people God's pure

word (v. 13).

2) For evangelistic zeal for THEIR OWN DOCTRINE

(v. 15).

3) For false interpretations of Scripture regarding

oaths (vv. 16-22).

4) For majoring in monors (vv. 23-24).

5) For excess concern over outward appearance

(vv. 25-26).

6) For inward hypocrisy and iniquity (vv. 27-28).

7) For pretended concern for God's spokesmen

(vv. 29-30).

NOTE: A "woe" is an "interjection denoting pain or

displeasure" (cf., Arndt & Gingrich).

04. By the JUDGMENT He delivered to them--"How

can ye escape the damnation of hell" (v. 33)?

FOUR-----IN THE MESSAGES HE SENT BY MEANS OF

HIS BELOVED AMBASSADORS

(cf., 2 Corinthians 5:20).

01. Ambassador Paul (Acts 20:28-31; Romans 16:17-18;

Galatians 1:6-9; Philippians 3:2; Colossians 2:8; Colossians 2 Ths Colossians 3:6, Colossians 3:14; 1 Timothy 1:3,

6, 7; 4:1-4; 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 4:1-4).

02. Ambassador to the Hebrews (Hebrews 13:9).

03. Ambassador James (James 3:1; James 5:19-20).

04. Ambassador John (1 John 4:1; 2 John 1:9-11).

05. Ambasador Jude (the entire epistle).

FIVE-----IN HIS MESSAGES TO THE CHURCHES

OF ASIA (Revelation 2-3).

01. Ephesus is commended for HATING "the deeds

of the Nicolaitans" (Revelation 2:6).

02. Smyrna is encouraged to hold on against

blaspheming Jews who were really "the

synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9).

03. Pergamos will be fought AGAINST unless they

rid themselves of the false doctrines of Balaam

and the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:14-16).

04. Thyatira must stand fast against false teaching

of Jezebel or else they will die (Revelation 2:20-25).

05. Sardis must be watchful lest their names be

blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:1-6).

06. Philadelphia is assured that the false

SYNAGOGUE OF SATAN will acknowledge

His love for the saints if these saints will only

keep His word and hold fast (Revelation 3:7-13).

07. Laodicea must become zealous and repent

of their false profession (Revelation 3:14-22).

Conclusion:

01. "For even hereunto were ye called because

Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an

example, that ye should follow his steps"

(1 Peter 2:21).

1) We have examined five areas which clearly

picture for us our Lord's attitude toward

false teaching.

2) In order for us to follow in His steps, we must

take a strong stand against all who would

pervert the gospel of Christ!

02. May the Lord help us never to be afraid of the

spiritual sword, but to use it mightily against all

error!

Sources Consulted...

Roy C. Deaver, in GOD DEMANDS DOCTRINAL PREACHING.

Kippy Myers, "Jesus Warns of False Teachers," in FF, 5/12/87.

Perry B. Cotham, in A PLEA FOR FUNDAMENTALS.

from Source not recorded · Rev. David Lemmons; http://lemmonsaid.net/ via Kerux Sermon and Illustration Database

Toxic Ignorance

According to Peter Kendall in the Chicago Tribune, Ruben Brown, age sixty-one, was known on the south and west sides of Chicago, as the friendly neighborhood cockroach exterminator with “the Mississippi stuff.” The Mississippi stuff was a pesticide Brown had bought hundreds of gallons of in the South, and it really did the trick on roaches. Brown went from door to door with his hand sprayer, and his business grew as satisfied customers recommended the remarkably effective exterminator to others.

In the process, however, Brown is alleged to have single-handedly created an environmental catastrophe. The can-do pesticide-methyl parathion-is outlawed by the EPA for use in homes. Southern farmers use it on boll weevils in their cotton fields, and within days the pesticide chemically breaks down into harmless elements. Not so in the home. There the pesticide persists as a toxic chemical that can harm the human neurological system with effects similar to lead poisoning.

The EPA was called into Chicago for the cleanup. Drywall, carpeting, and furniture sprayed with the pesticide had to be torn out and hauled to a hazardous materials dump. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimated that the total cost of the cleanup would be some $20 million, ranking this as one of the worst environmental nightmares in Illinois history.

Brown was charged with two misdemeanors. He apparently didn't know much about the pesticide he sprayed so liberally. Brown's attorney said, “It's a tragedy. It is one of those situations where he did a lot of harm, but his intention in no way matches the damage he has done. He is a family man and handled it with his own hands. Do you think he knew how toxic it was?”

What you don't know can hurt you. That is true both of pesticides and of false teaching.

______________

Choice Contemporary Stories & Illustrations For Preachers, Teachers, & Writers Craig Brian Larson, Baker Books, p. 134.

from Source not recorded · contributed by Steven Platt via Kerux Sermon and Illustration Database ignorance

Puerto Rican 'Messiah' Preaches To America's Hispanics

Mark 13:22

A man who calls himself both “the Second Coming of Jesus” and “the Antichrist” is gathering followers among Hispanics in the United States after successfully spreading his no-sin, no-hell message through 30 other countries.

Jose de Jesus, a 60-year-old Puerto Rican now preaching in Houston, told ABC News, “Before the presence of God, there’s no more sin.” He preaches that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means sin no longer exists and people now can do no wrong in God’s eyes.

It’s not hard to understand why people would respond so readily to a message like that, but de Jesus does draw a behavioral line. While morals are loose by any biblical Christian standard, he forbids drunkenness and drugs.

Reared in a housing project in Puerto Rico, a teenage de Jesus stole to support his heroin addiction. He says two angels came to him in a 1973 vision while he was imprisoned, and the “spirit that was in Jesus of Nazareth” entered him. After release from prison, he came to the United States and began working as a youth minister.

According to de Jesus, Antichrist is not an evil being but is the next incarnation of Jesus on earth. His followers often get “666” tattoos to demonstrate their devotion. They ply him with expensive gifts and mariachi bands greet him at airports when he travels.

With substantial numbers of disciples -– perhaps a million –- in Venezuela, Columbia, Cuba and other Latin American countries, de Jesus believes the time has come for him to spread his message in the United States.

“Miami is the bridge for all nations,” he told ABC News. “That’s where Hispanics are, and then eventually I’m going to find a lot of beautiful English-speaking people who will want to believe in me and I’m going to have millions of them.”

==========================

Version from THIS IS TRUE:

Members of the Growing in Grace ministry in Doral, Florida, are convinced that their 60-year-old leader is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. Jose Luis De Jesus Miranda doesn’t have any formal religious training; rather, he is a former heroin addict and prison inmate from Puerto Rico who has convinced followers that he represents the second coming -- and has recently dubbed himself the Antichrist. Members, who tithe up to 40 percent of their incomes, buy into the Antichrist title so much that they show their devotion by getting “666” tattoos. De Jesus previously proclaimed he was the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul, then “the Other” before proclaiming himself both Christ and Antichrist. On a trip to Canada to get more converts there, De Jesus canceled an interview with the Winnipeg Sun when their reporter started asking about children getting “666” tattoos. A spokeswoman offered to find someone else to do the interview, but the reporter asked why, since De Jesus claims only he can speak for his ministry. “We don’t function with common sense,” she replied.

________

Miami Herald, Winnipeg Sun

*

[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #16364]

Not All Doctrinal Disagreements Stem From 'False Doctrines'

Ephesians 4:14

If I may botch the words of Benjamin Franklin, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and Christians fighting over doctrine.”

Until the Lord returns, theological disagreement is an inevitability, even among evangelical Christians who affirm the same Gospel and appeal to the same inerrant authority in Scripture. Christians who disagree over doctrine do so because they are imperfect interpreters who have different interpretations of Scripture, ways of reasoning, feelings and biases. As our 175-year history bears witness, Southern Baptists are not immune to these kinds of intramural disputes.

Yet not every theological disagreement is a “false teaching” in the biblical sense, nor is everyone who disagrees with our interpretation on a doctrinal matter a “false teacher.” In the New Testament, the term “false teacher” has a connotation more specific than someone who is factually incorrect in a belief or doctrine. It speaks more about the character of the teacher than the teaching itself. “False doctrine” is not a mere disagreement about the meaning of a biblical text.

First, false teaching deceives the spiritually immature. Those who are like “little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14) are most susceptible to “turning away from ... the grace of Christ ... to a different gospel” (Galatians 1:6), “another Jesus” and a “different spirit” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Notice the benchmarks for false doctrine here are a “different gospel” and “another Jesus.”

Second, Peter associates false teaching with “untaught and unstable” individuals who distort the meaning of every Scripture (2 Peter 3:16). He contrasts this “unstable” personality with those who are “established in the truth” (2 Peter 1:12).

Third, biblically speaking, false teachers are more than men or women teaching mistaken ideas. They also have fatal character flaws like ungodly ambition, foolishness, greed and arrogance. According to Paul, the one who teaches false doctrine is “conceited and understands nothing.” Like many of the keyboard warriors ready to pounce on anyone who disagrees with them, the false teacher has an “unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words.” Their comments provoke “envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions and constant disagreement.” (1 Timothy 6:4–5).

Fourth, false teachers see their so-called ministries as “a way to material gain” (1 Tim. 6:5). Like modern televangelists dissatisfied with their multimillion-dollar jets, the false teachers and prophets confronted by the apostles would “market the word of God for profit” (2 Corinthians 2:17). These false teachers “exploit you in their greed with made-up stories” (2 Peter 2:3).

Fifth, false teaching can stem from and result in sexual sin. Peter warns of “destructive heresies” which lead many to “follow their depraved ways” (2 Peter 2:1–2). Jesus warns the churches in Revelation of deceptive teaching that leads to sexual immorality (Revelation 2:14, 20). Those who endorse sexual behaviors contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture are properly called “false teachers.”

Sixth, biblical authors occasionally attribute false teaching to spiritual warfare, “to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1, Galatians 1:8). Even people who are “spiritual” in their teachings may not be under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

But how do we know when a teacher is under the work of a demonic spirit? John gave a simple litmus test for churches battling heresy: “Every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God” (1 John 4:3). Paul adds, “No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). Biblically speaking, anyone who denies the true divinity or true humanity of Christ is a false teacher under spiritual deception.

Finally, false teaching comes from “false brothers” who infiltrate our ranks (Galatians 2:4). From this final characteristic, we must make an important clarification: someone who is a false teacher cannot be a true brother or sister in Christ. False teachers deny “the Master who bought them” (2 Peter 2:1), evidence gross sin in their behavior and dealings with others and are characterized by immorality and wickedness.

For these reasons, we must be slow to label the theological disagreements we have with others “false teaching” and especially cautious about labeling other men and women “false teachers.” Grace and patience must characterize our theological conflicts, especially those which do not rise to these extremes.

________

Rhyne Putman is associate professor of theology and culture at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, pastor of preaching and vision at First Baptist Church in Kenner, La., and the author of When Doctrine Divides the People of God: An Evangelical Approach to Theological Diversity (Crossway, 2020). [Collapse Bio]

Sermon: Christ, Not Controversies

1 Timothy 1:1

Sermon in 1 Timothy series - Clean Up the Church, #1. 1 Timothy 1:1-7

CHRIST, NOT CONTROVERSIES

=========================

I. Paul's dilemma.

A. Can you depend on those under you?

B. The situation of Paul's first letter to Timothy.

C. The acid is still circulating.

II. The plight of the Pastorals.

A. The letters to Timothy and Titus are the final ones from Paul.

B. The big issues.

III. Get all excited.

A. One of the hallmarks of false teachers is controversy. 1:4

B. Modern controversies are easier to spot.

C. Another emphasis of false teachers is weirdness. 1:6-7

IV. Focus on the essentials.

A. Paul urges an emphasis on God's work. 1:4

B. The goal is love. 1:5

V. Know what you are talking about.

A. Most Christians are pretty ignorant about the Bible.

B. Knowledge is only part of the solution.

from Condensed sermon outline (handout) by Rev. David Holwick · Rev. David Holwick, Serm10a.pco via Kerux Sermon and Illustration Database false teachersfalse teaching

The Great Impostor

2 Corinthians 11:15

He was known as “The Great Impostor” and inspired a 1960 film by the same name. Ferdinand Waldo Demara impersonated everyone from physicians to monks and thus achieved notoriety.

Demara began his nefarious career during World War II by borrowing his Army buddy’s name, going AWOL and faking his suicide. A string of pseudo careers followed. He was, among other things, a sheriff’s deputy, a doctor of applied psychology, a lawyer and a child-care expert.

He was best known for masquerading as a surgeon aboard a Canadian Navy destroyer during the Korean War, successfully completing a string of operations. His final gig: serving as a Baptist minister.

Demara’s life is a fascinating but sad story of one man’s quest for respectability. His success as an impostor also exposes the soft underbelly of a society in which people are easily duped by one who talks smoothly and claims to serve the greater good.

For Christians, Demara’s story is a warning to be on guard against those who disguise themselves as “servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:15). But how can we know a religious impostor when we see one? The Apostle Paul gives us three clear markers in 2 Corinthians 11:4. False teachers proclaim “another Jesus ... a different spirit ... a different gospel.”

To illustrate, let’s look briefly at three large or influential religious systems: Islam, Mormonism and the Jehovah’s Witnesses -- all of which are growing worldwide and teach unbiblical doctrines concerning Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Gospel.

ISLAM

Jesus. Muslims say Jesus was one of God’s greatest prophets but inferior to Muhammad, who brought Allah’s final revelation to man (the Koran). The Koran denies that Jesus is the Son of God, and any Muslim who believes in the deity of Jesus has committed the unpardonable sin called shirk -- a sin that will send that person to hell. Muslims believe Jesus is the Messiah, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life and is coming back one day -- but only to establish Islam throughout the earth. They do not believe He died on the cross but was called to heaven by Allah before His death and was perhaps replaced by Judas Iscariot or someone else who looked like Jesus.

Holy Spirit. Islam denies the deity and personhood of the Holy Spirit, whom the Koran describes as “the angel which brought revelation,” according to Mualana Muhammad Ali in The Holy Koran with English Translation and Commentary. The Koran also calls the Holy Spirit “Gabriel” (2:97) and the “Faithful Spirit” (26:193).

The Gospel. Islam teaches that Christ was neither crucified for our sins nor resurrected; therefore salvation cannot possibly be attained through faith in Christ. In fact, sin is not man’s problem. Man is sinful by act only, not by nature. Original sin is viewed as a “lapse” by Adam. People are not really fallen in their nature; they are merely weak and forgetful. Sin is thought of in terms of rejecting right guidance. It can be forgiven through repentance. No atonement is necessary. Salvation in Islam is a combination of works and fate. Muslims pursue the five Pillars of Religion and hope Allah is kindly disposed toward them.

MORMONISM

Jesus. Jesus preexisted in heaven as a spirit child of Heavenly Father (Ehohim) and one of his goddess wives (as did Lucifer and all pre-existent human beings). He then took on a human body through sexual relations between Heavenly Father and Mary. Jesus is one of three gods in the Mormon godhead, although Mormonism recognizes the Trinity only as one in “purpose,” arguing instead for a multitude of gods.

Holy Spirit. Mormon.org says the Holy Spirit “witnesses, or testifies of the Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and reveals and teaches truth.” Sounds orthodox, but historically Mormon leaders have offered more disturbing views of the Holy Spirit. For example, founder Joseph Smith taught that:

• The Father, Son and Holy Spirit “constitute three distinct personages and three Gods.”

• “The Holy Ghost is yet a spiritual body and waiting to take to himself a body as the Saviour did or as the gods before them took bodies.”

The gospel. Jesus’ atonement secured “salvation” (meaning resurrection) for nearly all people, but “men will be punished for their own sins” (Article of Faith #2 by Joseph Smith). People may earn “eternal life” (godhood) by “obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel,” meaning works (Article of Faith #3 by Joseph Smith).

Godhood is the goal of Mormonism. According to fifth LDS President Lorenzo Snow, “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.”

THE WATCHTOWER

Jesus. According to Watchtower teachings, Jesus was the first and direct creation of Jehovah God. Jesus then created all “other” things (Colossians 1:16 New World Translation). Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the Trinity, speaking of Jesus as “a god” or “mighty god” but not divine. They deny His incarnation, death on the cross (he died on a “torture stake”) and physical resurrection. Jesus returned invisibly in 1914 and is working today to overthrow Satan’s kingdom.

Holy Spirit. Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that “holy spirit” (always lower case) is the invisible active force of God that moves His servants to do His will. They deny the personhood and deity of the Holy Spirit, proclaiming such beliefs to be inspired by Satan.

The gospel. Salvation in the Watchtower is a combination of faith and works, but there is no eternal security and virtually no hope of today’s Witnesses ever entering heaven, which is reserved for the 144,000 in the “anointed class.” The “other sheep” may, through faithfulness to Watchtower teachings and hard work, be brought back to life after an indefinite period of soul sleep and populate Paradise Earth. Jesus’ death is seen as a ransom paid to Jehovah that removed the effects of Adam’s sin on his offspring and laid the foundation of the New World of righteousness.

JUST SPEAK TRUTH

In each of his roles, Ferdinand Waldo Demara, “The Great Impostor,” was confronted with the truth -- in some cases by the persons whose identity he had stolen -- and exposed as a fraud. For Christians who encounter an array of false teachings today, our best defense is the truth of God’s Word.

The writer of Hebrews put it best: “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as to divide soul, spirit, joints, and marrow; it is a judge of the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account” (4:12-13).

from Baptist Press · Rob Phillips via Kerux Sermon and Illustration Database islam

Vociferation

Loud noise and empty shouting do not win important spiritual battles.

The Persians in their battles with the Scythians brought with them from Europe in their train a great number of asses, as beasts of burden, to transport the tents and the baggage of the army. These asses were accustomed in times of excitement and danger to set up a very terrific braying. It was, in fact, all that they could do. And it was effective, for the Scythian horses in their troops of cavalry, who would have faced spears and javelins and the loudest shouts and vociferations of human adversaries without fear, were appalled and put to flight at hearing the unearthly noises which issued from the Persian camp whenever they approached it. The battle was won by the braying of asses.

Any political campaign might stand as a testimony of the power of vociferation. But the really important issues of the world are never decided by the braying of asses.

from Cyclopedia of Illustrations for Public Speakers · Robert Scott and William C. Stiles false teaching

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate