By
Shelby G. Floyd
The apostle Peter warned the Christians in his day to be aware of false teachers: “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you” (2 Peter 2:1). Since this is the case, how do we go about identifying these false teachers? Continue reading “IDENTIFYING FALSE TEACHERS”
By
Shelby G. Floyd
The Christian system is a system of faith based upon the word of God. We are taught to believe, trust and obey. But, we are also taught to not believe everything we hear. John declares that we are to have a healthy skepticism of those who claim to speak God’s word. We are to test the spirits to see if what they are teaching is from God: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).
The reason we must be somewhat skeptical is that Jesus and the apostles warned us, “Because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). These false teachers are deceived themselves and deceive those who are gullible. The classic examples in our day are Jim Jones and David Karesh who led their naive followers to an untimely death. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves (Matthew 7:15). Paul advises us that even Satan masquerades as an angel of light and that we should not be surprised that his agents do the same (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
All teachers must be tested by Christ and his inspired apostles. Any teaching that denies the Biblical teaching about Christ and his church must be rejected. “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God (1 John 4:2).
Therefore, the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error can be distinguished by whether the teachers listen to the apostle’s doctrine. (1 John 4:6; Acts 2:42).
Copyright © 2020 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved
Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
shelby@thefloyds.net
By
Shelby G. Floyd
In regards to the Constitution of the United States of America, there are two different ways of interpreting its meaning and application to the citizens living today. The Non-Progressives believe it should be understood in its original meaning as interpreted by the three branches of government when it was inaugurated. The Progressives believe that it should be interpreted subjectively to whatever they want it to mean to fit their philosophy and prejudices.
THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION
Historically, its application has been based upon the case law hammered out for over two hundred years. If it is not sufficient for today’s world, the founding fathers included the amendment process. In my view the Constitution should be understood in the fair meaning of the words as they were used when it was signed into law. Therefore, in regards to the Constitution I am Non-Progressive. Continue reading “THE CONSTITUTION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD”