But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

Peter warned us that there would be false teachers. Satan has been in the business of mimicking what God does for a long time. When God sent Moses to Pharaoh, God gave Moses some miracles to do in Pharaoh’s presence. But Pharaoh’s magicians copied them. In the first chapter of 2 Peter, Peter wrote, “prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (verse 21). Satan’s primary objective is to walk around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Just as he deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden, he is still in the business of deceiving both the lost and the saved. So if he can deceive people to believe they have heard a word from God and lead people into believing false doctrine, he will – all while sitting back with his feet propped up, smirking, and laughing at how gullible we can be. So we need to know that false teachers have always been present, are still present today, and we need to know how they work. 2 Peter 2 tells us all about false teachers.

In verse 1, Peter didn’t say, “if” or “there might be” false teachers. He said there “were” and there “will be.” It’s a statement of fact – not a possibility. In Peter’s day, their teachings were so destructive to the faith that they even denied the Lord who had paid the their redemption price through his own shed blood and death without even realizing that in denying the Lord, they would bring destruction on themselves. Unfortunately, they also bring destruction on those who follow them. That is why when Satan gets a false teacher going, he can put up his feet and just sit back because the false teacher is doing all of Satan’s deceiving for him.

The other thing to point out from verse 1 is that Peter told us these false teachers are among us. They are not always easy to spot. That’s the point of being deceptive.  Peter says in this verse that they work in secret. A false teacher will never get on national TV and announce to the world that he or she is a false teacher. What they are teaching is not a secret. Satan wants them to proclaim their false doctrine everywhere, collecting as many followers as they can so they are all deceived. What is secret, their deceptive nature. False teachers are often the type of person that everyone likes. Otherwise, who would want to follow them?

When Satan tempted Eve, he used some truth and mixed it with lies, twisting the lies into something believable. False teachers do the same thing. Their teaching are conceived from their own imagination or Satan will plant the thought and the person thinks they’ve heard from God. This is why it’s important to study the Bible and memorize scripture. Every single thing you hear from someone regarding God and His Word, you should measure against what the Bible says. If it doesn’t line up with Scripture 100%, then the teaching is false. Sometimes it might a godly person who just didn’t study in depth enough and missed something so what they are teaching isn’t totally correct but most of the time, it’s a false prophet that Satan has planted right in front of you to get you off track, make you an ineffective Christian, and make you doubt God’s Word.

Peter also told us how we can spot these false teachers:

1. They teach destructive heresies. In other words, they tell lies about Jesus and how we can experience forgiveness of sin and receive His free gift of salvation. There is no harmless heresy – every heresy brings hurt and destruction as it leads people away from Christ and straight into Hell.
2. They deny the Lord. False teachers appear at first look to be Christians. Peter says that they deny the Lord who bought them. They might say they are saved, but if they deny the Lord, then they are not. Satan knows that his best work is done through good people who teach lies. People don’t generally believe the lies of an immoral person but lies are much more easily believed by the person who lives a good life.
3. They are very popular. In verse two, Peter wrote that many will follow them. This doesn’t mean that every popular preacher or teacher of God’s Word is a false teacher. But we must remember that Satan wants to take as many souls to Hell with him as he can, so he’s going to use good, likable people to spread false doctrine. God doesn’t want anyone to perish and when He calls a person to preach or teach His Word, He equips them with the gifts and skills needed to do so. So the man or woman of God who is called by God to teach will also often be a likable person. God’s work will always bear fruit, but the devil can also increase his followers. It is up to each Christian to study God’s Word and know what it says and to hold any teaching up to the Bible to see if the teaching is true of false. When Satan is at work in a false teacher, the truth of the Bible is blasphemed and God’s name is disgraced.

As Christians, we have been given the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. It is His job to guide us into all truth. John 16:13 says, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” If you are listening to someone preach or teach and you feel something bugging you about what they are saying, it may be the Holy Spirit is letting you know that what you are hearing is false. It’s time to get into your Bible and study what was said and see what God has to say about it. The Bible is the ultimate authority. If any part of what is being taught doesn’t not align with the Bible, it is false and you need to stay as far away from that teaching and teacher as possible.

So be watchful. Don’t be deceived. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Know the Word of God. Hide it in your heart. If you hear any teaching you question, then ask yourself, “Where in God’s Word does it say that?” If it doesn’t then it’s false.

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We hope you have a holly, jolly Christmas this year – and to help you celebrate, here is the another one of our Christmas designs:

Now available in the Teespring store and the Spreadshirt Store.

Product Description:

Christmas trees in red buffalo plaid, reindeer pattern, and red/gray/white plaid with message of “Merry Christmas.”

This design comes in men’s, ladies’, kids’, and infants’ in tees, long-sleeved tees, sweatshirts, and hoodies. There are also several accessories, including mugs, bags, pillow covers, and more. Visit the stores to see all the options. Remember Spreadshirt’s 15% off all products ends December 1. 

Do you like this design? If so, please share this page to your social media using the links at the top of the page so others can find it too. 

 #Christmas #Christmastrees #plaidandraindeer 

Thank you for helping us grow!

Click here to view the Teespring store. 

Click here to view the Spreadshop Store 

#fundraiser #tshirt #WCM #teespring #spreadshop #Christmas

All profits from these shops help support the work of this ministry. Thank you for supporting us. You can also support us with a year-end, tax-deductible contribution through Fundly. See the link below and thank you for helping us grow. 

Become a distributor of Living Water with us by joining our fundraising campaign as we grow and expand our ministry. Click here to make your secure tax-deductible contribution.

BOOKING NOW! Be a host site for the NEW God, Love & Marshmallow Wars Book Tour & Couples Conference:

This event helps couples understand why the daily activities found in the book will equip them to build a stronger marriage and the book provides them with 365 intentional activities to take what they learn at the event and apply it on a daily basis. Through the event, couples will discover the Biblical “why” behind the categories of activities found in the book and the “how” these activities are important to building a stronger marriage. Focus points of the event includes :

• How memorizing scripture together and studying God’s Word together as they study, meditate and apply scriptures related to marriage and life issues will help them develop marriages that honor God.
• Why utilizing fun conversation starters that spark meaningful conversations will keep interest alive as they continually learn new things about each other.
• Why keeping romance alive is essential to intimacy and connectivity.
• How making memories and working together builds relationship investment bonds and how these investment bonds can become the knots that keeps them together through the tough times.
• How they can understand what they are or are not contributing to the marriage as well as how they might be contributing to problems or potential problems within the relationship through the use of targeted, intentional personal reflections
• Why it is important that couples never stop dating and how group dates with Christian friends can be both an encouragement and accountability to their own relationship.

During the event, couples will be given an activity from each focus point to do together, making this event an interactive, fun, and engaging event with practical, hands-on learning. Unlike other couple events that are over when the event ends, couples who attend the GLMW event will be able to apply what they learn when utilizing the book on a daily basis for a year. Since the book is not dated, couples are able to reuse the activities year after year to continue being intentional in strengthening their relationship with each other and with God as they strive to live out God’s design for marriage every day.

Learn more about hosting this event at your church or conference site by clicking here.

About the book: The GLMW book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble

#GLMW #couplesevent #GLMWbook #intentionalmarriage #Godlymarriage

Looking for a keynote speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.

Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants. Today, Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.

With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities, regardless of size.

To request more information or a booking, 
fill out the online form here.

Or call us at 904.524.8073

#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author

Christmas Items at Christian Book Distributors:

Here are a sample of items from CBD. We are an affiliate of CBD and receive an 8% commission on any product you purchase through these links which we then use to advance our ministry. If you need a Christian gift or looking for Christian Christmas decorations, go to CBD through any link below and search their website for books, Bibles, gifts, decor, and more.

Expecting Christmas: Daily Readings for the Season of Joy By Iron Stream Media Ever wonder what could happen this Christmas if you were truly centered on Christ’s coming? Immerse yourself in this series of devotional readings to help fix your heart on the Savior. Encounter joy as the real reason for the hope within us that comes to fruition, and celebrate his birth anew! Reflection questions included. 127 pages, 4″ x 6.25″ softcover from New Hope.

Nativity Advent Wreath By Wendy Wiinanen / Demdaco Christmas Journey Collection Advent wreath in earthenware, 8″ x 2.5″ with space for four taper candles Christmas Scripture quote is displayed in the center “I am the light of the world. John 8:12” Space in the center if you wish to add a pillar candle Please purchase candles separately since they are not included Explore the biblical story of Christmas with your family and guests as you light the candles each week of Advent Molded relief design in dimensional detail shows the Nativity scene in amazing detail Please be aware this should be washed by hand only Christmas and table Designed by artist WWendy Wiinanen

Foundations, Holy Family LED Figure Figurine By Karen Hahn / Enesco Corporation Holy Family figurine is designed by Karen Hahn for her Foundations Collection One-piece figurine of Joseph and Mary embracing the Christ child Crafted of smooth stone resin in gentle pastels Lavishly embellished with textured fabrics, crystal trims, linen texture, and intricate details Note the loving expressions as Joseph and Mary share this sweet moment together with the newborn Savior Christmas star casts a soft glow over them, illuminated with soft white LED lighting. Figurine is just over 10″ tall; button cell battery is included An heirloom quality keepsake Christmas figurine to treasure

Lighted Silhouette Nativity Wreath White wood nativity wreath with LED lighting, layered dimensional design Intricate laser cut border of snowflakes and stars The soft LED string of lights inside casts just the right amount of glow to showcase the Holy Family and Christmas star in silhouette Wreath is lightweight and easy to hang; operates on three AA batteries which are not included. 12″ diameter x 1″ A unique Christmas accent; above your mantell, on your door; at home or at church

O Holy Night, Lighted Ceramic Decoration Tabletop ceramic Christmas decoration, LED star, with gold lettered sentiment O Holy Night Star with five diamond openings to let the light shine through. 3.75″ x 3.75″; operates on two button-cell batteries which are included. On/off switch on the bottom Creamy ceramic in glossy finish; small space decor; tabletop, shelf, or mantel – a light-up accent; Christian Christmas

The Case for Christmas: A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger By Lee Strobel / Zondervan Who was in the manger that first Christmas morning? Some say he would become a great moral leader. Others, a social critic. Still others view Jesus as a profound philosopher, a rabbi, a feminist, a prophet, and more. Many are convinced he was the divine Son of God. Who was he really? And how can you know for sure? Consulting experts on the Bible, archaeology, and messianic prophecy, award-winning legal journalist Lee Strobel searches out the true identity of the child in the manger. If Jesus really was God in the flesh, then there ought to be credible evidence, including: Eyewitness Evidence – Can the biographies of Jesus be trusted? Scientific Evidence – What does archaeology reveal? Profile Evidence – Did Jesus fulfill the attributes of God? Fingerprint Evidence – Did Jesus uniquely match the identity of the Messiah? The Case for Christmas invites readers to consider why Christmas matters in the first place. Somewhere beyond the traditions of the holiday lies the truth. This little book is perfect as a gift or for use in ministry during the Christmas season or any other time of the year.

A Baxter Family Christmas By Karen Kingsbury / Howard Books The Baxters always spend Christmas together. Each family member struggles with their father’s decision to invite the new owner of their sister’s heart to such a joyous occasion. They may miss out if they choose not to go. Forgiveness doesn’t come easy when it’s yourself you must forgive.

Maggie’s Christmas Miracle, DVD By Karen Kingsbury / Hallmark A single mom, Maggie tries to balance devotion to her son, Jordan, with her career. Then she meets Casey, a tutor who’s becoming more of a father figure to Jordan. With the help of faith and fate, will Maggie discover that anything is possible at Christmas—even finding happiness and love again? Based on the novel by Karen Kingsbury. English subtitles. Closed-captioned. Approx. 85 minutes.

Real Life Nativity Set, Complete Collection, 10.25-inch size Traditional and elegant Real Life Nativity Complete set is truly lifelike in color, design, facial expression, and detail. Set includes 15 figures and lighted stable; figures range to 10.25″ tall.Mary kneels in loving adoration beside the Christ child and Joseph’s expression reflects love and joy. The baby Jesus can be held in Mary’s arms or swaddled in the manger. Kneeling Mary figure is 6″ tall; manger is 2.5″ high and baby Jesus figure is 2.75″ long. Also included: shepherds and angel three-piece set, three kings with gifts of gold,frankincense, and myrrh; pedestal star; four animalsand lighted stable in which to display the Nativity Scene. Crafted of resin, museum quality, heirloom nativity set in representation of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Foundations, Nativity with Creche Set Foundations Collection by Karen Hahn Nativity Set with light-up stable and seven figures. The snow-trimmed roof of the stable is inscribed with Bible verse quote For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.Each figurine is inscribed with Bible verses of the Christmas story from the gospels.

Nativity Set, Sparkle Frost, 11 Pieces, 5 Inches Nativity Set 11 pieces, cast in resin, ranging to 5″ high.What makes this unique? Full color figures; rich detail on all garments and accessories; each piece is coated with a permanent sparkle frost finish. Set includes Holy Family, angel, three kings with gifts, and shepherd with sheep, plus three animals. In the joy of holiday celebrations and family get-togethers, it’s easy to overlook the true meaning of our Christmas. The nativity set turns us to the arrival of the promised Savior, the Messiah, Emmanuel. God with us. In vivid imagery and detail, we see the Christ child in a stable, the Savior of the world has come.

All is Calm All is Bright Pillow Decorator Christmas pillow, 16″ x 16″ Lovely Christmas Collection by Lori Siebert Polyester fiber; panel inset with soft touch greenery design and artisan lettering all is calm. all is bright Wipe clean with damp cloth Soft green

Prince Of Peace Table Runner Prince of Peace Christmas table runner features chalkboard style design with Scripture verse in Christmas tree shaped typography. Cotton canvas runner; 12″ x 72″.His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, Price of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Foundations, Holy Family LED Figure Figurine Holy Family figurine is designed by Karen Hahn for her Foundations Collection One-piece figurine of Joseph and Mary embracing the Christ child Crafted of smooth stone resin in gentle pastels Lavishly embellished with textured fabrics, crystal trims, linen texture, and intricate details Note the loving expressions as Joseph and Mary share this sweet moment together with the newborn Savior Christmas star casts a soft glow over them, illuminated with soft white LED lighting. Figurine is just over 10″ tall; button cell battery is included An heirloom quality keepsake Christmas figurine to treasure

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift–An Interactive Family Celebration of Advent A Family Advent Activity that can be used year after year! Reclaim the wonder of Christmas as you open up this book and watch the tree pop-up! Every day of December, open the enclosed booklet and read your daily love letter from The Greatest Story ever told, right from our beginning in Genesis to our King’s coming under Bethlehem’s star. Know that His love has always, always, always been coming for you! After the day’s reading, fling open the one of the 25 advent doors – and discover that day’s Biblical ornament to hang on your very own tree that will end up telling the grandest Gospel story, from the Beginning to Bethlehem! Features: Beautiful 360°, 14″ Pop-Up Tree Daily Family Devotional Booklet 24 Full-Color Ornaments Star-Shaped Tree Topper

Waiting Here for You: An Advent Journey of Hope By Louie Giglio / Thomas Nelson This year, anticipate the busy season of Advent and Christmas with hope rather than dread. Join Passion conference founder and pastor Louie Giglio as you take hold of God’s great promise embodied in the 24-day countdown to Christ’s birth. Discover that waiting is not wasting when you’re waiting on the Lord. You’ll come away with peace and encouragement for your soul! 112 pages, paperback.

Merry Christmas Platter Oval Merry Christmas platter with Bible verse quote from John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Creamy ivory ceramic platter is 12″ x 9″ with recessed center and raised beaded design border. A festive accent for your Christmas table or party, and on display it’s a timeless Christmas message of hope. Upscale font design; snowflake accent trim. Dishwasher and microwave safe. You’ll want one for yourself, and what a meaningful Christmas gift to give.

Merry Christmas Pallet Art Christmas wall art, pallet decor 17″ x 17.5″ Artisan font Merry Christmas surrounded by painted wreath of greenery and poinsettia Handcrafted in the heart of Amish country USA Authentic pine slats, kiln-dried Rustic, natural, complete with wood grain irregularities and knots; sure to add to your country Christmas look

Nativity Ornament Christmas ornament in elegant marquise shape, is crafted of wood and beautifully displays the true story of Christmas, the birth of Christ in museum quality artwork and design. 5″ x 3.25″, with quote from Isaiah 9:6 Wonderful, Counselor….Prince of Peace. Artwork by Jon McNaughton.Trim the tree, or give as a meaningful Christmas gift. Flat wood ornament with Scripture verse.

Merry Christmas Door Mat Seasonal doormat for Christmas Outdoor/indoor Thick, non-slip rubber backing 17″ x 29″ Polyester top; permanent print; fade and mildew-resistant Printed in the USA Poinsettia and greenery design Merry Christmas

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Confetti, Platter By Lori Siebert / Demdaco

Joy to the World Light Box By Carson Home Accents Add warmth to your room decor with plug-in light box framed design Box is 6″ x 7.5″ x 3″ Insert image is 5″ x 7″ approximately Electrical cord with handy on/off switch; includes 7-watt bulb Illuminated accent Seasonal Christmas theme Joy to the World with dazzling ornaments and gifts.

Fisher-Price Little People Nativity Set

Little hearts will love the Fisher-Price ® Little People ® Nativity Set! Engage your toddler in the joy of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas with their own nativity set, complete with chubby, child-friendly figures and all the key characters that bring to life the story of Baby Jesus’ birth.

Celebrate the joy of Christmas with family-friendly Fisher-Price Nativity, an interactive playset that focuses on the first Christmas. Colorful, durable Little People include figures of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus, plus the Christmas angel, wise men, animals, accessories and a stable, with light-up Christmas star! Includes 18 pieces altogether. Push the sound button to hear Away in a Manger softly play. On/Off switch for sound and light is in the back; requires 3 AA batteries (not included).

Kids can enjoy assembling the characters and retelling the story all through December.

Trusted toy design from Fisher-Price to teach the best Christmas story ever, for children and toddlers, Sunday School and nursery, baby shower and early Christmas gift idea.

Recommended age for play is 12 months to 4 years.