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Was Paul a False Apostle?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbePeter provides a strong endorsement of Paul, calling him our beloved brother and placing his writings alongside the other Scriptures, despite acknowledging that some of Paul's teachings are hard to understand and often misunderstood by the untaught and unstable, leading to their destruction. In the previous chapter, Peter warns extensively about false teachers, yet offers no hint that Paul is among them, instead affirming that Paul's wisdom is given by God. This validation counters claims of Paul being a false apostle, as Peter's testimony, written after most of Paul's epistles, implicitly supports his authority without disputing his apostleship. If Paul were a false apostle, as some allege, then Peter's reliability would also be questioned, since he vouches for Paul and his writings. Similarly, Luke, who extensively documents Paul's work in Acts, would be deemed untrustworthy, casting doubt on his gospel and the historical accounts of the early church. Luke directly names Paul as an apostle, noting that he and Barnabas were sent forth, and records the Lord's declaration to Ananias that Paul is a chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Through Paul's hands, Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, and he performed incredible miracles while preaching the Kingdom of God. John, as the last original apostle, saw the full span of the first-century church and its challenges, yet offers no warning against Paul or his teachings in his epistles, despite addressing other false teachers and doctrines. Jude, in his short letter focused on false teachers, indirectly identifies Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ by referencing what he wrote, without any indication of deceit or falsehood. Thus, the collective witness of Peter, Luke, John, and Jude upholds Paul's authenticity, countering accusations of him being a false apostle. Removing Paul's writings, along with the support of these other figures, would radically alter the faith, as subtracting from God's Word distorts the lens through which His truth is understood.
Was Paul a False Apostle?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeAn increasing number of people believe Paul was not a real apostle, but an imposter, trying to seduce people to stop keeping God's laws.
Beware of False Prophets
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsFalse prophets promote the broad way, giving people what they want to hear. They replace God's truth with human tradition. They are identified by their fruit.
Four Warnings (Part Two): Beware of False Prophets
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's people will know false teachers by their fruits. Even as helpless sheep, we must exercise vigilance detecting the fruits of their preaching.
'I Will Build My Church'
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus is aware of all that transpires within His church—regardless of how out-of-control things may seem—and He will always act in the way that is best.
Being Deceived
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaChrist warned that many would be deceived, though no one ever admits to being deceived. The Bible warns of deceptions from within and without the church.
Damnable Heresies
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany heresies have crept into the church over the past several years. Here is how Satan works to introduce heresy into the church, and what we can do about it.
Deceivers and Antichrists
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeWhoever does not abide in the doctrine of the indwelling of Christ does not have God, but whoever does abide in this doctrine has both the Father and the Son.
First Love (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsA Christian's foremost responsibility is to love God wholeheartedly. A decline similar to the Ephesians' loss of their first love affected the first-century church.
The Seven Churches (Part Three): Ephesus
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's letter to the Ephesians focuses on a people who succeeded in fighting heresy and apostates but, in the process, had left their first love.
The Fifth Teacher
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeCorinth had four positive teachers, yet a mysterious fifth teacher was also influencing them and instilling beliefs that were the source of all the bad fruit.
Looks Fair, Feels Foul
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughBe wary of things and people that appear attractive and fair on the outside, but are actually foul and destructive underneath. Evaluate the fruit.
Matthew (Part Eleven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughLife consists of a series of choices, often a dilemma of a pleasurable choice on one hand and a difficult choice (that produces more growth) on the other.
Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsBecause of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eight)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe should not expect brethren to be perfect; we all sin. God has not given His People the prerogative to judge another member as a tare.
From Faith to Love
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaPeter provides not only an effective antidote to corrosive heresies, apostasy, and false teachers, but also a practical formula for spiritual growth.
Are God's Holy Days To Be Kept Today?
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIf we do not keep God's holy days, we will deprive ourselves of the knowledge of God's purpose. Jesus and the first century church observed and upheld these days.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Two)
Sermon by David F. MaasIn the Olivet prophecy, Jesus gave His disciples a pointed warning about rampant deception occurring at the close of the age, engineered by the arch deceiver.