Living in Light, Love, and Truth: Discerning False Prophets

Text: 1 John 4:1-6

Who are you listening to?

That question has never been more urgent. In a world filled with noise, countless voices claim to speak truth—and even to speak for God. But how do we know which ones to trust?

Can You Spot an AI Scam?

Not long ago, a national survey revealed that nearly half of Americans—48 percent—feel less “scam-savvy” than ever before because of artificial intelligence. As AI infiltrates our inboxes, phone calls, and social media feeds, the line between real and fake grows increasingly blurry. Only 18 percent of respondents said they felt confident they could recognize a scam before falling for it. Many admitted that if a scammer mimicked the voice of a loved one or sent a convincing message, they would probably be deceived.

It’s not surprising. Deepfake videos, AI-generated phone calls, and fabricated news posts have become so realistic that even sharp minds can be fooled. No wonder one in three Americans has fallen for some form of scam—and 40 percent within the past year.

One technology executive, commenting on the findings, warned people to remain vigilant as these tools grow more powerful. That word—vigilant—captures the heart of the Apostle John’s message in 1 John 4. Just as we need discernment to spot digital deception, we need spiritual discernment to distinguish between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

Testing the Spirits

John begins bluntly: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1).

Behind every teaching, every “prophetic” word, every cultural message lies a spiritual influence. Some are of God. Others are not. From the beginning, God’s people have been called to test those who claim to speak for Him (see Deuteronomy 13 and 18). The question has always been: Does this message lead me closer to God—or away from Him?

That remains our test today. Not every book labeled “Christian,” not every podcast quoting Scripture, and not every preacher online speaks from the Spirit of truth. As believers, we must be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11—examining everything by the Word of God. And we must do this together, humbly allowing others to correct us and helping them do the same. The stakes are too high to do otherwise.

The First Test: What Do They Say About Jesus?

John gives us a clear standard: “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.” (1 John 4:2).

The false teachers John confronted didn’t outright deny Christ—they distorted Him. They denied that Jesus was both fully God and fully human. They reduced Him to a spiritual messenger rather than the incarnate Word of God who died for our sins and rose again.

The same danger persists today. Whenever a message minimizes Jesus’s divinity, questions His humanity, or undermines His authority, it’s not from God. These are, as John says, the spirit of antichrist—forces already active in our world.

That’s why we must know the real Jesus, not a cultural caricature of Him. When we’re clear about who He is—the Son of God, our Savior, Lord, and King—we can more easily recognize counterfeit versions.

The Second Test: What Do They Value?

John continues, “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world.” (1 John 4:5).

False prophets often sound appealing because their message aligns with worldly desires—success, wealth, influence, and fear. The Spirit of truth, however, leads us toward humility, mercy, forgiveness, courage, and love.

If a message promotes self over sacrifice, power over service, or fear over faith, it does not come from the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God always points us back to Jesus and His Kingdom.

And that’s the good news: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). We do not face deception alone. The Holy Spirit within us gives victory, confidence, and clarity.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth

So what does this look like in daily life?

• Living in Light means exposing every claim and teaching to the truth of God’s Word.
• Living in Love means correcting others gently, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.
• Living in Truth means remaining loyal to the real Jesus, even when false versions seem easier to follow.

To shine the light of Christ in a dark world, we must stay vigilant—anchored in Scripture, guided by the Spirit, and committed to one another in love.

A Challenge for the Week

This week, take time to write down what you believe about Jesus, the Gospel, and your faith. When you are clear about what is true, you’ll recognize what doesn’t fit.

We live in a world filled with spiritual noise. The question isn’t whether we’ll hear voices—it’s which voice we’ll follow. May our ears be trained by the Spirit to recognize the voice of our Shepherd, so that we can walk in light, live in love, and remain rooted in truth.

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Living in Light, Love, and Truth: Standing Firm Against Deception

1 John 2:18–29 

A couple of weeks ago at supper, I asked Jenny, “Have you heard about that chihuahua that was integrated into a wolf pack around Ely?”

I went on to tell her what I had read: supposedly, wildlife experts were called in, and when one of them was asked how a chihuahua could survive among wolves, he replied, “I’ve met many wolves and a few chihuahuas—and I was always more scared of the chihuahuas.” The article ended with, “He didn’t just survive. He belonged.”

I thought, That will preach!

Except Jenny looked at me and said, “I don’t think that’s true.”

At first, I wanted to defend myself. I was sure I had read it in an article. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized she was probably right. So I checked. Sure enough, I had been duped. The “expert” wasn’t real, and the “quote” came from an old meme floating around online since about 2010.

The truth is—I wanted it to be true. And because I wanted it to be true, I stopped asking hard questions. My skepticism went down, my desire went up, and deception slipped in unnoticed.

Isn’t that exactly how false teaching spreads? Our desires, fears, and hopes can cloud our discernment. We accept what we want to hear without stopping to test it against the truth. It’s no wonder the New Testament spends so much time warning us about deception.

Why Truth Matters for Christian Community

In his first letter, the Apostle John writes to Christians who were facing spiritual confusion. Some former church members were spreading a different message about Jesus—one that sounded spiritual but denied that Jesus was both fully God and fully man. They claimed deeper knowledge, higher truth, and better revelation.

But John cuts through the noise. He reminds believers that a healthy Christian community is grounded in truth and love. When false teaching seeps in, both truth and love are corrupted. That’s why discernment isn’t optional for followers of Jesus—it’s essential.

John gives five reminders to help us stand firm in a world filled with deception.

1. We Are Living in the Last Hour

John writes, “Dear children, the last hour is here” (1 John 2:18).

By “last hour,” he means we are living in the time between Jesus’s first and second comings—the time when opposition to Jesus will rise. The presence of “many antichrists” isn’t proof that God’s plan is failing; it’s evidence that we are in the middle of the story God told us would unfold. So don’t be surprised when truth is challenged—be anchored instead.

2. The Test Is What People Say About Jesus

John tells us that false teachers are known by their message. They don’t deny God—they distort Jesus.

Some in John’s day claimed that Jesus was just a man who temporarily received the “Spirit of Christ,” but that this Spirit left before the crucifixion. In other words, they wanted Jesus’s teachings without His sacrifice.

John says that’s the heart of deception. The question is always the same: What do they say about Jesus? Correct belief about Him leads to correct living.

3. We Are Anointed by the Holy Spirit

John uses a wordplay: Christ means “Anointed One.” The antichrists are those opposed to the Anointed One—but believers, John says, are also anointed (v. 20).

When we hear the Gospel and pledge our allegiance to King Jesus, the Holy Spirit marks us as belonging to Him. The Spirit convicts, empowers, and guides us in truth. This anointing sets us apart to live for God’s Kingdom in the middle of a deceptive world.

4. We Must Remain Faithful

John urges, “Remain faithful to what you have been taught from the beginning” (v. 24).

Faithfulness is not just believing the right things—it’s staying loyal to Jesus and the Gospel we first received. We don’t need new revelations or “secret” truths; the Gospel we’ve already heard is enough. The Holy Spirit continues to confirm that truth in us and keeps us rooted in Jesus so that when He returns, we can stand with confidence rather than shame.

5. We Are God’s Children

Finally, John reminds us that righteousness isn’t just what God sees in us—it’s what we live out.

When we do what is right, love others, forgive, and serve—we reveal the family resemblance. As God’s children, our lives reflect our Father’s character to the world.

Two Ways to Stand Firm

So how do we live this out in a world swirling with deception?

1. Keep the Gospel Central.

Use it as your litmus test. When you encounter a new teaching, idea, or post, ask: Does this align with the good news that Jesus is Lord and that His Kingdom is breaking into the world?

2. Do the Next Right Thing.

Righteous living isn’t perfection—it’s persistence. Confess sin quickly. Offer forgiveness freely. Help your neighbor. Sit with someone who is grieving. Every small act of obedience is a way of standing firm in the truth.

Nothing to Fear

When we remain with Jesus—when our allegiance is to Him alone—we don’t have to fear the lies that swirl around us. The wolves may circle, false teachers may shout, but those who belong to the Anointed One—those anointed by His Spirit—stand secure.

As John wrote, “Now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame” (1 John 2:28).

Paul’s Ponderings is a blog dedicated to reflecting on Scripture and encouraging believers to live out their faith with love and purpose.

Warning and Wisdom: A Conversation About False Teachers

Paul’s Ponderings Interview | August 2025

In this interview with ChatGPT, I reflect on the challenging subject of false teachers. This comes after my recent study of Jude and pastoral experience, In this I seek to offer biblical insight, personal wisdom, and a pastoral heart to help believers navigate the dangers of false teaching—and stay grounded in truth.

ChatGPT: What first opened your eyes to the danger and presence of false teaching in the church? Was there a specific moment, experience, or passage that helped you see its seriousness?

Paul:
For me this became an issue when I started to see certain teaching bring harm to people and “shipwreck” the faith of others. For the most part, I’m a big tent guy. I understand that given 2,000 years of church teaching and doctrine, there are going to be differences in interpretation and understanding.

To me, teaching that’s lined up with the Bible is teaching that calls people to faith in Jesus and looks forward to His return to make everything right. So I’m slow to call something heresy.

That said, I do think there are teachings and teachers that are harmful. And I’ve seen the damage firsthand.

ChatGPT: In your view, what distinguishes a false teacher from someone who simply holds a different (but still orthodox) theological perspective? Where do you personally draw that line?

Paul:
The line I draw covers two areas.

First, based on Matthew 7:15–20, I look at the life of the teacher. A person can have orthodox theology, but if their lifestyle is abusive, dishonest, or unfaithful, they are still a false teacher. Why? Because their actions damage the faith of others.

Second, based on Jude 1:3, I look at their Gospel message. If a teacher misleads people about the hope of the Gospel—especially by feeding fleshly desires for health, wealth, or power—that’s a false message. It’s a misrepresentation of God and His Kingdom.

ChatGPT: As a pastor, how have you seen false teaching impact people in real life—either in your church or in the wider Christian world? What kind of spiritual damage does it cause?

Paul:
Yes, I’ve seen the damage. I’ve seen people doubt their faith because they didn’t receive what they were told God had promised them. Then they were told it was their fault—because of sin or a lack of faith.

That breaks my heart. Instead of seeing God as a source of help, they began to see Him as someone who withholds help because their faith wasn’t the right type of faith or they had unbelief in their hearts. In my book this is spiritual abuse.

I’ve also heard stories of people misled by prophets and teachers into bad marriages, terrible financial decisions, or worse. People who lost family members because they trusted someone claiming to speak for God.

It’s heartbreaking because they put their trust in someone they believed was godly—and ended up wounded and disillusioned.

ChatGPT: What are some biblical markers or habits that help protect people from falling for false teaching? How can everyday Christians grow in discernment?

Paul:
The first thing I’d say is: get good study tools.

The Bible is written for us, but not to us. That means we have to put effort into understanding it in its original context. Even with great translations, things get lost because we live in a different time and culture.

I recommend two key resources:

• A good Study Bible
• A solid One-Volume Commentary on the entire Bible

These will help the average Christian understand the text much better.

Second, double-check what a teacher says. Acts 17 praises the Bereans for doing this. We should always go back to Scripture to test what we’re being taught.

Third, take accusations of abuse or dishonesty seriously. Don’t just defend a leader because they “preach truth.” Jesus had harsh words for religious leaders whose behavior hurt people. When there are victims, don’t brush it under the rug—listen, investigate, and remember that Jesus sides with the oppressed.

When in doubt, side with the victims.

ChatGPT: How has your preaching changed (or been shaped) by your awareness of false teaching? Are there things you intentionally do now to guard or guide your congregation as you preach?

Paul:
First, I’ve learned that it’s not my job to name and call out specific false teachers. I’m grateful for those in the Church who do that—it’s needed—but I’ve felt God calling me to just preach and teach the Bible faithfully.

Second, I try to emphasize doctrine more. One reason false teaching thrives is because people lack a clear understanding of basic Christian doctrine. It’s not enough to “use Bible verses”—false teachers do that too. People need to know what the Bible actually teaches.

Third, I encourage people to double-check me. I want them to know it’s okay to ask questions and search the Scriptures themselves. I often say (borrowing from Dallas Willard):

“Only 80% of what I know is correct—but you have to figure out which 20% is off. If I knew, I’d fix it.”

That keeps me humble and helps equip the congregation to grow in biblical discernment.


ChatGPT: What final word would you give to someone who has been hurt or confused by false teaching? How can they begin to heal and rebuild trust in Jesus and His Church?

Paul:
I’m so sorry that happened to you. That teaching—or that teacher—was not from God.

Please give faith in Jesus another chance.

One of the best ways to begin healing is to be in a healthy Christian community. You need people who encourage you as you follow Jesus, and a teacher who will listen to your questions without pretending to know it all.

That kind of community matters deeply. It’s one of the ways God rebuilds trust, restores hearts, and leads us back to truth.

Final Thought:
False teachers are real—and they’re dangerous not just because they twist doctrine, but because they harm people. But the good news is that Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continues to lead His people into truth, love, and life.

If we commit to studying the Word, walking in community, and keeping our eyes on King Jesus, we’ll be far less likely to fall—and far more ready to stand.

Kept for Christ: Kept Until the End

Jude 1:17–25 | Kept for Christ – Part 3

In the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, American Billy Mills stunned the world by winning gold in the 10,000-meter race. But long after Mills had stepped off the track, another runner—Ranatunge Karunananda of Sri Lanka—was still circling the stadium, nearly four laps behind.

Karunananda was unwell that day, and many expected him to quit. Some in the crowd even laughed and heckled. But he kept running. Lap after lonely lap. At first, the crowd mocked him, but something changed. Slowly, the jeers turned into applause. By the final lap, the crowd was on its feet, cheering him on. When he finally crossed the finish line, he was exhausted, but he finished.

When asked why he didn’t give up, Karunananda replied,

“The Olympic spirit is not to win, but to take part. So, I completed my rounds.”

His perseverance so deeply moved the Japanese public that his story was added to school textbooks. Why? Because perseverance—especially when no one expects it, especially when it’s hard—is powerful.

Many Christians today feel like Karunananda. Outpaced by the world. Tempted to quit. Mocked or misunderstood. But the closing words of Jude’s short letter urge us not to give up, not to give in, and not to be swept away by falsehood. We are called to press on, knowing that God is able to keep us until the very end.


The Threat Is Real—But So Is The Hope
Throughout this series in Jude, we’ve seen that the greatest threats to the Gospel often come from within the Church. False teachers—those who distort Scripture for their own gain—are not always easy to identify. They use Christian language, quote the Bible, and talk about Jesus. And that’s what makes them dangerous.

It’s not just what they say—it’s how they live. Their lives don’t reflect the way of King Jesus. That’s why the best defense against false teaching isn’t just having good arguments—it’s living a faithful life. The way of Jesus is not only something we believe, it’s something we embody.

So how do we remain faithful in a world of distortion and distraction?

Let’s walk through Jude 1:17–25.

1. Remember the Warnings (vv. 17–19)
Jude calls his readers to remember. Last week, we were told to remember the Old Testament stories of judgment. Now, Jude reminds us of the apostles’ words. Paul warned in Acts 20:29–30 that false teachers would arise from among the believers. 1 Timothy 4:1–3 predicts the same.

We shouldn’t be surprised that false teaching exists. We’re in the “last days”—the time between Jesus’ ascension and return. And the enemy won’t sit back while the kingdom of God expands.

False teachers are marked by:

• Mockery of truth

• Self-centered desires

• A claim to be spiritual, but a lack of the Spirit

You can recognize them by their character—not just their charisma.

2. Remain in the Faith (vv. 20–21)

Jude shifts from describing the deceivers to instructing the faithful.

“But you, dear friends…”

We are not like them. We are to live differently. And here’s how:

• Build yourselves up in the faith — Grow in your knowledge of Scripture. Study in community. Help one another.

• Pray in the Holy Spirit — Stay connected to God. Prayer is not performance—it’s dependence.

• Keep yourselves in God’s love — Obedience is how we remain in God’s love. Stay close to Jesus.

• Wait for the mercy of Jesus — Hope is not passive. We wait expectantly, with endurance.

Remaining faithful is a group effort. Discipleship is not a solo race. It’s a community endeavor.


3. Reach Out with Mercy (vv. 22–23)
Not only are we to stay strong, but we’re also called to reach out. Jude identifies three groups:

• The doubting – Show them mercy. Be patient. Walk with them.

• The endangered – Snatch them from the fire. Be bold in truth-telling.

• The entangled – Be cautious. Love them without getting pulled into error.

This is gritty, grace-filled work. And it’s risky. False teaching is seductive. I’ve felt the pull myself. That’s why we must reach out with mercy and wisdom. Don’t ignore error, but don’t approach it with arrogance either.

4. Rest in God’s Power (vv. 24–25)
Jude began this letter by telling us we are kept by King Jesus. Now he ends with a doxology—a beautiful proclamation of God’s power:

“Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, without blemish and with great joy…”

You and I are not kept by willpower. We are kept by grace. God is the one who will get us through.

He is:

• Able to protect

• Able to present us blameless

• Worthy of glory, majesty, power, and authority

That’s why we have hope. We’re not just contending for the faith—we’re being kept for Christ. God’s power will hold us until the end.


How Do We Remain Faithful Today?
If Jude’s message is for us (and it is), then what should we do? Here are four practices:

1. Stay Anchored in the Word

Study the Bible—especially in community. Use a study Bible or a commentary to deepen your understanding. False teaching often sounds good, so test everything.

2. Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines

Prayer, fasting, generosity, worship, and service help you stay connected to Jesus—the true vine. These habits build spiritual resilience.

3. Engage in Compassionate Outreach

Don’t just guard yourself—reach out to others. Encourage, disciple, and serve. We are called to reflect Christ’s mercy to the world.

4. Trust in God’s Sovereignty

He will finish what He started. Your hope isn’t in your effort alone—it’s in His keeping power. That’s why we keep going.

Don’t Quit. Don’t Drift. You Are Kept.
In a world full of lies, confusion, and false promises, how do we remain faithful to King Jesus?

We:

• Remember the warnings

• Remain in the faith

• Reach out with mercy

• Rest in God’s power

That’s how we stay safe. That’s how we press on. That’s how we run our race—even when it’s hard, even when we feel alone.

Like Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13–14:

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

We’re not running alone. We’re not running in vain. We are kept—until the very end.

Weekly Challenge:
This week, pick one chapter of Scripture and read it alongside notes from a study Bible or commentary. Let your understanding grow. One of the ways God protects us from error is by helping us go deeper into truth.

Kept for Christ: The Danger Within

 

Have you ever followed someone you trusted—only to realize too late they led you in the wrong direction?

Imagine you’re on a hike in a dense forest. The path is narrow, and you’re following a trusted guide who knows the way to safety. But then someone else steps in, speaking confidently, using familiar trail markers, and promising an easier path. You follow—only to end up stuck in a swamp, disoriented and in danger.

This is the danger Jude warns us about: false teachers who sound convincing but lead people away from the truth of Jesus.

Last week, we began our series in the book of Jude, exploring how we are called, loved, and kept by God—and how we’re charged with defending the faith against those who distort it (Jude 1:1–4). This week, we dig deeper into who those false teachers are, what they look like, and how we can guard against them. Jude 1:5–16 is a sobering reminder: the greatest threat to the Gospel often comes from within the church, not from outside it.


Jude’s Urgent Warning

Jude, the servant of King Jesus and brother of James, writes with urgency. False teachers have slipped into the church—quietly, dangerously—and their influence is spreading. In these verses, Jude uses vivid illustrations from Israel’s history, angelic rebellion, and even natural imagery to expose their character and highlight the judgment they face.

Let’s walk through the text in three movements: Pattern of Judgment, Character Exposed, and Hidden Dangers.

1. A Pattern of Judgment (Jude 1:5–7)

Jude begins by reminding readers of stories they already know:

• Israel—freed from Egypt, yet judged for unbelief and rebellion.
• Angels—who abandoned their roles and were cast into darkness.
• Sodom and Gomorrah—destroyed for their immorality and rejection of God’s order.

Each example serves as a warning: God takes rebellion seriously. And just like in these historical events, the false teachers in the church are inviting the same fate—for themselves and for those who follow them.

These aren’t harmless misunderstandings. Jude is clear: false teaching leads to destruction.

2. Character Exposed (Jude 1:8–11)

Next, Jude unmasks the character of these deceptive leaders. They:

• Rely on dreams and visions rather than God’s Word.
• Reject spiritual authority—even the angels who delivered God’s law.
• Defile the body—pursuing desires over holiness.

Jude contrasts their arrogance with the humility of Michael the Archangel. Even when disputing with Satan, Michael doesn’t take matters into his own hands—he appeals to God’s authority. False teachers, by contrast, act on impulse, rejecting all accountability.

Jude groups these deceivers with three infamous figures from Scripture:

• Cain—who allowed jealousy and anger to consume him.
• Balaam—who used spiritual influence for personal gain.
• Korah—who rejected God’s appointed leaders and led others into rebellion.

Each of these men caused division and destruction. Jude says: the false teachers are just like them.

3. Hidden Dangers (Jude 1:12–13)

Here Jude shifts to powerful metaphors to show just how dangerous these people are:

• Hidden reefs—they look safe but can destroy the ship.
• Waterless clouds—they promise nourishment but deliver nothing.
• Fruitless trees—they may look alive but are twice dead.
• Wild waves—chaotic, destructive, full of shame.
• Wandering stars—guideless and doomed.

These individuals were even present at the early church’s love feasts—fellowship meals tied to communion. They blended in. That’s the danger. They’re not outside critics—they’re insiders. And their selfishness, false promises, and spiritual manipulation wreak havoc on the faith of others.

4. Their Judgment is Certain (Jude 1:14–16)

Jude closes this section by quoting Enoch, who prophesied judgment against the ungodly. These people don’t just err—they actively oppose God. They:

• Stir discontent.
• Chase their own desires.
• Use flattery to manipulate and control.

Their words may sound spiritual, but their lives reveal the truth. They are not pointing to Jesus—they are using Jesus’ name for their own gain.


How Do We Guard Against False Teaching?

This is a heavy passage, but it’s meant to wake us up—not frighten us. Jude gives us clear ways to stay vigilant:

1. Be Grounded in Scripture

Jude says, “I want to remind you…” This assumes they’ve been taught the truth before. But reminders only help if we’re familiar with the original.

Don’t just read the Bible—study it.

Equip yourself with a good study Bible and a trustworthy one-volume commentary. These tools help you interpret Scripture and discern truth from error.


2. Be Wary of Teachers Who Rely on Private Revelation

When someone constantly says, “God told me…” or bases teaching on dreams and visions, be cautious.

Scripture tells us that prophets should be evaluated (1 Corinthians 14:29) and to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Often, these claims can lead to spiritual manipulation or emotional abuse, especially when paired with authoritative language that bypasses accountability.

3. Watch How They Treat People

Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

False teachers may talk about love, but their lives tell another story.

Watch for patterns of pride, control, abuse, or manipulation. If their ministry leaves people shipwrecked, wounded, or confused—don’t ignore that. Truth and love always go together.

Final Thoughts: Be Alert. Be Rooted. Be Ready.

The most dangerous teaching isn’t the loudest or most outrageous—it’s the one that quietly replaces Christ with something else, all while quoting Scripture and sounding spiritual. That’s the danger within.

Jude reminds us: God will judge those who distort His truth. But we are not left defenseless.

We have the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, and one another.

So ask yourself:

• Am I grounded enough in God’s Word to recognize error?
• Am I choosing teachers who faithfully handle Scripture?
• Do I see the Gospel shaping their lives—not just their words?

Big Idea: We must take seriously the danger false teachers pose to our faith.

Not all teaching is good teaching. And if we’re not careful, we can be led away from Jesus—even by those who speak in His name.

A Challenge for the Week: Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into truth.

This task is too big for us to handle on our own. False teachers don’t wear name tags—and their teachings can be hard to detect. But Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would help us remember His words and discern what is true (John 14:26).

So this week, as you read and reflect on Scripture, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you.Ask for wisdom. Ask for discernment. Ask to be shaped by the truth.

Closing Thought:

The greatest threat to the Gospel isn’t out there in the world—it’s when the truth is twisted within the Church.

Let’s be a people who contend for the faith—with grace-filled hearts, eyes fixed on Jesus, and lives that reflect the truth we proclaim.

Stay rooted. Stay alert. Stay faithful.

And above all, stay close to King Jesus.