Beware of false prophets (Sermon from 2008)
**Pastor Jenson is on vacation and Deacon Poe had a sudden illness so we found an archival sermon appropriate for our current church season**
We live in a world full of deceit. From pickpockets to email scams, we encounter dishonesty on a daily basis.
But the most dangerous are those who want to separate us from God. While petty thieves are after money; others seek power, control and ego.
False teachers often come disguised as “one of us” just like the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing; they claim to come in the name of God and may look the part but what they teach is either contrary to Scripture or takes the focus away from what Scripture teaches. They make themselves or our human nature the substitute for God.
It’s our responsibility to examine those who preach and teach and ensure they are following Scripture. And how do we do that? Our sermon text tells us in Matthew 7,
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
Announcements
Vacation: Pastor Jenson will be on vacation from July 6-13. In the event of an emergency, please contact Deacon Poe or Lloyd Harris.
Service Time: The Board of Deacons would like to hear your feedback on moving the Sunday service time from 11 am to 10 am during the summer only. Please let Lloyd or one of the deacons whether you are in favor or oppose it.
Donations: Although we are slowly emerging from the pandemic, the expenses remain constant. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location.
LWML: Funds are still needed to support ongoing activities. Please send donations to Margaret Ebert.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.