Issue 1604 – Spoiled Springs – November 18, 2024

I had been fishing all day, and the weather was hot. I was getting thirsty, but I knew of a hidden gem nearby.

The walk into the spring was about a mile. The  water came from deep underground and was always cold, refreshing, and safe to drink. It was worth the hike.

This time, things were different. An enterprising beaver had built a dam, and the spring was now underwater behind the dam. So much for cold. So much for refreshing. So much for safe to drink. 

Where there have been beavers around, the water is likely contaminated with Giardiasis (or beaver fever as it’s called in these parts). Beaver fever will leave you with a great deal of ugly abdominal distress for weeks and is highly contagious. It’s not the sort of thing you want to take a chance with.

The promise of the refreshing water couldn’t be delivered on.

Something similar happens with false teachers.

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

They promise what they can’t deliver. They promise living water, but provide empty wells. They promise freedom, but deliver bondage. They promise salvation but deliver damnation.

These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 2 Peter 2:17-19

How do we know which teachings are false? By knowing what we believe and why we believe it. 

We discern it through diligent study of the Word, by examining Bible passages in context and in comparison to the Word as a whole, and by learning some solid Christian doctrine.

If you don’t know what you believe and why you believe it, then you may find yourself standing at the foot of a spoiled spring. You could be seeking living water but end up perishing of thirst instead.

Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

Kevin

Gleanings From The Word

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Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.

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