The word of God warns us to "beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.
You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.
How to enter the Kingdom of Heaven
In Matthew 7:21 Jesus said, “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter." He further stated that on judgment day many will say to Him, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But the Lord said that His reply will be, "I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws" or you who practice lawlessness! (Matthew 7:23).A Solid Foundation
Having a sound foundation is vital for Christian growth and development. Jesus said, anyone who listens to His teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.
But anyone who hears His teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
It's foolish to build anything on a shifting or unstable foundation because it would prove to be very costly in the end. That is why a wise builder ensures that his foundation is strong.
Jesus is the Sure Foundation
The Apostle Paul said, "Because of God’s grace to him, he has laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ" (1Cor. 3:10-11).
However, builders have the privilege to use the material of their choice to erect the building. So, likewise anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done.
Now, just as fire is used to purify silver by separating the dross from the metal (Prov. 25:4); "The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames" (1Cor. 3:13-15).
There are many false prophets gone out in the world seeking filthy lucre and many lead astray by their smooth and enticing messages. Let us therefore, endeavor to be wise builders who count the cost, lay a solid foundation and live a life that is pleasing to God and a testimony to the world that God is faithful.
Thank You for the cross that You have paid For all my sins. You've sacrificed Yourself I am nothing Lord without Your Grace. You were there to lift me when I failed. I surrender all and I will follow You.
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