Author: Texas Gospel

False Teachers and Their Claim to Belong to Christ

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AMY TURNER

In 2 Peter 2:1, we read a warning that false teachers will come among believers. They will secretly spread teachings that destroy faith, and some will even deny the Lord who is described as having “bought them.” At first glance, this may sound as if Christ purchased their salvation, but the meaning is different.

Peter uses the picture of a master who has purchased servants for his household. Once bought, those servants are expected to serve with loyalty and obedience. In the same way, false teachers claim to belong to Christ’s household. They speak as if they are his representatives, but their actions prove otherwise. They do not live in true service to him, and instead they spread lies and lead others away from the truth.

This is what makes them so harmful. The warning is clear: false teachers are dangerous because they appear to belong to Christ while denying him in practice.

They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

Titus 1:16

Understanding Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

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JEFF TURNER

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” given to him. Some have guessed it was a physical illness, perhaps affecting his eyes, but the passage itself does not suggest a disease. Paul describes it clearly as a messenger of Satan. It’s a demonic force sent to trouble him.

This was not demon possession, since believers, as temples of the Holy Spirit, cannot be possessed. Instead, it was a form of spiritual attack that struck deeply and brought ongoing torment. It is likely connected to the opposition and unrest within the Corinthian church.

God allowed this trial for a purpose. Paul explains that it kept him from becoming proud because of the great revelations he had received. Even after praying three times for its removal, the Lord did not take it away. Paul accepted this, seeing that God’s power works best in humility.

Strength comes through dependence on Christ.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

God’s Presence Makes You Capable

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FLOYD ROGERS

Many people doubt their ability to be used by God. They focus on their weaknesses—lack of education, limited experience, or low self-esteem—and begin to believe they are unqualified to serve. But Scripture shows us again and again that God often works through those who seem the least likely.

Rather than fixating on what you lack, consider what you do have, especially the promise of God’s presence. When someone chooses to follow God’s way, they are not left on their own. God gives strength and ability to those who trust in Him. What matters most is not your background or skills, but that God is with you.

Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6

A Warning from the End of the Bible

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AMY TURNER

In the closing words of the Bible, we find one of the most serious cautions God gives to His people. Revelation 22:18–19 tells us that anyone who adds to the words of this book will face the plagues written in it. Some readers worry this may apply to moments when they have misunderstood the Bible.

Misunderstanding God’s Word is always harmful because it can lead us away from truth, but that is not what Revelation is addressing here. The warning is about deliberately adding new ideas or teachings to the Word of God. This command appears at the very end of the Bible to remind us that nothing should ever be placed alongside or beyond what God has spoken.

Even though people sincerely want to know the Bible, false teaching can still lead them astray. The responsibility of every believer is to stay close to God’s Word as it is written, without changing or adding to it. The judgment described in Revelation is for those who attempt to expand or alter what God has completed.

Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.

1 Corinthians 4:6

The Seriousness of Condemning Words

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JEFF TURNER

In Matthew 5:22, Jesus warns that calling someone a “fool” can place a person in danger of hell. This is not about casual name-calling but about speech filled with deep anger and contempt. The word “fool” in this context was a severe insult. It attacked not only a person’s intelligence but also their worth and character, treating them as if they were worthless.

Such language is more than unkind. This kind of speech reflects a heart that seeks to condemn and dehumanize. Speaking this way is rooted in hostility and rebellion, and it aligns with the behaviour of those who do not belong to God’s kingdom.

Followers of Christ are called to speak with grace and to avoid words that tear others down. Our speech should build others up and benefit those who hear, showing the love of Christ rather than the spirit of the world.

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:29