Who are the “false brothers” in Galatians 2:4?

“This issue arose because of false brothers smuggled in, who came in secretly to spy on the freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us”

  There are several references in the Word of God to how the powers of Satan organize against the local church, which include false brothers, false prophets, and wolves.  

In a previous post, I wrote about wolves you are welcome to check that post out in the archives.  In Galatians 2:4, the apostle Paul writes about false brothers.  False brothers are unbelievers placed in the midst of believers for the purpose of division.  These false brothers appear to be non-believers sent from the Jews to cause destruction from the inside of the church.  The Apostle Paul speaks of the “spying on their freedom.”  

While the Jews may not send these false brothers today, the attack remains one recycled by the enemy.  Today, false brothers come in different forms and degrees. Some “false brothers” may not even be aware they are lost and working for the enemy.  But I believe that the enemy has placed them in local bodies to be a point of disruption and division.  Again you can pick them out by the destruction and devastation they leave in their wake!  If you encounter a false brother you should show them grace, but not be afraid to rebuke them.   If you sit and listen to their lies, your silence will be scene as agreement.  False Brothers are looking for numbers to bring about their destruction.  So be wise and be bold as you adhere to truth.

Battery Saturday Report

Today was a great day at Grace Baptist Church.  Our Church family stopped by 147 homes around our church campus.  Of the 147 homes, we make 62 contacts, prayed with 2 homes, and had 16 prayer requests.

In addition to the contacts and requests, we installed about 42 fire alarms in 20 homes.  Special thanks to Danny Birkner, Fire Marshall Jack Buckles, and all the volunteers of Grace Baptist Church (Greeters, Drivers, Installers, and the Kitchen Crew).  

Six teams of three greeted our neighbors' homes and four teams of two people installed smoke alarms.

Quick Review of the day:

• 147 homes received packets!
• 62 homes had a personal contact!
• 2 homes were prayed with by a Greeter Team!
• 16 homes gave our church prayer requests!
• 42 fire alarms were installed in 20 homes!

We showed Christ love by meeting a physical need and spiritual need today.  As I told one homeowner who asked why were doing this, "We don't want anybody to burn here or in eternity!" 

Notice:  Fire alarms are still available for free!  If you or someone you know in Elizabethton who would like a free alarm installed, call either the Elizabethton Fire Department @  (423) 542-5421 or the Church Office at 423-542-5551 to set up an installation appointment.

Have a blessed day!

Does Everyone Go to Church for the Same Reasons?

A Warning on Wolves

"Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.” Matthew 7:15

No!  Some people do go church for the wrong reasons.  One bad reason to go to church is to have control or be in charge of something.  Do not forget the warnings on wolves given from Jesus and the Apostle Paul.  Remember a wolf does not announce he or she is a wolf, but pretends to be a true follower of Jesus Christ.  In order to heed this warning you must exercise discernment.  Wolves are often referenced throughout the Bible in a metaphorical sense. The Bible highlights a wolf’s hunger (Gen. 49:7), destruction (Jer. 5:6), or vicious, fierce, or ravenous conduct regarding the innocent (Ezek. 22:27; Hab. 1:8; Zeph. 3:3; Matt. 7:15; Matt. 10:16; Luke 10:3; Acts 20:29).   The wolf is out for one thing, himself or herself.  It is not unlike the sinful pride of Lucifer when he said, "‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north" or Diotrephes "who likes to put himself first" and “does not acknowledge our authority" (3 John 9). The pattern is the same every time.  All wolves desire to be first or win and reject any authority, except their own authority.  The connection between Satan and Diotrephes is that they are both individuals who hate authority!  Why do they hate authority? It goes back to rebellion against God himself, they hate God.  The wolf wants to feed his own appetites of self-importance.  The wolf wants to win and receive the glory for himself.  A wolf has no interest in being beaten or defeated, he will fight at all costs to the bitter end.  The wolf only sees value in the win or the kill, depending on the fight. Wolves know only one of two options: fight or flight.  And they will not engage in a fight unless they are confident their pack will win.  Wolves can be identified by the carnage they spread; bad attitudes, negativity, division, and bullying tactics.  So stay clear of the wolves, they are one of Satan’s favorite tactics in the local church.