Since Old Testament times, there have been false prophets or false teachers who spread false messages while claiming to speak the Word of God. After Peter and John healed a lame man at the entrance to the temple, the religious leaders questioned them to ascertain the power behind this miracle.
Throughout the book of Acts and, indeed throughout the New Testament, there are people who claim to be followers of God, including those who may have tried to invoke the name of Jesus, but who turned out to be untrustworthy. We will identify ten such characters.
In today’s top ten list, we identify ten false disciples or teachers, from Ananias and Sapphira to Simon the Sorcerer to the orator, Tertullus and the false messiah, Theudas. Scriptures referenced include Acts 4:7; Acts 8:9-25; Acts 13:11; 1 Timothy 1:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:17; 2 Timothy 4:14; Acts 24:1-9; Acts 23:1-3; Acts 5:34-36; Mark 13:6; and 3 John.
We wrap up our study of the book of Colossians by reviewing the reasons why Paul writes the letter, the context in which it is written, and settling on the basic application for us today: the total and complete sufficiency of Christ in our lives, both for our salvation and our sanctification. We linger on a few verses that help us to answer the question of what it means to be a Christian. Scriptures referenced include Colossians 2:6-15; Colossians 3:1-5, 10-17; Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Jeremiah 9:26; Acts 7:51; Romans 2:29; Colossians 1:26-27; Romans 8:19-21; 1 Peter 5:10; Romans 8:29; and 1 John 3:2. ...
Today’s Top Ten List focuses on ten characters from the book of Ruth, from the eponymous heroine to an unnamed relative to Jesus Himself. Scriptures referenced include Ruth 1:20-21; Ruth 1:8; Leviticus 19:9-10; and Ruth 4:3-4, 12-13, 16. ...
Matthew 12:20, “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” When Matthew wrote these words, he was quoting a prophecy from Isaiah 42:1–4. In the prophecy, the “bruised reed” and the “smoldering wick” refer to the spiritually, physically, or morally weak. A reed that is bruised may be damaged, but it is not irreparable. A “smoldering wick” may be about to lose its fire altogether, but it can still be reignited. Many who encounter Jesus may have their doubts. Their faith may be fragile. But Jesus has compassion on those who are weak, including those who doubt and He can restore those whose faith may waver. Today’s Top Ten List addresses “Ten Instances of Doubt in the New Testament.” Additional scriptures referenced include John 1:29; Matthew 4:12; Luke 3:19-20; Mark 9:14-29; Matthew 14:22-31; Luke 24:10-11; Matthew 28:17; and Acts 12:1-17. ...
