Lessons

Counterfeit Christianity. The Bible warns us of false prophets, false doctrine, and false worship. Another word for false is counterfeit. In lieu of religion and tradition that we have seen can make the word of God of none effect, how do you prepare yourself against counterfeit Christianity? By studying the truth which is the Word of God. Jesus said,” I am the way, the truth, and the Life”. There are several passages in scripture that warn us of counterfeit Christianity. For instance, Colossians 2:8-10 (KJV) says “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”. The definition of counterfeit is to 1. To make a copy of, usually with the intent to defraud; forge: or 2. To make fraudulent copies of something valuable. There are examples of counterfeit worship by the religious leaders of their time, the Scribes and Pharisees. Matt 15:7-8(KJV) says “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Further, in Matt 23:14-15(KJV) “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.” The lesson on March 14, 2004 uses an analogy by showing the process of identifying counterfeit money… you identify the false by studying the real thing! Click here to listen now. Be sure and download the handout that goes with the lesson as well.