The Counterfeit Effect....

I sometimes get paid in cash, and I must be able to spot a counterfeit bill. They say the best way to spot a counterfeit bill is to study the real one, that way the false copy fails by comparison. I’ve been given counterfeit money before. When you are given a counterfeit bill, the bank keeps it (when you try to deposit it), and you never get it back. That’s the thing about counterfeits, you do the work, but get cheated out of being paid. The person who gave you the counterfeit gets your product or services, and the only thing you get in return is gypped and frustrated. The same goes for false teachers in the Church. They get paid, and when you find out their teachings are counterfeit (not true), you get gypped and frustrated. You learn that what they said isn’t true and doesn’t work, leaving you deceived, empty, and worse off than when you started. This leads to depression and bitterness, that infiltrates your life. Paul warns us to be aware of these false teachers. Know your Bible, know the truth, and you’ll be able to spot a counterfeit from a mile away. These counterfeit preachers are not serving Christ; they are only serving themselves.

17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. Romans 16:17-18