Brethren, this morning's study is called Cursed Children: Exposition of 2nd Peter and it's also the conclusion of our series on the New Testament letters of the apostle Peter. Dealing mostly with counterfeit mystics and damned offspring, 2nd Peter has always been a personal favorite of mine so last summer we synchronized the entire 2nd chapter alongside Jude in Beware Of False Prophets. Peter is much more forceful with his language in this second note to believers and he makes no apologies for doing so in the process of writing.

Before beginning, I should also mention that sections of this exposition on Peter will be featured in the upcoming book Satanel by Covenant People's Books so consider pre-ordering this title if this ministry has blessed you. Covenant People's Ministry also intends to release a single MP3 to the internet containing the audio for all three sermons so Christians can have a handy (albeit lengthy) commentary on these great books as a single file. We hope the upcoming Godcast will help Christians spot the false prophets in their neighborhoods.

This epistle was written from Babylon about 61-65 a.d. and it is addressing the same group of Christians so this sermon is the third and final part of this examination on Peter's epistles. As mentioned in our current Covenant People's Newsletter, in time this ministry hopes to offer an annotated reference New Testament containing line-by-line clarifications and feel that such an endeavor would be fruitful. This letter is essential because it helps Christians to identify false prophets while filling many "gaps" from Peter's previous dispatch.

(Chapter I: Virtue & Knowledge:)

Not Yet Transcribed...

(Chapter II: Heresies & Corruption:)

“There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not (II Peter 2:1-3).”

There will be false prophets among us like Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15; “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” In order to become a false prophet the offender must somehow assume the role of a Christian or become a "wolf in sheep's clothing." Through such deceptive men come false doctrines that are most times fueled only by the love of money (I Timothy 6:10), hence such snakes "make merchandise of you" by lining their pulpits while begging for money.

Notice that many shall (and do) follow their pernicious ways never suspecting that their multicultural congregations have a hidden agenda and even less seem to care. Through effeminized 'pastors' the Truth (John 17:17) of Yahweh's Word is "evil spoken of" or made to seem like lies to the simple-minded. These types of serpentile creatures will usually teach against the deity of Jesus by denying His being the eternal Word (Revelation 19:13) which could easily be considered "denying the Lord that bought them" or blatantly antichrist.

As promised by Peter there still remain many false prophets among the ranks and when considering the teachings of Jesus only the godless could suggest there aren't. We can also see in this passage of scripture that when false prophets grow in numbers a kind of 'role-reversal' transpires and those who teach the genuine Word of God are considered as outcasts. Perfect Biblical examples of this struggle can be seen in the lives of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, John and Jesus Christ -- all preachers of righteousness.

“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly (II Peter 2:4-5);”

In Noah's Flood: Flesh or Beast? we studied these fallen angels "who sinned" in great detail because our Bibles transcribe this account in Genesis 6:1-4. However, according to The Book of Enoch there were two hundred cherubs (called Grigori) who fell to earth and interbred with Adamic women to bring about the assorted Nephilim that angered Yahweh so much that He flooded them away sparing Noah. These offenders were all under the leadership of the "prince of the world" called Satanel or as he's known in the Christian scriptures -- Satan:

For more information on the reality of Satan be sure to read the Devices of the Lawless Almanac which should leave Christians with little doubt about the tempter. The subject is still false prophets and Peter equates their punishment to such extremes as Noah's flood and the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, very serious business. Jesus teaches; “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Luke 12:48)” so logically false prophets are Judged more harshly by God because they intentionally lead the flock astray.

“Turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) (II Peter 2:6-8)”

Sodom and Gomorrah and the various cities residing nearby were overthrown for their blatant wickedness becoming an eternal example to anyone who might follow in similar abominable acts. Jude describes the specific sins that led to their destruction; “Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” Israelites who accept homosexuality or embrace strange (meaning foreign) flesh should give heed.

In Sodomites: Haters of God we covered Abraham's intercession with Yahweh which ultimately lead to Lot's salvation from the angels who destroyed Sodom. Lot was vexed (or 'troubled') by the perversions of the city, his wife looked back because she wasn't quite so vexed (Luke 17:32) and through incest his two daughters help him to bring two abominable tribes into existence -- the Moabites and Ammonites (Genesis 19:29-38). Homosexuality is an abomination worthy of death in both of the Testaments (Leviticus 20:13 & Romans 1:32).

Peter continues to discuss the punishment of false prophets and Yahweh doesn't take this offense lightly so one could say those who outright teach doctrine not verified by scripture don't know Him in reality. In Deuteronomy 13:1-5 the children of Israel are taught that such 'creatures' exist for Yahweh to “prove” us seeing who will serve Him in honesty yet their punishment is still death. Earnest Christians are straightforwardly warned; “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house (II John 1:10).”

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities (II Peter 2:9-10).”

Indeed, Yahweh does deliver those who strive to follow His Word out of temptations and is the sole Judge of all men.

“Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption (II Peter 2:11-12);”

Anyone familiar with true Christianity has probably heard this statement about "natural brute beasts" before. Keep in mind that the subject is still false prophets who "speak evil of the things that they understand not" turning many from the Truth of God's Word. These same insects cause "the way of truth shall be evil spoken of" meaning that because of their deeds the simple reality of the transcribed Word becomes seen as a lie to the masses. Not everyone who claims to know Jesus really does because false prophets even make this claim.

In my own Christian walk I have discovered that many have been turned aside by those who quote the Bible out of context because even if they accept the Bible as God's Word the numerous conflicting "interpretations" they've heard leads to their own disbelief. In time, well-meaning believers become frustrated by these tactics and lose their desire to dig any deeper and the false prophet has achieved his goal by another method. It is very important to contrast every teaching with the Bible and refuse non-Biblical tripe that leads people in apostasy.

I stated once that the Covenant People's Ministry tee shirts would bear the saying of "Fear God" only to be attacked by others because they claimed "God doesn't want you to fear Him just to love His Son!" I pointed out that the Bible contains the eternal commandment "Fear God" about twenty times in both Testaments but it did little to those who wanted to think in this liberal way. Self-worship means recreating God to suit man's own image and Isaiah 14:10 teaches that such artificial followers will say; "Art thou become like unto us?"

“And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children (II Peter 2:13-14):”

Think about Jimmy Swaggart being caught in a motel room with Jessica Hahn and a mule performing sex acts in the 1980's (not literally). How is it that such a ogre could commit such acts even crying on national television like an effeminized queer yet still be supported by the masses? Many people use such blatant false prophets like Benny Hinn or Jim Bakker to speak evil of the Truth and attack preachers such as myself for standing behind the Bible. To them, the Bible is a book of "outdated concepts" yet they still call themselves "Christian."

To make matters worse, many like to twist history by claiming Rome somehow became the first Church even though they had a hand in the crucifixion of the Messiah. Anyone who has ever studied the false Roman Catholick harlot in Italy posing as Christian should be well aware of their long-standing history of bloodshed and orgies that eventually got them labeled as "Bloody Romans." Justify as they will -- Jesus Christ taught to call no man father (pope), idols and icons are forbidden, pedophilia still warrants death and ministers should marry.

Here's one such example, the author of this same epistle never saw Rome but instead wrote these letters from Babylon yet the papists will claim this was just a "codeword" for Rome. By their own admission they are to be considered "the great whore of Babylon (confusion)" yet these imposters have the audacity to debate this fact when it's their own teaching. Those who cannot cease from sin can only attempt to put words in God's mouth or claim their 'traditions' have more bearing than the Bible that has foretold us all things -- be on guard.

“Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet (II Peter 2:15-16).”

We've somewhat covered Balaam and his mysterious talking ass in Tactics of the Lawless Children and because this entire chapter addresses false prophets Peter now uses this Old Testament example of how not to be. Balaam was easily-swayed and would 'prophecy' according to the highest bidder, sound familiar? Those who "hold to the doctrine of Balaam" are outright refused entry into God's Kingdom by Jesus Christ in Revelation 2:14 so those who sustain such teachers should give heed -- we are accountable for the things we support.

To be more specific, Jude clarifies this same deceitful doctrine; "Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah (Jude 1:11)." Easy-believism costs souls yet many know no other way and honestly think the man begging for money on TBN has good intentions. Countless examples of fraud have been proven coming from such million-dollar enterprises that promote antichrist teachings yet some would rather finance "the beast" instead.

In the next few sets of verses Peter explains the outcome for those who teach blasphemous canon not found in scripture and (needless to say) it's not pretty. To the Christian, these passages give us 'blessed assurance' that personal deeds can help cover our own sins (I Peter 4:8) but those who teach against the Bible for financial gain will not go unpunished. However, in these same passages the persecuted believer can also find solace in the fact that God punishes those who make our jobs harder through slander like He's always promised.

“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage (II Peter 2:17-19).”

Since I've taught this same text in the past I'd like to take this passage one step deeper. In the Bible people are oftentimes represented by water (Revelation 17:15) so when speaking of a man's "seed" (or offspring) Proverbs 5:15-17 teaches; "Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. Let thy fountains be dispersed abroad, and rivers of waters in the streets. Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee." This being said, it's easy to imagine why false prophets are "wells without water."

This "mist of darkness" that is reserved for pretend prophets was also covered by Jesus Christ in the parable of the talents; "Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:30)." These unprofitable servants can be identified by their own sinful tactics: #1) They speak great swelling words of vanity. #2) They allure (or appeal) through the lusts of the flesh or wantonness (debauchery). #3) They promise liberty (or freedom) but are in reality the servants of their own corruption.

This loosely translates into "lies, sex and bondage" and how many churches around the world are like this? Have you ever attended a congregation that had a 'single Christian mother's date night' or rock-style concerts packed with teenagers who care less about Yahweh or His eternal Word? They certainly exist and sadly even worse abominations have sprung up (as of late) like homosexual "churches" or those who straightforwardly violate God's eternal mandate of "kind after kind." Yahweh doesn't tolerate false prophets, period.

“For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them (II Peter 2:20-21).”

This statement is something to keep in mind next time you desire to share a Biblical fact with someone you're not familiar with because it proves at times it is better for some people to not know the Truth than to be accountable for turning them from it. Example is very important but no amount of good works will make a hard-hearted man see what is plainly written in Jesus' Word without the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Truth can do one of two things when heard by others, it can either "hurt" or set one free (John 8:32).

Because of this same promise it becomes impossible to "backslide" from the true Gospel because in doing so one merely turns away from reality due to their own faithlessness. Someone who has actually known Yahweh on a personal level couldn't even consider returning to the sinful person they once were before being cleansed by Jesus' Blood. This passage plainly teaches that the "latter end" (meaning Judgment) is worse for those who turn away from Christian doctrine, even surpassing that of those who have never heard the Good News.

Many milquetoast Christians who discover a bit of Truth instantly desire to share this with others, this is natural. Still, we're not commanded to go on "conversion missions" so a teacher of God's Word needs to be familiar with 'the whole picture' before even attempting to reach others. This is the very reason I refused the title of Pastor for over ten years simply calling myself a 'minister' until I felt comfortable enough to preach -- the very next verse closes this particular chapter of II Peter so we should all pay close attention:

“It is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire (II Peter 2:22).”

This "factual adage" is found in Proverbs 26:11; "As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly." An entire series of sermons could be devoted to this statement alone as it can be seen in all walks of life. Jesus teaches; "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you (Matthew 7:6)" meaning that Christians should always be careful who they share Biblical Truth with because sometimes it can have the opposite effect.

For example, in the past I once made the mistake of sharing the eternal food Laws with a half-hearted Catholick but it lead to his actually consuming more pork and other abominations to "disprove" me. While I certainly had good intentions his personal thoughts were that because the jews were God's chosen that Christians should go out of their way to consume such garbage. In time I realized that anything I said or outright proved from the pages of the Bible mattered little to such a person because they throw out the Bible's teachings anyway.

After shooting down every one of his quoted proof texts supposedly claiming that Jesus was jewish he instantly labeled me the false prophet continuing to financially support the "universal mother church" who supports pedophilia and same-sex marriages. Indeed, to this wicked man who flocked to his own heart's desire (as opposed to God's commands) I was the 'false prophet' because he taught others that Yahweh was Satan and man was more powerful than He even altering His Word without His approval. The real God always wins.

(Chapter III: Scoffers & Perdition:)

Not Yet Transcribed...

(Intention:)

Not Yet Transcribed...

[ Excerpt ]