Riding for the Right Brand
Scripture: Acts 13:5-8 (NASB95)
"When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith."
Cowboy Wisdom
Every ranch has its brand, and a true cowhand is loyal to the iron his boss uses. But out on the open range, there's always rustlers and con men trying to rebrand cattle that don't belong to them, claiming what isn't theirs for profit. A real cowboy can spot a fraudulent brand from a mile away—the iron's wrong, the burn's too fresh, something just doesn't sit right.
The same goes for preachers and teachers. Barnabas and Saul proclaimed the Word of God faithfully because they were sent by the Spirit. But the sermon warns us about those television hucksters who spend more time begging for money than preaching truth—they're like rustlers with a running iron, trying to rebrand God's sheep for their own gain. They prey on folks who don't know Scripture well enough to spot the counterfeit.
A cowboy who knows his boss's brand can't be fooled. A Christian who knows God's Word can't be led astray by smooth-talking false prophets. Whether it's the prosperity preachers on TV or the pastor who won't preach Scripture on Sunday morning, anyone who isn't proclaiming the genuine gospel is wearing the wrong brand. And come judgment day, they'll have to answer to the real Boss for every soul they misled.
Questions for Reflection
How well do you know Scripture? Could you spot false teaching when you hear it?
Are you supporting ministries that faithfully proclaim God's Word, or are you being taken in by religious entertainment?
If you're in a position to teach or lead others spiritually, are you faithfully proclaiming God's truth or just giving people what tickles their ears?
Prayer Focus
Pray for discernment to recognize false teaching. Ask God to give you a hunger for His true Word and wisdom to invest your time and resources in genuine gospel ministry.
