In a recent episode of The John Bevere Podcast, Christian author and speaker John Bevere, co-founder of Messenger International, discussed what he believes is Jesus’ most crucial warning for the church regarding the end times. This episode, co-hosted with his son Arden, emphasised a message from Matthew 24 that Christians must take seriously:
The Warning: Do Not Be Deceived
When asked by His disciples about the signs of His return, Jesus repeatedly warns in Matthew 24, “Do not be deceived.” According to Bevere, Jesus underscores this point four times, highlighting its importance.
Bevere explains, “The problem with deception is…it’s deceiving. A deceived person believes with all their heart that they’re right, but in reality, they’re wrong. That’s so scary. In other words, they are self-fooled.”
The Danger of False Teachers
False teachers are a significant threat in the end times, Bevere warns. He points out that:
- Every New Testament writer except James warns about false teachers.
- Although James doesn’t explicitly mention false teachers, he does caution against deception.
Bevere stresses the need for Christians to discern false teachers without becoming overly fixated on finding them. He cautions against becoming “heresy hunters” or watchdogs, individuals who obsess over identifying false teachings at the expense of growing God’s kingdom.
Discipleship as the Solution
To combat deception, Bevere emphasises the importance of discipleship. He compares it to recognising counterfeit money: “If I train you to spot a fake $100 bill, I don’t need to be there when you encounter one. The training equips you to recognise it yourself.”
The Three Types of Teachers
Bevere categorises teachers into three groups:
- True Teachers on the Right Path – Those faithfully teaching God’s Word.
- True Teachers Who Veer Off Course but Accept Correction – Those willing to humbly learn and improve.
- False Teachers Who Are Unteachable – Those who refuse correction and remain prideful.
Bevere highlights the downfall of leaders who began on the right path but fell because they resisted correction. He underscores the importance of humility for all Christians, referencing James 4:6: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
A Call to Humility and Discernment
Bevere’s message is clear: to avoid deception in the end times, Christians must cultivate humility, embrace discipleship, and remain grounded in God’s Word. Only then can they recognise false teachings and stand firm in their faith.
