Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. 2 Peter 2:15-16 (Also see the entire context of 2Pet. 2.)

But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. Revelation 2:14

But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively. Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion. These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever. It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage. But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Jude 1:10-23

Balaam accepted a bribe to speak Balak's message to the people instead of God's. (Num. 22-24) God prevented him from actually doing so, but Balaam then encouraged the Israelites to commit adultery with the nations around them. He KNEW this was casting a stumbling block before them (Jam. 3:1-2, Gal. 6:1, 1Thess. 4:3-8, Luke 17:1-2), because God had warned them repeatedly to remain separate and holy. (Ex. 34:11-16, Num. 31:16)

Sound familiar? Today we have a multitude of false teachers making big profits by "tickling the ears" of gullible people who don't know their Bible. People who are living in darkness enjoy hearing that God "doesn't mind" if His children behave like children of the devil. (John 3:19-21, 11:9-10, John 8:44, 10:24-27, 1John 3:1, 4:5-6, Eph. 5:11-16, 2Tim. 4:3-5, Matt. 7:15-20, 24:11-14, 2Thess. 2:9-12, 2Pet. 2:1-3, Matt. 24:24, Luke 6:26, Rom. 1:18, 32, 1Cor. 15:34, 1John 1:5-7, 3:4-10, 2:1-6, 2:28-29, Prov. 16:5-6, Jer. 23:21-22, Acts 20:26-35) We believers in this age are being grafted in to Israel, and like them, we are ALSO to abstain from the wickedness of the fallen world around US. (Rom. 11:17, 13:11-14, 12:1-2, 6:19-22, 7:4-6, 8:12-14, 1Pet. 4:1-5, 1Thess. 4:2-8, 5:22, 1Cor. 6:9-20, 2Cor. 6:14-7:1, 1John 2:15-17, Gal. 5:13-25, Eph. 4:17-24, 5:3-33, 2Tim. 2:19-3:5, Rev. 2:20-3:6, 21:7-8, 22:14-15, Heb. 12:14-17, 13:4, Jam. 1:27, 5:19-20, 2Pet. 2:22, Gal. 6:1)

I would strongly encourage everyone to read each and every one of the Scripture references in the above paragraph (using a normal Bible such as the ESV, not a paraphrase twisted and "spun" by men as they prefer to interpret the verses). If reading these warnings, which are from GOD (who inspired the writings of the Bible - 2Tim. 3:16-17) causes anyone to be afraid that they might be among those who do NOT enter the kingdom (Matt. 7:13-29, 25:1-13, Luke 6:43-49), then REPENT! (Turn away from your sin and towards God. Isa. 45:22, Psa. 50:16-23) It’s wrong for anyone to “undo” God’s warnings. (Rev. 1:3, 22:7, 22:18-19, Isa. 5:20-23)

We can learn from the letters to the churches (which are made up of individual believers, and each letter was to have been read by ALL seven churches) in Rev. 2 and Rev. 3 what displeases Jesus and how to “overcome” through faithfulness.  Jesus modeled it for us Himself. (John 8:29, 14:4-6, 15:8-11, 1John 2:6, 1Pet. 2:21, Heb. 13:12-16, 5:8, 12:3-29) The “full joy” Jesus refers to in John 15:11 (right before warning them that the world would HATE them) relates to the reward for those found faithful through trials (Isa. 48:10, 1Pet. 5:10), including persecutions and temptations, which are also mentioned numerous other times. (1Cor. 3:11-17 - also Matt. 7:24 - 2Tim. 2:3-7, 4:8, Jam. 1:12-16, 1Pet. 1:6-9, , 5:6-11, Heb. 10:32-39, Rev. 12:10-12) Also see the exhortations  to "run the good race" and "fight the good fight." (Heb. 12:1-2, Phil. 3:8-21, 1Cor. 9:24-10:13) Jesus taught “whoever has an ear to ear” that we must “count the cost” of following Him. (Luke 14:25-35, 9:62, Matt. 16:24-27, Mark 8:34-38, Luke 9:23-26, Mark 4:7-9, 16-20, Luke 14:34-35) Paul elaborated on what our attitude toward that cost should be (if we are mature). (Phil. 3:8-21) EACH letter in Rev. 2 and Rev. 3 exhorts “those with ears to hear” (i.e. those who love Him more than their lives - Rev. 12:11) Also see the exhortations to "run the good race" and "fight the good fight." (Heb. 12:1-2, 1Cor. 9:24-10:13)

If we sincerely love God and desire to please Him, then He will help us. (Phil. 2:12-16) We should not fear that He is waiting to punish us for slipping up - He disciplines us for our good. (Deut. 8:5, Prov. 3:11-12, Heb. 12:5-13, Rev. 3:19, 1John 4:18) What God has prepared is for those who LOVE Him. (1Cor. 2:9, John 14:1-3, Mark 12:33-34, 1Cor. 16:22, Jam. 1:12, 2:5, 1Pet. 1:8-9) Those who LOVE God want to PLEASE God with their behavior, according to what HE has said pleases Him—notot as "works" to "earn salvation," but out of love, respect and gratitude. (John 14:15-26, 15:1-21, 2Cor. 5:9-10, 5:14-15, Rom. 6:15-17, 16:19, Eph. 5:10, 1John 3:21-24, 2Tim. 2:4, 1Thess. 4:1-2, 8, Gal. 1:10, Heb. 11:5-6, Psa. 97:10-12) We find out what pleases God by reading the Bible and yielding to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we learn and live (John 16:13), letting Him lead us instead of rebelling against Him as we did before we were saved. (Rom. 8:7-8, Col. 1:21, Titus 3:3-8) None of it is too much to ask. (1John 5:3, Rom. 8:28, 1Pet. 1:17-19, 2Pet. 1:9-11) If anyone thinks so, perhaps they haven't read Isa. 52:13-53:12.

God loves His entire creation. (Gen. 1:31, John 3:16-18) He WILL forgive believers of ALL of their sins, but we mustn't pretend that we've repented of anything that we deliberately continue to practice. (Heb. 10:26-39, 6:9-12, Matt. 18:15-17) It's not about what we have DONE in the past, but about what we continue doing as children of God. (John 1:12-13, 1Pet. 1:14-19, 1Tim. 5:20, Eph. 2:1-3, 4:17-24, Col. 3:5-11, Heb. 12:14-29, 1Pet. 4:3-5, 2Pet. 1:3-15, 2Cor. 12:20-13:2, Jam. 1:25, 2:12) Taking the advice of those who are deceiving people (often in order to make MONEY from them), who say that God doesn't "see" our sin so long as we [claim to] believe, is trading in eternal treasure for temporary, worthless junk. (1Cor. 5:5, 2Cor. 7:8-10, Phil. 3:8-21, Matt. 6:19-24, Rev. 21:7-8, 1John 2:15-17) Two married believers in the early Church, Ananias and Sapphira, thought they could lie to the Holy Spirit, but found out otherwise. (Acts 5:1-11, Eph. 4:30, 1Thess. 5:19-21)

God is merciful and forgives all who acknowledge their sin, turning from it and putting their trust in Jesus for their salvation. (1John 1:7-10, Ezek. 33:11, 2Pet. 3:9-10, 1Tim. 2:3-6) Paul emphasizes the sin of sexual immorality (in all forms: any intimate physical relations outside of marriage between a man and woman) as being particularly unacceptable for the saints (1Cor. 6:17-20), but the list of sins that will keep a person from inheriting the kingdom of God includes more than sexual immorality. That is a warning to us ALL that we must walk in the Spirit. (Rom. 8:13-19, Rom. 2:1-11, Gal. 5:16, 24-25) He is God and He doesn't sin—His fruits are GOOD. (Gal. 5:22-23, Mark 4:20, John 15:1-8, 16, Luke 6:43-45, Matt. 7:19-27, Rom. 6:20-22, 7:4-6, 8:13, Col. 1:10, Phil. 1:9-11, Heb. 12:11) We turn from our sin by HIS power in us. (Titus 2:11-15, 2Pet. 1:3-15) We are His HOLY temple. (1Cor. 3:16-17, 1Cor. 6:19-20, 1Pet. 2:4-5, Eph. 1:22-23, 2:19-22, 5:23-24, Rom. 12:5, 1Cor. 3:9-11, 12:27, Heb. 3:5-6, 12-14)

Today, false teachings are everywhere, and they run the gamut from "law-keeping" (but we are not under the LETTER of the law but the SPIRIT of it - Rom. 7:6, John 4:23-24, Heb. 8:13, Jam. 2:8, 2:12, Rom. 13:8-14, Gal. 5:4-12 - read the rest of the chapter as well - Gal. 5:13-26) to "cheap grace" (which is where God “approves” of the willful, sinful behavior of His children, just not those of the rest of the world - anyone can see that makes NO sense at all!) It's impossible to read the Bible in context and come to either of these conclusions. I have written articles warning against both of those extremes on my blogs here:
layoutfortoday.blogspot.com 
clotheyourselves.blogspot.com

God warns us repeatedly not to be deceived. (Rom. 16:17-19, 1Cor. 3:18-20, 1Cor. 6:9-10, 15:33-34, 2Cor. 11:2-4, Gal. 6:7-10, Eph. 5:6-12, 2Thess. 2:3-12, Titus 1:10-11, Jam. 1:12-16, 1:26-27, 1John 1:8-10, 2:26-29, 3:7-10, 2John 1:7-11, Rev. 13:14, 19:20, 20:3, 20:10) How do we avoid deception? WE READ OUR BIBLES FOR OURSELVES! I don't recommend paraphrase versions or even study Bibles. They contain too many opinions of men, often based on tradition, or just plain personal preference. (Mark 7:8-9, Col. 2:8, 16-23) It can be difficult to sort out. We should always give respect where it is due, but never be “respecters of persons” such that we give someone (no matter how much we like them, how educated or smart they seem, how popular they are, etc.) a “free pass” without comparing what they say to the Scriptures for ourselves. (Gal. 2:6, 1Tim. 5:21, Jam. 2:1, Luke 20:21)

As for traditions, we're to follow those established by Paul for the early Church, as outlined in the Bible. (2Thess. 2:15, 1Cor. 11:2, Eph. 4:20-24, 1Tim. 4:1-16, Prov. 30:6, Rev. 22:18-19) This is NOT to say that we disregard the rest of the Bible, as some teach. Paul extensively quotes from the Old Testament, which is ALSO for OUR instruction. (1Cor. 10:6-11 - also see the immediately preceding passage - 1Cor. 9:24-27 - for additional context.) Paul’s teachings agree with those of the rest of the New Testament. God is making ONE new man from believing Jews and Gentiles in this age. (Eph. 2:11-22, Rom. 2:9-11) There is such a thing as the "fullness of the Gentiles," however, and I believe it is at that point when the Body of Christ is complete. (Rom. 11:25) God will then "unblind" and "unharden of heart" of the Jews who have persisted in unbelief in Jesus, the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. (Rom. 11:28-32, John 1:29, 3:36, 1John 2:2, 2:23, 2John 1:9)

Getting back to reading the Bible, there is no perfect version. It's very useful to compare more than one, and even to look up the original Hebrew and Greek online. All of this can be done for free at biblehub.com. We need to be "good Bereans" and compare what we're being told with what the Scriptures actually say, in context (both of the surrounding text and the rest of the Scriptures). (Acts 17:11, Matt. 15:13-14, Jam. 3:1) Let's put on the whole armor of God so that we can stand firm against the rampant deception in the world today. Let's be the light and salt that Jesus instructed us to be. Let’s be WISE, not foolish. (Matt. 25:1-13, 7:24-27, Psa. 119:105, 111:10, Rom. 1:22, 1Cor. 3:16-18, Eph. 5:15-17, Col. 4:5-6)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-20 (Also see 1Pet. 5:6-11)

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:12-17

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:11-18

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:1-16

Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:5-6

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 14:34-35

Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months. Revelation 11:1-2 (Also see John 15:6, Matt. 25:30, Rev. 2:26-29, 12:5-6, 3:10-13, 17:12, 13:5-10, 6:9-11, 14:12-16, 15:1-8, 20:4-6, 11:15-19, 17:14, 16:15-20,, 19:7-8, 11-21, 6:12-17, 14:17-20)

layout credits: donkey by Kate Hadfield, paper, gold coins, page border by Marta van Eck, foliage page border by BekahE Designs