False Leaders (long article, but worth the read)
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PREVIOUSLY CHRISTIAN FALSE LEADERS
There are those who have partnered with the Holy Spirit and then have severed relations from Jesus (Col. 2:18-19, Heb. 6:4-6, 1 Tim 1:19 and 2 Peter 3:17); thus making themselves apostates (divorced - apostasion). Paul even prophesies that current elders (overseers) in the church would become false leaders.
Acts 20:28-30 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them."
The Holy Ghost made these men overseers knowing that some would sinfully choose to become apostate and draw others into their apostasy. God never changes, but people do. Each believer is responsible for his own relationship with Jesus. Believers can not trust leaders to continually follow Jesus. We are commanded to beware and be on our guard for false teaching and bad character.