05-23-25 part 1: False Teachers, Real Tragedy, and the Church That Must Stay Awake

1. Springs Without Water and Storm-Driven Mists

Dr. Spoon opens with a powerful and sobering continuation of 2 Peter, where the apostle describes false teachers as “springs without water” and “mists driven by storms.” These are not harmless wanderers; they’re deceptive voices exploiting the church for selfish gain. Dr. Spoon emphasizes that these individuals are not only attenders—they can be leaders and teachers, exploiting their platform for personal influence. The imagery is haunting: these leaders promise freedom but are themselves slaves to depravity. Their spiritual impact is devastating, especially on those who are newly freed from error but still fragile in faith.

2. Corrupting the Young in Faith

Highlighting Peter’s concern for new believers, Dr. Spoon points out how these false teachers prey on the spiritually vulnerable. Just as a spring without water misleads the thirsty, these influencers draw in fresh believers with lofty but empty promises. Dr. Spoon warns that new Christians, still growing in the Word, are especially susceptible. He makes it personal—sharing that he’s lived this reality himself—and reiterates that we must be grounded in Scripture and closely connected to the Lord. Jesus Himself had stern words for anyone who causes “little ones” to stumble, and that warning extends to those who harm spiritual infants as well.

3. Praise for Faithful Churches

Dr. Spoon offers a strong encouragement to those attending healthy, gospel-centered churches. He urges believers not to take such blessings for granted. If you’re part of a church that honors Jesus, teaches Scripture, and cares for its people—praise God for it. And even more: tell your pastors and leaders how much they mean to you. A simple word of appreciation goes a long way. While Peter rebukes the darkness in some corners of the church, Dr. Spoon reminds us that many congregations are shining bright with integrity and truth. Those places deserve recognition and gratitude.

4. Real Pain, Real Ministry

The episode takes a deeply emotional turn when a caller, Samson, shares about ministering to a family who just lost a 20-year-old daughter in a tragic accident—her birthday was spent in the ICU, and she passed the same day. Dr. Spoon leads a prayer of comfort, compassion, and intercession. He acknowledges the burden Samson carries as a chaplain and underscores the importance of praying for those walking through grief. Ministry isn’t always cheery—it often requires entering into real pain with real people. But in that space, God’s comfort becomes more than theory—it becomes the sustaining hope of the gospel.