The Bible warns several times that false teachers will come to lead many astray and that we need to be cautious of such people. They come as wolves in sheep clothing. The Bible says Satan can "masquerade as an angel of light." Therefore we need to be on our guard and test the spirits. Test what is said and done by anyone in any church.
How do we know a teacher really is from God? By the person's fruit.
Do they love money? The love of money is the root of all evil. Do they love to be seen by men? Jesus said the Pharisees loved to be seen by men but we need to do our good deeds in secret. Do they cause peace or chaos? The Bible says God is a God of order, not disorder. And grace and peace are from God, not chaos.
The Bible says we are to love God "with our whole minds." That means we need to reason out our faith. Paul is constantly noted as reasoning from the Scriptures in the temple with the priests regarding Jesus being the promised Messiah.
I used to have a book by Josh McDowell that I loved, "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door." Meaning, be wise about your faith and grow in knowledge. Know what you believe. There was also a book by J.P. Moreland that I read called "Love the Lord Your God with All Your Mind." Both talk about the fact that our intellect as Christians does matter. We need to be smart about things regarding our faith and what we believe. We need to make sure everything we believe lines up with Scripture.
We have the Bible for a reason. So that we are not walking in the dark but can know the truth. We are to be discerning about things.
We can't just believe everything someone tells us or does. Pastors/teachers/other Christians are not God. We need to see if what they say and do lines up with Scripture. If it doesn't, then that's not a good sign and we need to be wary of them.
Faith does not mean we doubt nothing, it means we have faith in things that line up with God's Word.
I used to have a book by Josh McDowell that I loved, "Don't Check Your Brains at the Door." Meaning, be wise about your faith and grow in knowledge. Know what you believe. There was also a book by J.P. Moreland that I read called "Love the Lord Your God with All Your Mind." Both talk about the fact that our intellect as Christians does matter. We need to be smart about things regarding our faith and what we believe. We need to make sure everything we believe lines up with Scripture.
We have the Bible for a reason. So that we are not walking in the dark but can know the truth. We are to be discerning about things.
We can't just believe everything someone tells us or does. Pastors/teachers/other Christians are not God. We need to see if what they say and do lines up with Scripture. If it doesn't, then that's not a good sign and we need to be wary of them.
Faith does not mean we doubt nothing, it means we have faith in things that line up with God's Word.
2 Peter 2:1-3
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep."
Peter warns that there will be false teachers. This means that not all teachers in the church that are "Christian" that we hear can be trusted. It does not matter if they call themselves a Christian or if some of the things they teach are good. Satan wouldn't want to blatantly put a lie out in the open or no one would ever believe it. He clothes lies in a little bit of truth so that we won't see the lie. He sneaks up on Christians secretly. He literally puts people in charge as teachers to lead several Christians astray, and yes God allows him to do this sadly.
Just because someone has the title of "Teacher" or "Pastor" doesn't necessarily mean you should believe everything they say. Test what they say with the Word. Do not believe everything everyone in a church says.
Peter says "in their greed they will exploit you." This means anyone looking to make a profit off of you or to get money from you from what they teach is most likely a false teacher.
Most churches have a sermon on money a few times a year, but they are just saying give in general. Have a giving heart, since all of what we have comes from God. They never specifically say "give to me or to this church." You can give your 10% tithe to whoever you want really. I usually do to World Vision, as the tithes in the Bible were used to feed the poor. If you give money to a person or a church you never know if it will be going to the poor. Better to give to the poor directly. But that's just my opinion.
Peter says they false teachers will have "sensuality." What is sensuality? It is the enjoyment or pursuit or expression of the physical world. It appeals to the senses; what we see, feel, touch etc. Granted Jesus healed people, but beyond that there was nothing sensual or physical about what he did. He taught people. He instructed them. He spoke to their minds, not their emotions. He was logical. He was direct. He was orderly and intelligent.
He did not try to incite emotions from people. He did not want people to think he was great. He wanted them to think His Father was great. He was always pointing people to God the Father, even though he himself was God. He never wanted people to praise Him or think much of him.
There are many false teachers in churches today that want people to think greatly of them. They want to incite emotions from people. They exploit people for their money. These are the reasons why they are false teachers.
Jesus said, "By their fruit you will know them."
"But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep."
Peter warns that there will be false teachers. This means that not all teachers in the church that are "Christian" that we hear can be trusted. It does not matter if they call themselves a Christian or if some of the things they teach are good. Satan wouldn't want to blatantly put a lie out in the open or no one would ever believe it. He clothes lies in a little bit of truth so that we won't see the lie. He sneaks up on Christians secretly. He literally puts people in charge as teachers to lead several Christians astray, and yes God allows him to do this sadly.
Just because someone has the title of "Teacher" or "Pastor" doesn't necessarily mean you should believe everything they say. Test what they say with the Word. Do not believe everything everyone in a church says.
Peter says "in their greed they will exploit you." This means anyone looking to make a profit off of you or to get money from you from what they teach is most likely a false teacher.
Most churches have a sermon on money a few times a year, but they are just saying give in general. Have a giving heart, since all of what we have comes from God. They never specifically say "give to me or to this church." You can give your 10% tithe to whoever you want really. I usually do to World Vision, as the tithes in the Bible were used to feed the poor. If you give money to a person or a church you never know if it will be going to the poor. Better to give to the poor directly. But that's just my opinion.
Peter says they false teachers will have "sensuality." What is sensuality? It is the enjoyment or pursuit or expression of the physical world. It appeals to the senses; what we see, feel, touch etc. Granted Jesus healed people, but beyond that there was nothing sensual or physical about what he did. He taught people. He instructed them. He spoke to their minds, not their emotions. He was logical. He was direct. He was orderly and intelligent.
He did not try to incite emotions from people. He did not want people to think he was great. He wanted them to think His Father was great. He was always pointing people to God the Father, even though he himself was God. He never wanted people to praise Him or think much of him.
There are many false teachers in churches today that want people to think greatly of them. They want to incite emotions from people. They exploit people for their money. These are the reasons why they are false teachers.
Jesus said, "By their fruit you will know them."
Matthew 7:15-20
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits."
Romans 16:17
"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."
Who could this apply to today? Anyone in the Pentecostal circles that tries to say that praying in tongues is necessary for salvation. First of all, that is preaching a doctrine other than what Christ and Paul and Peter preached. Faith in Jesus alone saves us, nothing else, and nothing in addition to faith in Jesus. We do not need anything else to prove that we know God. This is what Pentecostals do in regards to praying in tongues. It is an adding on. Like the Pharisees wanted to push circumcision on the newly saved Gentiles, so the tongues pressure has been pushed on many Christians. But this is not how it should be. We are saved by faith alone.
The Pharisees wanted to add things on to what God had said, a lot of things. That is why Jesus always got SO angry at them. They wanted the people to look to them for instruction rather than God. This was why the Pharisees hated Jesus, because he was stealing their thunder. Jesus took the people's attention away from them. The Pharisees essentially wanted to be worshipped. They wanted to have all the answers. And Jesus exposed them for the arrogant false teachers that they were.
And there are many modern day Pharisees now that want all the attention on them. They want people to look to them instead of God, even though they won't openly admit that they do. They want praise and recognition. But what does Jesus say, "Whoever wants to be first will be last." They "cause divisions" and "create obstacles" to the faith. They make Christianity more complicated that it's supposed to be. Paul says we are to avoid such false teachers.....
"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them."
Who could this apply to today? Anyone in the Pentecostal circles that tries to say that praying in tongues is necessary for salvation. First of all, that is preaching a doctrine other than what Christ and Paul and Peter preached. Faith in Jesus alone saves us, nothing else, and nothing in addition to faith in Jesus. We do not need anything else to prove that we know God. This is what Pentecostals do in regards to praying in tongues. It is an adding on. Like the Pharisees wanted to push circumcision on the newly saved Gentiles, so the tongues pressure has been pushed on many Christians. But this is not how it should be. We are saved by faith alone.
The Pharisees wanted to add things on to what God had said, a lot of things. That is why Jesus always got SO angry at them. They wanted the people to look to them for instruction rather than God. This was why the Pharisees hated Jesus, because he was stealing their thunder. Jesus took the people's attention away from them. The Pharisees essentially wanted to be worshipped. They wanted to have all the answers. And Jesus exposed them for the arrogant false teachers that they were.
And there are many modern day Pharisees now that want all the attention on them. They want people to look to them instead of God, even though they won't openly admit that they do. They want praise and recognition. But what does Jesus say, "Whoever wants to be first will be last." They "cause divisions" and "create obstacles" to the faith. They make Christianity more complicated that it's supposed to be. Paul says we are to avoid such false teachers.....
Paul goes on to say in Rom. 16:18 " For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple."
They may appear to serve Jesus, but it is only a mask. Many people appear one way but really are another. We all know this. We cannot be fooled by outer appearances. How many times have you thought some...one was good only to realize that their heart was actually evil and they were conning you and playing you? It happens all the time. People con people. People deceive people. How? They use flattery and charm and "smooth words." This happens in relationships and this happens in the church. They use appearances that are pleasing and attractive to fool you. What someone looks like on the outside does not reflect what they look like on the inside. People wear masks. Some are better than others at acting and playing a part. They can make anyone think anything about them.
Paul says a phrase that I've always been intrigued by, that they serve "their own belly." This means they serve themselves and their own appetites alone. Their only objective is to get more money to get more food for their own self pleasure. They do not care about anyone but themselves. They are selfish and appear to care about others but really do not.
Paul says that they "deceive the hearts of the simple." If you've ever read Mark Twain you know what he's talking about. The mob, the masses, are easily deceived. If the majority believe it most people will as well. Why? Because we are by nature lemmings. If some run off a cliff we will too. It is not until our minds are renewed and the light and truth of God shines in our hearts that we are able to discern and see the truth for what it is. Until then we will believe anything. We have to grow into "the full measure of the fullness of Christ." We have to be "as wise as serpents but as innocent as doves." This takes time as we go "from glory to glory" in our walks and our minds are conformed to the image of Christ more and more. The more we know our Bible, the much less likely we are to be deceived. The simple are those who do not know as much what the words says. They have not studied it, memorized it, chewed on it, meditated on it. They have not put the effort into becoming more wise through the Word. Therefore, they can be led astray easily by false teachers and false doctrines.
Read your Bible and know the word so that you cannot be easily led astray and deceived. Amen.
They may appear to serve Jesus, but it is only a mask. Many people appear one way but really are another. We all know this. We cannot be fooled by outer appearances. How many times have you thought some...one was good only to realize that their heart was actually evil and they were conning you and playing you? It happens all the time. People con people. People deceive people. How? They use flattery and charm and "smooth words." This happens in relationships and this happens in the church. They use appearances that are pleasing and attractive to fool you. What someone looks like on the outside does not reflect what they look like on the inside. People wear masks. Some are better than others at acting and playing a part. They can make anyone think anything about them.
Paul says a phrase that I've always been intrigued by, that they serve "their own belly." This means they serve themselves and their own appetites alone. Their only objective is to get more money to get more food for their own self pleasure. They do not care about anyone but themselves. They are selfish and appear to care about others but really do not.
Paul says that they "deceive the hearts of the simple." If you've ever read Mark Twain you know what he's talking about. The mob, the masses, are easily deceived. If the majority believe it most people will as well. Why? Because we are by nature lemmings. If some run off a cliff we will too. It is not until our minds are renewed and the light and truth of God shines in our hearts that we are able to discern and see the truth for what it is. Until then we will believe anything. We have to grow into "the full measure of the fullness of Christ." We have to be "as wise as serpents but as innocent as doves." This takes time as we go "from glory to glory" in our walks and our minds are conformed to the image of Christ more and more. The more we know our Bible, the much less likely we are to be deceived. The simple are those who do not know as much what the words says. They have not studied it, memorized it, chewed on it, meditated on it. They have not put the effort into becoming more wise through the Word. Therefore, they can be led astray easily by false teachers and false doctrines.
Read your Bible and know the word so that you cannot be easily led astray and deceived. Amen.
That is the number one reason to read and study your Bible, so that you will not be led off course. So that you will stay in the faith and persevere until the end.
1 John 4:1
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.""Do not believe every spirit." We cannot always be sure that a spirit or a teacher is from God. We cannot always be sure that it is just the Holy Spirit that is the spirit in a church.
There is a story I heard, of a bunch of people in a church praying in tongues. One man realized that it sounded like Hebrew. He went and got his friend who spoke Hebrew who interpreted what they were saying. It turned out the people were cursing God, not praising God.
I'm not saying this is always the case, but sometimes it is. Just because a spirit is moving someone, you do not know for sure if that is the Holy Spirit, it could be an evil spirit.
We are to be wise and discerning of spirits that we see. Amen.
Matthew 7:15-20
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit."
False Prophets come in "sheep's clothing" meaning they appear to be good but real...ly are not. He says inside they are "ravenous wolves." The difference between appearance and reality. You cannot judge a book by its cover, for good or bad. You cannot think that because someone looks good they automatically Are good. They have to prove that they are good by their fruit. Do they have love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness etc?
In regards to Benny Hinn, are his gathering peaceful and gentle or chaotic and possibly hurtful to people's bodies when they fall backwards? Does he show love in his facial expressions or a lack of love? Does he express real joy or is he merely faking joy? Really pay attention to his mannerisms on any youtube video of his "healing services" and you will see that he is nothing more than a car salesman, a con artist. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He appears one way but really is another. He does not have good fruit.
And that is how you can test the fruit of any teacher or pastor of any church. Do they really love people? Are they peaceful? Do they have genuine joy in the Lord? Are they patient with others, themselves and God or do they command things happen right now? Are they content with what they have or do they seem to love money?
Are they faithful or are they all over the place and flakey? Do they have self-control or do they seem to have no self-control? Do they encourage self-control in others? Are their teaching methods gentle or forceful and chaotic? Are they kind or rude to others? Are they boastful or humble?
Do they envy others like the spiritual gifts of others or are they content? Are they proud or are they meek? Are they poor in spirit or are they full of themselves? Do they like to be seen by men or do they do good in secret so that only their Father in heaven sees them? Do they parade themselves about in front of others or are they content to minister privately? Do they seek their own glory and praise or point every single they do to God and tell people to praise God? Are they angry easily or slow to anger? Do they have endurance in their faith or do they give up easily? etc.
This is what Jesus means when he says, "you will recognize them by their fruit."
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit."
False Prophets come in "sheep's clothing" meaning they appear to be good but real...ly are not. He says inside they are "ravenous wolves." The difference between appearance and reality. You cannot judge a book by its cover, for good or bad. You cannot think that because someone looks good they automatically Are good. They have to prove that they are good by their fruit. Do they have love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness etc?
In regards to Benny Hinn, are his gathering peaceful and gentle or chaotic and possibly hurtful to people's bodies when they fall backwards? Does he show love in his facial expressions or a lack of love? Does he express real joy or is he merely faking joy? Really pay attention to his mannerisms on any youtube video of his "healing services" and you will see that he is nothing more than a car salesman, a con artist. He is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He appears one way but really is another. He does not have good fruit.
And that is how you can test the fruit of any teacher or pastor of any church. Do they really love people? Are they peaceful? Do they have genuine joy in the Lord? Are they patient with others, themselves and God or do they command things happen right now? Are they content with what they have or do they seem to love money?
Are they faithful or are they all over the place and flakey? Do they have self-control or do they seem to have no self-control? Do they encourage self-control in others? Are their teaching methods gentle or forceful and chaotic? Are they kind or rude to others? Are they boastful or humble?
Do they envy others like the spiritual gifts of others or are they content? Are they proud or are they meek? Are they poor in spirit or are they full of themselves? Do they like to be seen by men or do they do good in secret so that only their Father in heaven sees them? Do they parade themselves about in front of others or are they content to minister privately? Do they seek their own glory and praise or point every single they do to God and tell people to praise God? Are they angry easily or slow to anger? Do they have endurance in their faith or do they give up easily? etc.
This is what Jesus means when he says, "you will recognize them by their fruit."
Matthew 6:1-4
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
1 Timothy 4:1-5
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared."In later times, or Jesus says in the last days, many will fall way. So around this time many will depart from the faith. And were they never saved or they lost their salvation? It's hard to say exactly. What does departing from the faith mean?
Regardless many will fall away and start to follow other doctrines. Doctrines that may teach works instead of faith based salvation etc. Paul corrected the Galatians of this. He said, "Why if you were saved by faith are you now trying to be justified by works of the law?!"
Works are a tricky subject because they are important but they are not. They are not what saves us but they are how we show that we are saved, by our actions, character and fruit etc.
2 Timothy 4:3
"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions."Sound teaching can sometimes include hard things like the fact that there is a hell and some people will go there. There are many who even call themselves "Christians" who want to ignore the fact that there is a hell. That is false doctrine.
All roads do not lead to God. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but by me." Someone cannot be Buddhist and Christian for example. Any church etc that does not teach that Jesus is the only way is teaching lies and false doctrine. "There is no other name (or way) under heaven by which men might be saved." Only Jesus. Jesus is the only way to heaven.
But many don't want to see this truth. They want to think that all will go to heaven. This is what Paul is referring to and warning Timothy about. These are those who "will not endure sound teaching."
Another modern day example of this is something called Grace Teaching where people may teach that God approves of everything and that He loves you no matter what you do. Yes he does love us always and forgive, but there is still a general standard we as Christians need to try and live up to. What we do does matter. These are they who "accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions."
1 Timothy 6:20-21
"O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you."I am unsure what Paul is referring to here and I can't think of a modern day example. The only thing would be when people seek human wisdom rather than God's wisdom. Be careful of holding any teaching of man above God's.
2 John 1:7-11
"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works."Mormons would be an example of this. Jehovah's Witnesses. One or both of those religions deny that Jesus is the son of God. Obviously that is a big red flag.
John warns them to watch themselves so that he, John, would not loose what he had worked for in teaching them. He did not want them to fall from the faith. :( He did not want them to be deceived and swayed off the path. So it can happen. The prodigal son story.
Revelation 22:18
"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book."The Book of Mormon. That's all I have to say about that. lol :) No also be wary of the Amplified Bible or any translation that isn't as accurate. I'm all about the King James Version now or the NKJV. The NASB is also good.
The Message is horrible. It's poetic at times, but it is NOT the Bible. So be careful of it as well.
Titus 3:9
"But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless."There are several "foolish controversies" in the church now. One really is can someone loose their salvation? I don't like to start arguments on the topic, just write about it and look into it. But it can be a divisive issue. :)
Also the Calvinist vs. Armenian debate can get pretty annoying at times. Calvinists believe certain people are elect. God choose them and only them. I don't like this because it means God does not pick the other people that are not picked. But "whoever called on the name of the Lord will be saved." Calvinism seems elitist to me. But again, this is a foolish controversy that we should avoid for the most part, especially in conversations with other Christians. "So far as it depends on you live at peace with all men."
For the most part it is best also to avoid the topic of praying in tongues and charismatic topics and anything other side issue that can be divisive to those in the faith.
The central thing we all agree on is that Jesus is the only way to be saved and that faith in him is what saves us. We need to focus on what we all as Christians have in common in our beliefs rather than how we differ in the side issues of our beliefs. No two Christians agree on everything completely, as far as I've seen. This is probably because the Bible can be confusing at times. Also because we are only finite human beings, so understanding everything about God completely is impossible. There are many mysteries about the faith that we won't know fully until we are in heaven. :)
So above all, love others. Focus on similarities, not differences. :) And stay at peace with all. :)
Acts 20:29
"I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock."The fierce wolves after Jesus were the Jews who tried to tell the Gentiles that they needed to be circumcised to be saved. This is what the whole book of Galatians is about. Fierce wolves now would be any Christian teaching that is controlling of any group of people or person. God is about freedom, not control. "Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." If another religious person or religious group is trying to control you, that is a red flag. God does not want to control us. He wants us to love Him. One cannot be controlled and love at the same time. It's impossible.
So watch out for any Christians that try to use guilt to control and manipulate what you do. Any that say that works save you or put too much of an emphasis on works also be wary of. Watch out for those who do not show love in their actions, because God IS Love.
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."I will never forget when I was at Biola in the Torrey Honors program, the head director of the program once said to me, "Your eyes should tear up the same when we read Plato as when we read the Bible." I was thinking, "What?! Blasphemy!" lol :) We are not to feel the same about any other piece of literature the way we feel about the Bible. The Bible is the inspired word of God. Any other book is not the Bible and should not be treated or thought about in the same way.
We are not to get too caught up in the philosophies of this world. "Do not love the world or anything in the world." Man's wisdom can Never compare with God's wisdom. It will always be a shadow in comparison. It is not true wisdom. True wisdom can only be found in the Bible.
Philosophers are wise to an extent, but they will never be as wise as King Solomon was, who was the wisest man who ever lived. Just read the Proverbs and you will see that nothing compares with the wisdom in them. :) Amen. :)
John 14:26
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."The ultimate resource we have for knowing clearly what the Bible says is the Holy Spirit inside of us. We all have the same Spirit in us. Therefore, we can all understand the Bible if we just ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes so that we can really see it. "You have not because you ask not." Ask for wisdom. Ask for eyes to really see and understand the Bible, and you will have it. :)
And ask for discernment regarding anything anyone tries to teach you. Ask God if it is the truth, and check the Word to see if it is. Don't believe blindly. Use your mind and use the Holy Spirit in you to be discerning of others.
John 8:44
"You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."Another red flag is any teacher, fellow Christian or church that has any element of lies in it. If they say they will do something and don't, that's an example. If they outright lie to you about something be wary. Anything regarding lying is not of God, so watch out for dishonesty in any church in any form.
Jude 1:3
"Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."Why would we need to contend for the faith if we could not be deceived and led astray. Be careful. Be on your guard. Don't let people deceive you away from the truth.
James 2:1-11
"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?"If any church seems to despise the poor and show favor to the rich that is a red flag. If they show favoritism in any way to anyone watch out. If they discriminate based on race, gender etc be wary of them. We have unity in Christ. We are not be divisive or show favoritism in any way. We are to see everyone as equal regardless of their race, income, gender etc. Paul said, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female." We all one in Christ and are to be treated the same.
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