1John 4:1 – 3 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world.
2 Timothy 2:14 – 26 Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.
Today we hear all kinds of “gospels” and so-called messages from God. We have to be careful to make sure that the advice and teaching we receive is authentic and IS from the right place. Just because someone quotes scripture does not mean that it is the truth. Satan knows the Bible better than ANY of us 9he has had the time to memorize it over and over again. He even tried to use his knowledge of scripture to tempt JESUS in the wilderness. Every temptation to HIM was from an APPROXIMATE quote from the scriptures , quoted out of context or made flattering assumptions (Luke 4:1-13) . This is a popular tactic even today.
The point of today’s post is to TEST every lesson and verse someone tries to pass as truth. ESPECIALLY if it seems to go against what our spirit Is telling us. God is consistent in his will and that is why I question many of today’s “feel-good” preachers that sugar coat salvation or offer alternative paths to heaven. In John 14:6, Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” So we have to make sure that we do not teach or promulgate ANY doctrine that would deviate from THAT path. I say this as well for ME as for any other teachings you may read. IF I offer inaccurate insights, I BEG to be corrected. It is my intention to learn as much or more than I teach and I depend on my fellow believers and followers of JESUS THE CHRIST to keep me in line as well.
May God Bless You and Yours
Gene
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