#beware of false teachers

[hopeatemyneeds]

I thought my good deeds made me good and worthy of God's favor, but my selfish pride was causing me to decay and deceive myself. I could look outward and see the injustice of life, think about how horrible suffering is, and question why without any answers. I, myself, kept repeating the agonizing cycles of life due to the self-imposed suffering I caused, which became a self-fulfilling prophecy until I became conscious of it. While the main focus was on myself, there was always a feeling of incompleteness that left me blind to my own self-centeredness. But how would I know if since childhood, the fallen world has encouraged me to act in my own best interest by following my own will? It's advised that you strive for excellence, do what's right, be honest, work hard, and achieve success! Be somebody! But following the world has led me to a life of endless disappointments, sadness, deceptions, false hopes, and dreams. I had all the characteristics that are supposed to make a 'winner', such as humility, strength, perseverance, kindness, and honesty. But what weight did it carry if all it did was leave me feeling empty and filled with the noise of the world around me affirming my greatness? Rather than giving me the strength or perseverance, the world was operating according to its own will, following what each individual believes to be appropriate for them. That's how it has been and has been for eons. We're not that special. We're just chasing an illusionary tail that when caught can just slip away at any time. If I am like them, how can I point the finger at anyone else? My relentless pursuit of meaning resulted in my complete unrest with myself.

I made the decision to go to church, but I discovered that Jesus was depicted as always loving and happy, which seemed disjointed. Initially, it felt good. But…what can I do about the present after being forgiven for my past? Continue living happily ever after with sunshine and rainbows because I have been forgiven? Just continue the drinking Kool-Aid and stay high on Jesus? I found that it was ok to continue living life as I had before, and nothing changed in my heart except for feeling good. Who was Jesus in this church and why was there no contrition? I left that church because I had a suspicion that something was wrong. My eagerness to uncover all the reasons and ways of life were shattered when the church consisted of motivational speeches and a rock concert. I got a bible and searched for answers while also asking God for them. I was searching for truth, but I had no idea what I was seeking. At the right time, I unexpectedly came across the unveiling. God responded to my prayer and revealed the state of my heart to me. Through the use of scripture and YouTube videos, I discovered this truth, which is also found in Mark 7: 20-23:

“He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

I am aware that I am guilty in God's eyes. Although I am not directly responsible for murder, I am responsible for harboring hatred towards certain individuals, which is equivalent to sin in God's eyes due to my heart's condition. Living in arrogance, well, I had plenty of that too, among many other things that God showed me were not good, which is why I was in a constant state of unrest.

I was brought to Him by His grace, but I first had to examine the truth in my heart that I was avoiding due to my own righteous deception. My heart was filled with wickedness, and that's the truth.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

‭‭John‬: ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

[thinkingonscripture]

When Jesus Says: “I Never Knew You”

Towards the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), Jesus warned His disciples to “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15). These false prophets will bear bad fruit (Matt 7:16-20), which is their false teachings and demonically empowered miracles. These pseudo-prophets are deceived, thinking they’re doing…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

False Teachers

If someone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not greet [welcome] that person or accept [receive] them into your house. — 2 John 1:10 | Expanded Bible (EXB) The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: 1 Kings 13:16; Acts 15:23; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; Titus 3:10; 2 John 1:10

[an-unanonymous-messenger]

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares is about how God has sown the seed of His Word into many, but that satan also sowed his own seed of rebellion against God, upon which at the end of this world, those who received the seed of satan will be punished with eternal death. Notice how similar wheat and tares look! This also implies that there are many professing to be Christian, but are in fact the children of the devil (John 8:31-59), who were never born again, but only went to church and prayed to tradition.

[brianbachochin]

Why doesn't the Holy Spirit convict believers who follow false teaching?

[plaintalkchristianministries]

The Dark Side Of The Music Industry: Rock, Country, CCM-Contemporary Christian Music.

The History of Satanic Music: Ezekiel 28:13 “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” This combined with other verses tells…

[rose-maidenn]

🔹️Pick a card🔹️

Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life

What are they targeting about you

Hey guys , hope yall are doing well , as the Saturn retrograde goes may it break all your foes . Take a deep breath and choose with your intuition , if you like the reading consider a reblog , feedback or booking as it really helps me kiss kiss

Pile 1 :

Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life

Social media babe you're following a con and taking relationship advice from a novice , it's led you with false notions you will need some time to break free but recognise and realise it before it's too late , also a friend, their name maybe from n or t might have long shiny hair and talk too sweet almost devilish , they're manipulating you into doing them favours I would ask you to be beware as you're gonna be feeling disintegrated , I feel something like destiny swapping is happening here like copying you a lot or your gestures as well you're too innocent love wake up please .

What are they targeting about you

You want a guide in your life so you followed the influencer but you can find better guides I'm sure and if you resonate with the friend part they're targeting your forgiving nature they think they can easily take from you what makes you unique and then you won't bat an eye is pathetic like I also get something about a black dress have they borrowed something if yes ask them to return asap.

Pile 2 :

Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life?

A religious person or an authority figure , they're so homophobic or orthodox it's making you question yourself . This person might be a teacher as well , there's so much if your potential but they're forcing you to do something that's so limiting it's almost like you wasting your own potential ik it sucks , it could also be a sibling who are projecting their burn out in their life onto you .

What are they targeting about you

They're targeting your lack of clarity in your life they think you don't know who you are so they hit you in the nail , your developmental years were spent with them so you're attached to them in a way you think they know you so much but remember you know yourself the best.

Pile 3 :

Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life ?

It's your dusty ass boyfriend or crush or situationship, they also wanna be treated like a princess and are cheap and stingy , idk why you're with them tbh look at you 😭 people would kill for you , idk it also feels as if they're belittling your values or culture like someone wants to get straight hair because they feel they'll look prettier to their bf

What are they targeting about you ?

Worst of all they're targeting your love towards them they target your lack of identity and try to fill spaces in your self discovery journey , as lonely as the journey maybe it is solely yours so if they don't understand they must go alright love.

Thank you for reading love love 💗

[thewordfortheday]

“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-16

It is so easy to be deceived by false prophets who sound good, and promote good, when they are ultimately destructive. You can tell them by what they omit rather than what they include, omitting from the whole counsel of God. They come as wolves dressed as sheep. The most ravenous of animals disguised as the most harmless of animals. This is the deceitfulness of the false prophets. You will know them by their fruit- their behavior, and their deeds. But the greatest test is their teaching. Does it line up with the Word of God? If not, it is false. This means we must know our Bibles ourselves. The best defense against a counterfeit is to know the original. Let's read the scriptures and be well-versed in it, and be rooted in the truth, so that, when we hear a false teacher, we will be able to discern instantly and flee from them. 

[honesty-my-policy]

Resources/Sources against HAMAS + more [re-organization of previous posted resources]

LONG POST - WILL PUT A READ MORE - SEE UNDER IT FOR MORE RESOURCES.

Sources/places that have uncensored footage from the Oct. 7th attack. For anyone who needs a reality check or needs to smack someone with a reality check.

THIS FOOTAGE IS UNCENSORED AND HIGHLY DISTURBING BUT IMPORTANT TO HISTORY. I HAVE WATCHED A LARGE COMPILATION AND IT STILL RUNS THROUGH MY MIND ALL DAY.

https://www.october7thattack.com/

https://oct7th.org/

https://www.hamasvideo.com/

https://theworldwatch.com/tags/hamas/

https://www.hamas-massacre.net/

important websites + articles they have posted

UN Watch - https://unwatch.org/about-us/our-work/

Fact Checking UNRWA Claims About Teachers and Education

Hamas stole 36,000 liters of fuel from UN warehouses

Group of 3,000 UNRWA teachers celebrates Hamas massacre and rape

UN staff celebrate Hamas massacre

The Case against UNRWA from UN Watch - link

2023-Report-UNRWA-pdf - link

Report: Red Cross Statements ‘Overwhelmingly’ Biased Against Israel - link

Honest Reporting - https://honestreporting.com/about/

Desperate Media Accuse Israel of ‘War Crime’ Over Killing of Terrorists in Daring Hospital Raid

Media Accused Israel of ‘Strike’ on Palestinians Who Died in Gaza City Aid Truck Stampede

Council on Foreign Relations -https://www.cfr.org/about

What is HAMAS? Link

The Sunni-Shia Divide - link

MeForum - https://www.meforum.org/about/

A Primer on Hamas; Part 4: Who Are the Palestinians? - link

Countering ‘Pro-Palestine’ Propaganda Part 4: Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing - link

Countering ‘Pro-Palestine’ Propaganda Part 5: Gaza is an Open-Air Prison - link

Countering ‘Pro-Palestine’ Propaganda Part 6: Palestinian Refugees’ Right of Return - link

Israel Can Trust Hamas - To Keep Its Promises - link

The Rhetoric of Nonsense - link

The Wilson Center - https://www.wilsoncenter.org/about

Digital Deception: Disinformation’s Impact in the Israel-Hamas War - link

Hamas: Words and Deeds… - link 

Hamas over-reporting civilian casualties in Gaza, again - link

Misc Articles (find the about page yourself if you care enough) -

Hamas use of human shields in Gaza (pdf) - link

Intelligence Reveals Details of U.N. Agency Staff’s Links to Oct. 7th Attack - link

Don’t erase our history: The Jewish people are indigenous to the land of Israel - link

Hamas’s October 7th Attack: Visualizing the Data - link

Teaching Terror: How Hamas Radicalizes Palestinian Society - link

Why Hamas is an Unreliable Source and How Many Reporters Fail to Disclose this - link

Misc Resources -

The Complete List of the 1030 Jewish Expulsions in Human History (pdf) - link

Educational Posts made by rootsmetal -

Palestine and the Holocaust

Hamas's Islamism

we are treated differently

evidence (there's plenty)

teaching hatred

united nations

lies about 1948

was there peace before 1948?

HAMAS Guidelines to Social Media (excerpts)

Anyone killed or martyred is to be called a civilian from Gaza or Palestine, before we talk about his status in jihad or his military rank. Don't forget to always add 'innocent civilian' or 'innocent citizen' in your description of those killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Begin [your reports of] news of resistance actions with the phrase 'In response to the cruel Israeli attack,' and conclude with the phrase 'This many people have been martyred since Israel launched its aggression against Gaza.' Be sure to always perpetuate the principle of 'the role of the occupation is attack, and we in Palestine are fulfilling [the role of] the reaction.'

Beware of spreading rumors from Israeli spokesmen, particularly those that harm the home front. Be wary regarding accepting the occupation's version [of events]. You must always cast doubts on this [version], disprove it, and treat it as false.

The interior ministry prepared a series of suggestions specifically for Palestinian activists who speak to Westerners via social media. The ministry emphasizes that conversations with them should be conducted differently from conversations with other Arabs.

When speaking to the West, you must use political, rational, and persuasive discourse, and avoid emotional discourse aimed at begging for sympathy. There are elements with a conscience in the world; you must maintain contact with them and activate them for the benefit of Palestine. Their role is to shame the occupation and expose its violations.

Avoid entering into a political argument with a Westerner aimed at convincing him that the Holocaust is a lie and deceit; instead, equate it with Israel's crimes against Palestinian civilians.

The narrative of life vs. the narrative of blood: [When speaking] to an Arab friend, start with the number of martyrs. [But when speaking] to a Western friend, start with the number of wounded and dead. Be sure to humanize the Palestinian suffering. Try to paint a picture of the suffering of the civilians in Gaza and the West Bank during the occupation's operations and its bombings of cities and villages.

Do not publish photos of military commanders. Do not mention their names in public, and do not praise their achievements in conversations with foreign friends!

Recently I came across a bunch more ancient/old maps of the Middle East, Near East, Levant, Israel, and others. Some are remakes as the old ones were degraded or unable to be scanned, some are historian estimates of what the area looked like at the times, others are actual scans of maps from back in the day. I will link specific maps of interest but also databases below. I will link the maps first and the databases they are from above them.

David Rumsey Historical Map Collection (over 130,000 maps and related images online)

Alte Welt: Städte. (Old world: cities)

No. 1: General map of the countries mentioned in the Bible

No. 2: Map of the journeyings of the Israelites : in the desert

Turkey. Middle East. Ancient World

American Society of Overseas Research (online resources)

The Ancient Near East: The Hellenistic World c. 200 BCE

Neo-Hittite and Aramean States

Iron Age IIIv2 Empires

The National Library of Israel

Specific search for maps of Israel

Map History (part of the virtual library)

Index

Gallica (digital library of the National France Library and its partners + I don’t know if it’s just my browser but switching the language to English didn’t work much so it was mostly in French)

Database

Maps

W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (Digital Collection)

Palestine of the Old Testament

Historic Map Works

ASIA/recens summa/cura delineata

United Nations Archives

Map Collection of the League of Nations + UNOG

Library of Congress World Digital Library

Map Collection

links to previous posts containing the same resources in case i missed any - link

[holystormfire]

What should have our attention?

Ecclesiastes 7:13

Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?

John 5:19

So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”

We should pay attention to what God is doing and the way he is working in our lives and in the world around us.

Hebrews 2:3-4

So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.

Luke 8:18

So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.

1 Corinthians 2:2

For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.

We should pay attention to the message Jesus has for us. What Jesus says is reinforced by who he is—God’s Son. If Jesus was not God’s Son, he would be incapable of raising us from the dead. He would have no power to save us and take us to heaven. Think of the most important person on earth. If that person wanted to talk with you, would you listen? Would you give him or her your full attention? How much more important is the Son of God!

Psalm 119:78

I will concentrate on your commandments.

2 Peter 1:19

Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.

God’s Word deserves our attention. Through his Word, God speaks to us and brings us life that last forever.

Proverbs 16:20

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

Proverbs 19:27

If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.

Proverbs 22:17

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.

Proverbs 5:13

Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?

Proverbs 5:1

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.

It’s essential to pay attention to the instruction we receive from God’s Word and from wise counselors or teachers. If we don’t, we may be turning our backs on God himself.

Matthew 7:15

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.

Matthew 16:11-12

Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

We must be alert to the deception of false prophets and false teachers, those who twist God’s Word to make it say whatever they want. Pay attention to their wiles, but not their words. If a person is not speaking for God, we should not accept that person’s teaching as from God.

Mark 13:32-33

However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

Luke 21:31, 34-36

In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near . . . Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-6

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

Be prepared for the day when Jesus promised he would return again by paying attention to the way you live. Live as if he is coming back today.

Ephesians 6:18

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Matthew 26:41

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!

Your prayer life deserves your focused attention. That’s how you best connect to God himself.

1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

1 Timothy 4:16

Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

1 Timothy 4:8

Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.

The growth and strengthening of our spiritual lives deserves our attention. If it pays to exercise our bodies so we keep them healthy, how much more it pays to build our souls so they are healthy.

[wolint]

MANIPULATION!

MANIPULATION

Leviticus 25:17

Manipulating is negotiating, controlling, or influencing people and situations for one’s advantage. Spiritual manipulation is a technique used to control individuals and acquire gain while giving the impression that their teachings are based on the Bible.

There are always people who use manipulation to get their way, both mental and physical manipulations. Or maybe you are the one manipulating other people for your advantage. At the heart of manipulation is oppression, cheating, and lying, which the enemy uses as his tools of the trade. We hear Jesus say so clearly in John 8:44, and 1 Samuel 15:23 compares manipulation to witchcraft.

So many have fallen into manipulative relationships that are not letting up because the manipulator is good at using emotional blackmail to victimize others. They missed 1 Corinthians 13, which tells us that love is not to harm others. Greedy false teachers use manipulation daily to lie to people in the name of the gospel to take their resources, time, and money from them.

God does not manipulate people because God’s nature would not permit this. He is holy, just, perfect, and all-powerful. He gives people the choice to obey and do His will or disobey and suffer the consequences. The choice is ultimately ours, but He may sometimes motivate us to clearly see the benefits of the right choice. God also guides and disciplines, but He never manipulates.

As 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, manipulators appear as real to exploit our weaknesses, stroke our pride, and assure us that following them and doing whatever they tell us is best for us, just as Satan does with his lies and manipulations. He is artful in his many ploys to bring us under his control.

Paul was appalled at the manipulation of the Galatians in 3:1, especially since they knew the truth, the same way we should be appalled at the manipulation of those around us, either by the enemy or someone they know. Manipulators are among the list that 2 Timothy 3:1-6 commands us to avoid, saying that they creep into lives and homes for destruction.

Ephesians 4:25 encourages believers not to engage in manipulation or take advantage of others in any way, especially the vulnerable. We must always speak truth to everyone and not use manipulating words or actions of falsehood on our neighbours, friends, and families for our benefit.

Manipulators are self-serving, and Romans 16:18 says they are not serving Christ; they are serving their interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent and vulnerable people. Even when, according to Luke 16:15, they justify themselves in the eyes of others, God knows their hearts.

We must be careful when dealing with manipulative people, especially when they are within our families. It’s very easy to mistake manipulation for caring, and it’s equally important that we don’t allow ourselves to be manipulated in any way. We may be manipulated to part with things we don’t wish to because we’ve been made to feel guilty for what we have, but nobody has the right to use blackmailing words to cheat us out of what rightly belongs to us.

Victims of manipulation, spiritual, emotional, or any other, seldom realize that they’re being manipulated. Spiritual manipulation occurs daily in churches and ministries, and it’s often hidden under the “thus says the Lord” message. Beware of the demand for obedience, unquestioning submission, punishment for not obeying certain rules (loss of privileges, shunning, or expulsion), misplaced loyalty, emphasis on your performance, and isolation or exclusion from general activities.

We must all be alert to spiritual manipulation and obey Matthew 10:16 to be “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

PRAYER: Lord, help me always remember that Your Spirit is in me. May I not quench His power in me but unleash His against the spirit of manipulation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.

[hiswordsarekisses]

25 WARNINGS AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS, TEACHERS, PASTORS

The scariest thing for me to think about is how [easy it is] to be self deceived [if you lack humility] and a proper holy fear of God.

Satan use to lead worship in heaven. He was created with amazing gifts and talents, as well as beauty. He had a front row seat to the living God. He loved the GLORY of God. He loved it so much that he wanted it for himself. Pride entered his heart and dark selfish motives began to conspire. God saw this. And for a time even allowed this. Until BAMMM!!! Like a bolt of lightning he was cast out of Heaven forever!!

This should serve as a terrifying warning to all of us against Pride and shifty selfish motives [that are seen by God].

THINK ABOUT THIS: 1/3 of the angels were so influenced by Satans beauty, power and giftings that they followed him instead of the One True God, and they too were cast out of heaven forever!

It’s terrifying to think we can follow someone straight to hell!

NOTE: “The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder,”

2 Timothy 2:9

BEWARE OF A PASTOR’S charisma, stunning miracles, signs, wonders, church size, bank account, flashy home and attractive qualities that [draw you to follow them]. subtle clues of corruption. These can have a seducing power that seem to point to God ‘blessing them’. Remember, they are getting rich off the sheep. Their God is their belly and they have ‘a system’ they follow. Not God.

JESUS WARNS in Matthew 7:13-16

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way [is easy] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way [is hard] that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

[Beware of false prophets]. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you [workers of lawlessness]!’.”

So what we see in this scripture seems to describe what could appear as ROCK STARS of Christianity. Enamored by their own gifting and powers. In a major sense [they are confident] that their own great talents, signs, wonders and abilities are God’s [validation] ‘of them’.

Jesus points out hell bound christians inability to be transformed, corrected or sanctified by Truth.

They are inwardly selfish, prideful and [disobedient] to True [sacrificial] Love.

All of the following scriptures highlight [subtle clues] that we should be discerning of, both in our own heart, and that of those who teach, preach and prophesy.

I like to use the book of Acts as the [purest example] of how the church should look. What the Spirit led leaders did with the resources is a huge key and contrast to what we see today in many Churches.

They distributed to any who had need. So much so that multiple times in the book of Acts we hear the words, “there was none who had any need”. Why? Because the leaders [mentored tangible care] to the believers and the lost world.

Today we see the opposite and most don’t even bat an eye. Pastors (weekly) call for resources to be given so they can pay for their own houses, their own boat, their own religious business, and their own traveling the world and sitting in the best restaurants and at the best gatherings of other like minded ‘leaders’.

Who is paying for this?

The struggling single parent. The senior citizen that can’t pay their electrical bill. The big family that can’t make ends meet and are told week after week, “If you sow your seed into this ministry, God will bless you...If you don’t, God will curse you!”

What??!!

The mind of Christ is our standard and the apostle Paul serves as the best example, in my opinion, of a true teacher.

25 WARNING SCRIPTURES we should all pay close attention to.

1. 1 Timothy 6:5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, [a show of godliness] is just a way to become wealthy.

2. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 A time will come when people will not listen to accurate teachings. Instead, they will [follow their own desires] and surround themselves with teachers who tell them what they want to hear. [People will refuse to listen to the truth] and turn to myths.

Jesus exposes the heart of false prophets, teachers and pastors.

3. Luke 11:43 Jesus rebukes false teachers, “Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.”

4. Luke 20:46 “Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the [places of honor] at banquets.”

5. Matthew 7:15-17 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by [the way they act]. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.

6. 1 John 2:22 And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist.

7. Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. Now those who belong to the Messiah Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also be guided. [Let’s stop being arrogant], provoking one another and envying one another.

Can we judge and expose false teachers?

8. 1 Timothy 1:3-4 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and [stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth]. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.

9. Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

10. 1 Timothy 1:18-20 Timothy, my child, I am instructing you in keeping with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may continue to fight the good fight with faith and a good conscience. [By ignoring their consciences], some people have destroyed their faith like a wrecked ship. These include Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Watch out for false doctrine.

11. Galatians 1:7-8 not that there really is another gospel, but there are some who are disturbing you and [wanting to distort] the gospel of Christ. But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell!

12. 2 John 1:10-11 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, [do not receive him] into your house and do not give him any greeting, because the person who gives him a greeting shares in his evil deeds.

13. Romans 16:17-18 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; [they are serving their own personal interests]. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.

14. 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.

Warning against adding, taking away, and twisting Scripture.

15. Revelation 22:18-19 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.

Testing the spirit: Guard yourself with the Bible.

16. 1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there [are many] false prophets in the world.

17. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 But test everything; hold fast what is good.

18. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Rebuke them

19. 2 Timothy 4:2 Be ready to spread the word whether or not the time is right. Point out errors, [warn people], and encourage them. Be very patient when you teach.

20. Titus 3:10-11 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Reminders

21. Ephesians 4:14-15 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies [so clever they sound like the truth]. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

22. Jude 1:4 For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who [pervert the grace] of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

They might look like a Christian and do good deeds, but even Satan disguises himself.

23. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.

24. 2 Timothy 3:5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

25. John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

[unitedbyprayer]

(via Judge Not)

Judge Not

https://www.unitedbyprayer.com/united-by-prayer-wall/judge-not

We are called to edify and encourage one another. But pointing the finger of blame, over-stating a brother's fault, participating in unfounded gossip, censorious speech, or condemning the legitimate, freewill choices of another Christian, when their actions conflict with the freewill standards we have chosen, is considered to be evil speech. It is quite sobering to realize that the spirit behind evil, incorrect speech, is not only a sin; because it violates God's written Word, but contravenes every biblical instruction on godly living, we are not to judge one another. "Judge Not," Christ warned us, "that ye be not judged?" We are certainly called to judge the spiritual fruit of pastors and teachers, and to check the doctrines they teach against Scripture. We are to be spiritually discerning. We are to beware of false teachers and be able to identify unbiblical teachings and doctrines. However, we are not instructed to judge the thoughts, hearts, motives, and behavior of others. It degrades our own testimony and dishonors the Lord, Who is the only one worthy to judge the thoughts of the heart and the actions of a others.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.

Our United Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we pray that we may become a doer of Your holy law and not fall into the foolish trap of judging it, by condemning the actions of others. Lord, You alone can judge the thoughts of the heart and we have no right to condemn others, through our own self-righteous attitude. Keep us humble before you and help us to become an encouragement to our brothers and sisters in Christ, and not their accuser. Keep us from being 'wise in our own conceit', or making arbitrary assumptions about the motives of others and above all, teach us to love others as Christ loves us, for in so doing we will honor Your name, as Christ lives in and through us. In His precious name we Pray, AMEN.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

by Oscar Amaechina | Genuine ministers of the Gospel have been trying to let Christians know that there are many false teachers and prophets out there that are deceiving the people of God. Jesus also warned us beforehand that there will be false prophets and teachers with deceptive schemes which will be difficult for even the elect to discern (Mathew 24:24). What many of us…

[brianbachochin]

Avoid such men as these (2 Timothy 3:1-5)