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tony.nz -> RE: Question for our vigilant “Church” watchers. (7/12/2008 9:09:56 PM)
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You have asked a very good question, and I do not understand why others have problems with the definition of terms that you are using. They seem straightforward to me.
And, I agree that we do have to be very careful about what we say of people in regard to minor doctrinal differences, and even in regard to moral or character flaws that we see in other people. I think sometimes in these forums we go too far, become too personal, and this can be damaging to the unity of the Spirit.
As I have said elsewhere, the fact that a person says they are a Christian, does not necessarily make it so. On the other hand, the fact that a person has some flaws, does not mean that they are not. Thank God for that, I have enough of my own. And early in my Christian walk, as you have, I realised that if I worried too much about the flaws I saw in other people, I would soon forget that it is Christ that I am following.
However, we also need to be very careful, because if you read the scriptures, you will see that God says much about false prophets and false teachers. Matthew 7:15, 24:11, 24:24, Mark13:22, 2 Peter 2:1, and 1 John 4:1, are examples. And in regard to the latter days, 1 Timothy 4 (KJV)
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
We have much to be careful of, because this prophecy has been fulfilled in these days, and there are many speaking contrary things, all claiming to be delivering a message from God. However, God does not contradict himself, or speak lies. I have had people in my home, peddling a salvation message contrary to the Word, and saying "why don't you pray and ask God to show you whether our book is true?". Very seductive! But we are commanded to test the Spirits!
1 John 4 (KJV)
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
So how do we recognise a false prophet or a false teacher? Clearly, a prophet is false if what they speak does not come to pass. There is a much more important test than this however. Does the message line up with the Scripture, the Word of God? Deut 13 tells us that even if a prophets words come to pass, or they show a sign or wonder, they must not turn us away after other Gods.
Psalm 119:105 says that God's word is "a lamp to my feet, a light to my path". 2 Timothy3:16 says "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
You may be asking, "Yes, but should we not be led by the Spirit". Yes, the children of God are led by the Spirit of God. But, if the Spirit does not speak according to the Word, it is not the Holy Spirit you are listening too!
I hope that this goes some way to answering your question.
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