RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT OF DECEPTION

Ps Dr.Philip Lyn writing for WeeklyBlog , 23/09/08

Welcome to Skyline!
It has been a tough few months for the body of Christ globally with many instances of ministers of God having confessed either to immoral conduct or deception in their lives and ministry. Recently when in Australia, I found churches there deeply saddened, like us. The media however, smelling blood, had savaged pastors while in North America, papers there have been equally derisory of Christians. These sad episodes are harbingers of the bigger challenge that looms for all of us in the future. The present lot of fallen ministers may be flawed but Jesus said in the last days, false prophets will arise. Who exactly are they? How do we recognize them?

1 John 4 today speaks of testing the spirits. We are warned about false teachers in this Epistle on God’s love precisely because many of the last day teachings will be dressed up in false love. How then do we recognize the spirit of deception? Well, it’s not as easy as we think. Jesus himself said so (Mt 24: 22)! The bait is usually the spectacular which draws the crowds (Mt 24:24). We may think this only means miracles and healings. Not necessarily! Preaching, music, entertainment, media, facilities, charisma, “feel good” factor are part of the “wow” packages these days. None of them is bad in itself so we’ve to look for other clues. What are they?

Firstly the gospel is compromised: the preaching of an incomplete Christ should alert us. Some preach Him as Saviour but not Lord, still others as triumphant but never broken. Others emphasise his divinity but not his humanity. He is preached as the cosmic servant and healer of our needs not the Master who demands our all. Watch out! Secondly the experience is all about self: The days will come when teachers will preach to make people “feel good” & delude them into experiencing a false love that comes without repentance. Thirdly the tenor of exclusiveness: any group that seeks to discourage you from fellowship with other Christians, claiming it alone has special revelation is to be distrusted. They are usually sects or cults. May we live in God’s love and learn to discern truth from error. It’s part of growing strong. It’s part of maturing as a church. It’s part of loving God and one another.
Skyline: 2008 Year of the Sabbath

RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT OF DECEPTION

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RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT OF DECEPTION Recent Articles: GOODBYE TO 2008 THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS DEBT: “HUTANG EMAS BOLEH DIBAYAR?� YOUR GREATEST INVESTMENT MONEY: SCARY INVESTING OBAMA: ONE MOMENT IN TIME MONEY: WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO GOD MONEY: TITHING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES AFTERSHOCKS SUDDEN BUT NOT UNEXPECTED Other Skyline Editorials: Pastor Philip Lyn WeeklyBlog Campus Ablaze News Kidszone News Media News Youth News Ps Dr.Philip Lyn writing for WeeklyBlog , 23/09/08 Welcome to Skyline! It has been a tough few months for the body of Christ globally with many instances of ministers of God having confessed either to immoral conduct or deception in their lives and ministry. Recently when in Australia, I found churches there deeply saddened, like us. The media however, smelling blood, had savaged pastors while in North America, papers there have been equally derisory of Christians. These sad episodes are harbingers of the bigger challenge that looms for all of us in the future. The present lot of fallen ministers may be flawed but Jesus said in the last days, false prophets will arise. Who exactly are they? How do we recognize them? 1 John 4 today speaks of testing the spirits. We are warned about false teachers in this Epistle on God’s love precisely because many of the last day teachings will be dressed up in false love. How then do we recognize the spirit of deception? Well, it’s not as easy as we think. Jesus himself said so (Mt 24: 22)! The bait is usually the spectacular which draws the crowds (Mt 24:24). We may think this only means miracles and healings. Not necessarily! Preaching, music, entertainment, media, facilities, charisma, “feel good” factor are part of the “wow” packages these days. None of them is bad in itself so we’ve to look for other clues. What are they? Firstly the gospel is compromised: the preaching of an incomplete Christ should alert us. Some preach Him as Saviour but not Lord, still others as triumphant but never broken. Others emphasise his divinity but not his humanity. He is preached as the cosmic servant and healer of our needs not the Master who demands our all. Watch out! Secondly the experience is all about self: The days will come when teachers will preach to make people “feel good” & delude them into experiencing a false love that comes without repentance. Thirdly the tenor of exclusiveness: any group that seeks to discourage you from fellowship with other Christians, claiming it alone has special revelation is to be distrusted. They are usually sects or cults. May we live in God’s love and learn to discern truth from error. It’s part of growing strong. It’s part of maturing as a church. It’s part of loving God and one another. Skyline: 2008 Year of the Sabbath
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