Our country seems to have gone through the most uncertain time in its modern political history. We all waited for some decision to be made on whom will be president or more accurately how they will be president. Despite the turmoil and unrest all this has caused it has prompted many to look at the framers of our constitution and their understanding of the laws. Recently a renewed interest has begun to understand what the founding fathers had put in place for our life liberty and pursuit of freedom. From the clash that has occurred I see a spiritual irony-taking place. Could God have been speaking to the Church in America through the most obvious of circumstances.

Much of what we have just seen being played out in politics is indicative of what has been going on inside the Church for several years. We have been divided into two camps. One camp intends on using the Scripture legally and wants to abide by its precepts having the context be the guide to the interpretation. The other side using flexibility, wants to form its own decision on what it means. We hear it is all a matter of interpretation and there are no set guidelines on how to practice as God can speak new things. So they have incorporated new and unusual practices. While neither side on the issues is completely above reproach there seems to be a clear delineation from what was once held as orthodox to what is now touted as a more current view of God and what He can and is doing. What is called a new openness, by allowing God to do whatever he wants AKA “don’t put God in a box” is really spiritual liberalism in disguise. Certainly God has done many things in the past in unusual ways, often times not the way we would expect. The issue is not can God do certain things but will He do them. For He will never contradict His own word or principles but cooperate with it to accomplish His goals. So we must look for His ways that are conducive to His nature to be sure it is God. For if we attribute something to God when in fact it is not God, we have put Him in a box!

Many have already cast their vote on this matter and so the Church is divided on certain issues. The contentions we find in the body have already been addressed by numerous people of all different denominations with no settled solution. Despite the arguments on both sides that have been well presented, we do have a Supreme Court decision. The Scriptures are final arbiter in matters of faith and practice. But there are many who do not abide in these decisions and want a recount; they want to change the rules after it is written. By changing what it actually means to there own private interpretation. While we can allow for liberty in certain teachings as one sees things from different perspectives it must all come within the circle of orthodoxy or it is not to be entertained as valid. Let me give you some examples from the semi-innocuous to the injurious.

There is a teaching that proposes the Church was born out of Christ’s side consisting of blood and water. Relating this to God putting Adam to sleep and taking Eve taken from his side. Sounds well in bounds of the Scripture on the surface...The problem with teaching is that it was a Roman soldier that pierced Christ and it only proved in a physical way that Christ had died.  The true Church was born from His sacrifice and culminated when He died on the cross for sin, as He said, “it is finished” and died before he was pierced. The other is blood and water coming from his side after His sacrifice unto God. With a spear in his side the Roman was making sure He was crucified, it has no real spiritual benefit although it does prove he really did die. For God already accepted the son’s atonement for sin and brought him back into fellowship before death.

There is a teaching that it was only the Abrahamic covenant that was finished on the cross and that Christ had to go on and suffer for all our sins under the hands of Satan in the underworld and be reborn in hell. There He suffered all that we would if we died without redemption. It is from His suffering in Hell that we were brought back from the slave market of sin.

There is a teaching that we can speak the word by faith over and over and we will receive all that we ask for because we have the Holy Spirit and the promises. The only thing that stands in our way is our own faith. It is God’s will is to give us his children whatever we ask.

There is a teaching that we can be and do all that Jesus did because we are sons. That we can go beyond even the apostles in our miracles and eventually the kingdom of God will take over the world before Christ comes with the Church as the head. We have the authority and he is waiting on us to use it.

How to interpret Scripture does matter, it can cost you your physical life and in some cases your spiritual well being now, and your afterlife later. It is not just a matter of opinion when essentials are involved. It becomes critically important in these last days to be sure of what we believe and practice. For it shapes our attitude toward serving and looking to the Lord’s coming.

Paul writes “For I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. . . . The elements of first love then are simplicity and purity. . . The love of the Church to Christ is typified by the love of the wife for the husband. The love of Christ to the Church is Unselfish love; he died for us while we were still his enemy. It is a love that is patient, nurturing, caring giving her the attention she needs, a love in which there was no selfishness. What is the Church's love for Christ?  It should be the same recognizing he is our headship our covering we should have a response of submission of love to his perfect love. Faithfulness -having only eyes for him as he has only eyes for her. This was done he said by continuing in His word. But there are those who come along telling us something quite different what his word means.

Our God is a jealous God who does not want to see his people’s affections toward the things of the world or other teachers who represent him incorrectly. What should be toward the only true God can go to others without us being aware of it. Our love involves loyalty allegiance and passion. THE LOVE in the Scriptures is shed abroad in the believer’s heart. It is a selfless love, that does not care that they are accused of “not having love”; or accused of being judgmental, or unreasonable if they know they are on the side of the Scripture.  Any one who loves another with the LOVE of Christ will never think I hope I don’t offend them, I hope they will still like me after I tell them? It doesn’t matter because you really CARE for the welfare of that other person. So you are willing to endure their rejection, maligning and insults, and if necessary even their hatred in order to help them. It is a matter of truth that prompts the concern for real love to correct and challenge. James 5:19-20 says, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” Essentially, we are our brother's keeper. James calls keeping silent a sin of omission. John 4:17 proclaims, “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Faith works with love- without love it is not true faith, without truth at its center it is not done in real faith nor can it be carried in love. It is love that prompts someone to speak the truth. As Paul said to the Galatians have I now become your enemy because I tell you the truth? If we make enemies because they are offended by the truth so be it. We may become dismayed at the outcome but it is better to do what is right in God's eyes and suffers the consequences from man, than to do what is right in man's eyes and suffer the consequences from God!

Jesus did say we are to confess him before man. This does not mean just saying His name but standing up for what He said. If we can only have the boldness that the scripture states is ours, for “we have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.” We have accepted the world’s view of love that one must be tolerant and even silent in the face of something that is wrong- a lie or even blatant evil. We are so careful not to OFFEND our neighbors, friends and family with THE TRUTH, so that we can love them. But to do this means we not loving God, nor do we really love them. Are we so unwilling to endure any rejection that we have become ashamed of God's words? 

Jesus does say “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels.”(Luke 9:26) Paul also writes that we should be “ a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”(2 Tim.2:15)  In other words make no hesitation make every effort to know what the word of God actually says so it can be used to benefit you and its hearers.

The bible teaches there are two churches just as there were two Israel’s. One is called the Israel of God, and the Israel in unbelief. After Paul speaks about his preaching the gospel and suffering in persecution for it Gal 6:16 “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” Only the Israel that was of faith made it through the trials of the desert and entered the promised land. Only the Church who has genuine faith will walk through the trials on earth to enter the promised land, heaven. Those who disdain trials want the things of the earth as their reward. They have their reward now.

Rom. 9:31-33 “but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.  Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.”   Gal 3:7 “Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.” These are the gentiles who believe. Both of these are now part of the body as Christ broke down the middle wall of partition to make one new man. (Eph.2) We are one “IN Christ”, Scripture is clear we must abide in the vine to be IN Christ as well as to be fruitful.

There will be two brides, one married to Christ the other will be married to the one who looks like Christ but is a fake substitute. One bride follows the Word of God and is watching for His appearing. The other bride uses the word for its own advancement and looks not to His coming but to the things of earth. They by default will not be ready for His coming. There is the Church married to the lamb and is willing to follow Him anywhere He leads, even into suffering. Then there is the Church that is not willing to give up anything of the world but long for good life they have been taught they deserve. They know the lamb but are not willing to wholeheartedly give up the world and all the attractions in it, and they see nothing wrong with it. As with the 10 virgins, we are told while the bridegroom delayed 5 were filled with the oil and had their lights shining, they were busy doing the work of the Lord. The other 5 slumbered and slept. When the time came for Jesus to gather his bride the other 5 who slept and were taken by surprise, they asked the 5 who were lights and doing the Lords work to sell them the oil- for their lamps have gone out, they were unprepared. There answer -Go to those who sell the oil and buy it. Here’s the twist, they actually did go to buy the oil, and while they did the bridegroom came. It was too late; no amount of pleading would let them in. There is a lesson in this. One cannot buy the Holy Spirit; nor can you get the oil (anointing) by tithing or offerings nor from another man. It can only come directly from Jesus and one must follow him to receive it. When Jesus came and these 5 unwise virgins called to Jesus the very same way the false miracle workers do in Mt.7:21 saying “Lord, lord.” Jesus answers by pointing to the very same day of his coming back “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord HAVE WE NOT PROPHESIED IN THY NAME? And in thy name cast out devils and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me” (Matthew 7:22-23) Jesus said to these 5 unwise virgins the very same thing “I never knew you.”

What a scary thing to have said, to those who thought they were doing his work by displays of power and offering it to the sheep. What is Jesus saying? That displays of power in His name do not guarantee one is actually representing Him. There are many we see to be in this position today. Then there are many that will never have to worry or wonder about being in this position, as they do not try to do any miracles or pursue them. This does not mean God has taken a vacation and does no more miracles, He does! What Jesus is saying is that there will be a group of people in the end who will try to validate their relationship with Christ by things that the apostles did. Jesus being the one who searches the heart will know if they were authentic or not. Some may be reading this thinking what could be wrong with looking for and participating in the exciting ministries concentrating on miracles? This is the ONLY practice Jesus warned of that would be prevalent in the last days INSIDE and OUTSIDE the Church is a deception. The fact is we are not immune to deception, and if you believe you are, then you are ALREADY DECEIVED! For the first thing Jesus told the apostles (and us) about the time of His coming and the end of the age “see to it that no one deceives you.”

How would these people get a foothold in the Church? The Church has always tested people to see if their doctrine was right with Scripture, if not they rejected the people who claimed His name no matter what they did.  Jesus states in Rev. 2:2: “unto the Church in Ephesus write… Thou hast tested them that say they are apostles and are not, and has found them to be liars.”  1 Cor.11:18-19 Paul tells us to recognize and approve those who are in the truth. This would mean those who hold to the word. Jesus wrote to the Church in Pergama in Rev. 2:15-16: “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” Nicolaitan is composed of two words Nicao which means Victor or Conqueror and Laos (which the word “Laity” comes from, meaning the people). A Nicolaitan is one who rules over the common people. Today we have Nicolaitans, meaning those having authority to rule over others. This is a two-class system in which a certain person or group is given greater prominence over other believers. They rule over them in an unbiblical manner, sometimes it is done against peoples will, other times willingly. The Catholics have their priesthood and now many of the Charismatics have their apostles/ prophets. Many look for an impartation of the spirit or a revelation from an anointed preacher.  Nicolaitans teach that we need to come to them for a blessing. The original Nicolaitans were a sect of the Gnostics. This source is significant in understanding what is happening to the Church today.

The apostles' leadership was true shepherding, not dictating what people were to do but through being personally involved in their lives showing what they themselves did. When people tried to follow or uplift a certain apostle they were rebuked (1Cor.1:11-12), yet today many popular teachers make disciples after their own selves, claiming to have God’s approval of this. Shepherding has always been identified as the control that is exercised in the cults. Today we can even find this in some Christian Church's that hold to the fundamentals of the faith. This happens when individuals who become an Island to themselves and start to rule over the sheep beyond biblical guidelines. We all have the same standing before God. We all have the same Holy Spirit and mediator. Anyone can receive from Jesus, who is the one we all should be seeking; no person can do what He can. So to pursue an anointing or an impartation from someone other than Jesus is unbiblical. Teaching, instruction, and wisdom yes- The Holy Spirit: no.

The true Church seeks and depends on God’s counsel. David writes Ps 119:103-105: “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” As Jesus said we live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. We don’t chase after his presence or miracles we feed on his word and His spirit moves us to service. We have rest and comfort in His spirit, love, joy, peace are all ours as we abide in Him.  

The true Church is not wise in its own eyes but has humility, having the mind of Christ.  They do not puff themselves up or boast of their works to others. Should we thrive on the opinions of others to have the approval of people? Prov. 25:27: “It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one's own glory is not glory.” Prov. 25:16: “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, lest you be filled with it and vomit.” To eat only the sweet things of God and neglect the harder truths that will make you grow will make you sick. The word is to affect us and it can be hard to live it out. This is why the body of Christ has found herself in spiritual ill health; we have pursued honey like a hungry bears. We have thrived on hearing the sweet things and neglected the applications. We want immediate results and have abandoned perseverance.

Many find themselves on the side of accepting all things because of peer pressure or it is the fashion to be spiritually correct. There are a few scriptures that always pop up as proofs for this position. In Mk.9:38-40 John came to Jesus pointing out that he saw someone cast out demons and he is not with us. Jesus' answer was not to forbid him to do this because “no one who does a miracle in my name will speak evil of me. If he is not against us he is for us”(in behalf of us). Jesus did not quibble about details. If the man was using Christ's name in a sincere effort and the correct way to help others, he was not to be hindered but allowed. Most think this person was one of the 70 disciples. In other words he was doing what they were but was not with their group. Jesus who was physically present was able to make a judgment call on this perfectly, we are not always able to do this. This does not mean we give a stamp of approval on anyone who uses His name but we should accept those who do what is right. If someone is in a different Church or denomination, that is teaching and serving right we should rejoice and encourage it. In context this does not end here as Jesus teaches the smallest deed will be rewarded if it is done with the intention of Christ. In context Jesus then goes into a concentrated explanation of becoming an offence to those who are weak in faith or spiritually new children. Whatever is in the individual or the body collectively that makes you sin- cut it off so it will not continue to stumble yourself or other people (v.42-50). In other words the sin of the individual and the sin in the body should be removed.

In another incident Paul was put in prison for his defense of the message of Christ. While in prison he wrote, “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (Phil 1:15-18).

Two groups are addressed, one which spoke the truth with good intentions and those who spoke the truth to burn Paul.

Paul was glad of the gospel accurately being spoken even though their motives were wrong, for they were only against him and not Christ. God can deal with people who have wrong motives and right doctrine. It is vastly different with those who teach wrong doctrine and right motives. This Paul would not allow under any circumstance. 

There were many zealous of the influence of Paul, since he was getting all the intention. They consider this a good opportunity to reduce his influence, and to increase theirs. There real intent was to build up a party, to see the influence and authority of the apostle Paul diminish and theirs increase.  Their motives were not pure although they did preach the correct gospel. They did preach that Jesus was the way the truth the life. But there intention as Paul points out was not to preach Christ, but to make difficulty, to stir up strife. They were ambitious having no genuine regard for the welfare of the Church but their own party line.

Paul rejoiced that Christ is preached as they made known the name of the Saviour, even though their motives were wrong these self-seeking teachers `proclaimed Christ,' not `another Gospel. The Gospel may have been used as a camouflage for their personal gain, but it was still “the power of God unto salvation” no matter who spoke it.  One thing Paul did not put up with is false teaching even from those who would give the correct gospel.

Yes false teachers can even give the gospel correctly at times and people can be saved. But a false teachers error is not always a matter of relating to salvation as it is about discipleship. God is not looking to great numbers of members but disciples, those who are willing to learn of Jesus correctly. In this we know many fail. For ones growth in Christ and the truth implanted can be damaged if they are taught contrary to the faith that was delivered once to all. We know the Judaizers also preached Christ but they added to the gospel the law. As Paul states in Gal.1 even if an angel comes to you and gives another gospel different than I have delivered, they are accursed. So what is the gospel? Paul lays it out clearly and concisely in 1 Cor.15:1-4, there were no additives like we see today.  Paul warned of “ false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ (2 Cor. 11:13). John also warned of false apostles and warns “all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone”(Rev 21:8). This applies to anyone practicing lies as a consistent lifestyle. This becomes even more serious when it comes to the person of Christ and His gospel.

The 2^nd time the apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin for preaching Christ a Pharisee stood up and gave advice. They were already forbidden and reprimanded for teaching in the name of Jesus once before. Gamaliel a Pharisee stands up and gives the advice “if this plan or work is of men it will come to nothing, but if it is of God you cannot overthrow it-lest you be found to fight against God.” Gamaliel was a highly respected Pharisee and teacher of the day, and his advice temporarily spared the apostles more harm, but Gamaliel had actually given wrong advice to his fellow council members and us. Today some take Gamaliel's advice as if its scripture and apply it to the Church.  If we were to follow this advice today, one could never stand up and say a thing about any group claiming the name of Christ no matter how wrong they were, we would just sit back and wait and see. Gamaliel's statement may be in the bible, but it does not mean it is biblical truth.

Many say today ‘Well, I don’t know. Maybe it’s God, maybe it’s not, we should wait and see, let it run its course. This false attitude has brought many to ruin. Jesus said beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, see to it that no one deceives you.  To let someone teach or introduce something you are unsure of and let it take its course and run through the sheep whether it’s a book or a teaching is nothing short than negligence. In the time that it takes for a false practice or movement to runs its course many lives can be damaged, and many people deceived. No we do not wait and see.

There are those who once protected the sheep that have softened their position because of our times. Others have laid down their staff and allowed the influence of tolerance to affect their leading that they have opened themselves to everything. If you are a shepherd, your priority is the sheep, not some well-liked famous speaker. Unfortunately there are many today who should not be in the position of shepherds because they simply do not care enough for the sheep to protect them.  We need more teachers to stand up and speak out on the issues, and then they can be considered REAL leaders.

Has God spoken? Of course He has, and we can always find something from Scripture to address any issue. To suggest as some have, those who bring into question someone’s teaching may be in danger of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is nonsense. This shows how easily we can be bullied around and be influenced by pressure. Appealing to the Gamaliel's argument that if what is happening is not of God, it will disappear in time is probably the most misleading principles ever applied in the Church today! This is not God’s advice but mans. We are not to be happy-go-lucky and carefree.

When a new cult starts to grow do we sit by and say it may be from God because they say they are? The same goes inside the Church when people claim things that sound like the bible but in fact are not. How much time did we need to see that Mormonism is wrong? Look at the phenomenal growth and apparent success of Mormonism. Christians did not oppose Mormonism at first as we do today. Imagine if we did not wait and opposed it then as we do now. There may not be 10 million members.   The same can be applied to Watchtower, or the Children of God. From Gamaliels philosophy it just may prove they are right!  Because they continue today, well over 100 years later. This is pragmatism in action. If something works well says it is from God it is of God. This was not a directive from the Lord on how believers should conduct their discernment.  Things which are questionable within the Church should receive no less scrutiny. When people’s spiritual welfare is at stake, we should never sit back and do nothing, especially if someone is claiming a spiritual experience from it. To not question a teaching or practice is being non obedient to the commands of Christ and the apostles.

If the 900 plus people instead of the few of Jim Jones temple questioned him they may not have committed suicide. If the J.W’s had questioned the Watchtower on the blood issue thousands would not have died. If…If. If you don’t exercise your duty to test everything and hold on to what is good, then you may be deceived.   Just because someone proclaims something is what God has said or is a move of God, doesn’t make it so. Prov. 14:15 “The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.” Beware of the spiritual salesman who pushes you to make a decision on the spot. On the other hand beware the one who postpones you to inquire further about it. There is no command from God to forbid anyone to examine anything from careful evaluation of the scripture.

A recent poll taken found that 67% of Americans believe there is no such thing as absolute truth. For many people, choosing which religious system to join does not involve considering whether they are true. They would choose what appeals to them, what works for them (pragmatism). Unfortunately what works is not a test for truth.  The Church has adopted this policy by accepting certain men of fame, men of renown and their unique interpretations. Allowing them to lead the sheep to what they consider as greener pastures.

The attitude today can be summarized by this statement: And so it's like, well, why would we focus, then, on “Yeah, but I don't like the way he fell and shook and got stuck to the floor and everything!” Listen! Who cares whether he did or he didn't? Who cares? If he thinks it's God and he likes it, let him enjoy it! Because you can test the fruit later. (John Arnott, Toronto Airport Vineyard, Dynamics of Receiving Spiritual Experiences, Friday, November 18, 1994) In other words if its ok with the person it should be fine with you. Then there are no biblical absolutes on this matter. While the bible may be silent on a number of issues this is a spiritual experience that must not be put aside as kesera sera (whatever will be will be).

For those involved in the river of revival today what ever happens stands true on their current experience and not on what is already spoken by the apostles. One would think that the apostles had a grasp on every different kind of miracle and manifestation as they were the leaders with power after Jesus left. Much of what happens today is certainly not mentioned.

Jesus said to the Church of Philadelphia that was faithful, “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. V.10 “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Rev.3: 8-11). It is the Church of Thyatira (Rev.2: 18-29) who was corrupt and allowed the false prophets and committed spiritual adultery. Jesus warns that they will be brought into great tribulation (v.22) unless they repent. James 4:4 -5 (Philips) “You are like unfaithful wives, never realizing that to be the world's lover means becoming the enemy of God! Anyone who chooses to be the world's friend is thereby making himself God’s enemy. Or do you think what the Scriptures have to say about this is a mere formality?”

“Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds (Rev. 2:22) V.24”Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. It is the Gnostics called their doctrine the depths of God, (the depths of Bythos). It contained arcane secrets and mysteries of divine wisdom. Christ here calls them the depths of Satan. Profound mysteries are always attractive, the bible calls those who want to know and pursue this knowledge as having itching ears. As it persuades them to pursue deeper mysteries and knowledge from certain men who have already attained it. Scripture categorizes this as the Occult. In the Gospel of Thomas (which is Gnostic) states that those who achieve the higher knowledge are no longer a Christian but Christ! How? By experiencing the Spirit and its knowledge! It is the Gnostics that separated the spirit from the word. And today those who divorce the spirit from the scriptures by having guidance and message outside the word are inadvertently practicing Christian Gnosticism. Rev 2:18-29 what the Gnostics offered did not lead to God; There are no “depths” beyond our reach. The ancient faith and rule once for all was delivered to the saints.  Rejecting Paul's God given doctrine of grace and his teaching on justification and sanctification, they offered experiential knowledge in its place. Christ said to his faithful servants: “I will lay upon you no other burden; but that which you have already hold fast till I come, v. 24, Jesus is saying I will not overburden your faith with any new mysteries, nor obligate you with any new laws. He requires us to obey what we have already received.  

The false prophets who first seduced the members of this Church into apostasy were women.  “That woman Jezebel,” who set aside the true prophets of God with her falsities, led the Church into spiritual adultery. Their Church still was active in faith and love, but was caught in the web of an adulteress, under her power (Rev 2:24).  There are two mysteries contending for people’s souls. One is a mystery of iniquity; the other is the mystery of godliness. One must reject the mystery of Godliness, to receive the spiritual mysteries that come from Satan. We cannot follow both at the same time. We need to understand Satan is the greatest creature ever made by God, there is no indication he has lost his knowledge although it has become corrupted. We cannot underestimate him as he has great power and influence in spiritual matters. The world lies in his influence and his main objective is to leaven and deceive the Church.

These false prophets in the Church boasted of their knowledge of the deep things of God as their conceited title, Gnostics (`full of knowledge') expressed. The Spirit declared these so-called “depths” (of knowledge) to be really “depths of Satan” Satanic delusions that spiritually seduced the people in the Church.

The sin that attracted Eve was to gain the knowledge of EVIL as well as good. The serpent said to Eve you will be like him tempting her to think that just as God knows, you will also. So it is with those who professed to know more via the spirit when they find things that are not written- beyond the Scripture. Only God can know evil without being hurt by it. This is why He had forbid Israel and us to practice false spiritual ways as the nations practice them. This is explained in Deut.18.10-12 and God calls these practices the occult and an abomination to him. Why? Because even though it may be spiritual, it does not give us the correct knowledge of God, it is not spiritual truth that comes from Christ. It may feel good and even right but it must align with the word for it to be from our God.

The time to test is now don’t wait till later for it may be too late. 1 Thess. 5:21 “Test everything. Hold onto the good.”