What is going on?
There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who see everything that is on the outside and those who are keen enough to see what's on the inside. Some people walk in fear afraid they will be deceived or taken advantage of because they cannot discern good from evil. Others have a God-given formula, and are less gullible to the gimmick and the fake. How can people know what is truth and what is a lie? The bible is clear on this issue. Matthew 7:16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits". vs. 18 " A good tree cannot bring forth evil, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." Looking at this scripture spiritually we can see fruit as being the manifestation of character. Both good and evil produces fruit. But only the good tree produces righteous fruit burgeoned by God. To produce good fruit is vital to our union with Christ. John 15:5 " I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing". There are 9 fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Love, joy, peace represents an inward state, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness-character in expression toward man, faith, meekness and temperance, is expression toward God. How do we come about the fruits of the spirit? Philippians 1:11 "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ". They come by having a personal relationship and intimate fellowship, being blood bought by Christ. There will be those who are false teachers who will lead many astray. Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Why wouldn't these people go to heaven after all they had done? Because they did not do the will of the Father nor obeyed him vs. 21. These people were not wise nor did they after hearing Gods word act on them according to Gods purpose. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh (Matt 12:34) "Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart; and they defile the man. (Matthew 15:18) "Can a fig tree bear olive berries? either a vine figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. (James 3:12) It doesn't take a genius to interpret this scripture. A person coming in the name of the Lord who really has the heart of a devil can be recognized through our spiritual eyes. There is no reason to be lead astray if it is Jesus you are following! 2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears". 2 Peter 2:17 "These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the darkness is reserved forever". It is obvious by reading these scriptural references that unless a person is teaching the truth, promoting Christ and the Kingdom of God, and walking in the light as Jesus is the light that we are to turn away from such a person. Galatians 6:7-8 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting". 2 Timothy 3:13 "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived". These false doctrines and teachings will increase until Christ comes. We can endure until the end through Christ by his spirit. "Study to shew ourselves approved unto God, a workman, that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) They might be speaking what sounds like the truth but their hearts are far from God! They may have the form of godliness but they deny the power of God! Ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth! We have this confidence in Christ.... "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and in what you have been convinced of, because you know from those whom you have learned it, and from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:14). If you have no one teaching you now or if you are not actively attending church I will be more than happy to answer any questions you have concerning scripture. "Now you have observed and know all about my teachings, fully have known my doctrine , my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings as a result of my preaching. What persecutions I have endured: But the Lord has delivered me out of them all! (Timothy 3:10-11)
The Holy Spirit is there for us to help us discern, perceive, judge both good and evil. There is no reason to sit under the doctrine and teachings of a man who does not proclaim and practices the truth. It is wrong to listen to bands that say they are Christian but are dead on the vine! You will know them, recognize them, and be able to identify them in a crowd of being guilty of serving Christ by the fruit that they produce.
All that are with me salute you. Grace be with you all.
Dale Thompson