1 John 4:1 (NKJV) 4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
There are many people who like to be heard. They have something to say and they want to make sure as many people as possible hear it.
This can be good or it can be bad.
Many of the people who like to be heard will say things to gather people unto themselves. They’re not concerned so much with speaking truth as they are with gaining a following.
They will say what they think people want to hear. And what they say might sound good to the natural ear. It may sound edifying and true when standing by itself, without God’s word to compare it to.
But, as followers of Christ, we need to always compare what people are saying to what God says. How does it compare? Does it line up with His truth?
Most times when we hear this, we automatically think of preachers and teachers who stand in pulpits or on TV and the internet and speak as representatives of God.
But this applies to those outside of the church too. TV personalities, actors, actresses, musicians, poets, writers and more all say things in an effort to draw people to themselves.
And likewise, some people will seek those who speak out in a way that suits them and makes them feel good about who they are and what they think.
2 Timothy 4:3 (NKJV) 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
So it’s critical that we test the spirits by which things are being said. And we let God’s spirit help us discern those things and divide the truth from the lies and the light from the darkness.
Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
P.O. Box 272
Bradford, RI 02808
401-315-0902
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Greetings in the name of Jesus!