“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1 NIV Read full chapter
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
PRAY FOR ISRAEL
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“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8 NIV
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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STAND WITH ISRAEL!
RealChristianWomen.blog
“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well!” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 NASB Read full chapter
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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RealChristianWomen.blog
This exceptional sermon from Pastor Gary Hamrick explains the madness overtaking America today. Learn more about what is happening and why as he speaks about the deception overtaking our culture. Hear how Pastor Gary encourages believers to respond to this present-day delusion.
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Norbu GYACHUNG on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
Some say I’m too picky. But as a person who was once deceived by NAR and Word of Faith teaching, I know firsthand how dangerous false teaching is. Satan is very tricky and he would like nothing more than to lead Christians down a dangerous road of deception. He is very good at what he does and it won’t be obvious. You can be sure of that.
Women’s Bible Studies often center around a popular Christian author and teacher. I began to notice that many of their teachings were based on their personal experiences. They weren’t really teaching the Bible. Instead, it was more about them, what God had “told” them, and their fascinating experiences. I remember thinking, “Wait! Where’s that in the Bible?”
For me, red flags go up when a “Bible teacher” says, “God told me…” or “God said…”. I haven’t always seen that as a red flag, but I do now. Here’s why:
These “Bible teachers” are often funny and entertaining, so you can see why they would be popular. The word gets around. Hungry believers, seeking to learn about God, consume their books and videos. The motives of these believers may be pure, but pure motives aren’t enough. We must study the Bible for ourselves or risk being misled.
I know this is true because it happened to me. The problem is this: if you learn from the wrong teachers you will undoubtedly be led into error. Of course, they get a lot right, but it’s what they get wrong that is the problem.
You can usually find out a lot about popular teachers on their own websites. Who do they learn from? What books and/or teachers have influenced them? If they are influenced by the New Age, Mystics, NAR, or Word of Faith that’s all I need to know. I don’t listen to their teaching and neither should you. Jesus said,
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:13-15
I’m afraid this kind of advice isn’t very popular today. It would be more acceptable if Jesus would have said not to be concerned about who we listen to as long as it has a Christian label on it. But that is not what He said. In fact, the Bible says,
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Nowhere is this more evident than in the “Prosperity Gospel” teaching of preachers like Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Jesse Duplantis, Joel Osteen, T.D Jakes, and others. The Bible clearly teaches that anyone who teaches these things has been robbed of the Truth.
So-called “Bible teachers” are standing in line to say what people want to hear. According to Publisher’s Weekly, one popular teacher (that I won’t name) generates over 30 million dollars a year in book sale revenues!
“If anyone … does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:3-10
I don’t know how it could get any clearer than that. Yet “Prosperity preachers have huge followings and live in great abundance and wealth.
“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 11:14b
And in case you aren’t convinced yet, remember these words of Jesus:
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23
Final Word: The Bible is more precious than silver and gold because God’s Word, and God’s Word alone, will keep you on the narrow road. Don’t neglect this precious gift from God.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
RealChristianWomen.blog
I was once deceived by false teachers. Now I realize that the Word of God is my greatest treasure because knowing God’s Word is our protection against deception. If you know the Bible well you will recognize false teaching when you hear it.
That’s why I warn others to read the Bible before reading books about the Bible. That’s exactly how I was led astray by false teaching: by reading books written by false teachers. Of course, I didn’t know they were false at the time, but in my enthusiasm to learn, I was led astray. And so were many others.
Learning God’s Word takes time and discipline, but it is essential for knowing the only true God. If you want to know God, turn to His Word. Can you imagine how many pages of notes it would take to write down everything the Bible teaches us about God, His attributes, and character?
Countless books have been written about how to intimately know God. Unfortunately, many of these books refer to mystical practices, such as contemplative prayer. But these practices are based on New Age, Hindu, and Buddhist beliefs. I come across these books or quotes by New Age teachers all the time.
If you don’t know the person being quoted, try this. Google: “Is ______ a false teacher?” If a discernment ministry has researched this person it will pop up. This is how I have discovered that several “Christian” writers were in fact steeped in occult beliefs. Of course, you must evaluate what is said and use discernment.
Pagan practices may result in a “feeling” of supernatural power which some mistake for the presence of God. One example is to repeat a mantra, to empty your mind, and to listen for God to speak. However, you will find this nowhere in the Bible. In fact, this is a dangerous practice based on the occult which the Bible warns us against.
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” 1 Timothy 4:1
People want to experience the supernatural. They look for it and are enticed by it.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly].” Philippians 3:10 AMPC
But Paul also said this, “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” 2 Corinthians 11:4
That tells me that some will come preaching a different Jesus, calling on a different spirit, and proclaiming a different gospel. This is not the Jesus we want to know. We want to know the only true and living God and Jesus His Son.
What is this different Jesus? It is one who doesn’t proclaim the truth of Scripture and is often in conflict with Scripture. It might be enticing and sound exciting but don’t be fooled by your emotions. Our emotions can lead us to believe what we want to be true instead of what IS true.
In these perilous times and in the days ahead, the truth of God’s Word is our most precious treasure and protection against evil. Do not look to mystics or pagan religions, like Buddhism or Hinduism, to learn how to know God. The Bible will teach you everything you need to know.
You can learn more about the dangers of contemplative prayer here.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4
“Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.” Psalm 119:165
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
Photo by Tim Riesner on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NIV
My Thoughts: We live in a time of great deception, but the Lord has given us the Bible, the source of all Truth.
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
When I was young and “on fire” for God, I was enticed by churches that were alive with enthusiasm and praised God with energy and emotion. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but unfortunately, my enthusiasm led me to the Word of Faith movement.
I learned a lot about the Bible during those years. Sadly, much of what I learned was false, very false. I just didn’t know it. God rescued me from this false teaching about 25 years ago. I am so thankful for His mercy and faithfulness.
Today, I want to talk about a subject that is crucial for us to understand correctly. That is the subject of faith. Because I was taught the wrong definition of faith, it was very difficult to “unlearn” in later years when I realized I had been deceived.
So let’s start with the Biblical definition of faith.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
The rest of Hebrews 11 goes on to explain this in more detail by giving examples of people who were commended for their faith (Noah, Abraham, Sarah, etc.) Verse 13 says,
“All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”
They trusted God. When we study Hebrews chapter 11, it becomes clear that faith is trusting God to do what He has promised. Period. This is where the Word of Faith doctrine of faith differs from the Biblical definition.
They say that Hebrews 11:1, (“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”) is referring to a force that we can use to gain prosperity and health. This verse is taken out of context and is clearly in conflict with the rest of the chapter.
The supporters of this movement believe that faith works like a mighty power or force. Through faith, we can obtain anything we want — health, wealth, success, whatever. However, this force is only released through the spoken word. As we speak the words of faith, power is discharged to accomplish our desires.”
BereanResearch.org
This is contrary to God’s Word and is rooted in New Age teaching. Hebrews 11:1 is taken out of context and used by Word of Faith preachers to propagate a New Age belief.
The word faith appears 458 times in the New International Version (NIV). So when I realized I had to unlearn my wrong definition of faith and reread the Bible with the correct definition, I faced a monumental task!
My first response upon realizing the deception I had embraced was to reread the New Testament three times. Every time I saw the word faith, I substituted the words trust in God. I based this on the meaning of the Greek word for faith used throughout Hebrews 11.
That word is pistis. It means “firm persuasion … used in the New Testament of faith in God or Christ”. (Vine’s Expository Dictionary)
The relearning process was long and arduous because in all the 458 times I read the word faith in my Bible, the verse now took on a completely different meaning.
This is why discernment is so important. New believers can be easily swept away if sound doctrine is not preached. Why am I writing this? What is the call to action?
#1 Study your Bible so you won’t be deceived by false teachers. The Bible warns us many times about the danger of false teachers.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
#2 Examine the Scriptures to see if what is taught is true. Check everything. There are many times when I have heard a popular “Bible teacher” teach something and I thought, Where does the Bible say that? Many Christians are too trusting, especially when the teacher is popular, well-known, and entertaining.
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” Acts 17:11
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” Romans 16:17-18
The Greek word translated as naive is akakos. It means unsuspecting. We don’t like to think of ourselves as naive, but are we unsuspecting? Everyone who claims to be a Christian isn’t automatically teaching Truth! The fact that they draw huge crowds means nothing. The fact that they have written popular books means nothing.
The important thing is, are they teaching Truth? There is only one way to know. Jesus prayed,
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 (emphasis mine)
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.
RealChristianWomen.blog
It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”
Mark Twain
Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
Photo by Gary Fultz on Unsplash
RealChristianWomen.blog
“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 AMP
We know the enemy is actively working to deceive unbelievers, but he is also working to deceive the Church. It was true in the first century and it is true today. The Bible repeatedly warns us about Satan’s evil strategy to deceive “even the elect”.
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time.” Matthew 24:24-25 NIV
The Bible strongly and clearly warns us that Satan will try to deceive us. We must be on our guard. We must be careful not to believe everything we hear, but instead to be like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11)
Imagine that! The Apostle Paul was personally teaching them about Jesus, but still, they checked the Scriptures every day to see if what he said was true! We should be so wise!
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people … but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” Romans 16:17-20 NIV (emphasis mine)
The Amplified Bible says, “They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting…” We like to think we aren’t naive but are we unsuspecting?
The Greek word translated as naive in the NIV is akakos. It means unsuspecting or innocent. Many Christians are led astray by false teaching. Sometimes it’s because they don’t know the Scripture. And sometimes it’s because they are innocent and unsuspecting. In fact, they are often enthusiastic and eager to learn! Remember, leading this assault on truth is Satan.
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV
The Apostle Paul is warning Christians that Satan will try to deceive them just as he deceived Eve.
I am astounded at the level of false teaching flooding the Church today. It was bad in Paul’s day, but it is even worse now. YouTube and Book Publishing have given the wolves in sheep’s clothing the ability to quickly make money and gather a following. Even good, Bible-believing churches are giving a nod to books and Bible studies that are not sound. Satan is behind all of this. He is a liar and there is no truth in him.
We must heed the Bible’s many warnings and carefully examine what is being taught, comparing it to Scripture.
Satan’s strongest defense against spiritual discernment, his ace in the hole, is to make the Christian think he can’t be deceived.
In His Love, Cindy
Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?
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