Tag: discernment

Christian

How To Be a Discerning Christian

Cindy Dawson

The Bible warns us about false teachers. Yes, they exist today. But how do we know what is true and what is false? This is an important question. The answer is we must be discerning Christians.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about The Skill of Discernment. (Read it HERE.) Since then, I came across an excellent comparison that I want to share with you. In his book, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, Tim Challies compares spiritual discernment with identifying counterfeit currency.

Challies writes, “We can best know what is wrong by first knowing what is right. Experts on counterfeit currency know this as well. They train others first to know the traits of genuine currency because such knowledge will make apparent what is fraudulent.”

Experts in counterfeit money study every aspect of their currency including how it feels and every detail of its appearance and color. Only after they do this are they shown counterfeit currency. And guess what? They know immediately what is not real!

In the same way, it is only after we know the Bible well that we will be able to recognize false teaching. A mature Christian is a Christian who knows the Bible well. This is an important point because the Bible says that the immature Christian can be blown here and there by every kind of teaching (meaning false teaching). That makes sense, right? Ephesians 4:12-14 NASB says,

“… for the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the [b]knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature [c]which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 14 [d]As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness [e]in deceitful scheming;“

One thing about children, they’ll believe almost anything. And like children, immature Christians will believe almost anything, especially if it sounds good.

So the question is: How well do you know the Bible? How many times have you read it from cover to cover? How many times have you read the New Testament? Are you reading the Bible for yourself? Or do you rely on books about the Bible?

I challenge you to read the Bible from cover to cover at least twice before you read the Christian Best Sellers. Otherwise, how can you discern if what you are reading is true? Maybe you are thinking, “Oh I just know.” – I wouldn’t be so sure of that. But don’t take my word for it. Consider what the Bible says.

“I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.  Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.  So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” The Apostle Paul (Acts 20:29-31 NIV) Read full chapter

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. …21 “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. 22 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?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus (Matthew 7:15, and 21-24 NIV) Read full chapter

“2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” The Apostle Peter (2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV) Read full chapter

Remember this: “We can best know what is wrong by first knowing what is right.”

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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Christian

Friday’s Verse, 4/12/24

Cindy Dawson

To the Jews who had believed him, 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: In a day of great deception, there is one sure way to know what is right and what is wrong, what is false and what is true.

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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Christian

Friday’s Verse, 4/5/24

Cindy Dawson

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” Jude 3 NASB (emphasis mine)

Amplified Bible Footnote: There is no “secret knowledge” or “better way” or alternative belief system which God has revealed to some unique group or teacher. The truth is available to everyone.

It is the Holy Bible, the Word of God.

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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Christian

Quote of the Week, 3/6/24

Cindy Dawson

There are no convenient shortcuts that I am aware of when it comes to immersing oneself in the study of God’s Holy Word. Similarly, there are no quick paths to acquiring the skill of exercising Biblical discernment and diligently testing all things. The cultivation of these essential priorities demands time, unwavering dedication, and a sincere and prayerful pursuit of God’s wisdom.”

Bruce Cooper, Reasoned Cases for Christ

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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Christian

A Time of Great Delusion

Cindy Dawson

We live in a time of great delusion. This is no time to depend on our own opinions. This is a time when the only source of truth that can be trusted is God’s Word, the Bible. Everything we hear or read must pass the litmus test of God’s Word.

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3 NIV

To understand what is happening in our world today, we must be students of the Bible or risk being deceived by our enemy “Satan, who leads the whole world astray.” (Revelation 12:9)

Hamas, who committed heinous, evil atrocities against Israel is being supported and defended by millions of people around the world. How is this possible?

They are deceived. They believe the lies and propaganda. Christians are not immune to this deception. The only safeguard against deception is the discernment that comes from knowing God’s Word.

“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

My question to you is this: Should the Church speak out, or should they be silent? Few churches are speaking out against the evils of this present time such as antisemitism, transgender ideology, sexual perversion, and abortion.

Our culture is at odds with the teachings of the Bible. Although persecution is not a stranger to Christians in many other parts of the world, America is beginning to see extreme religious persecution for the first time.

Antisemitism around the world has increased dramatically. And pressure to support anti-Christian ideologies is alarmingly strong. Being a Christian isn’t getting easier, but it is vitally important! I am reminded of the Scripture that says,

“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5

Face it. Americans don’t live in a culture with a Judeo-Christian worldview anymore. Will we compromise or stand for truth? Consider the words of Jesus,

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (Emphasis mine)

I don’t know about you, but I want to be free and I want others to be free.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” 1 Corinthians 13:6

(All Scripture references are from the NIV.)

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Christian

Quote of the Week, 10/25/23

Cindy Dawson

You cannot be a discerning person if you are not studying your Bible.”

Rev. Rodgers Atwebembeire, Gospel Coalition, Africa

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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Christian

Spiritual Discernment: Now What?

Cindy Dawson

Discernment is scarce in the Church today. And people who lack discernment usually think they have it. But let’s say you are a person who has diligently studied the Bible, and you have honed the skill of discernment. You recognize false teaching when you hear it because you know the truth of God’s Word well.

Now what? How does one use that discernment in a Godly way? It isn’t as easy as it sounds. The following words from Hannah Anderson spoke to me as I contemplated this question.

“Discerning people use their insight to serve those around them…They use knowledge to build up and unify – not to tear down or create division…Sometimes this means having the patience to wait while others think through what you already know…Sometimes it means foregoing your preferences for the good of others. Sometimes it might even mean being misunderstood precisely because others can’t yet see what you do… They resist the temptation to flaunt knowledge or prove themselves right.”

Hannah Anderson

This calls for a meek and gentle spirit when correcting a fellow believer. This calls for love to be our motivating factor. It calls for putting the interests of others above our own.

I’m not suggesting that we compromise – not for a moment, not ever! I believe we have a responsibility to speak the truth, but you can’t make someone see what they don’t see. In fact, many times your next step is simply to pray for them. This is why it is so important to be led by the Holy Spirit in these matters.

Discernment is God’s call to intercession, never to faultfinding.

Corrie ten Boom

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

I realize that this post is addressed to a very specific audience. But I think it is something we should all think about.

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15

What will you do if you discern error in your local church? Will you speak out or will you remain silent?

In His Love, Cindy

Read more about discernment in this post:

How To Be a Discerning Christian

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

All Scripture references are from the NIV unless otherwise noted.

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Christian, women

“THE CHOSEN” – Do I Dare Rock the Boat?

Cindy Dawson

Some say, let’s all just get along. We all worship the same Jesus.

That’s certainly the easy road. But is it the right road? If you say, I don’t want to rock the boat, then ask yourself this: “Who will?”

The Apostle Paul wasn’t afraid to rock the boat. He spoke out boldly for the truth.

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!  As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” Galatians 1:8-9 NIV

Wow! Isn’t that a little harsh, Paul? No. It is not. It is our example. Consider this Scripture verse:

“ 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 NIV

You may be wondering, What is she going on about? OK. Fair enough. I am going to share some information with you about “The Chosen” that you may be unaware of.

Get Ready. I’m going to “ROCK THE BOAT”!

The link below provides the most thorough, thought-provoking coverage of The Chosen that I have seen. I hope you will read it.

My question to you is this: Would we rather live in ignorant bliss, or are we willing to examine the facts?

https://bcooper.wordpress.com/2022/01/10/the-chosen-why-doesnt-it-matter/

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

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Christian, God

Quote of the Week, 3/22/23

Cindy Dawson

God calls His children to study, understand and defend the truth because the truth does matter to God. Faith, in and of itself, is not what God is looking for. It’s not enough to be sincere or intense. Faith, in and of itself, has no magic power. It’s a faithful, reasonable trust in the truth that matters to God. Trust placed in the correct and true God of the universe is what matters to God. That’s why God is so particular about truth and calls us to have an accurate understanding of who He is. And that’s why God has called us to treat heresy very seriously.

J. Warner Wallace

This quote was taken from the article, How Should Christians Respond to Heresy?

In His Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

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Christian, God

Quote of the Week, 2/22/23

Cindy Dawson

Discernment is a discipline, and like other disciplines such as prayer and reading the Bible, it is one that all Christians should seek to practice deliberately… It is a discipline we must practice.”

Tim Challies, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment

I highly recommend this book to all Christians who want to have spiritual discernment.

Love, Cindy

Do you want to know more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

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