Prevention is Better!

By -
"Reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself rather to godliness" (1 Tim 4:7)

Deception is the most undiagnosed disease in the Church. The worst thing about deception is that the deceived persons will not know that they are deceived. The number of the deceived is increasing at an alarming rate as we approach the end of the age. When the disciples asked Jesus, "What will be the sign of Your coming, and the end of the age?," His very first statement in reply was, "Take care that no one deceives you!" (Mt 24:3,4). He added that even the very elect might be deceived (v24). Recovery from deception is extremely difficult. Prevention is better than cure. That's why Jesus said, "See, I have told you beforehand!" (v25). Let me suggest here a few safeguards against deception—

 * Give top priority to Bible meditation among the other disciplines of devotional life. The Bible admonishes us to go to the presence of God "to hear rather than to speak" (Eccl 5:1). God has magnified His Word above all things—even above His Name (Psa 138:2). If your quiet time before God is for one hour, spend 40 minutes for Bible meditation and 20 for praise and prayer. This is not the 11th Commandment to be obeyed legalistically, but I just want to stress the importance of Scripture in protecting yourself from deception.

 * Be balanced. Don't overemphasize any one truth at the cost of other truths. Deception is mostly due to eccentric emphasis of any one aspect of divine truth. That's why God has gifted the Church with a variety of ministers. You must connect yourself to apostolic vision, prophetic insight, evangelistic passion, pastoral burden and teachers' knowledge. If you don't grow up thus "in all things," you are sure to be deceived by the trickery and cunning craftiness of the devil (Eph 4:11-15). He commonly stops the ear from hearing sound doctrine before he opens it to embrace corrupt.

 * Avoid interest in extra-Biblical revelations and experiences. What is plainly revealed in the Bible is more than enough for us to live a life that's pleasing to God. Secret things belong to God (Dt 29:29). Digging into extra-Biblical stuff will land you in the "depths of Satan" and not the "deep things of God" (Rev 2:24; 1 Cor 2:10). We are not obliged to embrace so-called spiritual experiences which are not taught in the Scriptures by precept and practice. "Whoever breaks the hedge will be bitten by a serpent" (Eccl 10:8). Stay clear of all occult practices. Evil spirits lie behind them (Dt 18:9-12; Isa 8:19).

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bold Voice

By -
"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches"  (Rev 3:13)  Precious Child, I want to bring you out of your apprehensions to witness for Christ. You are afraid that people might mock at you. Your throat chokes every time you want to open your mouth to share the Gospel. The fear of ridicule silences you. Don't feel bad about it, My child. This was the problem of the disciples of Jesus also even though they had walked with Him for over three years. Can you imagine how a key figure like Peter could ever deny and disown Christ? Their weakness overpowered their willingness. The problem was solved by My coming. That's why Jesus wouldn't let them go out until they got filled with My power (Acts 1:4). When I came upon them, the cowards became challengers! Be filled with Me. Don't consider your timidity or boast of your oratory skill. Depend on Me. I will grant you boldness in all situations to speak forth the message of the Cros...
Read more

Utter Confusion!

By -
"They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.  But you keep your head in all situations" (2 Tim 4:4,5) I am an ardent fan of John the Baptist. There is no harm in admiring him because all who started as John's fans became Jesus' followers. A comparison of John with many Christian ministers of today makes me hang down my head in shame and sorrow.  John was filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb (Lk 1:15); but the modern prophets communicate with the spirits of men who have gone to the tomb.  The Word of God came to him (Lk 3:2); but many of their revelations contradict the written Word of God.  He was a desert-dweller, dead to the lust for popularity (Mt 3:1); but they are city-lovers, hunting for recognition and lusting limelight.  John was a voice from God (Jn 1 :23); but the modern preachers are an echo of someone of similar brand.  He did not seek pulpits but people sought him and...
Read more