Christians beware
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?
Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he 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 perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:15-23
Not so long ago at our midweek the topic of what ministry people should support came up. It came up because we were discussing the verse quoted above.
We noted that while the majority of ministries in the media are honest and good ministries doing there best to follow the word of God, there are some many that are not. Not only that some of those who are not true Christians are very high profile.
We was noted that not all who claim to be Christian are. They claim to have done miracles even cast out demons. Yet they do not know the Lord.
Many in the media especially put on a good show. They quote scripture and make it sound right yet they may not know the Lord. As someone said just because you can quote scripture and make it sound good does not make you a Christian.
One person even noted that Al Capone the famous gangster made himself look good by setting up a soup kitchen for the needy.
The same can be true of charlatans in the Christian community.
The conclusion we came to was beware. That before you support a ministry check their theology against the Bible. Are they quoting scripture in context or are they twisting it to make it sound good?
Beware of those who are asking for money. Especially those who are promising that if you give to God, He will give you back a ten, hundred or a thousand fold increase on what you give. That you will get back more than you give. The so called prosperity doctrine, or give to get theology.
Such theology sounds good after all who wouldn’t want ten, or a hundred fold return on their giving? But it’s wrong. God is not a super banker giving extreme interest on your investment.
You should be giving to the Lord’s work because you want to, not with the intention of getting any return.
Ask the ministry you wish to support to give a financial accounting.
Our church here in Canada is required to make an accounting of where every penny goes to the congregation every year. We even know the pastors salary. The same standard should go for any ministry individuals support. All expenses including the evangelist or pastors salary should be documented publicly.
Today with the internet it’s easy to check up on various ministries. You can also contact the ministry direct and ask them to give an accounting. If they refuse to give you that accounting then don’t support them.
Also be careful about the claims a ministry makes. Miracles do happen, but there are many in the media that are making false claims and refuse to give independent verification of the miracles.
The rule is if it’s too good to be true then it may not be true, is a good rule to follow.
The key I believe is to first and foremost support your local congregation where you are certain you know where the money is being spent wisely.
The other important thing is to spend time in prayer and ask God where you should give your money. Many Christians give more than their tithe.
The tithe should go to the congregation you are attending. As one person told me give to where you are being fed.
Any other money that is given to Christian causes should be done so with prayer. Again I firmly believe you should give to missions or other Christian causes through your local congregation as the money can be tracked and accounted for.
Please think about it.
Showing posts with label not all are Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label not all are Christian. Show all posts
Tuesday 1 December 2015
Tuesday 10 February 2015
Warning
Warning
“When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?
Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:5-12.
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” says Jesus.
This is something that we should be careful of today, especially in the wired world.
Today at the touch of a mouse we can connect with thousands of preachers and evangelist the world over. It’s easy to get misled.
There are many people out there saying they know the will of God. That they know God’s formula, usually for getting rich or having a wonderful life.
Some go as far as saying if you’re not in good health then your out of the will of God, you’re sinning. What garbage.
There are many name it claim it preachers out in the world today. Many using the terminology ‘seed faith’. Calling you to sow into the kingdom. A term they use for asking for your support of their ministry.
There are many out there ready to give a formula for being rich or for good health.
It seems today that there is a Christian version of every secular get rich quick scheme.
Preachers both in the media and out of it are saying if you do such and such you’ll have a good life. A life without want.
There are many out there performing what they call miracles that are nothing more than fancy talk and hot air.
All too often in my life as a Christian I’ve seen people ripped off by these preachers.
Christians and especially new converts need to be cautious of ministers, evangelist and churches that are offering feel good doctrine. That are making wild claims.
The old saying “if it looks to good to be true it probably is” is true.
Now don’t get me wrong the majority of churches, pastors and evangelist are honest men and women who love the Lord and are doing what they believe to be is his will. Still caution never hurt.
It can be hard to find the right church for you.
When someone asks me what church to go to I am always cautious.
First and foremost you need a church that believes the Bible is the inerrant word of God. That it and nothing else is the foundation of the church.
Second you need a church that believes that as John records Jesus as saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
John 3:16-18
Thirdly the words of the Apostle Paul,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
These are two of the basic beliefs of the church. There are many more but I do not have the space to put them here.
Scripture aside what I also recommend is a church in which the pastor is subject to his church board or a higher authority, such as an associate group from which he is ordained. One that he is answerable to with the authority to correct him.
There are three groups I recommend here in Canada and the United States, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and The Assemblies of God in the United States both these groups have a good track record in keeping those associated with them on the strait and narrow.
The other group is the Baptist. Honestly although there are various Baptist groups I’ve found that they are fairly consistent in their doctrine, and in keeping their associates following the word of God.
One more factor you should consider when you’re looking for a church congregation to attend, that is your comfort factor.
How do you like your church services. Pentecostal or Charismatic groups, as can some Baptist groups, be quite lively. While others quite solemn with a distinct structure.
It all comes down to what you like.
Finally I always tell people to pray about where they are to attend and never accept things at face value. If you don’t understand what the pastor or bible teacher is saying ask questions. Honest pastors or bible teachers will always be willing to answer your questions and back that answer with scripture.
Check the scriptures out on your own. See if they are taken in context and line up with the word of God as you know it. If not ask more questions.
If you fail to get a satisfactory answer or the pastors evasive perhaps it’s time to move on. Pray about it. Remember the words of Jesus who said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he 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 perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
Think about it
“When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread.
“Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?
Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered?
How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 16:5-12.
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” says Jesus.
This is something that we should be careful of today, especially in the wired world.
Today at the touch of a mouse we can connect with thousands of preachers and evangelist the world over. It’s easy to get misled.
There are many people out there saying they know the will of God. That they know God’s formula, usually for getting rich or having a wonderful life.
Some go as far as saying if you’re not in good health then your out of the will of God, you’re sinning. What garbage.
There are many name it claim it preachers out in the world today. Many using the terminology ‘seed faith’. Calling you to sow into the kingdom. A term they use for asking for your support of their ministry.
There are many out there ready to give a formula for being rich or for good health.
It seems today that there is a Christian version of every secular get rich quick scheme.
Preachers both in the media and out of it are saying if you do such and such you’ll have a good life. A life without want.
There are many out there performing what they call miracles that are nothing more than fancy talk and hot air.
All too often in my life as a Christian I’ve seen people ripped off by these preachers.
Christians and especially new converts need to be cautious of ministers, evangelist and churches that are offering feel good doctrine. That are making wild claims.
The old saying “if it looks to good to be true it probably is” is true.
Now don’t get me wrong the majority of churches, pastors and evangelist are honest men and women who love the Lord and are doing what they believe to be is his will. Still caution never hurt.
It can be hard to find the right church for you.
When someone asks me what church to go to I am always cautious.
First and foremost you need a church that believes the Bible is the inerrant word of God. That it and nothing else is the foundation of the church.
Second you need a church that believes that as John records Jesus as saying,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son."
John 3:16-18
Thirdly the words of the Apostle Paul,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8,9
These are two of the basic beliefs of the church. There are many more but I do not have the space to put them here.
Scripture aside what I also recommend is a church in which the pastor is subject to his church board or a higher authority, such as an associate group from which he is ordained. One that he is answerable to with the authority to correct him.
There are three groups I recommend here in Canada and the United States, The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and The Assemblies of God in the United States both these groups have a good track record in keeping those associated with them on the strait and narrow.
The other group is the Baptist. Honestly although there are various Baptist groups I’ve found that they are fairly consistent in their doctrine, and in keeping their associates following the word of God.
One more factor you should consider when you’re looking for a church congregation to attend, that is your comfort factor.
How do you like your church services. Pentecostal or Charismatic groups, as can some Baptist groups, be quite lively. While others quite solemn with a distinct structure.
It all comes down to what you like.
Finally I always tell people to pray about where they are to attend and never accept things at face value. If you don’t understand what the pastor or bible teacher is saying ask questions. Honest pastors or bible teachers will always be willing to answer your questions and back that answer with scripture.
Check the scriptures out on your own. See if they are taken in context and line up with the word of God as you know it. If not ask more questions.
If you fail to get a satisfactory answer or the pastors evasive perhaps it’s time to move on. Pray about it. Remember the words of Jesus who said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he 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 perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23.
Think about it
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