The Bible tells us that in the last days’ deception will abound and we are to test all things. So I apply the following five steps to check on the speakers and ministry of these men.
Firstly I look at the fruit of these ministers (fruit being the love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self- control, humility, of their character). A wrong fruit is arrogance, speaking badly of people, pride, etc. I once was at a meeting of a minister who noticed many people leave after the offering was taken and before he spoke. When those people had all left the hall he called those who had left “Judas betrayers”. He was looking to man for approval not to God. That was a wrong attitude and his heart was not right with God.
Secondly I look at the Gospel message they preach and teach – is Christ central in everything they say and do or are they interested in money, material wealth, emotionalism, hype, possessions or secondary issues. What are they teaching about?
Thirdly, I see whether disorder or confusion is present in their meetings. Are people standing up and shouting or performing during the preaching of the Word? Can you hear the speaker? God wants everything to be done decently and in order.
Fourthly I know that calling people forward to lay hands on them and then making them fall over backwards was never practiced by Jesus nor the apostles; nor is it written about in the new testament. I also have seen many preachers push the person over in such situations. This is being forceful and misleading and shows pride (all ungodly fruit). Also the minister tries to pass onto you what spirit they have, and if it is likely to be an ungodly spirit, you need to be careful and refrain from going forward.
Lastly I look at the ministry’s attitude towards the public giving. We are told to give as the Holy Spirit leads and guides us. Man is not to guide us – yet I often find the ministries trying to manipulate the people to give, rather than looking to God for the money! If God is in it, God will provide. If man is in it, they look to man to provide! So beware!
We trust you have a blessed week. – Faith Matters Editorial Team. Please feel free to contact us: editor.faithmatters@gmail.com
Post published in: Faith