Be Careful What You See & Hear

2 Peter 2:1-3

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

It is quite evident that Satan is working hard at deploying his evil deeds - especially within the church. We are seeing evil rise up with shootings, and attempted harm entering into "supposed" safe havens of a church almost on a daily basis. But the media won't cover it unless it happens to the most well-known and popular church like Lakewood Church in Houston.

As tragic and sad that incident was for Lakewood, We cannot ignore the fact that Lakewood is but one of hundreds of churches being attacked by agents of Satan. But what is far more damaging to a church is not so much the outsiders or disgruntled persons. It is the ones within the congregation that present a greater danger.

More so, it is the leaders and so-called pastors, bishops, prophets and apostles, that are wrangling in destructive heresy and demonic doctrines, and twisted theology with all their charisma, charm, and pride. They end up presenting another gospel clothed in another Jesus.

Galatians 1:6-8 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

The problem extends further, as those in attendance who are swooned by the extreme stage entertainment productions, and the smooth talking emcees at the pulpit. They are being deceived and led astray through the wide gate that leads to everlasting destruction.

When a leader places more emphasis and focus on themselves, by telling the sheep personal stories about themselves, and read themselves into scriptures, there ought to be red flags going up. Another sign is how they place such a heavy burden on the sheep to conform to their heretical form of theology. My friends, that's the time to find a church that is rooted in Christ and Him crucified.

Colossians 2:6-7 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

But without clear discernment, it is difficult to sort the weeds from the wheat. When someone puts themselves up on a platform of authority, and command strict obedience (by intimidation, guilt and unnecessary burdens), they create a church of idol worship.

The only real way of being a person of biblical discernment, is to read the Scriptures. For without the knowledge and wisdom of God's word, we will be fooled and persuaded by these false prophets. Without a clear understanding of the word of God, as verses are taken out of context to fit a particular narrative, or not actually read in a sermon, we naturally assume the pastor is correct. Therefore, we will not challenge him.

But we are clearly told to be on the lookout, with eyes wide open and discerning ears for all that is spoken to us from the pulpit is true. We can do this, because it is our obligation to hold our leaders accountable. For God holds them extremely accountable for every word they speak.

Satan is busy about bringing destruction to the God's plan of salvation. He is crafty by planting his seeds of deception and discord into the sanctuary. Be careful fellow brothers and sisters to what you see and hear in your church.

Proverbs 15:21 Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, But a man of understanding walks uprightly.

Your servant in Christ, Pastor Tom