BEWARE OF THE DECEIVERS

[Philip4Jesus]

This is just a reminder is that not everything that appears to be Christianly on the surface actually is. Just because something you read or hear seems Christianly and makes you feel good does not mean that it nesscarily is. Remember ..., Satan is the great Seducer, He use's people to deceive other people. People who seem , from outward appearances , to be trustworthy.

A faithful follower of GOD must exercise care that he/she is " worker who does not need to be ashamed , rightly dividing the word of Truth" ( 2 Timothy 2:15) In other words he must know what the Bible really teaches and use it correctly. He must refuse to gullibly accept a religious practice just because everyone else does it or because it appears right on the surface.

When False teachers twist and distort the message of the Scriptures , sincere people often fail to see through the deceptions. Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then , if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.

Heed this warning , as you read/look through this " Christian " forum and as you try to become better Christians. Don't be as so gullible as to beleive everthing you read or hear , either here in this forum , or other ones , on T.V. , in 'Christian Books or even from preachers.

Never underestimate the skill satan exercises in deceiving humanity!

 

[jbarcher]

Hm...it is a good warning...though I must say that we need a measuring stick. (I've got mine.)

I am amused when people say that there is no correct interpretation or that no interpretation is 'more correct' than the other. That's just ignorance of logic, IMO. I could read Genesis 1:1 and say, "Look, this means that the world created God!" Which would be, if you don't mind the bluntness, asinine.

Bah. I'll just keep on reading...

 

[Heinrich]

I'm curious Phillip, did you have some nasty experience regarding this sort of thing?

I read just about everthing; Even things on witchcraft and newage, But that does not mean I believe any of it.

"Scripture confirms Scripture!"

 

[looksgood]

Absolutly correct philip.

It is amazing how much deseption is in the world today. What is worse is that when you point it out you get called "stupid, blasphemer, wicked, wolf in sheeps clothing..." and so on. It's calling good evil and evil good.

I was blessed enough to hear from God when He called me. He taught me strait from the bible. I found that scripture really does interpit scripture.

But I also found some huge deseptions runing rampent in this world. I wish I could speak of it without getting attacked by those who have bought the deseption. But I cant so I will be quiet.

 

[ShetlandRose]

I haven't been on this Forum very long, but I'm beginning to feel a bit "beat up." People can get outright rude and nasty, even mocking my evangelical perspectives.

But this was nice to read:

I was blessed enough to hear from God when He called me. He taught me strait from the bible. I found that scripture really does interpit scripture.

I am reading messages from so many people who are conforming the Bible to their own lives instead of conforming their lives to the Bible. It can be a bit dispiriting. But I won't give up...let the arrows fly (my shields are up)!

Thanks.

ShetlandRose

 

[marc]

I say also phillip, right on. I've only been on this forum for a few weeks now and I have learned some very valuable lessons. 1. How to listen to blasphamous opinions of the bible and not attack the person. I've learned to either shut up or respond in love. I have recommended this forum to many of my friends because of all the heresy, I told them that this place needs more knowlegable strong believers to share with the others. I've also learned to stay away from the "atheist" threads, do not throw your pearls before swine. I must say though, I have been saddend by the lack of knowledge of some of the brothers and sisters hear. Not that there aren't many strong believers, but there are a lot more that don't understand some of the basics.
The best part about this forum is that you get exposed to many doctrines and heresys that you would never get to hear face to face. The down side is just what you have mentioned. I have been very blessed and encouraged by some brothers and sisters here!
Anyway I don't know why I'm rambling on.

Bless you brother,

Marc

 

[Heinrich]

The thing I found is that some of these "false things" seem very very true and it is exstremely difficult to see that they are misleading things.
And then secondly people would believe things for the most obsurd reasons. like if somebody says: "The Lord says..." then for some reason alot of people believes him. hmmm. Or "It's been like this for hundreds of years" ..

Really sad. But hey the Lord is good and the promise of the Spirit of Truth is in this bible of ours.. I like to believe in that

 

[Sharky]

Good one phillip.

When ever you hear things from anyone i MEAN ANYONE, always check up from the bible yourself. Even if it's me, phillip or a trustworthy pastor. We all sometimes make mistakes and don't know it. Double check yourself.

The topic philip however is extremely broad. What you brought up spans into the Truth itself. Basically what you're saying is in a relative context. What's deception to you, could be the actual truth you are rejecting. Same vice versa.

"But I also found some huge deseptions runing rampent in this world. I wish I could speak of it without getting attacked by those who have bought the deseption. But I cant so I will be quiet."

I'm disappointed in you. You yourself have found a deception yet you don't warn other people all because you're afraid that you'll be attacked by those who bought into the deception. Tsk tsk tsk. You MUST warn others for the sake of yourself and theirs.

But becareful what you find as deception. Sometimes 'deception' isn't really deception but opinionated self righteousness based on interpretations of yourself and not the Holy Spirit.

Remember we're all saved by Grace, not by works.

 

[looksgood]

I'm disappointed in you. You yourself have found a deception yet you don't warn other people all because you're afraid that you'll be attacked by those who bought into the deception. Tsk tsk tsk. You MUST warn others for the sake of yourself and theirs.

Indeed your not the first to tell me this lol. I got a backlash from the spirit the moment I posted it.

Ya know I have spoken of some things before and had moderators on this site delete my post cause it may offend someone who believes "differently" than I do. It really disapointed me that such a thing would be done.

But now I find myself censoring my own self because it may offend another. For this injustice to you all and to God I am sorry.

 

[Im4HimiHs]

Thank you for this topic. It has been on my heart lately. Seeing what the Word of God tells us and then looking out at the 'world'. 'Nuf said.

We are instructed in the Bible to "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." Col 4:2

Before comming here today, I was reading in Mark, Christ's description of the end times. It is amazing how the Word of God works.

All my life I have been downgraded for my faith. "Your a fanatic", "God don't work that way", "God don't care", etc. to the point of being so low that it was only God and the forgiveness that He gives, through His son Christ Jesus our Lord, that was able to pick me back up and give me hope.

Regardless what man may say or do, the ultimate outcome is in eternity.

But becareful what you find as deception. Sometimes 'deception' isn't really deception but opinionated self righteousness based on interpretations of yourself and not the Holy Spirit.

 

[caillan]

Good point Philip, my feedback is that I'm concerned with what Heinrich has written about reading about witchcraft etc...my perspective has always been that it is dangerous to even have knowledge of these things. The point being that we should not recognise false teachings because they conform with our knowledge of anything that is not from God, but because they don't conform with our understanding of the Word of God...please steer clear of these books. Not all knowledge is worth acquiring.

God Bless

 

[Puritan]

>I agree with Philip's original intents,in exposing deception wherever it is found,even on this forum if that is the case?
Frankly I really don't care how another 'fellow' Christian feels about my rudeness in exposing deceit in other faiths systems.
I'm actually beginning to believe that a MAJORITY of Christians are unknowingly embracing such 'new age' doctrines,mainly from the prosperity preachers,always equating the 'favor of God' with financial blessings.
When in fact other Christian's are being killed and persecuted daily...so where is God's favor in their life?
Meanwhile we are praising God for getting us out of a traffic jam or getting us a convenient parking space.
When it is His SPIRITUAL favor that truly blesses.
Not how much persecution or inconvenience He can get us out of every day.

Actually I feel God has been showing me that even this forum is not all that it appears to be?
Why would there be so many different discussions inviting ANYONE to come in a start an argument,and antagonize us?
I can't explain this right now,and I don't think any of the friendly folks here much care what I think anyway.
But the main message I feel God has been showing me lately is that many
believers are becoming much too 'engaging' with those who are contrary to
God's Word and the gospel of Christ.
And that as we are witnessing,we are also unknowingly 'joining' in with the enemy,in the spirit of comraderie,rather than in the Spirit of holiness and truth.
That is exactly how Satan uses unbelievers,in undermining the authority we have in Christ Jesus,and putting us down on their level.
Personally I feel we should have nothing to do with Atheists who have already heard and criticized the Gospel message,and will do so again if we continue casting our 'pearls' their way.
'Let the dead bury the dead' and let the infidels go their own way.
They have chosen their path,and only mock at God's judgement.
While the 'new agers' laugh at it,all in LOVE of course.
They too simply don't and NEVER will take God's Word seriously.
It's not up to US to make up THEIR own minds for them either way.

Anyway,enough said on this,but the soap box is still open for anyone else.
And remember that I am not really rebuking anyone. Since I have not spoken a word(literally) and am only corresponding with other believers.(hopefully?)
So think twice before you are too critical of my words.
And unbelievers need not reply,since you would simply be wasting your time here,just as I am for even pointing you out.
Take it up with God...

Thanks,
David

 

[Shannonkish]

David,

I have a lot to say about your post.... so I am going to get to it.

Why would there be so many different discussions inviting ANYONE to come in a start an argument,and antagonize us?

This is a discussion forum.... we discuss a lot of issues..including the differences in doctrines. Sometimes, those discussions get heated... but so did Jesus when he talked to the Pharisees, etc.
Antagonize us... welcome to the world my friend.. Christianity is not as widely accepted as it used to be. We are antagonized on a daily basis.. you said so yourself with persecution. Just because there is disagreement and antagonism doesn't mean that God isn't in the middle of it.

Personally I feel we should have nothing to do with Atheists who have already heard and criticized the Gospel message,and will do so again if we continue casting our 'pearls' their way.

So, as a Christian.. I am supposed to ignore and cast away Atheists simply because of the fact that they don't believe what I do? Where is the love of Christ? Where is the fact that I am supposed to be a witness to ALL people in ALL nations... no where does God put a stipulation on who we are to witness to. Is. 55:11 states that God's word will NOT return void.. so if I minister to an atheist, it will not return void.

And unbelievers need not reply,since you would simply be wasting your time here,just as I am for even pointing you out.

And these are words of a 'Christian' Where is God's love in that statement? I don't see Christ in that statement at all. I know that Christ would have never casted anyone aside because they "would simply be wasting their time."

 

[Sharky]

"Indeed your not the first to tell me this lol. I got a backlash from the spirit the moment I posted it.

Ya know I have spoken of some things before and had moderators on this site delete my post cause it may offend someone who believes "differently" than I do. It really disapointed me that such a thing would be done.

But now I find myself censoring my own self because it may offend another. For this injustice to you all and to God I am sorry."

That's cool . You just have to becareful how you phrase things here. There's alot of things that will offend but we sometimes shove the Truth in people's faces instead of gently and respectfully posting it. The mods won't delete your post if you're careful how you phrase it.


Anyway back on topic.

 

[Sharky]

"Personally I feel we should have nothing to do with Atheists who have already heard and criticized the Gospel message,and will do so again if we continue casting our 'pearls' their way."
Well, it's obvious that christians and atheists don't mix but you can't avoid unbelievers.

 

[Philip4Jesus]

>I agree with Philip's original intents,in exposing deception wherever it is found,even on this forum if that is the case?
Frankly I really don't care how another 'fellow' Christian feels about my rudeness in exposing deceit in other faiths systems.
I'm actually beginning to believe that a MAJORITY of Christians are unknowingly embracing such 'new age' doctrines,mainly from the prosperity preachers,always equating the 'favor of God' with financial blessings.
When in fact other Christian's are being killed and persecuted daily...so where is God's favor in their life?
Meanwhile we are praising God for getting us out of a traffic jam or getting us a convenient parking space.
When it is His SPIRITUAL favor that truly blesses.
Not how much persecution or inconvenience He can get us out of every day.



I would agree with you in some of the things you said, Puritan. I glad that you did mention the prosperity preachers. I personally have a real problem with them.., they are just business people trying to exploit and cash in on peoples emotions and beleifs. I also would agree with you that ..., unfortunately the Majority of Christians are being deceived into New Age type of doctines and thinking and you see , the main problem is that , people ( Christians ) live by feelings rather than biblical truth. In other words , if it makes you feel good about yourself or feels / sounds Christianly then it must be good. I'm afraid ,that this is more of New Age thinking rather than Christianly truth.

Also you mentioned , Christians ARE being killed and persecuted , but not in America , where people boast about what a wonderful , God believing country it is. And most would not be willing to die for their Christian beliefs . A study was conducted ( I think it was a few years ago) of about 8000 " Christians and of those 8000 only 2% ( if I recall correctly) would die for Jesus Christ. How sad is that..., people want GOD/Jesus around when it is in their best interest. They are willing to believe if there is something in it for them , but when it is their turn to make a sacrifice , the ultimate sacrifice , they become cowards.

I guess my point is we as Christians need to get back to truly and sincerely seeking God? Jesus and not put tolerate so much compromise by other Christians and Christanity in general. We Need to be willing to do anything for Jesus Christ even if that means dying for him. Don't worry about what other people think, what non believers think or what compromised Christians think and if correcting their( other Christians) false thinking makes them mad .., then so be it. Never be afraid to correct someone or expose someone who is deliberately leading people astray from the Biblical truth.

We need to start preaching true Christianiy again , Godly Truths and not this compromised , " make me feel good about myself" garbage that is being preached in churches and on T.V. We need to stop tolerating sin and being careful not to offending people.


I apologize if I rambled on a bit , but I think that gives you an idea how strongly I feel about this. I'm so sick of seeing compromise and tolerance for sin in todays Christians.

"As we prayfully consider the cost of discipleship, let us also consider; the penalty for sin, the cost of redemption, Who paid it and why. May we, along with all the martyred Christians of yesterday and today , consider the cost of discipleship quite a bargain." unknown

 

[sawdust]

Hi All,

I would like to share something the Lord has been teaching me over the past few years for I too have a deep desire that the Truth of scripture be upheld. The comment one of you made about "conforming our lives to scripture" and not the other way round said it most elegantly.

I have stuck to my computer (so I can see it all day long as I work) the verse: - Hebrews 13:9b "For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods (in context meaning doctines) which have not profited those who have been occupied with them."

The reason that verse is there is because a great deal of my Christian fellowship and witness of the last 5 years has been done over the internet. It began with chat rooms and ICQ just looking to be a friend to people and hopefully encourage them. Then I found a Christian forum (not this one) which I started posting in. However the forum was to talk about Christianity in a general sense and anyone could post to it. A great deal of what was said in that forum left me in tears for there was much venom, deception, delusion and just good ol' fashioned misunderstanding about Jesus and Christianity. The Bible was torn to shreds (figuratively) and I really struggled to "keep my faith pure". I was very tempted to compromise my understanding that the Bible is the Word of God for there were some "good" arguments put forth. That is good in terms of human logic but my logic would lead to a different understanding of the facts. In the end I found myself reading the same hatred and delusion over and over again so I stopped going there. It was just too depressing and I found it screwing up my faith.
I spent some months just with the Lord going over all the "issues" that encounter raised and He led me to the verse above. He taught me how important it is that all we do and say must come from Him but that it can only come from Him if we establish ourselves by His Grace.
Now I'm not asking any of you to change what you're doing or saying, but can I ask that before you do or say anything that it comes from the establishment of Grace within.
I don't want for any of you to be discouraged but we need to understand that the "world" is not God's friend. We mustn't be surprised by hatred or deception, we can "be angry, but not sin". We are called to stand against those things but not to "beat them over the head".
The world is a sad place "but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world" said Jesus. By His Blood, by His Love by His Grace! We have much to rejoice for. Let's really show this world the Truth by the joy, peace, love and grace within.
Your sister in Christ.

 

[Puritan]

>I think the main point I was making was that Satan comes disguised as an 'angel of light',and HIS ministers as righteous men and women. I can't recall the exact verse that is found in,but most know which one I mean.
Perhaps I really should balance out negative rebukes with some encouraging words as well? But I hear enough of that already,and believers seem to be much too forgiving of Atheists and Agnostics,when in fact they haven't even sought any forgiveness.

I personally was involved in an Atheist forum at one time,planting seeds and debating on MANY occassions. Eventually,I gave in to God's prompting,and left it altogether,much LATER than I believe God would have had me to.
I ended up doing much more damage than good.
I found out that they actually wanted me to be more tolerable and Christlike,
where we could better relate on a 'I'm OK,your OK' level.
Because they actually view Christ as a good teacher,and agree with many principles He stood for. It's His followers that they disdain...ALL of them.
Or at best they see them as deluded idealists.
Bottom line is that in there eyes I was nothing more than a nice guy who happened to have a slight mental defect due to my beliefs.
Of course,my rebukes were received in a more harsh manner.

Point being is that when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees,he never got all mushy with them. In fact,He never really offered them any hope,since He knew their heart and how they would turn out.
I believe He gave us this insight and discernment as well through His Holy Spirit. Where we can often see a sinners' heart,and realize that only a FEW words of exhortation is all that's needed. Any more would be useless.
When the apostles were not received in a certain place,they simply kicked the dust off their feet,and moved on.
And if I am not received,why should I continue debating topics that mostly cater to the infidels' intellect. They will only discuss things they know we cannot answer in a 'rational' way,and thus will always win the argument.
I don't see why people can't see this,and actually feel that the 'Jesus loves you' bit will make a difference?! I for one can't say this,because I am not convinced that Jesus really does love them in the state they are in?
He may love their souls,as we should.
That is why He said to preach the Gospel to every creature.
But He said nothing about debating it OVER and OVER and OVER,until you look like an idiot in their eyes.

The gospel of Christ is for ears that have never heard and eyes that have never seen. Some atheists know as much scripture as a theologian would,since many grew up in Church,only to fall away.
They are willingly blind and have made a conscious,intelligent decision to remain that way.
We can love and pray for them,but the discernment I get is that it will do little good. I should probably feel more sad,but it's hard when you are having a hard enough time working out your OWN salvation with 'fear and trembling.'
Just something to think about...

~David

 

[Philip4Jesus]

I would agree with Puritan on the fact that Satan does disguise as an angel of light. I also mentioned that in my orginal post/thread. If satan deceives people by appearing as an angel of light, should it be no surprise then if his ministers appear as righteous( just to confirm what I said in my original post and what Puritan Just stated.)

I think people are too guiable, in some sense , when it comes to christianity, as I said before people seem to believe anything that makes them feel good rather than true biblical truths. And I think that is when Satan see his opportunity to mislead or confuse people and lead them into deception.
Also , I think the reason we have so many intrepretations of bible or certain bible passages is because people are looking for " lopeholes" in Gods word. They want to continue sinning yet at the same time they call themselfs christians and force their misleading, misguided personal opinions on other christians and a chain reaction occurs and the end result is what we have today, many , many christians not being really sure in what is Biblically True . And Unfortunately it continues.
People(Christians ) seem to be always trying to justify their sinfullness, weither it be masturbation, lying , stealing , etc. or the one that I have a hard time understanding is Homosexuality. Gay Christians ??? In God's word you cannot be a homosexual and a Christian , it does not work that way, homosexuality and Christianity mix like oil and water ( they don't) Yet people seem to think that it is possible to be a christian and yet continue in the sinfullness of homosexuality. Either you are a christian or your not , there is no middle ground , no ands, if's ,or buts.

Being a christian means following, believing in Gods word absolutely and not compromising in any way. I know there was a message on a sign outside a church and it said " What part of thou shall not , don't you understand" and that is so true , no compromises.

 

[tulc]

Point being is that when Jesus rebuked the Pharisees,he never got all mushy with them. In fact,He never really offered them any hope,since He knew their heart and how they would turn out.

The problem with this was Jesus knew what was going to happen. We don't. We only know in part and can often be wrong in what we think God is saying to us.

I believe He gave us this insight and discernment as well through His Holy Spirit. Where we can often see a sinners' heart,and realize that only a FEW words of exhortation is all that's needed. Any more would be useless.

Fortunately people didn't give up on me when I was a loud and proud Atheist.

When the apostles were not received in a certain place,they simply kicked the dust off their feet,and moved on.

Which is fine if you are an Apostle starting churches and spreading the gospel, if you are called to simply be a believer shaking the dust could be seen as "hey it's just too tough to reach these people!" I'm not too big on dust shaking.

And if I am not received,why should I continue debating topics that mostly cater to the infidels' intellect. They will only discuss things they know we cannot answer in a 'rational' way,and thus will always win the argument.

On the other hand I don't believe we are called (on our own) to answer every question. Sometimes finding things we can learn from others about opens doors into areas we can participate.

I don't see why people can't see this,and actually feel that the 'Jesus loves you' bit will make a difference?! I for one can't say this,because I am not convinced that Jesus really does love them in the state they are in?
He may love their souls,as we should.

Uhmm how can they clean themselves up enough to be loved? This statement was the one I found most disturbing. If Jesus only loves the lovable (the people that I like) then how do I know if He loves me? If His love is conditional on my being someone anyone can love, how does that make Him any different from anyone else out there?

That is why He said to preach the Gospel to every creature.
But He said nothing about debating it OVER and OVER and OVER,until you look like an idiot in their eyes.

Well actually He did say we will look like fools to a lot of people! The debating thing I can agree with, (somewhat) because there are going to be those things we are simply never going to agree on (even among Christians) that doesn't mean there is nothing we can agree on. Sometimes if you'll look for the things you do agree on you can knock down those walls that we have both built up to guard our positions. When you start seeing the person talking to you as a person it's the vitriol really starts to subside. Remember: we are going to offend, that doesn't mean we have to be offensive.
tulc(sorry for how long this post is, I just felt inspired)