Discerning of Spirits

10 Characteristics of a Cult Masquerading as a Church

10 Characteristics of a Cult Masquerading as a Church

This is a follow-up to our last article on Deception in the Church: Cults and False Prophets Masquerading as Christian Ministries. Based on our experience, here are ten signs to help you identify a cult that is masquerading as a church. In this article, our focus is not on the cult of personalities, such as when people enthusiastically and blindly follow a political leader, but specifically on religious cults that claim to preach the gospel. 1. The Pastor / Ministry Leader is Always Right and is Above the Law If your Church pastor or ministry leader is always claiming to be right,...Read more
Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part I

Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part I

“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). Who are you? What are you worth? Who do you think you are? Have you, or anyone, ever questioned your identity, or tried to put you down over your identity, and have you ever felt worthless and wondered, “Why on earth am I here?” The first question, “Who am I?”, is a timeless one. Philosophers, scientists, and great thinkers over the centuries have grappled with this question, with varying degrees of success. When asked these questions, many people typically first think of their occupations or job titles,...Read more
A Little Yeast Works Through the Whole Batch of Dough

A Little Yeast Works Through the Whole Batch of Dough

“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty” (Galatians 5:7-10 NIV). “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough” implies is that a very small amount of yeast is able to work through and...Read more
False Prophets, False Predictions, False Visions, and False Hopes

False Prophets, False Predictions, False Visions, and False Hopes

This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord (Jeremiah 23:16 NIV) Previously we shared a message on “Beware of False Prophets, False Prophecies, and False Visions”. This week are impressed to share some more on the subject. A few years ago, and especially around 2011 and 2012, there was a dramatic increase in self-declared prophets and dreamers who shared “supernatural” visions and dreams predicting “woes” that would befall the world...Read more
A Discerning Heart and Testing of Spirits

A Discerning Heart and Testing of Spirits

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1 NKJV). 1 Kings 13 tells us a rather sad story of an individual referred to as a “man of God” who was sent from Judah by the Lord to Bethel prophesy against King Jeroboam of Israel. The man of God was given a three-fold command by the Lord: not to accept any food, not to accept any drink, and not to return by the same way. When the king tempted the man...Read more
Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 2: Breaking Free

Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 2: Breaking Free

“Then Jesus said…, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”” (John 8:31-32 NIV). Last week in our message on  Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 1, we shared a few examples of spiritual abuse in the Church, along with several signs or symptoms that characterize spiritual abuse in the Church and Christian Ministries. In this week’s article, we will discuss the consequences of spiritual abuse, attempt to answer the question on whether God is to blame when you experience spiritual abuse, and...Read more
Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 1

Spiritual Abuse in the Church – Part 1

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:25-29 NKJV) Have you ever read an article or listened to messages where...Read more
Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part II

Our True Value and Identity in Christ – Part II

“And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Corinthians 3:23). In Part 1 of Our True Value and Identity in Christ message, we explored how people perceive their own worth and the worth of others, and discussed how to evaluate one’s true worth and the value of others. This is the second and final part of the message, in which we further explore this topic of our true identity. The Importance of Knowing Your True Identity When parents speak life-giving and positive words from the heart over their children, it can transform and result in very blessed and prosperous children...Read more