2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
In a Vision, Jesus gave John some information about each of the seven Churches and instructed him to write it in a letter and send it to the Pastor of that Church. In each letter, we find both praise and criticism. The first Church addressed is the Church in Ephesus and today we will begin to break down the Words of Jesus to that Church.
Jesus begins with His praise over the church in Ephesus. He first acknowledges their hard work and patience. He also addresses the fact that they take a stand against those who are evil and they have put those claiming to be apostles to the test finding some to be false apostles. From His Words, it would appear that the Ephesians rebuked them and called them liars. I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; (Revelation 2:2)
From this account, we can determine that the Pastor and those in the Church in Ephesus had great Discernment of Spirits. This is a Spiritual Gift that is extremely important and beneficial in the Body of Christ. 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)
I find this to be lacking in the Body of Christ today. There are “ministries” out there selling and teaching the Callings of God. This is evil and the work of the Devil. No man can teach another man to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher. These are Divine Callings on our lives and Jesus does this work. Speaking of Jesus, Paul wrote, And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, (Ephesians 4:11)
Please let this be a warning to you: Anyone (or ministry) that claims they can “teach” people to be an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher IS A FALSE PROPHET THEMSELVES! Consider the arrogance it must take to think we have the ability to do the Work of Jesus! I implore you to call these ministries what they are: FALSE AND EVIL!
Throughout the Word of God, we read of false teachers and we are told to avoid them and turn from them. The Apostle Paul wrote a lot on this subject. The following is just one example. Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned; avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18)
The Lord God will take care of these people in His own way. We are to discern the evil spirit driving them, avoid them and turn away from them. 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. (1 Peter 2:1)
This is prevalent in the Church today. Beware! Turn away and trust that they will bring destruction to themselves. Seek greater Discernment of Spirits so you will not be deceived in these last days.
God is about to……….turn the tide
Thank you Lord for the Gift of Discernment, Doreen
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