Discernment

Fight for the Faith

Sometimes you come across Christians who 'have nothing to do with this sort of thing'. It does not appeal to them and they will not engage in all this kind of practice. Why on earth do you have to waste your time on this sort of thing? Wouldn't it be better to focus on positive things?

I wish they were right. However, there is something to be done about it. So a few comments.

  • Be glad things like this don't appeal to you. That is a blessing and has saved you from much misery. But in the end it is not a question of whether things appeal to us or not. What matters is what God thinks of it and that is much more important.
  • The bible shows that we live in a time when things are going downhill and eventually every believer in his own environment will have to deal with these kinds of practices and teachings. Then you can't just say 'it doesn't appeal to you'; you cannot warn others with it. You will then have to know what God thinks of it and testify to it; no matter how difficult that can be.
  • When Gideon had to go into battle with the Midianites (Judges 7), he could only use those who realized a battle was going on. These were the ones who – in the picture – drank the Word of God for refreshment, but in the meantime also realized that there was a battle going on, so that they stopped while drinking. The others didn't quite understand what a battle meant and what was going on; them God could not use. Today it is exactly the same; and really every believer should be aware of the spiritual battle. Because these are 'the last times' in which we live and we are called to fight for the faith.

“Beloved, when I set out to write to you about common salvation, I was compelled to write to you with the admonition to strive for the faith once delivered to the saints.” (Judas 1:3)

Discernment

What are the things that stand out and that you should pay attention to when it comes to recognizing the things we discussed above?

There is more - It often starts with people trying to talk to you that you are missing something and that there is 'so much more'. Or that your dedication is very meager and that it could use a boost.

Experienced - What is then offered is that you can somehow experience 'more of God' (or of the Spirit or of Jesus or…). Experienced is a key word in this regard.

Silence – another key word is "silence". Somehow an inner peace or stillness must arise in order to "experience God" or "hear His voice.

Liberation – If there are things in your heart or life that hinder you from experiencing God or prevent you from 'becoming who you are', you can be liberated or delivered from them. All kinds of 'ministry' or pastoral care are then offered for this, which in reality help you further from home.

Jesus Christ come in the flesh
  • John gives another very important test in 1 John 4:1-3. What is the message being delivered? Is it about Jesus Christ, who became man to die on Calvary's cross for sinners? That must be the point, because with it all salvation for this time and for eternity is connected! You can hear many sermons or read books about anything and everything, but this key point is missing. John says, "Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." That's a bold statement, but true!
  • NB! It's not about confessing that Jesus Christ not came in the flesh. It doesn't even need to be mentioned, if one denies it, it is clear that you are in the wrong company anyway. No, the point is that there is no positive confession of “Jesus Christ come in the flesh”.

“But to the grown-ups it is solid food, to those who have trained their senses through use to discern between good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14)

Every born-again Christian can grow in spiritual maturity, grow in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can "discern between good and evil."

Here's another article on "Biblical Discernment" (see here)