[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG
During this season of reflection
and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us
as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test
the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone
out into the world. By this you shall know the Spirit of God: every spirit that
confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit
that does not confess Jesus is not from God. 1 John4:1-3 ESV
Scofield’s
commentary on this Scripture suggests two marks of false teachers: “(a)
Erroneous doctrine concerning Christ’s Person and (b) Erroneous attitude toward
the world." To assume that everything we hear or read about God is “true” can
open our hearts and minds to false teaching. Those who have a world viewpoint use this as their reference and may have many followers. Some who speak
the name of Jesus can lead others down the wrong path. Scripture tells us to
discern the Spirit of Truth from a spirit of untruth by comparing the truths of
God’s Word against the words we hear. The world will tell you there are “no
absolute truths” and unfortunately, you can even hear that in some churches. "What's true for you is true!" is not compatible with the Word of God.
What absolute truths do Christians believe? One truth is found in 1 John 4:7-21. God
is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son
into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved
God but that He loves us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
. . We love because He first loved us. Christ’s deity is an absolute truth,
just as His humanity, miracles of healing, ministry of love and forgiveness, experiences of betrayal, crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection. Listen carefully to the
rhetoric of others; read prayerfully the words in books. Listen for the Spirit
of Truth.
- Read 2 Kings 6:15-17: How are you encouraged by this account?
- Read John 3:16-21: What absolute truths defend the Christian faith?
Lord, give me courage to
seek the Spirit of Truth. Open my mind to corrupt views that diminish who You
are. Help me listen with a discerning spirit! – dho
All rights
reserved ~ used with permission of the author
Copyright 2013
by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author
For more
information about this ministry visit ~
“May you be
blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”
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