Discernment in Faith
Discernment in Faith11
The True and False Sheperd
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0JHN 10:1Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the distinction between the true and false shepherds, illustrating that false shepherds, like the Pharisees and Antichrist, do not enter through Christ, the door, and instead seek to steal, kill, and destroy. He warns of the dangers posed by the world and false teachers, who are influenced by Satan and lead the flock astray. In contrast, the true shepherd, Jesus Christ, knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them with love, having laid down His life for them. M'Cheyne encourages believers to follow Christ, who goes before them in all trials, assuring them of His presence and guidance. He concludes by urging the congregation to discern whether they are truly following Christ or being led by strangers.
With Us-Not of Us
By Theodore Epp01JN 2:18Theodore Epp emphasizes the distinction between true believers and antichrists, explaining that those who depart from the core doctrine of Jesus Christ were never truly part of the faith. He highlights that true Christians possess eternal life, which cannot be taken away, as affirmed by Jesus in John 10:28-30. Epp warns against those who deny the divinity of Christ, asserting that such individuals are deceivers and cannot be considered children of God. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the fundamental truths of Christianity.
To Friends, Concerning the Light
By George Fox0JHN 3:19JHN 8:122CO 5:17George Fox addresses Friends everywhere, urging them to dwell in the light that comes from Christ, which enables them to see their Savior and grow spiritually. He emphasizes that those who are in Christ are new creations, free from condemnation, and can discern the deceivers and antichrists in the world. Fox warns against false teachers and those who exploit the faithful, asserting that true followers of Christ walk in the light and cannot be deceived by those who oppose it. He concludes by affirming that the light is the world's condemnation and will ultimately lead to the acknowledgment of God's just judgments.
Trademarks of a False Prophet
By Shane Idleman1950:45JER 23:21Shane Idleman addresses the alarming rise of false prophets in today's society, emphasizing that they distort God's truth and promote sin under the guise of grace. He argues that true worship and a return to God's Word are essential for hope and change, rather than political upheaval. Idleman warns against the complacency of the church in confronting sin and the moral decline of society, urging believers to discern truth from error. He highlights the need for boldness in preaching the Gospel and calls for a commitment to God's standards over societal pressures. Ultimately, he stresses that the church must be a voice for the voiceless and stand firm in the truth of God's Word.
1 John 4:3
By John Gill0JHN 1:14JHN 14:6ROM 10:9PHP 2:6COL 2:91TI 2:5HEB 4:151JN 2:181JN 4:32JN 1:7John Gill emphasizes the critical importance of acknowledging the true nature of Christ, including His deity, humanity, and roles as Savior and Messiah. He warns that any spirit or doctrine that denies these truths is not from God and is aligned with the spirit of antichrist. Gill highlights that such false teachings are already present in the world, serving as forerunners to the ultimate antichrist. The sermon calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith and understanding of who Jesus is to avoid being led astray by deceptive doctrines.
Epistle 390
By George Fox0GEN 22:18EXO 3:2DEU 6:7PSA 121:8George Fox emphasizes the importance of living in the holy seed of Christ, which brings blessings and renewal into the image of God. He warns against the deceptive spirits and false prophets that can lead believers astray, urging them to remain steadfast in the truth and love of God. Fox highlights the necessity of discernment in the face of those who may appear godly but deny the power of God in their actions. He encourages the faithful to dwell in love, which builds up the body of Christ and leads to true blessings. Ultimately, he calls for vigilance against the serpent's lies and a commitment to the peaceable government of Christ.
Misinformed Zeal
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 7:21JHN 4:24ROM 10:21CO 13:1GAL 4:18PHP 3:62TI 3:5TIT 2:14JAS 2:19REV 3:15A.W. Tozer addresses the concept of zeal in the Christian life, emphasizing that while true Christians should exhibit fervent zeal for God, it is possible to be zealous without being genuinely Christian. He critiques the notion that zeal alone is a marker of godliness, pointing out that many zealous individuals or groups, such as Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions, demonstrate fervor but are not aligned with biblical truth. Tozer warns that zeal must be accompanied by sound doctrine and a true relationship with Christ, as mere enthusiasm does not equate to righteousness. He highlights that even those with misguided zeal can be more fervent than true believers, underscoring the need for discernment in evaluating spiritual fervor.
1 John 2:20
By John Gill0EXO 30:31MAT 25:32CO 1:211JN 2:201JN 2:27John Gill emphasizes the significance of the anointing believers receive from Christ, the Holy One, which equips them with the Holy Spirit's graces. This anointing is likened to the oil used in the Old Testament, symbolizing the continuous grace that flows from Christ to His followers. Gill explains that this divine unction grants believers insight and understanding, enabling them to discern truth from error and recognize the mysteries of the Gospel. He reassures that while believers may not possess complete knowledge, they are empowered to understand spiritual truths necessary for salvation. Ultimately, this anointing affirms their identity as true Christians, set apart by God's grace.
It Is Dangerous to Follow the Majority
By Zac Poonen0NUM 13:30Zac Poonen emphasizes the danger of following the majority, as illustrated by the Israelites' decision to heed the ten spies' fearful report over the faith-filled words of Caleb and Joshua. He warns that the majority is often wrong, leading to destruction, and encourages believers to stand with those who speak the language of faith, even if they are few. Poonen highlights that true discernment comes from recognizing where God is at work, which often aligns with the minority who trust in His promises. He stresses the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for understanding rather than human reasoning, as many Christians are led astray by their own cleverness. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a commitment to God's Word and faith in His ability to help us overcome life's challenges.
Allegiance to Jesus: Resisting the False Justice Movement (Rev. 17)
By Mike Bickle1749:58REV 17:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of allegiance to Jesus amidst the rise of a false justice movement, warning that this movement is a precursor to a more dangerous harlot religion that will lead many away from the truth. He stresses the importance of discerning true justice and compassion as defined by Jesus, rather than the deceptive humanitarian efforts that lack a foundation in the gospel. Bickle calls for the church to maintain fierce loyalty to Christ and to love the truth, as many will fall away due to the allure of false teachings. He encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and to be bold in proclaiming the truth of the gospel, even in the face of societal pressures. The sermon serves as a clarion call for vigilance and commitment to the teachings of Jesus in a time of increasing deception.
Urgently Needed: Prophetic Leaders
By A.W. Tozer0JER 3:15EZK 34:23A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic leaders in a time when religious news is abundant yet lacks spiritual depth. He critiques the overwhelming focus on religious activities and publicity, urging that true leadership should discern God's perspective amidst the noise. Tozer calls for leaders who can see beyond the surface and understand the true direction of the church and its mission. He challenges the audience to seek the heart of God rather than merely following popular trends in religion.