Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

bring truth into the open and confirm it.”

Winds can also serve as a test to see if we truly love the truth. Notice what Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, (NLT): This evil man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. He will use every kind of wicked deception to fool those who are on their way to destruction because they refuse to believe the truth that would save them. So God will send great deception upon them, and they will believe all these lies. Then they will be condemned for not believing the truth and for enjoying the evil they do. Finally, winds can serve as a test to help us exercise and develop our spiritual senses. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that “solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). Winds of doctrine are circulating continually in the church world. How do we discern a good wind from a bad wind or a strengthening wind from a destructive wind? There are some warning signs that should be in the back of the mind of every mature believer. As believers we are instructed to watch or be watchful (Acts 20:31; Rom. 16:17; Phil. 3:2; 1 Th. 5:6; 1 Pet. 5:8; 2 Pet. 3:17-18). Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:17-18 (NLT), I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people. I don’t want you to lose your own secure footing. But grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be all glory and honor, both now and forevermore. Amen. 16 Warning Signs of Potential Turbulence

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