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

What is a false ministry?

The word false literally means contrary to the truth or fact. If you look up the word in a dictionary, the word “false” means “c ontrary to the truth or fact; deceptive; counterfeit; artificial; not real or genuine. ” Perhaps the word counterfeit best helps us to understand this concept. In most of the currencies of the world, countries have done everything that they can to ensure against counterfeiting. There is a standard by which those currencies are judged based on the criteria of the creators. Everything is taken into account in the making of money. There is special paper, special ink, particular chemicals, special combinations and gradations of the ink, unique serial numbers and proper signatures. In addition, most modern currencies have markers hidden within them so that even with the use of modern copying equipment they are almost impossible to duplicate. God has a prescription for ministry and teaching that meets His standard as the manufacturer. Often we can be fooled by looking only on the surface. The false looks very much like the true. The difference often has to do with what is hidden on the inside. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15

The FACT of False Ministries

The Bible teaches us clearly that false ministries are always mingled among the true. When Jesus delivered His parables of the kingdom in Matthew 13, He indicated that the wheat (sons of the kingdom) and tares (sons of the wicked one) are sown together and grow together (Mt. 13:24-30; 36-43).

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