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

is worthy of capitalization and that is Jesus, the Christ of God. The word “Christ” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” Both of these words literally mean “anointed one.” For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:24 One of the things that makes distinguishing between true and false ministries so difficult has to do with what is perceived to be their “anointing.” Jesus indicated that there would be false “anointed ones” which suggests there is a false or counterfeit anointing. This is why it is so important not to make a judgment about a ministry based on a feeling that you may have had in a meeting when they were speaking. God gives us other criteria for testing ministries which we will explore in later chapters. False ministries will be prevalent in the end times (Mt. 24:24-25; Mark 13:22; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Tim. 3:13). The word prevalent means “widespread, commonly occurring or practiced.” False ministries will culminate in the manifestation of the “lawless one” and the false prophet who will have all power and manifest lying signs and wonders (2 Th. 2:1-12; 1 John 2:18; Rev. 13; 16:13-14; 19:20; 20:10). While it is not our purpose in this book to discuss conflicting views of the end times, it is important to note that the Bible does speak of the antichrist and the false prophet coming forth to deceive. Whether these are actual people or spirits functioning through people is not our discussion. The point we are making here is that it is critical for us to realize that the closer we get to the return of the Lord the more important it is that we take these things seriously. Prevalent in the End Times

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