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

someone to lead them back to the safety of the fold.

The third negative about sheep it that they have no real natural defense system. Domestic sheep have no claws, sharp teeth, powerful jaws, or incredible speed and are not known for their great strength. These are some of nature’s means of defense for many animals. Their only real defense is their ability to flock. As they stick together under the leadership of the shepherd they are less vulnerable to an attack from a wild animal. I have been told that if sheep are not sheared regularly, they can actually become wool-bound and can potentially die when they fall over, being too heavy to get back up. This is the picture that God paints of His people. One naturally has to ask the question, “Are they worth it?” God’s answer is, “YES!” On the positive side, sheep were always considered very valuable. They were valuable to the shepherd because they could provid e most of man’s needs including food (meat, cheese), drink (milk) and clothing (wool). False ministries exploit the nature and the defenselessness of sheep. Paul noted this in his letter to the Galatians (Gal. 1:6-7). I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who in his love and mercy called you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ. You are already following a different way that pretends to be the Good News but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who twist and change the truth concerning Christ. Galatians 1:6-7, NLT

The Appetite of Sheep (Believers)

When it comes to a change of direction from the right way to the wrong way sheep can stray very quickly. Paul speaks of these believers being “rapidly, quickly or speedily” drawn away from the truth. We have already seen how sheep are prone to wander (Is 53:6a). But there are other characteristics

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