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

The second word in the above passage that describes the fruit of false ministries in the local church is that they “ unsettle ” people. The word “unsettle” in this passage means to subvert, undermine and to dismantle. False teachers unsettle people by undermining the leadership of the local church and calling into question many of the solid foundations of Christian doctrine so that people are no longer sure of what they believe. True ministries are builders not dismantlers.

4. False ministries do not profit the people of God (Jer. 23:32, NIV).

“Indeed, I am against those who prophesy fa lse dreams,” declares the LORD. “They tell them and lead my people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in t he least,” declares the LORD.

The FATE of False Ministries

We do not use the word “fate” very often, but the word “fate” essentially means destiny. It is their lot or their predetermined outcome. God is a very jealous God and He is particularly jealous when it comes to His children. Jesus is particularly jealous when it comes to His Bride — the Church. As a result, God has a very negative view of false ministry. When you mess with a man’s children or his wife you incur his wrath. When you mess with the Church you are messing with the wife of Jesus. You better watch out!

God makes it clear that He sees false ministers as abominable (Jer. 5:30-31; 23:14).

An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. Jeremiah 5:30-31

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