Meantime, many spirits will go back and forth, preaching and teaching things that are contrary to God's word. Please do not fall victim to their vain philosophy; test the spirits. Even as they claim God's favor, they present an idea that needs testing. I have it on good authority that God does not show favoritism. God said: "do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). Do not allow people who are willing to compromise their principles to fill your head with false hope. Scriptures teach that not many should become teachers. Test, and you will find many spirits come to teach deception deliberately. Listen carefully and discern their intent. Do not be surprised by their skills. They are meticulous, persistent, and "deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:13). They are good at exploiting weaknesses, appealing to the desires of the flesh according to human tradition. Lies with a nugget of truth are common, and they work. For instance, there is little evidence for voter fraud on a massive scale in the United States, yet many people believe that dogs are voting, and millions of dead people are casting ballots. There is no denying that the deceiver walks among us and can deceive God's elect if that be possible. They have lofty opinions and elegant words with one goal: to undermine the Way and the Truth. "Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). Please break the link in the chain that binds you to the deceiver! Be charitable because they may even be deceiving themselves into believing what they say is true. They are like the people that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah about in Jeremiah 14. The Lord told Jeremiah that He did not send them, appoint them, or talk to them. The Lord declared that these people were prophesying lies in His name. Do not fear and do not allow anyone to deceive you. Watch, and verify hearts that are devising wicked plans against the widow, fatherless, sojourner, and the poor; then do something! "I urge you, my friends: watch out for those who cause divisions and upset people's faith and go against the teaching which you have received. Keep away from them" (Romans 16:17)! Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church.
