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Testing the Spirits (Part 1)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In this world, there are many spirits that influence thoughts and actions, often leading to confusion and deception. The master conspirator, satan, promotes a spirit of chaos under the guise of 'unity through diversity,' which is a counterfeit to the true unity of God's church. This antichrist spirit seeks to deceive and destroy, manifesting in various forms of spiritualism and false teachings that pervade society. Many are quick to accept these manifestations as revelations from God without discerning their true nature or moral worth. The apostles Paul and John addressed such spiritual deception in their writings. Paul, in I Corinthians 12:10, speaks of the gift of 'discerning of spirits,' enabling believers to distinguish genuine inspiration from counterfeit. John, in I John 4:1, urges, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God," emphasizing the importance of this practice in a world filled with false prophets. This testing is not just for ministers but for every member, as John writes to ordinary believers, affirming their capacity to discern through the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. Testing the spirits requires diligent effort, akin to examining scriptures thoroughly, as Christ instructed in John 5:39 to "search the scriptures." It involves assessing whether a spirit aligns with God's truth, not merely relying on emotional fervor, phenomena, or personal experiences, which can be counterfeited by evil spirits. True discernment looks for conformity to scriptural teaching and a readiness to live by it, ensuring that the spirit glorifies God the Father and Jesus Christ above all. Within the church, false spirits can emerge through prideful claims of exclusive revelation or new truths, often repackaged heresies. Such spirits must be tested to avoid being led astray by attitudes or doctrines contrary to God's way. A spirit of order, stability, and adherence to both doctrine and inspiration marks the true Spirit of God, contrasting with the disorder and chaos of deceptive spirits. Thus, believers are commanded to test every spirit to confirm its source, ensuring they remain steadfast in the truth and avoid the antichrist spirit that opposes God.

Testing the Spirits (Part 2)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

I John, addresses a congregation grounded in the truth but vexed from within by a number of anti-Christian teachings, including Docetism and Gnosticism.

The Gift of Discerning Spirits

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

God gives the ability to determine the source of a spiritual manifestation. However, this gift depends on a thorough knowledge and understanding of God's Word.

Discerning Spirits and Discerning the Body

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Because of the culture of deception fostered by Satan and his children, we must develop discernment to tell the difference between truth and falsehood.

Discern and Distinguish Between Spirits

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Inspiration and doctrine were meant to be complementary rather than adversarial. Many believe they have found new truth when they have recycled old heresies.

Disinterestedness: Our Spiritual Iron Dome

Sermon by David F. Maas

Solomon used self-reflexiveness to detach himself and remain disinterested to objectively describe the consequences of an array of life's experiences.

Powerful Effects of the Holy Spirit

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are intrigued by supernatural power, and many seek to display it. Yet the Scriptures show the activity of the Holy Spirit in ways that are commonly missed.

Will Deceive Many (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins

The end time, Jesus warns, will be one of massive deception, enough to make the very elect stumble. We need to be sure of God's Word to spot Satan's lies.

False Gospels

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A major clue for discerning false gospels is that any teaching attempting to change the nature of God or Christ or their doctrines is anti-Christ and false.

What Is the Proper Christian Perspective on Dreams and Visions?

Bible Questions & Answers

In times past, servants of God were given visions and dreams to convey special messages. But He does this only when the circumstances warrant.

Is the United States a Christian Nation? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In evaluating the dubious fruits of a false minister, we must realize that belief and conduct are inextricably linked and the linkage must be with God's Word.

Beware of False Prophets

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

False prophets promote the broad way, giving people what they want to hear. They replace God's truth with human tradition. They are identified by their fruit.

Matthew (Part Eleven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Life consists of a series of choices, often a dilemma of a pleasurable choice on one hand and a difficult choice (that produces more growth) on the other.

The Prophet

'Prophecy Watch' by Staff

Who is the Prophet of Deuteronomy 18? This article takes an in-depth look at this prophecy, showing that its greatest fulfillment is in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Satan (Part 2)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan uses disinformation, spread through false ministers/prophets, teaching smooth things that destroy. We must test the spirits to ensure a teaching is from God.

Four Warnings (Part Two): Beware of False Prophets

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God's people will know false teachers by their fruits. Even as helpless sheep, we must exercise vigilance detecting the fruits of their preaching.

The Gun Lap Is Looming

Sermon by John O. Reid

As we near the conclusion of our spiritual journey, the more dangerous obstacles we will face. Satan will pull out all stops to destroy us.

The Wisdom of Men and Faith

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The pressures and conflicts that the church has undergone is part of the spirit of the time that has embroiled religious and political institutions worldwide.

Knowing a True Shepherd

Sermonette by Mike Ford

We are cautioned to test the spirits contained in what a shepherd says to see whether they come from God. The world is not able to understand this message.

Lamentations (Part Four; 1989)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The prophets and the religious leaders bear the greatest blame for the destruction by providing a quasi-religion and not teaching the Law of God.

Antichrist Deceptions

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Antichrists manifest several characteristics, including fostering deception and confusion, preventing fellowship, and creating intense spiritual conflict.

Jude

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The book of Jude, a scathing indictment against false teachers, may be the most neglected book in the New Testament. False teachers twist grace into license.

Satan (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Satan uses lies and disinformation to promote self-satisfaction over obedience to God. The way to the kingdom is through self-denial, even suffering unjustly.

The Right Use of Power

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

With dominion comes responsibility to maintain. The sad history of mankind shows that he has mismanaged his power, bringing about disease, war, and famine.

Was Herbert Armstrong a False Prophet?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Herbert Armstrong made scores of predictions, and many of them never came to pass. Does this make him a false prophet? Is he thus not worthy of following?

Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Two)

Sermon by David F. Maas

In the Olivet prophecy, Jesus gave His disciples a pointed warning about rampant deception occurring at the close of the age, engineered by the arch deceiver.

Is God a Magician?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Technology makes us susceptible to the 'quick fix' mentality, expecting miraculous solutions to all problems, making us susceptible to false miracles.

Recognizing the Intents of the Heart

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).