11. Worldliness - Worldly Goals, Philosophies, Standards, Ways, Means and Methods - within "the Church" and "Ministry". Trying to achieve and judging "success" by using principles of the world instead of the Word of God and government of the Holy Spirit. False teaching that we need to embrace worldly ways, means, methods and systems to (allegedly) obtain Godly ends.

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​“Adulterers and adulteresses [those who cheat on God with the world and its idols, aspirations, ideals, goals and ways, etc.]  Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”  James 4:4

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness [not obeying the Word of God]? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ Therefore, ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.’” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

“Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.  Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:4-10
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Jesus’ Words: “The ruler [the devil] of this world [and its systems and ways] is coming, and he has nothing [of him/of the world] in Me.” John 14:30

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10. The False Prophetic

​​The Lord's standard we are to use in determining whether someone is His prophet, speaking His words, is quite simple: Did the words come to pass? If not, the alleged "prophet," or whomever, is false and not speaking God's words. God's words always come to pass and He never lies. See below; and Isaiah 55:11; Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2

​​"The prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously." Deuteronomy 18:20-22

"But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true." Jeremiah 28:9

"Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,’ declares the Lord." Jeremiah 29:8-9​

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3. Lie: We are supposed to make Earth like Heaven - Misguided, Unbiblical Dominion/New, One, Utopian World Order Ideology (7 Mountains, New Apostolic Reformation and Similar Falsities)

​Kingdom Now vs. Kingdom to Come

​(Dominion Socialism Engineered by People vs. Theocratic Government of and from God)

​While the Bible does clearly provide that we are to testify about, reveal/express and demonstrate the life of Christ within us and thereby reveal the Kingdom of God, it does not say that we are to attempt to make Earth Heaven. And in fact, the opposite plan for this Earth is clearly and unambiguously set forth in the Bible:

"Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." Matthew 10:34

"You will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake." Matthew 10:22; 24:9

"For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you." Isaiah 60:2

"But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." 2 Peter 3:10

“Therefore wait for Me,” says the Lord, “Until the day I rise up for plunder; My determination is to gather the nations to My assembly of kingdoms, to pour on them My indignation, all My fierce anger; All the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy." Zephaniah 3:8

​"Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." Revelation 19:11-16

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​"Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation 21:1-2

​This Earth is a spiritual battlefield and training ground for overcoming and being conformed, transformed and perfected into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Revelation 3:21; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:13. When a remnant body of true followers of Christ has done that, the Lamb's wife will have made herself ready for full union and residence with her Bridegroom. Revelation 19:7; 21:2-3. This Earth, its nations, and the vast majority of its people (Matthew 7:13-14) will be judged and purged. God would not lead His people to try to take over nations and transform Earth into Heaven and then destroy it. He would not "strike" nations, pour out judgment and wrath upon, and set ablaze a planet governed by His people. The biblical reality is that this fallen Earth will never be, nor was it ever intended to be, presided over by God's people and our eternal home. This Earth was always intended to "pass away" (1 John 2:17) and serve merely as a transitory locale for the transitory purpose of making His true people ready for their true eternal home with Him with in a New Jerusalem on a new Earth where He has made "all things new". Revelation 21-22. God's people will not receive and possess the kingdom of Earth by our own doing but rather it will be given to us at the appointed time through the judgment of God that destroys and dispossesses the kingdom of the enemy over it and the nations he holds sway over. Daniel 7:18-27; Revelation 13; 19:15; 21.

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​​"​For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God." 1 Peter 4:17

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"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand." Matthew 24:24-25

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​"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 2 Timothy 4:3-4

​***

​​"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator." Romans 1:18, 24-25

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8. Lie: Once Saved Always Saved, Salvation Cannot Be Lost. The Truth: You Can Lose Your Salvation - The Forfeiture of Grace

​“For if we [Paul is clearly speaking in this and the surrounding verses to fellow born again believers] sin willfully (voluntarily – not in ignorance) after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment (for sin and eternal punishment), and fiery indignation (God’s “punitive zeal” and “penal fire”) which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31 [The further definition in parenthesis is from Strong’s Concordance.]

​​***

​There is not a single Bible verse that says God can’t or has promised to not ever take back salvation. And in fact, there are multiple examples in Bible of God doing that very thing (these are only some of them): 1) In the Old Testament, descriptions of God taking His Holy Spirit from believers (King Saul for example, 1 Samuel 16:14; David praying to God for Him to not take His Holy Spirit from him. Psalm 51:11); 2) Jesus spoke in dictating the Book of Revelation about removing the church at Ephesus’ lampstand (symbolic of the Holy Spirit, Revelation 2:5; Isaiah 11:2) for falling away from Him in their hearts.; 3) Jesus’ spoke in the Book of Revelation about blotting out the names of those who claimed to be Christian but did not walk out true faith from the [Lamb’s] Book of Life (Revelation 3:5); and 4) Most importantly, God is God and can do anything He wants to. Saying He can’t do something is utterly absurd and unbiblical on its face.

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​“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.” Hebrews 6:4-8

“Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” Romans 11:22

“For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21

“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast [securely hold on to] that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain [without effect and purpose; “talk without heart and walk”].” 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness[disobedience to God's words] ​!’” Matthew 7:21-23

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​​The overriding theme regarding this issue is quite simple: true faith is a matter of the heart and obedience, and you will know whether a heart is truly the Lord’s by the character and fruit that flows out of it – is it of Him or not – and whether the person keeps His commandments and other words. If not, clearly accordingly to the Bible, there will be consequences. And those consequences could include the loss of your salvation and judgment for sin – the forfeiture of grace.​​​

1. Lie: We do not need to strictly adhere to God's commandments/word and saying that we do is legalism.​

​"For You have magnified Your word above all Your name." Psalm 138:2

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1-2, 14

​"Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth". John 17:17

"For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." 2 Corinthians 13:8

​"Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" Luke 6:46

​"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:21-22

"Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words,
lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." Proverbs 30:5-6

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​"​Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. " The words of Jesus as set forth in Matthew 5:7-9

​"If you love Me, keep My commandments...He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."...Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me." The words of Jesus as set forth in John 14:15, 21, 23-24

​​"But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

The words of Jesus at set forth in Matthew 19:17 

9. The Preaching of "Another" Gospel - One Different than the True, Complete Original

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is another and not the same (different; altered/changed from the true/original); but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-9

“Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32

“Then he said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true.’ And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book [the Book of Revelation]…For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Revelation 22:6-7; 18-19

Jesus' Words: "Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." John 18:37

2. Deception - Error and/or Lie: Salvation is the Goal. Truth: The Goal is Spiritual "Fullness" and Being Saved and Born Again is Simply the Necessary First Step.

​Salvation was never intended by God to be the end goal. It was intended to be only a first step in the eternal purpose of becoming in fullness who we were created to be. Simply and foundationally, salvation was to remove the condemnation because of sin, give us spiritual life and reconcile us to relationship with Father God. However, most of “the church” has camped out at salvation, some evangelism, programs and other “ministry,” but has never pressed on to the true, eternally purposed goal: "overcoming" (Revelation 3:21, etc.) and becoming/being perfected into (made complete) "the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13)/"mature sons of God" (Romans 8:13-14, 19, 29, etc.)/ the "made ready wife of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:7 ). In that connection, many are called (saved) and persist in salvation, but only few are chosen (become) by pressing on and obtaining the eternal prize of the high calling of becoming the fullness that is in Christ Jesus.[1] Matthew 22:14; Philippians 3:12-14; Ephesians 4:13. That fullness is the eternal purpose of God for us and is reached, in large part, through conflict and overcoming.
​​[1] The meaning of “chosen”/“elect” in the original Greek, transliterated “eklektos” is elaborated: “Those who have become true partakers of the Christian salvation are contrasted with those who have been invited but have not shown themselves fitted to obtain it, i.e., regard the ‘called’ and ‘chosen’ here as alike  partakers of salvation, but the latter as the ‘choice ones,’ as distinguished from the former – the elect, best, select, preeminent, excellent Christian individuals, highest ministers.” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Strong’s Concordance

​It is critical to understand that biblically and spiritually the overcomers, mature sons of God (“huios” sons as opposed to "teknon" or immature sons) and the made-ready bride/wife of Christ/The Lamb are one in the same. Romans 8:13-14, 19, 29; Revelation 3:21; 17:14; 19:7-9; 21:7. They represent the same level of spiritual maturity, fullness, representative authority and power and suitability for divine union and Kingdom leadership. And as illustrated throughout the Old and New Testaments, God’s maturation and becoming purposes for us require conflict. In that connection, the Bible presumes that we are conquerors, but we are charged to overcome and become even more than that: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37. And how do we fulfill that charge “to become more”? In large part, by walking out in faithful, overcoming warfare the intended fullness of the victory forerun by Christ and taking the fight to the dark spirits that rule, oppress and afflict this world, including satan himself and the “powers, principalities and rulers” and other higher-ups that orchestrate that evil campaign, and overcoming them with the God-given authority and power we carry in true oneness with the life of Christ in us. John 17:20-23. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against dark spirit powers of wickedness...and are to overcome them, the ways of the flesh and this world as He did. Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 4:15; John 16:33; Revelation 3:21; Romans 8:29; and many others.​​

Deceptions Today​

​This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of the false, unbiblical beliefs and teachings that exist within "the church" and "ministry" today. It is intended simply to be a concise list of some of the most prominent, misleading and damaging. Also, these falsities are not confined to "church" and "ministry" institutions. They are also prevalent in cultural "Christianity" outside of the walls of formalized churches and ministries, in people who call themselves Christians but who do not actually follow Christ and His ways/the Word of God.

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The Test of Knowing Him: "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:3-6

​"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness [those who do not obey the words of God]!’" Matthew 7:21-23

​“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity and purity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!...For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; 13-15

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​"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it...​Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified." Matthew 7:13-14; 2 Corinthians 13:5

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​​​​​​​​4. Portraying God in our image to suit our ways and desires instead of the true, whole nature and character of God as described in the Bible. Teaching unbiblical grace and not teaching the importance of reverentially fearing God.

​*(The God of the Old Testament is the same God of the New Testament - He does not change, and is the same yesterday, today and forever.)*

​"God is love; but He is also holy, light in Whom there is no darkness at all, and a consuming fire." 1 John 4:8; Revelation 4:8; 1 John 1:5; Hebrews 12:29​​

​[Jesus said] "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

​"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1

​​"For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh or a cloak for vice, but rather be bondservants of God." Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12

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​Below is an excellent except from a writing covering this issue posted on theberean.org. It's regarding the Israelites making their own golden calf image of God while Moses was up on the mountain getting the Ten Commandments. It succinctly hits the heart of this issue - trying to remake God and redefine His nature and character into a image that suits us and what we want instead of worshipping and obeying Him as He is, as described in His Word. The irony should not be overlooked that the people were doing this as faithful and obedient Moses was obtaining the commandments of God all were/are to obey.

​"These people were undoubtedly sincere, but God did not care for their sincerity one bit. Why? God saw this as an attempt by these people to control Him through redefining His nature. When we turn aside from the path, whether we realize it or not, we are beginning to redefine what He is according to our own thinking. If we think this is not a prevalent sin, Jesus says in Mark 7:7, "In vain do you worship Me teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." He is not saying that these people are not sincere, but they are not following the way of God. Like these Israelites, they proclaim their religion in the name of God though. Jesus also says in Luke 6:46, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not the things that I say?" That is what they were doing in Exodus 32."

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5. Not teaching the role of and purpose in God's judgments for sin and rewards and the criticalness of repentance and how we actually live day by day, whether led by God's Spirit/according to His Word or not. The consequences of disobedience, rebellion and sin.

​"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne." Psalm 89:14

"But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire
and like launderers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness." Malachi 3:2-3

"​The Lord is known by the judgment He executes." Psalm 9:16

"For we must allappear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men..." 2 Corinthians 5:10-11

"Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war." Revelation 19:11

"From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" Matthew 4:17

"Then He began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent..." Matthew 11:20

​"I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3, 5

"​So they went out and preached that people should repent." Mark 6:12

"For godly sorrow [for sin] produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

​​"​Then Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" Acts 2:32

"Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance." Matthew 3:8

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" Romans 6:1-2​

"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent." Revelation 3:19

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​​​6. Mysticism, New Age, Witchcraft, the Occult & the Like in "the Church" and "Ministry"

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." 1 Samuel 15:23. And what does such rebellion consist of? Not following the word of God. Id.

"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." Matthew 24:24

All of these things have this in common: They seek to accomplish something supernaturally and use means other than God's Holy Spirit. And what is the best way to discern them? By comparing them with the Word of God. The Holy Spirit proceeds from God, is the Spirit of Truth, and testifies of Jesus. John 15:26. Jesus is the Word of God and the Truth. John 1:1-2, 14; 14:6. Consequently, if something that is claimed to be or actually is supernatural does not line up with Scripture and testify of/point to/glorify Jesus it is not of the Holy Spirit and you should have nothing whatsoever to do with it, other than perhaps telling the participants to confess their sins to God, repent and come onto a path of biblical truth and government by the Holy Spirit. In that connection, one of the best, quickest and easiest ways to discern whether something is supernatural action of God or not is by comparing the action and consequence with the fruits of the Holy Spirit set forth in Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:9. For example, something that causes a person to act out of control and/or points to or glorifies a person other than Jesus is obviously not of the Holy Spirit. Also, an easy tell-tale sign is if what is being done or said is regarding a person's increase instead of the (unselfserving) revelation of the Kingdom of God and its advancement. The following links are for some very good videos that expand upon this and give actual examples of it within "the church" and "ministry".

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​​​7. Seeking After "Signs and Wonders" and Self Empowerment Instead of Seeking God Through Christ and His Word and Walking Out a Crucified Life (Not Walking as Jesus Walked)

​[Jesus said] "​'A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.' And He left them and departed." Matthew 16:4

[Jesus said] "Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself. He who does not take up his cross daily and follow after Me is not worthy of Me and cannot be my disciple. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." Mark 8:34-35; Matthew 10:38-39; 16:24-26; Luke 9:23; 14:27, John 12:25-26

"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." 1 John 2:3-6

​Signs and wonders were merely "accompanying" to the message of Christ/the Word of God. They were not the Gospel of Jesus Christ/the Message of the Kingdom of God. At times, they were used to attract attention and confirm the Person of Christ and His Gospel/the Message of the Kingdom/Word of God. We are not to seek them in and of themselves. We are only to seek God through Jesus Christ, His Word and Spirit. Mark 16:15, 17, 20; Matthew 6:33; Luke 12:31; Jeremiah 29:13

​"For we walk by faith and not by sight; faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God; and blessed are those have not seen but believe." 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:17; John 20:29

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"Jesus had miracles, but He never had a miracles crusade." Jacob Prasch, Moriel Ministries. In that connection, when Jesus did heal someone or perform some other miracle He often told them to keep quiet about it. Matthew 8:4; 9:30; Luke 5:14; Mark 1:44; 3:12; 5:43; 7:36. This is in stark contrast to the "signs and wonders," "healing," and "supernatural" ministries lauded, advertised and even "taught" in some "ministry schools" today. Quite simply and clearly, there is nothing in the Bible telling us to seek "miracle ministries". The Bible does, however, simply and clearly tell us to preach the Gospel, and that as we do, God, when He alone chooses to, will sometimesconfirm His Word with apparent signs  accompanying and following the preaching of it. Mark 16:15, 17, 20.

​​In the original Greek (“Christianos”), “Christian” means: a follower of Christ. Who does Jesus Himself say is truly a Christian? Someone who: 1) loves Him (Matthew 22:37; Luke 10:27; John 14:15; 21; 23-24); 2) believes[1] in Him and the Father and that He is who He says He is and does what He says He does (John 3:15, 18, 36; 5:24; 7:38-39); 3) is born again/indwelled by the Holy Spirit and becomes a new, spiritual creation (John 3:3, 5-7; 7:38-39; 14:17; Matthew 18:3); 4) abides in, keeps and does His/Father’s commandments and words (John 8:31-32; 14:15; 21; 23-24; 15:10, 14; Luke 8:15, 21); 5) hears His word and His voice (John 5:24; 10:16, 27; Luke 8:15, 21); 6) knows Him and is known by Him (Matthew 7:23; John 10:14, 27); 7) eats of His flesh and drinks of His blood (John 6:53); 8) denies himself – loses his worldly/fleshly life for His sake (Matthew 10:38; 16:24-26; Luke 9:23; 14:27); 9) takes up his cross daily (Id.); 10) follows after Him (Id.; John 10:27); 11) actually does the will of Father God (Matthew 7:21; Luke 8:15, 21); 12) is a disciple of His (Luke 14:27; Matthew 10:25, 38); 13) is a true vessel who abides in Him and in and through which His fruit is produced (Matthew 7:17-20; John 15:2; 5-6, 16; Luke 8:15); 14) shines forth His light in the world (Mathew 5:14-16); and 15) endures[2] to the end (Matthew 24:13).
[1] Per Strong’s and Vine’s:  to “believe” includes,  “also to be persuaded of, and hence, ‘to place confidence in, to trust,’ signifies, in this sense of the word, reliance upon, not mere credence. [And] to have faith directed to devoting and giving up one’s self to Jesus in intimate relationship, confidence, reliance upon and trust.”  [A mere mental acknowledgement, assent or belief without trust, devotion and dependence is not “believing” on Him and having faith in Him as Savior and Lord. We are to depend and lean on Him alone, fully trust Him with, and give over to Him the reins of our life. That is true, biblical "belief".]
[2] Per Strong’s and Vine’s, the original Greek word translated “endures” means: “to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee”; “to persevere: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one's faith in Christ”; “to cleave faithfully to”; “to abide under”; “to wait and endure and persevere patiently and trustfully.”

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