Every so often we come across a new doctrine or practice in the church and wonder where it came from. And even some older doctrines in the church bear scrutiny from time to time.
What is important for all Christians is to seek and find the truth.
But, given the vast array of doctrines, teachings, and practises, it can be hard to sort the wheat from the chaff.
False doctrines
The Lord warns us many times to beware of false prophets and false teachers. He tells us not to listen to them and that we will know them by their fruits.
Just as we can tell one tree from another by the fruit it bears, so too with people.
Teachers in the church should teach the truth. Even more than that, they should live the truth. But if they are wolves in sheep’s clothing, teaching a message that is not scriptural or for personal gain, then reject them.
Actions speak louder than words
False teachers will be found out because their lives bear testimony to what is in their heart. Every person acts out what is in their heart. A good person will do good, and an evil person will do evil.
False prophets or false teachers will try to hide who they are to gain an advantage, but they cannot do it for long. The truth of who they are will surface for all to see. They will say one thing and do another because they cannot do otherwise. They are hypocrites, who act righteous and pious, but the intention of their hearts is destruction.
Modern false doctrines
Recently, someone wrote to me asking about receiving the Holy Spirit. They were worried and concerned because they had seen some charismatic preachers doing all manner of strange and odd behaviours. They mentioned things like being “slain in the Spirit” as just one example.
Other odd practises that I am aware include laughing in the Spirit, being drunk in the Spirit, and barking like a dog supposedly under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
This person wondered if it was dangerous to receive the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues in light of these things. They were scared to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and all that it entails.
Seeking the truth
The truth of these things is so far from what is being practised in those churches as to be as far as east is from the west!
So, how do we seek and find the truth? With such practises taking place in some churches and being touted by well-known ministers, what is the truth?
The truth is what is written in the scriptures. God has given us the book of truth so that we can find the truth and follow Jesus according to the will of God.
I often refer to the Bible as the “Book of Answers.” It is a book filled with answers to all situations we may come across. So, let’s test these false practises against scripture to show that they are false and completely opposed to God’s word.
Finding the truth in scripture
People who fall under these practises say that they were overtaken by the Spirit who caused them to be “slain,” or to bark, laugh, fall over like a drunk, and so on.
Nothing could be further from the truth. The scripture says this:
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear” (Romans chapter 8, verse 15)
The Holy Spirit does not take a person over and cause them to do anything. The Holy Spirit does not enslave us but is given to us to help us by transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ.
To emphasise this point even further, the scripture says:
“…and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians chapter 14, verses 32-33)
This scripture reinforces the one above saying, in relation to prophecy, the Spirit is subject to the prophet. And it is the same for all people. The Holy Spirit is subject to the person in whom the Spirit dwells.
And if that isn’t enough, the rest of the verse tells us that God is not a God of confusion but of peace. Those practises mentioned above are the height of confusion, and if you have ever been in a church where they have occurred, or seen videos of such things, I am sure you will be utterly confused too.
How do you find the truth?
There are two things only that we need to find the truth. We need to read the word of God which is the word of truth, and we need to pray and ask the Lord to reveal the truth to us.
"Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (Matthew chapter 7, verses 7-8)
This is the pathway to finding the truth. Read the Bible, compare and test the doctrines you see against the word of God, and ask Him to reveal the truth. It really is that simple.
Since retiring from work, John Lemmon now spends his time teaching, preaching and writing about the word of God, online and offline, answering God's call on him to “Speak to my people.” You can connect with John on Twitter (@JohnBLemmon) or on his website: freegiftfromgod.com/ or listen to his podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/the-free-gift-from-god-podcast/id1440682375