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Know what you believe - 1 John 4:1


October 16, 2011

1 John 4:1 (GW) Dear friends, don't believe all people who say that they have the Spirit. Instead, test them. See whether the spirit they have is from God, because there are many false prophets in the world.

Reading has always been my favorite thing, hobby and passion. Since I’ve come into a living and vital relationship with the Lord, an entire world of new learning has opened up to me. This includes an understanding of God’s Word – the Bible. As I explore the Bible and all the beliefs (religions, etc.), it has become so apparent to me that I must be careful what I allow to enter my mind. This is also vitally important because social media provides countless opportunities for exposure to alternative ways of thinking that disguise themselves as “Christian.”

Beware of everything you see, hear or read.

As the Holy Spirit opens my mind and heart to the truth of God’s Word as written in the Bible, I recently confirmed that a “religious” television program that I had been fascinated by isn’t teaching God’s word accurately. I was only able to discern this because I have knowledge of the Bible. It’s interesting that I always wondered about that program – something didn’t seem quite right.

It’s very scary to think that many people are deceived by churches, television evangelists, cults and countless others who talk the right talk. Friends – we are in a real spiritual war. Satan can be a smooth-talking “Christian” snake disguised as someone who is out for your best interests. Beware. The only way you can know the truth is when you have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe and you know what the Word says.

Don’t let religious systems or your family’s traditions and the opinions of others sway you from the truth.

Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Read the Bible for yourself. Do research.


Understand Apologetics - the branch of theology concerned with the defense or proof of Christianity. Discern for yourself if what you’ve been taught is truth.

There’s a real battle for your soul. But you must know there’s a war if you are going to defend yourself.




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