In our materialistic world today, there are products that many companies try to duplicate.  They are not the "Name Brand", but counterfeits of the real thing. 

 

So it is in the religious realm,  there are many spirits in the world, but there is only "One" Spirit of Jesus Christ.  These spirits work very hard on churches and religious groups.

 

Satan already has the sinner that is not serving God, but what about the church?  There is another gospel being preached today.  These spirits are teaching that doctrine doesn't matter anymore, holiness and godly conduct are not necessary.  "You just got to believe!" , they say.

 

Jesus made the following statement in Luke 12:51-53.  Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.  53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

 

Why did Jesus say that this would take place?  Jesus does bring peace to the believer.  Bit, what was He really saying here?  Jesus was saying that doctrine and the preaching of the gospel will cause people to be divided.  Division among religious groups is so common today.  Why?  The answer is found in our Scripture reading above.

 

The answer to division among families and religious groups is a "SPIRIT!"  It is a spirit of "another Jesus" that causes these divisions.  It may sound God-like, but they deny the doctrine that governs the true church.  The scripture clearly teaches about false prophets and teachers.  John warned us to "try the spirits." in 1 John 4:1-3.  But what are the conditions in "trying the spirits?" 

1) A false spirit does not believe that Jesus came in the flesh.  In other words, they do not believe that Jesus is "God" manifested in the flesh.  John 1:1, 14.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  14. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

2) Does the teacher preach the whole council of God?  Does he believe in the true biblical plan for salvation of; repentance, baptism in Jesus name and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.  (Acts 2:38)

 

3) Does the teacher believe in holiness on the inside and outside?  The Bible clearly teaches abstaining from worldly looks, actions and conduct.  The "another gospel" spirit is one based on emotionalism, pride and self-believism.  They teach that you "just have to believe"  and the doctrine and standards which are clearly seen in scripture are not necessary to be saved.

 

Jude said in verse 3, "Contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints."  That means to hold on to truth and don't compromise.  In closing, many claim to love Jesus, bot a lot are not "keeping His commandments."    Hold on to the faith that was once delivered unto the saints

 

 

 

 

 

Last modified on Sunday, 25 August 2019