I have been given spiritual discernment myself; so I could be biased here. I can't help but observe how lacking it appears to be in the church today; including those who seem to possess the other "signs and wonders" gifts. It seems those who are "cessationists" (a viewpoint I'm still trying to iron out) are on the opposite end with those who routinely practice tongues (usually the dominant gift claimed to be happening in Pentacostal and/or Charismatic congregations. There are some on YouTube; usually those formerly in New Age or other occult practices who are familiar with false signs and demonic manifestations; but those who regularly attend the Mega churches never seem to discuss this subject. If anyone knows a good study from a Charismatic brother on knowing the differences I would like to know about it.
When we study the verse stating that if any spirit says that Christ came in the flesh it is from God ( 1 John 4:2) and vice versa we need to pay attention to the emphasis here. It doesn't say that any PERSON claiming Christ came in the flesh is from God; just any spirit BEHIND that person; group or organization. If it was that easy Satan would be giving away His plans too easily.
It is the "angel of light" we ought to be most concerned about here. ( 2 Cor. 1:14). Certainly; terrible possessions and oppressions can make clear that there is a demonic entity behind the torment. The power of Satan is only over a believer if he yields to sin. The opposite is true; from my own experience we cannot sin with impunity as we did before; the enemy LOVES to oppress us if we succumb to weakness and don't trust God. I am convinced the Lord uses that often in our sanctification process. In any event; it is clear who has won the war; but if we think there aren't battles then our spiritual armor is badly taken care of or missing altogether.
True Holy Spirit manifestation satisfies the soul while increasing hunger and thirst for righteousness.
I have been given spiritual discernment myself; so I could be biased here. I can't help but observe how lacking it appears to be in the church today; including those who seem to possess the other "signs and wonders" gifts. It seems those who are "cessationists" (a viewpoint I'm still trying to iron out) are on the opposite end with those who routinely practice tongues (usually the dominant gift claimed to be happening in Pentacostal and/or Charismatic congregations. There are some on YouTube; usually those formerly in New Age or other occult practices who are familiar with false signs and demonic manifestations; but those who regularly attend the Mega churches never seem to discuss this subject. If anyone knows a good study from a Charismatic brother on knowing the differences I would like to know about it.
When we study the verse stating that if any spirit says that Christ came in the flesh it is from God ( 1 John 4:2) and vice versa we need to pay attention to the emphasis here. It doesn't say that any PERSON claiming Christ came in the flesh is from God; just any spirit BEHIND that person; group or organization. If it was that easy Satan would be giving away His plans too easily.
It is the "angel of light" we ought to be most concerned about here. ( 2 Cor. 1:14). Certainly; terrible possessions and oppressions can make clear that there is a demonic entity behind the torment. The power of Satan is only over a believer if he yields to sin. The opposite is true; from my own experience we cannot sin with impunity as we did before; the enemy LOVES to oppress us if we succumb to weakness and don't trust God. I am convinced the Lord uses that often in our sanctification process. In any event; it is clear who has won the war; but if we think there aren't battles then our spiritual armor is badly taken care of or missing altogether.
True Holy Spirit manifestation satisfies the soul while increasing hunger and thirst for righteousness.
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