This is a Test... but it isn't ONLY a Test
GodWords Newsletter #111
Your continued support is a great encouragement to me. Thank you all! ❤️
While waiting for class to start, I asked my high school friend Michelle if she was ready for today’s test. Her answer: “Oh, I’m going to flunk.”
I was shocked. She seemed to work hard in class, and took school pretty seriously. I goofed around a lot, and took school far less seriously, and I was going to ace the test. I asked her whether she had studied, and she said that - of course - she had studied. She was still going to fail, because she was bad at taking tests. She had to do lots of extra credit just to pass the class… and she wasn’t dumb.
I’ll bet that you’re not dumb, either. If you’re reading GodWords, or this newsletter, chances are you’re pretty smart. You don’t have to be smart to read my stuff, but it seems like most of you are anyway. My hope is that, when you see what the Bible says about testing, you’ll be able pass with flying colors.
Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. - 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
I get emails almost every day from someone, somewhere in the world, who wants to know whether this teacher or that preacher can be trusted. In a whole lot of emails, the person they name has claimed that God told them something, and then they make some prophetic pronouncement. Most of these are so vague they can’t be verified, and most of the rest are wrong.
Last month’s kerfuffle about the rapture is a good example. Some guy (I won’t share his name, as he deserves no more attention) claimed that the rapture would happen on September 23 or 24. When it didn’t happen, he said he’d made a mistake, and claimed, “The 7th and 8th of October is the real Feast of the Trumpets. I’m a billion percent sure.”
Of course, the 7th and 8th have come and gone. Do you really think God would get this wrong? I don’t. What should we do when we hear about this stuff? Maybe we should check in with Proverbs 14:15.
The simple believe anything,
but the prudent give thought to their steps.
Let’s not be simple. Let’s remember 1 John 4:1…
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Of course, every time I write about false prophets and failed prophecies, some internet rando tries to tell me how this teacher or that preacher has been misunderstood, or is just trying their best, or has helped so many people. If you’re one of those people, don’t bother writing to me about your favorite guru.
In case you’re a sensitive person who doesn’t want to judge other people, there’s a verse specifically for you. The apostle Paul wrote about immoral people in the church, greedy people in the church, and swindlers in the church. If the person you listen to claims to be a Christian, here are his instructions:
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked person from among you. - 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
You CAN pass this test. Study for it by reading God’s Word. If you’re a believer, the Holy Spirit will help you understand it. Do your homework. Test all things.
I’m here to help, if you need a boost. Just get in touch!
I love you all.
❤️
Revival and Apologetics
However much you may dispute the signs of decline, it is safe to say that America is not in the middle of a Christian revival. Can apologetics play a role in revival?
Modern Worldviews and the Deity of Christ
One of the most common objections to Christianity is that Jesus didn’t claim to be God… so Christians who say that He is God must be wrong. The objection is simply made in ignorance. This is the first in a series that I recommend.
The Goal of the War
Ronin reminds us that we ARE in a war, but it’s not like any other war. We do have a goal, but that goal is as counter-intuitive as the gospel is.
2 Tools Men Need to Weather Life’s Storms
If you feel like you’ve spent the last few years circling the drain, waiting for the tide to subside, Brandon has some advice for you.
“Spiritual but not religious” is just another way of saying “I want the comfort of meaning without the discomfort of truth.”
Blue Skies
Bryan Duncan has a huge catalog of great songs, from his days with Sweet Comfort Band to his long solo career and beyond. He’s a wacky, fun guy with a golden voice, and I recommend everything he’s published.
Lyrics and links at Awesome Christian Music.
I saw a clearing in the clouds today
Much to my surprise
The winds of change are blowing love my way
Sure as the sun is gonna rise
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Thanks for linking!
Thanks for the clear teaching. There are so many things we can know with confidence.