#Beware of false teachers
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hopeatemyneeds · 6 months ago
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I thought my good deeds made me good and worthy of God's favor, but my selfish pride was causing me to decay and deceive myself. I could look outward and see the injustice of life, think about how horrible suffering is, and question why without any answers. I, myself, kept repeating the agonizing cycles of life due to the self-imposed suffering I caused, which became a self-fulfilling prophecy until I became conscious of it. While the main focus was on myself, there was always a feeling of incompleteness that left me blind to my own self-centeredness. But how would I know if since childhood, the fallen world has encouraged me to act in my own best interest by following my own will? It's advised that you strive for excellence, do what's right, be honest, work hard, and achieve success! Be somebody! But following the world has led me to a life of endless disappointments, sadness, deceptions, false hopes, and dreams. I had all the characteristics that are supposed to make a 'winner', such as humility, strength, perseverance, kindness, and honesty. But what weight did it carry if all it did was leave me feeling empty and filled with the noise of the world around me affirming my greatness? Rather than giving me the strength or perseverance, the world was operating according to its own will, following what each individual believes to be appropriate for them. That's how it has been and has been for eons. We're not that special. We're just chasing an illusionary tail that when caught can just slip away at any time. If I am like them, how can I point the finger at anyone else? My relentless pursuit of meaning resulted in my complete unrest with myself.
I made the decision to go to church, but I discovered that Jesus was depicted as always loving and happy, which seemed disjointed. Initially, it felt good. But…what can I do about the present after being forgiven for my past? Continue living happily ever after with sunshine and rainbows because I have been forgiven? Just continue the drinking Kool-Aid and stay high on Jesus? I found that it was ok to continue living life as I had before, and nothing changed in my heart except for feeling good. Who was Jesus in this church and why was there no contrition? I left that church because I had a suspicion that something was wrong. My eagerness to uncover all the reasons and ways of life were shattered when the church consisted of motivational speeches and a rock concert. I got a bible and searched for answers while also asking God for them. I was searching for truth, but I had no idea what I was seeking. At the right time, I unexpectedly came across the unveiling. God responded to my prayer and revealed the state of my heart to me. Through the use of scripture and YouTube videos, I discovered this truth, which is also found in Mark 7: 20-23:
“He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
I am aware that I am guilty in God's eyes. Although I am not directly responsible for murder, I am responsible for harboring hatred towards certain individuals, which is equivalent to sin in God's eyes due to my heart's condition. Living in arrogance, well, I had plenty of that too, among many other things that God showed me were not good, which is why I was in a constant state of unrest.
I was brought to Him by His grace, but I first had to examine the truth in my heart that I was avoiding due to my own righteous deception. My heart was filled with wickedness, and that's the truth.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
‭‭John‬: ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬
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thinkingonscripture · 8 months ago
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When Jesus Says: “I Never Knew You”
Towards the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7), Jesus warned His disciples to “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt 7:15). These false prophets will bear bad fruit (Matt 7:16-20), which is their false teachings and demonically empowered miracles. These pseudo-prophets are deceived, thinking they’re doing…
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an-unanonymous-messenger · 3 months ago
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I ran across an article speaking about how "it says nowhere in the Bible that Jesus died for our sins". This is a heresy. It does indeed say in many places in the Bible that Jesua died for our sins. It even holds record about Jesus foretelling His death many times before He died. All the four Gospel accounts hold evidence of it. It is even written in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles. Even the prophecies throughout the Old Testament, from beginning to end. Be careful who you listen to, for he may be a false teacher. You can find it throughout the Bible about Jesus laying down His life as a ransom for the whole world. There is a reason why He said He's the Good Shepherd. As Jesus says, as written in John 10:11 - "I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." He as our Good Shepherd has authority to lay down His life and to take it back (John 10:18). He did indeed come to give His life for all, and it is finished. Let us therefore turn to our Good Shepherd, Who knows the right way to the Kingdom of God.
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mybeautifulchristianjourney · 7 months ago
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False Teachers
If someone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not greet [welcome] that person or accept [receive] them into your house. — 2 John 1:10 | Expanded Bible (EXB) The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved. Cross References: 1 Kings 13:16; Acts 15:23; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:14; Titus 3:10; 2 John 1:10
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brianbachochin · 2 months ago
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Higher education in the Last Days
Scripture: John 18:38, John 17:17, John 14:6, 1 Cor. 15, Matthew 5-7, Proverbs 9:10, Ecclesiastes 12:11-14, Acts 4:13, 1 Tim. 3:7, 1 Peter 3:15
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The Dark Side Of The Music Industry: Rock, Country, CCM-Contemporary Christian Music.
The History of Satanic Music: Ezekiel 28:13 “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” This combined with other verses tells…
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rose-maidenn · 5 months ago
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🔹️Pick a card🔹️
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Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life
What are they targeting about you
Hey guys , hope yall are doing well , as the Saturn retrograde goes may it break all your foes . Take a deep breath and choose with your intuition , if you like the reading consider a reblog , feedback or booking as it really helps me kiss kiss
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Pile 1 :
Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life
Social media babe you're following a con and taking relationship advice from a novice , it's led you with false notions you will need some time to break free but recognise and realise it before it's too late , also a friend, their name maybe from n or t might have long shiny hair and talk too sweet almost devilish , they're manipulating you into doing them favours I would ask you to be beware as you're gonna be feeling disintegrated , I feel something like destiny swapping is happening here like copying you a lot or your gestures as well you're too innocent love wake up please .
What are they targeting about you
You want a guide in your life so you followed the influencer but you can find better guides I'm sure and if you resonate with the friend part they're targeting your forgiving nature they think they can easily take from you what makes you unique and then you won't bat an eye is pathetic like I also get something about a black dress have they borrowed something if yes ask them to return asap.
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Pile 2 :
Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life?
A religious person or an authority figure , they're so homophobic or orthodox it's making you question yourself . This person might be a teacher as well , there's so much if your potential but they're forcing you to do something that's so limiting it's almost like you wasting your own potential ik it sucks , it could also be a sibling who are projecting their burn out in their life onto you .
What are they targeting about you
They're targeting your lack of clarity in your life they think you don't know who you are so they hit you in the nail , your developmental years were spent with them so you're attached to them in a way you think they know you so much but remember you know yourself the best.
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Pile 3 :
Who is the main gaslighter/ manipulater in your life ?
It's your dusty ass boyfriend or crush or situationship, they also wanna be treated like a princess and are cheap and stingy , idk why you're with them tbh look at you 😭 people would kill for you , idk it also feels as if they're belittling your values or culture like someone wants to get straight hair because they feel they'll look prettier to their bf
What are they targeting about you ?
Worst of all they're targeting your love towards them they target your lack of identity and try to fill spaces in your self discovery journey , as lonely as the journey maybe it is solely yours so if they don't understand they must go alright love.
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Thank you for reading love love 💗
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thewordfortheday · 4 months ago
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“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-16
It is so easy to be deceived by false prophets who sound good, and promote good, when they are ultimately destructive. You can tell them by what they omit rather than what they include, omitting from the whole counsel of God. They come as wolves dressed as sheep. The most ravenous of animals disguised as the most harmless of animals. This is the deceitfulness of the false prophets. You will know them by their fruit- their behavior, and their deeds. But the greatest test is their teaching. Does it line up with the Word of God? If not, it is false. This means we must know our Bibles ourselves. The best defense against a counterfeit is to know the original. Let's read the scriptures and be well-versed in it, and be rooted in the truth, so that, when we hear a false teacher, we will be able to discern instantly and flee from them. 
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honesty-my-policy · 9 months ago
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Resources/Sources against HAMAS + more [re-organization of previous posted resources]
LONG POST - WILL PUT A READ MORE - SEE UNDER IT FOR MORE RESOURCES.
Sources/places that have uncensored footage from the Oct. 7th attack. For anyone who needs a reality check or needs to smack someone with a reality check.
THIS FOOTAGE IS UNCENSORED AND HIGHLY DISTURBING BUT IMPORTANT TO HISTORY. I HAVE WATCHED A LARGE COMPILATION AND IT STILL RUNS THROUGH MY MIND ALL DAY.
https://www.october7thattack.com/
https://oct7th.org/
https://www.hamasvideo.com/
https://theworldwatch.com/tags/hamas/
https://www.hamas-massacre.net/
important websites + articles they have posted
UN Watch - https://unwatch.org/about-us/our-work/
Fact Checking UNRWA Claims About Teachers and Education
Hamas stole 36,000 liters of fuel from UN warehouses
Group of 3,000 UNRWA teachers celebrates Hamas massacre and rape
UN staff celebrate Hamas massacre
The Case against UNRWA from UN Watch - link
2023-Report-UNRWA-pdf - link
Report: Red Cross Statements ‘Overwhelmingly’ Biased Against Israel - link
Honest Reporting - https://honestreporting.com/about/
Desperate Media Accuse Israel of ‘War Crime’ Over Killing of Terrorists in Daring Hospital Raid
Media Accused Israel of ‘Strike’ on Palestinians Who Died in Gaza City Aid Truck Stampede
Council on Foreign Relations -https://www.cfr.org/about
What is HAMAS? Link
The Sunni-Shia Divide - link
MeForum - https://www.meforum.org/about/
A Primer on Hamas; Part 4: Who Are the Palestinians? - link
Countering ‘Pro-Palestine’ Propaganda Part 4: Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing - link
Countering ‘Pro-Palestine’ Propaganda Part 5: Gaza is an Open-Air Prison - link
Countering ‘Pro-Palestine’ Propaganda Part 6: Palestinian Refugees’ Right of Return - link
Israel Can Trust Hamas - To Keep Its Promises - link
The Rhetoric of Nonsense - link
The Wilson Center - https://www.wilsoncenter.org/about
Digital Deception: Disinformation’s Impact in the Israel-Hamas War - link
Hamas: Words and Deeds… - link 
Hamas over-reporting civilian casualties in Gaza, again - link
Misc Articles (find the about page yourself if you care enough) -
Hamas use of human shields in Gaza (pdf) - link
Intelligence Reveals Details of U.N. Agency Staff’s Links to Oct. 7th Attack - link
Don’t erase our history: The Jewish people are indigenous to the land of Israel - link
Hamas’s October 7th Attack: Visualizing the Data - link
Teaching Terror: How Hamas Radicalizes Palestinian Society - link
Why Hamas is an Unreliable Source and How Many Reporters Fail to Disclose this - link
Misc Resources -
The Complete List of the 1030 Jewish Expulsions in Human History (pdf) - link
Educational Posts made by rootsmetal -
Palestine and the Holocaust
Hamas's Islamism
we are treated differently
evidence (there's plenty)
teaching hatred
united nations
lies about 1948
was there peace before 1948?
HAMAS Guidelines to Social Media (excerpts)
Anyone killed or martyred is to be called a civilian from Gaza or Palestine, before we talk about his status in jihad or his military rank. Don't forget to always add 'innocent civilian' or 'innocent citizen' in your description of those killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Begin [your reports of] news of resistance actions with the phrase 'In response to the cruel Israeli attack,' and conclude with the phrase 'This many people have been martyred since Israel launched its aggression against Gaza.' Be sure to always perpetuate the principle of 'the role of the occupation is attack, and we in Palestine are fulfilling [the role of] the reaction.'
Beware of spreading rumors from Israeli spokesmen, particularly those that harm the home front. Be wary regarding accepting the occupation's version [of events]. You must always cast doubts on this [version], disprove it, and treat it as false.
The interior ministry prepared a series of suggestions specifically for Palestinian activists who speak to Westerners via social media. The ministry emphasizes that conversations with them should be conducted differently from conversations with other Arabs.
When speaking to the West, you must use political, rational, and persuasive discourse, and avoid emotional discourse aimed at begging for sympathy. There are elements with a conscience in the world; you must maintain contact with them and activate them for the benefit of Palestine. Their role is to shame the occupation and expose its violations.
Avoid entering into a political argument with a Westerner aimed at convincing him that the Holocaust is a lie and deceit; instead, equate it with Israel's crimes against Palestinian civilians.
The narrative of life vs. the narrative of blood: [When speaking] to an Arab friend, start with the number of martyrs. [But when speaking] to a Western friend, start with the number of wounded and dead. Be sure to humanize the Palestinian suffering. Try to paint a picture of the suffering of the civilians in Gaza and the West Bank during the occupation's operations and its bombings of cities and villages.
Do not publish photos of military commanders. Do not mention their names in public, and do not praise their achievements in conversations with foreign friends!
Recently I came across a bunch more ancient/old maps of the Middle East, Near East, Levant, Israel, and others. Some are remakes as the old ones were degraded or unable to be scanned, some are historian estimates of what the area looked like at the times, others are actual scans of maps from back in the day. I will link specific maps of interest but also databases below. I will link the maps first and the databases they are from above them.
David Rumsey Historical Map Collection (over 130,000 maps and related images online)
Alte Welt: Städte. (Old world: cities)
No. 1: General map of the countries mentioned in the Bible
No. 2: Map of the journeyings of the Israelites : in the desert
Turkey. Middle East. Ancient World
American Society of Overseas Research (online resources)
The Ancient Near East: The Hellenistic World c. 200 BCE
Neo-Hittite and Aramean States
Iron Age IIIv2 Empires
The National Library of Israel
Specific search for maps of Israel
Map History (part of the virtual library)
Index
Gallica (digital library of the National France Library and its partners + I don’t know if it’s just my browser but switching the language to English didn’t work much so it was mostly in French)
Database
Maps
W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research (Digital Collection)
Palestine of the Old Testament
Historic Map Works
ASIA/recens summa/cura delineata
United Nations Archives
Map Collection of the League of Nations + UNOG
Library of Congress World Digital Library
Map Collection
links to previous posts containing the same resources in case i missed any - link
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birdybirdvillagetown · 20 days ago
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More truth..
People please listen Jesus christ is the way and the truth..no one else is,he is the only way to the father. Theres a bible verse that says and we qoute.
John 14:6
6 "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
With that being said no one else comes to the father except through Jesus Christ and only jesus christ. That means all these other false gods that are demons dont come to him at all.
Speaking..of false gods..those are demons pretending to be gods even though they are not gods at all..only pretending..
Please people you need to wake up God is the only one who can save you from damnation. You need to come to the gospel the true gospel that teaches what is true and right by the word of God. God is the only God out there.
There is no one above him at all. He is the only true God. Yaweh is the only true God to ever exist. He is self existing he existed in the beginning and made everything. He is the only one who existed in the way beginning then he made everything. He is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient.
Theres a lie..that is told by the devil..and the lie is..is that we can become gods..but we cant..that is a blasphemous lie..that the devil..and his demons had told..no one can become a god at all..us humans dont have that power or ability..its not possible..
Demons are not gods at all..They are false gods that us humans have worshipped in the past and still are worshipping today..
For example idols/celebrities humans are worshipping them like their gods even though they are not. They are just regular human beings they arent gods at all. They cannot save you at all. They have no power or abilities at all. They are just ordinary people but people today worship them.
Now..not for us to change the subject but heres a bible verse..we wanted to share this verse with you guys..and we qoute
Galatians 1:6-12 New King James Version (NKJV)
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed."
Heres another one and we qoute
Mathew 7:15
"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves."
With that being said Jesus is warning his disciples and his children to be careful of false teachers and false prophets who teach the wrong gospel the gospel full of blasphemous teaching and lies.
Were..telling all of you guys the truth on here because we care..about you guys..and want you guys to be open to the truth..the real truth about God and christ..not the blasphemous lies that these demons..and false prophets/teachers have said..the real truth about God and christ..
We dont want anyone falling in the hands of the devil and ultimately going to hell. We want you guys to have a eternal peaceful life with christ. So with that being said May God bless you all and have a merry christmas.
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i-don-world · 1 month ago
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Beware Of False Teachers And Hypocrites Posing As Friends
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Santo ... you are a consummate prick
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holystormfire · 10 months ago
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What should have our attention?
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Ecclesiastes 7:13
Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?
John 5:19
So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”
We should pay attention to what God is doing and the way he is working in our lives and in the world around us.
Hebrews 2:3-4
So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.
Luke 8:18
So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.
1 Corinthians 2:2
For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.
We should pay attention to the message Jesus has for us. What Jesus says is reinforced by who he is—God’s Son. If Jesus was not God’s Son, he would be incapable of raising us from the dead. He would have no power to save us and take us to heaven. Think of the most important person on earth. If that person wanted to talk with you, would you listen? Would you give him or her your full attention? How much more important is the Son of God!
Psalm 119:78
I will concentrate on your commandments.
2 Peter 1:19
Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.
God’s Word deserves our attention. Through his Word, God speaks to us and brings us life that last forever.
Proverbs 16:20
Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.
Proverbs 19:27
If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge.
Proverbs 22:17
Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction.
Proverbs 5:13
Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
Proverbs 5:1
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
It’s essential to pay attention to the instruction we receive from God’s Word and from wise counselors or teachers. If we don’t, we may be turning our backs on God himself.
Matthew 7:15
Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.
Matthew 16:11-12
Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
We must be alert to the deception of false prophets and false teachers, those who twist God’s Word to make it say whatever they want. Pay attention to their wiles, but not their words. If a person is not speaking for God, we should not accept that person’s teaching as from God.
Mark 13:32-33
However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!
Luke 21:31, 34-36
In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near . . . Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6
But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.
Be prepared for the day when Jesus promised he would return again by paying attention to the way you live. Live as if he is coming back today.
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Matthew 26:41
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!
Your prayer life deserves your focused attention. That’s how you best connect to God himself.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
1 Timothy 4:16
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:8
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
The growth and strengthening of our spiritual lives deserves our attention. If it pays to exercise our bodies so we keep them healthy, how much more it pays to build our souls so they are healthy.
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an-unanonymous-messenger · 3 months ago
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Nowadays, we look around and see many people claiming to be the Messiah, but are nothing more than regular people aiming to gain a following and attention from others, sadly even those chosen by God. This does not align with the arrival of the One True Messiah, whose arrival will be seen by all the earth (Matthew 24:27). And all these false prophets are no lesser danger, for both can deceive people with sweet talk and signs they show to deceive people. This is why we need to be sober and stay awake, in order not to be the next victim of their lies and trickery. Their teachings do not align with the Word of God given to us to discern them, even though it would seem like they actually know the Word of God best. Keep checking the Word and you'll see. What comes after them is the worst. The antichrist will come, who exalts himself over everything considered a god, even the only True God Himself, making himself appear as God, deceiving people with signs and wonders by the power of satan. But this isn't our end, for the Lord promised to come and destroy him, and His promises are not false. Be careful our there not to be deceived by another "prophet" or "messiah" luring people into deceit.
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mybeautifulchristianjourney · 2 months ago
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You MUST Beware of These False Teachers You may know about Benny Hinn and Creflo Dollar, but do you know about Isaiah Saldivar, Daniel Kolenda, or Alexander Pagani?
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brianbachochin · 4 months ago
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Why doesn't the Holy Spirit convict believers who follow false teaching?
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wolint · 5 months ago
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MANIPULATION!
MANIPULATION
Leviticus 25:17
Manipulating is negotiating, controlling, or influencing people and situations for one’s advantage. Spiritual manipulation is a technique used to control individuals and acquire gain while giving the impression that their teachings are based on the Bible.
There are always people who use manipulation to get their way, both mental and physical manipulations. Or maybe you are the one manipulating other people for your advantage. At the heart of manipulation is oppression, cheating, and lying, which the enemy uses as his tools of the trade. We hear Jesus say so clearly in John 8:44, and 1 Samuel 15:23 compares manipulation to witchcraft.
So many have fallen into manipulative relationships that are not letting up because the manipulator is good at using emotional blackmail to victimize others. They missed 1 Corinthians 13, which tells us that love is not to harm others. Greedy false teachers use manipulation daily to lie to people in the name of the gospel to take their resources, time, and money from them.
God does not manipulate people because God’s nature would not permit this. He is holy, just, perfect, and all-powerful. He gives people the choice to obey and do His will or disobey and suffer the consequences. The choice is ultimately ours, but He may sometimes motivate us to clearly see the benefits of the right choice. God also guides and disciplines, but He never manipulates.
As 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, manipulators appear as real to exploit our weaknesses, stroke our pride, and assure us that following them and doing whatever they tell us is best for us, just as Satan does with his lies and manipulations. He is artful in his many ploys to bring us under his control.
Paul was appalled at the manipulation of the Galatians in 3:1, especially since they knew the truth, the same way we should be appalled at the manipulation of those around us, either by the enemy or someone they know. Manipulators are among the list that 2 Timothy 3:1-6 commands us to avoid, saying that they creep into lives and homes for destruction.
Ephesians 4:25 encourages believers not to engage in manipulation or take advantage of others in any way, especially the vulnerable. We must always speak truth to everyone and not use manipulating words or actions of falsehood on our neighbours, friends, and families for our benefit.
Manipulators are self-serving, and Romans 16:18 says they are not serving Christ; they are serving their interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent and vulnerable people. Even when, according to Luke 16:15, they justify themselves in the eyes of others, God knows their hearts.
We must be careful when dealing with manipulative people, especially when they are within our families. It’s very easy to mistake manipulation for caring, and it’s equally important that we don’t allow ourselves to be manipulated in any way. We may be manipulated to part with things we don’t wish to because we’ve been made to feel guilty for what we have, but nobody has the right to use blackmailing words to cheat us out of what rightly belongs to us.
Victims of manipulation, spiritual, emotional, or any other, seldom realize that they’re being manipulated. Spiritual manipulation occurs daily in churches and ministries, and it’s often hidden under the “thus says the Lord” message. Beware of the demand for obedience, unquestioning submission, punishment for not obeying certain rules (loss of privileges, shunning, or expulsion), misplaced loyalty, emphasis on your performance, and isolation or exclusion from general activities.
We must all be alert to spiritual manipulation and obey Matthew 10:16 to be “shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
PRAYER: Lord, help me always remember that Your Spirit is in me. May I not quench His power in me but unleash His against the spirit of manipulation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Shalom
WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN.
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