Discernment

[Ron Ben Yaakov]

Discernment is God's equipment for the true believer, better known as the gift of "discerning of spirits" [1 Corinthians 12:10]; yet many of God's people are not using this gift to recognize evil when it is lurking in the shadows. It is a dangerous move to refuse discernment; otherwise, a person will be deceived, starting him/her on the road of deception. The Webster's Dictionary defines "discernment" as "the faculty of discerning; discrimination; acuteness of judgment and understanding."

The Apostle Paul penned this profound truth in the book of Hebrews: "But strong meat (i.e., solid food) belongeth to them that are of full age (i.e., mature), even those who by reason of use (i.e., practice) have their senses exercised (i.e., trained) to discern both good and evil" [Hebrews 5:14, emphasis added]. The expression "them that are of full age" refers to those who are grown up; those who are mature in Messiah. What does this tell us? If you analyze the whole scenario, not many of God's people are engrossed in the Word of God, which enables them to discern good and evil. This decision-making proves that a large majority of believers are disobeying the commandment: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" [2 Timothy 2:15]. In other words, if a person is apathetic with personal Bible study, it's impossible to have this gift operating freely in his life. Therefore, unless a believer exercises his "senses...to discern both good and evil," it's impossible for the LORD to elevate him in understanding the true Doctrine of Messiah. In order for a believer to be able to discern both good and evil, he must get into the habit (if I may use that term) of exercising this gift. Believers who exercise the gift of discernment will appreciate and understand biblical truth and will reject what is false. Plain and simple!

Do you suppose that most of us live on the borders of consciousness? Isn't it true that we consciously serve in our congregations, our communities, and far away mission fields; and we are consciously devoted to God in all aspects of Christianity? We recognize great needs everywhere we turn; yet, we fail to discern as God intended for us in our walk with Him. When we live this way, this is a sign of not being mature in the LORD; we have not begun to exercise our senses to discern both good and evil.

It is a constant battle to keep our thoughts on our heavenly Father and His Word. Isn't this true? The enemy penetrates our souls by engaging in the affairs of this life, which in return, distracts our minds from God. A sure sign that we have lost our focus on God is when we are distracted from faith in God. When we are distracted, this is not pleasing to the Father: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him" [Hebrews 11:6, emphasis added]. Hence, if we are not coming to God by faith, as well as diligently seeking Him, this means our confidence is no longer in Him, but in the flesh which wars against the Spirit.

Cont'd....

[Ron Ben Yaakov]

We must be wide awake, recognizing that the cares of this world produce a wrong attitude in our souls. A good example is when people advertise their "calling" to do something for God. However, in order to do something for God, they begin asking people for money. Some call it "seed" faith: "Just plant your seed of giving, then watch God multiply your income!" Don't you suppose God is able to supply all of your need without begging for money? Yes, He is more than able. Then, why do people who call themselves Christians, spend thousands of dollars to hold conferences in order to raise money for prime time on television? It's because they are consciously serving people on television. We must remind ourselves of the warning the Prophet Jeremiah penned: "Thus saith the LORD: "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited"" [Jeremiah 17:5-6, emphasis added]. A person is cursed when they listen to the lies of televangelists who tell them if they will send in a "seed" faith offering, God will multiply their monetary gift a hundred fold.

I would like to touch on a very sensitive subject that deserves our undivided attention. This subject still relates to giving monetary offerings. By way of illustration, there are foreign mission organizations that require their missionaries to submit to their rules and regulations about raising support to go to the mission fields. For example, when I was a missionary in Mexico some years back, I chose to submit to the LORD without any sign of a steady support. I did, however, receive some support from personal friends, but the total received wasn't ample support to provide for my family; therefore, still living on the border, I worked for my support, doing various jobs that became available. In fact, I wasn't aware there were missionary organizations who arranged for their missionaries to travel to various places and present their mission work to different congregations. I learned this as time passed by. Although mission work was all new to me, I eventually discerned a major problem among many missionaries who were constantly on the road (it's called deputation) to raise money in order to support their calling, as they described it, wherever they were invited to speak. As I watched them, being inquisitive, it was obvious that their calling, as well as their local where they said God had called them, was really a vacation spot. Please allow me to explain. As the money began to pour into their bank accounts, they would head to the nearest auto showroom and purchase the "best make" vehicle, as they would describe it, then pay cash for it. These vehicles would be fully-loaded. Then, they would purchase, what is called "villas" in Mexico, which come in different varieties and sizes, depending where a person decided to live. These villas were very expensive to the average Mexican citizen, but not for these missionaries that had bulging bank accounts. They would also hire maids and other servants to wait on them as they sat back in their recliners of leisure.

Am I judging these missionaries? No. I am telling you the truth. In fact, the Apostle Peter warned his listeners by saying,

(1) But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the LORD that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not [2 Peter 2:1-3, emphasis added].

Cont'd....

[Ron Ben Yaakov]

Yes, it's "through covetousness" and "with feigned words" these missionaries will make merchandise of you...." Before I continue, let me say this with all sincerity: In contrast of what I have just mentioned, there are hundreds of missionary families who are going to the fields of harvest with hardly a penny in their pockets, yet they remain faithful and express true integrity. You will never hear them begging for money and trying to convince congregations to make pledges in order to raise such and such amount of money so they can live the "life of Riley," if you will. They just keep putting one foot in front of the other; trusting God for their needs. Many of these faithful ones suffer greatly. Some of them become ill and die on the mission field. Some of them suffer much persecution, having rocks thrown at them, and their lives are threatened on a daily basis, yet they remain faithful. Many of them are driving vehicles with bald tires and oil leaks; the engines knocking, but they still remain faithful. I could give you a list as long as my arm regarding the massive amount of suffering these God-fearing missionaries go through, but my desire is to warn our readers, that they must allow the gift of discernment to become effective in their lives, especially when missionaries are invited to speak at their place of worship. It's imperative to stay wide awake when it comes to people who claim that God has called them to such and such place; however, in order to go wherever they tell you they are going, they need pledges and thousands of dollars, otherwise, the missionary organization they belong to will not allow them to go to the field. This is a high-pressure tactic, both on the part of the missionary organization, as well as the missionaries who are presenting their programs. And, all along, God is left out of the picture.

Please allow me to say this: When God calls you or I to perform a task, such as going to the mission field, He will supply our every need [Philippians 4:19]. No where in the Word of God does it teach us that in order to go to the mission field, we have to go out and convince people to support the work we are called to perform. I'm not saying that God doesn't call people to give and to support missionaries, but it's His will that we not be a burden to God's people. An example is found where the Apostle Paul told the Corinthian congregation that when he was present with them, "and wanted (i.e, in need)," he said, "I was chargeable (i.e., a burden) to no man; for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied; and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself" [2 Corinthians 11:9]. I encourage our readers to also read 2 Corinthians 12:13-14. According to these passages of Scripture, Paul's heart was centered on NOT BEING a burden to God's people, instead, he would return to his old trade. The writer, Luke, penned these words regarding Paul's refusal to burden God's people: "And because he (i.e., Paul) was of the same craft (i.e., trade/tent-making), he abode with them, and wrought (i.e., worked); for by their occupation they were tent-makers" [Acts 18:3]. Here we see Paul working with two other believers who were tent-makers; they being Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. again, Luke writes these words of Paul:

(32) And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (i.e., set apart). (33) I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. (34) Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. (35) I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the LORD Yeshua, how He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" [Acts 20:32-35].

Cont'd....

[Richard Amiel McGough]

We must be wide awake, recognizing that the cares of this world produce a wrong attitude in our souls. A good example is when people advertise their "calling" to do something for God. However, in order to do something for God, they begin asking people for money. Some call it "seed" faith: "Just plant your seed of giving, then watch God multiply your income!" Don't you suppose God is able to supply all of your need without begging for money? Yes, He is more than able. Then, why do people who call themselves Christians, spend thousands of dollars to hold conferences in order to raise money for prime time on television? It's because they are consciously serving people on television. We must remind ourselves of the warning the Prophet Jeremiah penned: "Thus saith the LORD: "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited"" [Jeremiah 17:5-6, emphasis added]. A person is cursed when they listen to the lies of televangelists who tell them if they will send in a "seed" faith offering, God will multiply their monetary gift a hundred fold.

Hi Ron,

This is a very important point you bring up. The idea of a "seed faith" offering of $$$ MONEY $$$ is pure SCAM. Stealing in the name of God. It is a prime example of utterly false religion.

A quick note on posts that are "continued." They should all be in the same thread. Just click "Post Reply" to add another post to this thread. When you click the "New Thread" button it puts the "continued" post in a thread of its own. I have moved your new posts to this thread.

All the best,

Richard

[Ron Ben Yaakov]

Paul was totally honest with those placed under his care. He let them know that he didn't go around coveting people's money and clothing, that he earned his keep by his own hands, not going around begging for pledges. Therefore, when people come along and tell you they need more money in order to do the work of God, remember the Apostle Paul and his declaration in the above passages of Scripture! [Acts 20:32-35]. This is how you can discern if someone is truly called of God to go to the mission field: To build churches, etc.

There are other examples to consider when it comes to discerning false teachers and prophets. Discernment seems to be a lost term in churches, Messianic congregations; and even in Bible colleges and seminaries around the world. If a false teacher enters any of these establishments, those attending are not able to discern false teaching. This is dangerous! In our present age, we have false teachers in seminaries and Bible colleges around the world. For example, I had the privilege to attend two Bible colleges located in the Midwest. However, during my stay in one of the schools, I experienced a situation with one professor, teaching Church History, an experience I will never forget (This is why I can thank the Holy Spirit for discernment). This professor could not/would not tolerate any students who chose to speak in class about the blood of Messiah or the blood of Jesus. He became furious and forbade these words to be spoken.

In another college which I attended, one of the teachers was teaching Old Testament Survey. During one of my classes, this teacher blatantly declared that many of the Psalms were not inspired by God. Although I believe there still remain some reputable men who teach the truth of God's Word, there are many false teachers in these institutions who are secretly planted by Satan who go undetected. Many of the students involved in the daily curriculum are not aware of this since they are asleep and are unable to discern good and evil [see Matthew 13:25 and 1 Peter 5:8]. Those who are able to discern these evil ones will sooner or later leave their classes. Those who choose to remain; when the given opportunity arises, they fill the pulpit and pollute the congregation with doctrines of demons. They water down the Gospel and give place to Satan.

Not only do Satan's emissaries teach behind church pulpits, in Bible colleges and well-known seminaries, they even teach on Bible forums. If you have discernment, you'll know what I'm talking about if you're a person who visits around on the internet. Believe me, they're their in full force. God doesn't want us to sit under false teaching. I can't over emphasize this important subject.

Although this is a short essay about discernment, perhaps the Holy Spirit is reminding someone about similar circumstances where you have been duped by false teaching. I don't know anyone personally on this forum; however, if you are now attending church services, or any Bible schools where teachers or pastors are teaching false doctrine, are you willing to leave these classes or church services where false doctrine is being proclaimed and seek God for guidance, as to where you should continue your Bible training?

Even more important, perhaps you have never been taught about being born again by the Spirit of God. Being a believer for 50 years, I can't count all the times I have heard leaders in the modern churches state: "The subject of being born again is no longer needed in our congregations!" Not long ago, a local congregational leader in our community negated the term "born again." This person is one of the elders who told us that being "born again" is a term that is no longer useful. Isn't it sad that people who claim they know God, and they tell you they are serving Him, yet they negate what Yeshua proclaimed: "Ye must be born again..." [John 3:7]! We noticed that all of the teaching this congregation was involved with centered-around a person doing good works in order to go to Heaven. It was okay to be a homosexual and still go to Heaven; it's okay to frequent the local casinos and gamble; it's okay to practice Buddhism or Islam and still go to Heaven; it's okay to practice yoga and other occult practices and still go to Heaven; and the remaining excuses are as long as my arm. The Word of God negates this mind-set since the Apostle Paul said: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast" [Ephesians 2:8-9, emphasis added]. Notice it says we are "saved through faith...not of works"!

In light of these outlines I have shared about Discernment, if anyone on this forum is being moved by the Holy Spirit, and you know you are not born again by the Spirit of God (you may not even believe in the born again experience), I want to encourage you to pray with me. God loves you, so much so, that He sent Yeshua/Jesus to die in your place that you might have life and life more abundantly. Please pray this prayer with sincerity:

Heavenly Father, I come to You with a deep concern about my salvation: "Am I saved, or am I not saved?" Father, I realize I have been sitting under false teaching, and I ask You to forgive me, and to lead me to a congregation where the Word of God is taught under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Deliver me from the bondage of deception, and grant me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from Your Word, as well as the gift of discernment. Help me to be able to discern between good and evil doctrine. I repent of yielding to false teaching and I ask You to deliver me from false doctrine and demonic spirits who have dominated my senses and my mind. I desire to have the mind of Messiah/Christ and I praise You for Your sovereign deliverance. Thank You for giving me the gift of eternal life. I want to be a faithful student of Your Word so I can be a blessing to You and to people all around me. Father, thank You for forgiving me for my sins, and cleansing me from all unrighteousness according to 1 John 1:9. I ask it all in the Name of Yeshua the Messiah. Amen.

[Rose]

Hi Ron, :yo:

First off I'd like to welcome you to our Forum....:welcome: it's always good to have fresh ideas to discuss.

The first step to having true discernment is being filled with the Holy Spirit, He is our true teacher. From that point we can begin to discern what the Word of God is revealing to us. Having the witness of the Holy Spirit gives us discernment when reading the Bible and is foundational in our being able to understand the Truth it contains, giving us the ability to discern True teachers from False teachers. Without the personal witness of the Holy Spirit it is very easy to be led astray.

Many blessings to you my friend

Rose