The Watchman's Diary

If it appears we are more frequently hearing various versions of the Gospel, it’s because we are. It is not enough that the church has split into so many different denominations, each with its own doctrinal interpretations. Today, pastors and congregational leader are making political ideology a test of ones’ faith and spiritual identity. Some have strayed so far from scripture so as to diminish the person of Jesus to fit their own ideology. What’s worse, they are trying to get us to fit into the box they have made.

The only place believers should fit in is the Gospel, and testimony of the Apostles that was first presented to us. We should guard ourselves against the whims of those who are actively dividing the body of Christ. Notoriety or fame does not automatically make someone correct. Nor should we simply attach ourselves to messages that appeal to our emotions.

We are living in a time of great turmoil. The whole world is connected like never before, making it much easier to know what is happening even in the farthest regions. Some may say there is nothing new—that these “things” have been happening since the beginning of time but that they are merely more visible. There may be some truth to that. King Solomon said “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). It would often seem that events simply go in circles, endlessly repeating itself. That too, may also be part of the deception. Even if that is the case, the circles appear to be getting smaller as events are occurring with more frequency.

The Apostle John wrote, “it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour” (1 John 2:18).  We should heed this warning, especially when a charismatic speaker tries to box us into a new theological frame.

“Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him”.

1 John 2:24-27

We are easily deceived when we fail to spent time reading Scripture and praying for God to give us understanding and discernment. My encouragement today is that we not allow ourselves to be placed into the box of a charismatic preacher. My encouragement today is that we stay true to the Gospel of Jesus the Messiah. That we love one another, as He has loved us.