Discernment Is Not Optional, Inspired by Pastor John MacArthur

1Thessalonians 5:21-22, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil”

A scripture often quoted in Matthew 7:1, says, “Judge not, that you be not judged” and this could be thought to mean being silent and receiving all things in the name of Christ asking no questions or else you may be labeled judgmental. The same chapter vs. 15, says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits”. How can you then know false prophets without judging first? The One who said do not judge at the beginning is giving indication that it’s ok to judge. I think the “judge not” is in reference to someone’s salvation. There could be 101 clear signs suggesting someone is not saved, the ultimate judge of their souls is God. We can share the gospel and let them examine themselves to see if they are in the faith. The judging I am still addressing today is discernment, what is going into my system must be evaluated. I hate to be deceived, deception is lethal the reason we have to judge everything preached and said by the word of God.

Need For Discernment, Inspired by Pastor Gregg Johnson

2Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables”.

There is a great need for discernment in the 21ST century church. In the Pentecostal movement where souls are being added to the kingdom of God in thousands every day, there is a great need for INTEGRITY and CREDIBILITY demonstrated by pastors, preachers, teachers, prophets to mention a few. The reason for this is because as the Pentecostal movement continues to rise and great things are happening, we are also seeing a lot of damage being done in the name of Christianity and integrity and credibility are lacking in some of the lives of the individuals who call themselves Christians especially in the leadership arena. The integrity of the word is compromised through twist and manipulation of the word of God causing many to live in error and heresy.