Don't be deceived

The point here is, we should look at the purpose behind miracles, instead of just stating every miracle is from God, and then thinking the person who performed it is sent from God. Take the time to look at it. Because the devil and his demons can do things too. When Moses threw his rod down and it became a snake, the magicians did the same. We read about the False Prophet {Antichrist's sidekick} "performing great wonders, so that he even makes fire come down from Heaven in the sight of men." Now if humans can't do that, and it's happening with a worker of the devil, we can figure where it's coming from. {Of course, I can think of other examples, levitation by Hindus, etc.} So I'm just quoting the Bible when I say, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits." Like when the Antichrist is described, "Whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all lying signs and wonders and deceitfulness in them that perish because they believed not the love of the Truth that they might be saved." Signs and wonders. Just saying, just because it's a miraculous occurrence, that IN ITSELF shouldn't determine that it's automatically from God. So to me, a yogi levitating off the ground, or a bleeding statue of Mary doesn't do it. Test the spirits... Amen?

 

[Brother James]

If you are going to say test the spirits, then how do we test the spirits?

To test the spirits, you can use the following guidelines:

1. **Scriptural Alignment**: Check if the teaching or message aligns with the Bible. If it contradicts Scripture, it is not from God. (1 John 4:1-6)

2. **Fruit of the Spirit**: Evaluate whether the message or teaching produces the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

3. **Character of the Teacher**: Consider the character and life of the person delivering the message. A true teacher of God will live a life that reflects Christ. (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

4. **Consistency with the Gospel**: Ensure that the message is consistent with the core truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

5. **Spiritual Discernment**: Pray for wisdom and discernment, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (James 1:5)

6. **Community Confirmation**: Seek the counsel and confirmation of other mature believers or church leaders. (Proverbs 11:14)

By applying these principles, you can better discern whether a spirit is from God or not.

 

[Steven Bobb]

If you are going to say test the spirits, then how do we test the spirits?

Well...I mean, observe their "miraculous works", and weigh it against their overall platforms, and see if their views or objectives line up with the Word. Like, if someone performs these works, but voices beliefs like humanism, pagan beliefs, etc., and maybe creates a cult with a following, if they're speaking in an anti-God's Word way, maybe quoting from certain pagan religions, deny the Trinity, etc. but then can do these "miracles, it wouldn't seem to me that it's coming from God's power. In other words, check it out if something seems a little "off".

 

[natasha2]

Well...I mean, observe their "miraculous works", and weigh it against their overall platforms, and see if their views or objectives line up with the Word. Like, if someone performs these works, but voices beliefs like humanism, pagan beliefs, etc., and maybe creates a cult with a following, if they're speaking in an anti-Gods Word way, maybe quoting from certain pagan religions, deny the Trinity, etc. but then can do these "miracles, it wouldn't seem to me that it's coming from Gods power. In other words, check it out if something seems a little "off"."

I think that the devil is performing miracles to seduce people from the truth of the word of God, and putting emphasis on people and not God, who made miracles. Who is glorified through these miracles, God/Jesus or some other religion, or a person that performs it, etc....

 

[mercimaker1]

I agree with you again and you make so many valid points for us all to think on too but the thing I love the most is how you always honor God's Word and I know if we will always do that we never will be deceived during these last days. Thank You again for keeping us on our toes. Merci.

 

[God's sheep]

The point here is, we should look at the purpose behind miracles, instead of just stating every miracle is from God, and then thinking the person who performed it is sent from God. Take the time to look at it. Because the devil and his demons can do things too. When Moses threw his rod down and it became a snake, the magicians did the same. We read about the False Prophet {Antichrist's sidekick} "performing great wonders, so that he even makes fire come down from Heaven in the sight of men." Now if humans can't do that, and it's happening with a worker of the devil, we can figure where it's coming from. {Of course, I can think of other examples, levitation by Hindus, etc.} So I'm just quoting the Bible when I say, "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits." Like when the Antichrist is described, "Whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all lying signs and wonders and deceitfulness in them that perish because they believed not the love of the Truth that they might be saved." Signs and wonders. Just saying, just because it's a miraculous occurrence, that IN ITSELF shouldn't determine that it's automatically from God. So to me, a yogi levitating off the ground, or a bleeding statue of Mary doesn't do it. Test the spirits...Amen?

Just to understand, there are good pastors and fake pastors. Nothing about anyone from this site nor do I know any fake pastors. So some cure illness and pray and tell you what's going on. I am confused who to believe. Sometimes some are acting that they got cured to get paid by the ministry. At the same time there are right pastors and ministries. Sometimes people tell me don't go to these people they are all fake. I tell them not all of them are fake but it's hard to know. These miracles from ministries are God's work or Devil's work. I am confused.

 

[Brother James]

Well...I mean, observe their "miraculous works", and weigh it against their overall platforms, and see if their views or objectives line up with the Word, Like, if someone performs these works, but voices beliefs like humanism, pagan beliefs, etc, and maybe creates a cult with a following, if they're speaking in an anti-Gods Word, way, maybe quoting from certain pagan religions, deny the Trinity, etc. but then can do these "miracles, it wouldn't seem to me that it's coming from Gods power. In other words, check it out if something seems a little "off".

That wasn't the exact answer I was looking for but you are not all together wrong.

 

[BrotherZack]

The greatest miracle in our life is this. You do not drink anymore. You are not ill because Jesus healed you. You do not fornicate or desire to do evil against anyone. Jesus cleansed your body, mind and soul. You should be thankful to God almighty. People in Jesus time were looking for miracles and wonders. Jesus clearly told them. Seek not these things that will pass away. Seek the miracle worker. Jesus Himself. He is the Door to enter heaven. He is the Redeemer and Lord. Seek Him first and then all these things shall be added unto you.

 

[Steven Bobb]

Just to understand, there are good pastors and fake pastors. Nothing about anyone from this site nor do I know any fake pastors.
So some cure illness and pray and tell you what's going on. I am confused who to believe. Some times some are acting that they got cured to get paid by the ministry. At the same time there are right pastors and ministries. Some times people tell me don't go to these people they are all fake. I tell them not all of them are fake but it's hard to know.
These miracles from ministries are God's work or Devil's work. I am confused.

Oh I wasn't necessarily meaning bad pastors. I meant even the devils workers{the ones who don't pretend to be Christians.} the devil is wrong spiritually, but can still perform certain supernatural works, done with the intent to mislead.

 

[indigoflower]

Miracles, in a religious or spiritual context, often refer to events that are considered to be beyond natural explanation and are attributed to divine intervention. These can include:

- **Healing**: Recovery from illness or injury that defies medical explanation.
- **Protection**: Being saved from danger or harm in a way that seems unlikely or impossible.
- **Provision**: Receiving unexpected help or resources, such as financial support when in need.
- **Answers to Prayer**: Specific requests being fulfilled in a way that aligns with divine will.
- **Signs and Wonders**: Extraordinary events that inspire faith or convey a message.

While positive life events like finding a job, passing an exam, or winning the lottery can be seen as blessings or fortunate occurrences, they are typically not classified as miracles unless they are perceived as directly resulting from divine intervention. Miracles are often characterized by their extraordinary nature and the belief that they are orchestrated by a higher power.