The Impact of the New Age Movement

What are the characteristics of the New Age Movement? Learn how this deception has infiltrated the Church with guest Warren Smith on the show Christ in Prophecy

How can we equip ourselves to discern
For what does the Bible tells us :
"Beloved,  do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  1 John 4:1

Going against God "Just for fun" by Marsha West

Stand Firm in the Faith has been given permission from Marsha West to reproduce this article below. Please be sure to check out the links and resources within the article as well for further study. As the landscape of Christianity becomes ever increasingly mystical, we must be discerning and stand firm in the faith (Eph 6:10-17) putting on the full armor of God that we do not become deceived.

May 2, 2013
Going against God "just for fun"
By Marsha West
　
Today we're hearing a lot about Spiritism or Spiritualism, not to be confused with spiritual or spirituality, as in "I'm not religious, I'm spiritual," or "I'm into spirituality." The term Spiritism has replaced what was once called animism and other religious practices involving the invocation of spiritual beings.

Some religions meld Spiritualism with Christianity. For example, a blend of Christian and African folk beliefs that originated in Brazil is now practiced in the U.S. Spiritualism is much the same as Spiritism only it has adopted Christian rites and prayers. People visiting Spiritualistic services can be misled into thinking they're Christian churches. The problem is Christianity cannot be melded with any other religion or practice.

One of the major tenets of Spiritism is reincarnation. The classic form of reincarnation originated in India in the 9th century BC. Reincarnation has become a hot topic in our post-modern culture.

There are a whole host of beliefs about reincarnation. The most widely touted belief is that upon death one's spirit exits the body in search of another body to inhabit. Believing in reincarnation gives hope for continuing one's existence in further lives to work off one's karma. Karma is broadly defined as the consequences of one's actions.

Ask professing Christians as they flow through the doors of a Sunday worship service if they believe in reincarnation, some will give you a cavalier "Yes," as if it's no big deal for believers to mix Christianity with mystical beliefs. However, believing in reincarnation is a very big deal for the serious Christian. For example, reincarnation is a central tenet within Hinduism, not Christianity!

The thing Christians need to come to terms with is that belief in reincarnation goes against what the Bible teaches regarding the soul's final judgment by a holy God. What Jesus Christ clearly taught is that unrepentant sinners are condemned to an eternity in hell. Jesus never mentioned reincarnation – not once!

Hebrews 9:27 reveals what occurs when human beings die:

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

Listen to what Paul says happens when we die:

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Cor. 5:8)

It is imperative that serious Christians view mysticism as evil. When Paul came face to face with the Jewish mystic Elymas, he charged him with being a child of the devil and an enemy of righteousness. Moreover, he accused the mystic of perverting the right ways of the Lord. (Acts 13:10) Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Paul caused him to go blind. Not only did he put out the sorcerer's eyes, he also put him out of a job! When it came to confronting evil, Paul never backed down, never hesitated, wavered or vacillated. He had all the subtlety of a sledgehammer when it came to evildoers.

God forbids any sort of participation in paganism for our own protection. His reason is simple: its roots are steeped in pagan idolatry and drug use. The occult world is an open door to Satan's world. Those who enter find themselves on a quest for 'hidden wisdom' or 'deeper truth.' And, not surprisingly, the sought after 'hidden wisdom' is not meant for everyone, it's meant for a select few such as New Age disciples and gurus.

We call those who possess supernatural power (power's what it's all about) shamans, witchdoctors, clairvoyants, trance channelers, spiritists, and the list goes on. So, how does a spiritist go about getting in contact with the spirit world? By receiving radiation, frequencies or vibrations from the dead. "Communication from the spirit world manifests itself in psychical phenomena (e.g., telepathy, clairvoyance, trance speaking, and apparitions) and in physical phenomena (e.g., levitation, automatic writing, and poltergeist and ectoplasmic activities)." (Source)

The Bible tells us that it is God who instigates communication, not man. Generally the Lord will use angels as His envoys to humans. We know very little about angels, either the elect or the fallen. However, the scriptures inform us that on occasion the Lord sent a holy elect angel to Earth to deliver messages. And He also sent angles to minister to people, to protect them, and also to execute His judgment. The angels have one purpose: to glorify God's holy Name and to carry out His will.

There are also fallen angels – the rebellious ones! The most notorious of the lot is Lucifer aka Satan. The Bible refers to the fallen angels as demons, spirits of darkness and evil spirits. The ones that rebelled against God fell from grace. Consequently, they were hurled out of heaven, lock stock and barrel. Bible expositor John MacArthur elucidates what happened next:

At that point, Satan gained the rulership of the world, and the term world took on a third meaning: the evil system opposed to God that now dominates this planet. The system that Satan began will continue to develop up to the time period known as the Great Tribulation.

As I have made clear, Christianity and Spiritism have nothing in common whatsoever. I mean, think about it. Can you trust God and Satan at the same time? Here's what Paul said:

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Cor. 6:14-18)

Satan is known as the "father of lies." Even those who are guided by an "inner voice" can be deceived, warns occultist Nicholas Weeks:

Channels such as [Alice] Bailey are sincere and convinced that their inner voices and visions are real Masters. Unhappily, sincerity is no protection from delusion. In 1884 Master KH wrote to a psychic of that time, giving an explanation for the befuddling of a channel or seer. 'Since you have scarcely learned the elements of self-control, in psychism, you must suffer bad consequences. You draw to yourself the nearest and strongest influences "often evil" and absorb them, and are psychically stifled or narcotised by them. The airs become peopled with resuscitated phantoms. They give you false tokens, misleading revelations, deceptive images. Your vivid creative fancy evokes illusive Gurus and chelas [disciples], and puts into their mouths words coined the instant before in the mint of your mind, unknown to yourself. The false appear as real, as the true, and you have no exact method of detection since you are yet prone to force your communications to agree with your preconceptions. (Source)

And to think, many Christians are now engaged in magical mystical practices such as contemplative prayer that can give the practitioner misleading revelations and deceptive images, where the false may appear real. (See a column I wrote on contemplative prayer here.)

Keep in mind that the spirits that speak through the mouths of the willing are demons. People who get themselves into a mind-altering trance with the purpose being to channel a benevolent spirit may end up becoming demon possessed! Granted, some channelers are really nothing more than convincing actors who write the script as they go along. These are the charlatans who do it for money or fame – or both. However, there are many dupes that allow their bodies to be used by spirit entities that use the occasion to spew anti-Christian propaganda!

The Bible tells us to, "Prove [test] all things; hold fast that which is good." (1 John 4:1). We're also told to flee (run like a maniac) from the devil who "walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Now, picture a lion hiding in the brush to pounce on an unsuspecting wildebeest. The devil's like the hungry lion, only he's waiting to pounce on Christ's sheep! Unfortunately many Christians fail to obey God's command to resist the devil, which is one of the reasons Christianity's in the sorry state it's in today.

Far too many followers of Jesus Christ are unaware that our Lord quite literally detests all forms of sorcery. There are no exceptions! Sorry to be a wet blanket, but even astrology is banned. And it doesn't matter if it's done "just for fun." One cannot be a Presbyterian on Sunday and a spiritist the other six days of the week.

This brings me to two blogs I stumbled on. Both male bloggers declare their love for Christ and state that the Bible is the standard by which they live their lives. One studies apologetics; the other is a youth pastor. They both have their Zodiac signs on display. That way if you land on aspiring apologist's blog, you'll know that he's a Gemini; likewise, if you land on youth pastor's blog, you'll discover that he's a Virgo. One can only assume that these young men have not yet read Leviticus 19:26, Deuteronomy 18:9-12, Exodus 22:18 and other similar passages where God commands His people to steer clear of sorcery. And yet these so-called Bible believers find time to read up on astrology?

Christians who are confronted with an evil practice must lace up their trusty running shoes and high tail it out of there, pronto! Keep away from horoscopes (astrology), numerology, séances, tarot cards, tealeaves, palm reading, crystal balls, talking boards, omens or signs. Moreover, do not get involved in wizardry, witchcraft, the study of Kabbalah, nature religion (Wicca), and the practice of yoga (its sole purpose is purely spiritual). Believers must flee from any and all pagan customs and practices. Those who are currently involved in any of the above must bring it to an end today!

Since dabbling in sorcery is a sin against God, repentance is of paramount importance. So if you've been dabbling, repent! And never return to any sort of evil practice – even if it's "just for fun."

Bear in mind that the demonic powers operating in the realm of the occult are very real. These spirits are stronger and more dangerous than people realize. The Bible warns us to "regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God." (Lev. 19:31).

The Apostle Paul understood all too well that evil forces are ever present in the "heavenlies." Hence, he admonished followers of Christ to wear the "armor of God" to protect against familiar spirits that prey on gullible humans. He even gave specific instructions to the Church in Ephesus:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:1-12).

Christian – take Paul's instructions to heart and daily put on the full armor of God to protect against the rulers of the darkness of this world.

Recommended:
The Old Serpent and the Slacker – an allegory on the "Armor of God" By Marsha West

Are You Armed for Battle? By Marsha West

Occult – On Solid Rock Resources

Angels – On Solid Rock Resources

New Age Movement – On Solid Rock Resources

Contemplative Prayer – On Solid Rock Resources

Christian Yoga? – On Solid Rock Resources

© Marsha West


Marsha West is a religious/political writer and owner of EmailBrigade.com. She is also the founder and editor of the Email Brigade News Report, a biweekly news resource for people of faith that is chock-full of critical news and information. Marsha is dedicated to restoring a more common sense approach to our nation's governance by encouraging people to thoroughly understand the issues that impact American lives... (more)

The Coming Pagan Utopia

SEE Video - Link:
 http://vimeo.com/truthxchange/only2religions

The Coming Pagan Utopia

There are only two religions, Two-ism or One-ism, and you have to make a spiritual choice.  Do you worship the universe and the things within it?   Or do you worship the personal, triune God outside the universe, who made it, tells us about it, and enters into a relationship of love with His creatures? There is no other option.  Watch the video above and visit the Truthxchange website (link below)  for more information.  Video Link:  http://vimeo.com/38376492

Dr. Peter Jones website at: 

truthxchange.com  for more information and free resources. For God's glory, truthXchange desires to be a thriving, inspiring resource that broadcasts a Two-ist, gospel-driven worldview response to a One-ist spirituality.  Their Ministry wants to recruit, equip and mobilize a network of fearless Christians prepared to defend the church and share the gospel with the world around them.

 

 

 

Church of Tares: Purpose Driven, Seeker Sensitive, Church Growth

Church of Tares
See Video  here:  http://youtu.be/kxY3VbBHTkY

There is only one way to stand...That is to:  Stand Firm in the Faith.  We do well to remember the words given in  Titus 1:9 "holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict."

1 Timothy 4:6  "In Pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following."

2 Timothy 4:3,   "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,  and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

 

From the Video: "Can the Church borrow the marketing tools of the world and apply them to the Church? What is the history of the Church Growth movement and its false premises? Who is involved in the new evangelicalism and second reformation? Why are these movements embracing contemplative mysticism? How does this movement play into the New World Order? These questions and more are answered in Church of Tares: Purpose Driven, Seeker-Sensitive, Church Growth & New World Order.

Church of Tares chronicles the man-centered pragmatism of these evangelical Christian movements in comparison to the Bible's instruction for building the Church of Jesus Christ.As a sequel to The Real Roots of the Emergent Church, Church of Tares documents the connections between the liberal Emergent Church movement and the Church Growth movement. Both movements' leadership were discipled by business management guru Peter Drucker, who was attracted to the megachurch movement as a social phenomenon that could bring about his "new society" and New World Order. Megacurch pastors Rick Warren and Bill Hybels as well as Leadership Network founder Bob Buford all acknowledge Drcuker (who professed not to be a Christian) as their mentor and have built their organizations upon his secular business management philosophies rather than the foundation of Jesus Christ.

The fruit of these movements is great compromise of the Gospel and the Great Commission. Rick Warren claims to be ushering in a new spiritual awakening and second reformation with his P.E.A.C.E. Plan. But this reform appears to be a social reformation rather than a spiritual one by joining together in ministry with unbelievers to fight global giants. Such compromise has led to the affirming response letter to the Common Word document which declares Muhammad to be a prophet and the Bible and Qur'an to be of the "same Divine origin."

Written, edited, narrated and directed by Elliott Nesch.

Yoga Sees Backlash, Parents Call It Religious Indoctrination

Encinitas Union School Yoga Sees Backlash, Parents Call It Religious Indoctrination
Article from Huffington Post

Yoga Sees Backlash, Parents Call It Religious Indoctrination

From the Article:
“Parents of Encinitas Union School District in southern California have slammed the district’s twice-a-week yoga program, accusing it of religious indoctrination , the North County Times reports.”

One parent said the Yoga practices and poses are not merely exercise but religious practices, saying the techniques were a kind of prayer. (See Article link).

some parents asked that their children be removed from the yoga classes.  “Some parents have asked that their children be removed from the yoga classes rather than allow them “to be indoctrinated by this Hindu religious program,” according to Andy Vick, whose three daughters attend Mission Estancia.”

 

Anyone can do an internet search and easily find the origins and history of Yoga for themselves and discover that it is Religious in it's very nature and practice.  I do not need to put links here to prove this. To say it has been westernized does not change the meaning of the poses or their implications.  For Yoga to be incorporated into school programs or as P.E. classes would naturally cause parents concern.


A discussion about Yoga

Can Yoga ever be Christian?

video link: http://youtu.be/8_yfxZmRokg

 

Are all angels safe?

Stand Firm in the Faith has been given permission to reproduce this article by Marsha West.

  Fighting the Culture of Corruption

Are all angels safe?

By Marsha West

Photo: Cindy Flynn
Discredited televangelist Todd Bentley claims that an angel
 named Emma has repeatedly visited him.

Contrary to popular belief angels are neither chubby little babes with rosy cheeks nor are they exquisite young women with gossamer wings decked out in long flowing gowns. The Bible reveals very little about angles. What we do know is that God sends angels to do His bidding.

 

The Bible mentions two elect holy angels (the good guys) by name: Michael and Gabriel. Scripture also mentions the Angel of the Lord; Michael the archangel; the Captain of the Host of the Lord; messengers; and guardians.

Also mentioned are fallen angels (the bad guys). Lucifer, one of God’s highest angels, led a revolt against God and was banished from heaven along with his followers which is said to be a third of the angels. There are many names for Lucifer such as Satan, Devil, Prince of Darkness and Beelzebub. The other rebels became demons. In the future God will judge Satan and his demons.

Angels are spirit beings and are neither male nor female. In the Bible they appear to people as males, never as females.
 

Because I have written several articles on angles I’m often asked if angels are among us today.

Yes!

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares

(Heb. 13:2).

Those who believe they are experiencing an angel visitation must scrutinize what the angel purports. For example, does your angel point you to Jesus Christ or away from Him? Elect holy angels (from here on out referred to as angels) will always point you to Christ, never to anyone else, living or deceased, which includes the Apostles and the Virgin Mary.

Angels never espouse new doctrines or extra-biblical (special) revelation. Likewise, they do not point individuals to religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, et al.

 

Angels by no means encourage participation in the counterfeit religions’ holy days, festivals, ceremonies and rituals, nor do they advance the idea of having a sacred place or space.

Angels would never suggest that people involve themselves in occult activities.

Currently, Transcendental Meditation (TM) is all the rage, even among Christians. Angels absolutely do not direct anyone to embrace this pagan practice. TM is not biblical meditation. Instead of meditating on God's Word, the practitioner goes into an altered-state-of-consciousness (alpha state) which is a light dream state in order to connect with "god." It should be a big red flag that New Agers are advocates of TM. In fact, many so-called psychics make meditation a part of their spiritual practice to contact their "spirit guides."
 

Sadly, many Christians who have embraced The Silence aka contemplative, or centering, or breath prayer are woefully unaware that what they're practicing is unbiblical meditation.

And then we have "Christian yoga" spreading like a wild fire through the Christian community. I realize that this may not go over well with some readers, however, even if your yoga class is led by a Christian and held in a church, it is taboo!

The bottom line is this: Angels would not, could not, promote anything God expressly forbids – and He forbids His children to have any part in pagan religious practices, nor are we to embrace the world’s philosophies.

Bear in mind that the holy angels are incapable of going against God, whereas unholy angels continuously go against God in their quest to lead people astray. In 2 Cor. 4:4 we learn that Satan is the “god of this world.” According to Gotquestions.com:

The phrase “god of this world”… indicates that Satan is the major influence on the mind-set expressed by the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His areas of influence also encompass the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and false religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions.

(Source)

I’m also frequently asked if God allows us to contact angels. No!

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God

(Leviticus 19:31).

It is a complete waste of time to “call your angel” or to try to contact angels by constructing an altar…lighting candles…burning incense…meditating… or any other way that allegedly makes angels feel comfortable. God forbids His people from contacting the spirit realm! And besides, regenerate Christians have direct access to God through the Son, Jesus Christ. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1Tim 2:5) So, why would we call on angels or anybody else when we can go directly to God through Christ?

 

Those who contact angels (or spirit guides) are inviting demons! Demons can and do possess humans! Both holy and unholy angles are not given the authority to indwell believers. The reason is obvious: the Holy Spirit takes up residence in a person at the moment of regeneration. Once the Spirit takes up residence in a believer, He never leaves. Listen to what Jesus said:

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you

(John 14:16-17).

Those who are truly saved are God’s property:

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world

(1 John 4:4).

Again, believers cannot be demon possessed. They are, however, susceptible to demonic oppression.

Demonic oppression is when a demon is temporarily victorious over a Christian, successful in tempting a Christian to sin, and able to hinder a Christian’s ability to serve God with a strong testimony.

(Source)

I'm going to close with this warning: Contacting angels is neither wise nor safe.


Copyright by Marsha West, 2012. All rights reserved.(Original  article at: http://blogs.christianpost.com/marsha-west/are-angels-safe-10731/

Is Oprah a Christian?

Is Oprah a Christian? Find out what she truly believes with guest James Walker on the show Christ in Prophecy. Listen to the video interview below.  This interview will help you understand what new age teaching is comparing it with Christianity.  


Understanding New Age spirituality, its unique terminologies, and underlying truth-claims is a daunting task for today's Christians. Basic familiarity with the history, practices, and philosophies of the New Age is an essential first step to reaching out to friends and family members who may be involved in the its teachings or practices. After watching the video below, please visit the Watchman Fellowship Website for further resources.

See Video at Link below:

http://youtu.be/c4EgBwY9W74

For more resources go to the Watchman Fellowship Website: www.watchman.org

Video production by Lamb & Lion Ministries P.O. Box 919 McKinney, TX 75070 

Joel Osteen: Origins and Errors of His Teaching

"But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully."  2 Corinthians 11:3-4  

Joel Osteen: Origins & Errors of His Teaching   (a Film by Keith Thompson)
SEE Video at Link: http://youtu.be/Ne34FMXm2XY

 

1. What does the bible say about Judging ?

2. What does Joel Osteen Actually Teach?

3. Where do Joel Osteen’s Teachings Come From?

4. Contrasting the Biblical Gospel with Osteen’s Views

5. Examples of Osteen Distorting Scripture to Support His Views

6.. Dangers of Osteen’s Teachings

Is Joel Osteen's teachings Biblical? Are they in line with ancient church belief?  What does he teach and where do his views come from? This documentary is the most comprehensive video refutation and expose of Joel Osteen that exists.  Many are asking what's happening in the Church today.

Amazon.com

Special Report:Rick Warren’s New Health and Wellness Initiative Could Have Profound Repercussions on Many

Special Report:Rick Warren’s New Health and Wellness Initiative Could Have Profound Repercussions on Many    

2 Timothy 4:3,4

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Dr. Amen promotes Kirtan Kriya Meditation.  Kirtan Kriya is a meditation  chant originating from Kundalini Yoga.  (see his blog links below:
http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/tag/larry-king-live/
http://www.amenclinics.com/blog/3894/i%e2%80%99m-taking-a-time-out-to-focus-and-re-energize/
http://healing.about.com/od/chanting/ht/kirtan_kriya.htm  - About.com Kirtan Kriya

Book Review - O God - Oprah Spirituality

Due to our amazon Stand Firm in the Faith book reviews website has mysteriously been found missing from under the listings for Stand Firm in the Faith, (which has been there for years)  we are posting our review here until the problem can be resolved.
Posted: 11/6/09 in our book reviews -

A book that has a unique apologetic approach to addressing the Spirituality that is promoted by Oprah Winfrey and her many guests she's had over the years. The book is a dialogue of two women that are huge fans of Oprah and their journey to find the truth.

Pantheism and Eastern Spirituality has been steadily rising in the West, thanks in part to Oprah, and many of her guests, friends and book club books she promotes through her TV shows. New Age spiritualists keep coming with every New Season, promoting a new age spirituality and pluralism that many may not truly know what is being served up theologically and why these teachings are not consistent and contradict Christianity. If you are unfamiliar with how Oprah and her guests beliefs differ from orthodox Christian beliefs this book will give you some basics on the theology and doctrines being taught and how to Stand Firm in the Faith and discern the differences.

Books and Authors such as "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne's, James Ray, Elizabeth Gilbert author of "Eat,Pray,Love, Echhart Tolle author of "A New Earth", and Marianne Williamson, and others, literally were skyrocketed to fame with appearances on the Oprah Show, and their book sales are in the millions.

Oprah draws millions of followers due to her likeable personality, her generosity and down-to-earth charm. With it being reported in the news today of Oprah's possible consideration of a move of her program to Los Angeles, she may have more influence then ever. This is a good book to give to a friend that may be dabbling with New Age spirituality. There are also discussion questions in the back of the book which makes it great for study groups. After reading the book, there could not be enough said about discerning what Oprah Winfrey and her guests are promoting, and it is consistent with what the teaching found in Scripture says to do: 1 John 4:1 "Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."