Dear friends, 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 NIV
False Prophets
Ninety per cent of Canadians say they have fallen for fake news online, with many listing Facebook as the most common source of misleading reports, according to a new international public opinion poll. The poll of 25,229 internet users, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for Canada’s Centre for International Governance Innovation, found that only 10 per cent of Canadian respondents said they had never fallen for fake news, which the poll defined as wholly or partly false information.
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There are hundreds of religious denominations in Canada these days. Some are cults who use Christian terminology but put meanings to them that are far from Biblical Christianity. Groups are founded by a leader who gathers a group of followers around them and promulgates their unique teaching. Some proclaim that they are the second coming of Jesus. No wonder there is so much confusion – if Christians get confused, imagine what it all must look like to your non-Christian neighbour. The Bible says we should not be surprised. The apostle writes about this in 1 John 4:1: “Dear friends, 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.” When God is at work in the world, the enemy is going to do all he can to bring confusion. John tells us to not fall for every self-proclaimed prophet and new teaching. We must search the scriptures daily and invite the Holy Spirit to give us the generous wisdom that God promises to those who ask. This takes time in God’s Word, in fellowship with other believers, and in prayer. Stand firm on the truth and test the spirits.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley