Test the Spirits

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1


I came across two videos on You-Tube recently that disturbed me enough to write about them.  First, was a televangelist that requested that his viewers support his ministry by buying him a $54 million dollar jet.  He bragged about already owning two jets and that this new jet would allow him to travel farther and save on fuel costs.  In the apostle's journey to Rome, Paul did not request that his listeners donate money to buy him a ship for his journey, but he chartered a ship for himself and entourage for his missionary destination.  His followers helped with his immediate physical and spiritual needs with food, lodging, money for ministry needs, and prayer.


The second was a self-proclaimed prophet "prophesizing" to his listeners to "Sew a Seed for Pay Back."  I'm not sure exactly what the pay back is for.  Paul tells us, "That if we confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10. And in Ephesians 2:8-9 he wrote, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."  No seed is required for pay back for what Jesus Christ has done for us.


Instead of giving your money to man to further their kingdom, use it to further the Kingdom of God.  Buy and distribute bibles to the lost, purchase and hand out gospel tracts that teach of salvation through Jesus Christ, or volunteer to help feed and clothe the poor or homeless while praying with them to meet their needs.  Above all give thanks and praise to our Lord and Savior, and read the bible for truth and instruction in righteousness.  As Jesus instructed us in John 5:39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." 
May God Bless!