It would be an outrage were the Chrysler car company to sell its small economy cars under the brand name of Rolls Royce. Today, there exists a nettle of patent laws and rules concerning intellectual property rights, both at the domestic and international levels. Were Chrysler to do so, it would quickly find itself sued for damages. But there exists no agency in the world that will enforce a patent infringement case against the misuses of the Christian brand name, nor to press charges of identity fraud against the many and sundry false messiahs.
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. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world (1 John 4:1-3).
Four of the writers of the New Testament epistles (Paul, Peter, James and Jude) expressly warn that apostasy would be the greatest danger to the Church in the last days.
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
[] which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).
At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold (Matthew 24:10-12).
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them (Matthew 7:15-16).
See also 1 John 2:24-28.
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! (Galatians 1:8). Real angels only have authority to speak the words of the Spirit of Jesus.
Todays imposters and counterfeit goods. Let us not accept cheap empty salvation by allowing ourselves to be mislead by the masquerading brand name. Examine our beliefs, test the spirits and search the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). [] is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
When we research a product that we want to buy — for example, an automobile — we read fine print, specifications, consumer reviews, terms of warranty, and are certain that what is branded as a Ford is indeed a Ford product. Why not the same with religion? Such an investigation must not be overlooked, for we are dealing with an eternal warranty when it comes to our faith in the efficacy of the atonement of Jesus Christ. But, in these last days, a greater level of vigilance and discernment is required because more than ever — for the time is short — the Enemy is prowling to see whom he might devour.
"You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God (Matthew 22:29). These two errors can apply to us all. Either we do not know Scriptures and minimize the power of God, or we choose to emphasize one over the other. Strict literalists can end up denying the power of God, while those with little knowledge of Scripture can fall prey to false prophecies and the doctrines of demons. Ignoring one or both is dangerous.
Finally, we stop to consider one last aspect of the parlous state of the Christian brand name today: In the economic world, the brands that are most vulnerable to damage by counterfeiting are exactly those where reputation is a large component of their appeal. These tend to be very expensive, high-quality products, allowing huge profits to the skillful imitators. For example, the earlier referenced brand survey ranks Louis Vuitton, Porsche, Hermès, Gucci, Cartier, Tide, Channel, Rolex, Hennessy, and Armani as the top-10 in this category.
In this reputational sense, we can take confirmation from the fact that Christianity and Jesus Christ are being heavily counterfeited today. Why? It proves that they are worthy and true. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Loading...
1:59Les 9 révélationsby dukefsc112,703 views
Featured Video
Link to this comment:
All Comments (0)