The Lion Chronicles – Quick Snippets of Truth in A World Full of Wolves

I’m your host, Pastor John, and this is the show where I bring you the honest truth of God’s Word, in 3 minutes or less.

There’s an ongoing problem in today’s Christianity and it’s growing almost every day: a lack of spiritual discernment. How many times have you heard of certain preachers abusing their power? The prosperity gospel is one specific example. The Apostle Peter warned us of this in 2 Peter 2:3a And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you:

While most full-time pastors take a salary from tithes and offerings, the Apostle Paul never took advantage of the donations of God’s people. As it is written in Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

While money is not the root of evil, the love of money is. So how can we differentiate between the true shepherds of God and the wolves in sheep’s clothing? Thankfully the Bible already gives us a litmus test! And it’s found in John 16:8 when Jesus says, “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” Jesus, of course, is talking about the Holy Spirit.

Here’s the simplest of simple litmus test. Ask these three questions when you’re listening to whoever is teaching from the Word of God. Am I being convicted of any sins in my life? Am I challenged to live a life of righteousness? Am I being reminded that I will one day stand in front of Jesus Christ to give an account of every word and deed I’ve ever committed in my life on that terrible day of judgment? If none of these topics are being addressed, I would be careful w/ continuing my stewardship under that leader. They’re not speaking from God’s Holy Spirit. They’re simply tickling your ears.

Thought challenge of the day! How can you spot a wolf from a true shepherd of Jesus Christ?