| by Alfio La Spina (Victoria British Columbia) |
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|  Scripture tells us to try the spirits to see if they are of God this is an important test because we need to be in unity with those that we have fellowship with and those that are teaching.  1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  I recently asked a person who is part of the COG if Jesus was capable of sinning. He said no impossible. I tried to show him his error however he would not listen even after quoting scripture and explaining that Jesus was tempted in the same way we are.  He said what I was saying is satanic. Clearly that is the spirit of Antichrist.  The scripture is clear about associating with such people.  2 John 1:7-11 (NIV) 7 I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.  I have found that many brethren are not clear on this when it should be crystal clear because it is of the utmost importance and is plain in scripture.  It is also very important to ensure that everything we believe is correct because if we don’t, we will not enter the Kingdom of God.  2 Thessalonians 2:12 (NIV) 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.  Jesus was able to overcome because He stayed very close to the Father. That is also the way we will be able to overcome. We also have the Holy Spirit to guide and help us.  Many false teachers are telling brethren that they do not have to do anything. They say that their particular COG has all truth and as long as they stay with them all is good.  Brethren that is completely false and those that follow man will as we have seen in scripture be counted as partners in their wickedness. Each of us have a major part to play in our salvation.  Philippians 2:12 Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  John has some very strong words about denying Christ. This is very serious. It is imperative that we understand what is being taught from the pulpits of the COGs and check the scriptures to ensure it is true. If we find that what is being taught does not agree with scripture we must run for our lives and seek the truth.  1 John 2:22-25 (NIV) 22 Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. 23 No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.24 As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life.  Here in Hebrews, it is very clear he was just like us.  Hebrews 2:17-18 (ESV) 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. |
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