Today, many imposters masquerade as Christ's own ministers. According to the Scripture above, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself predicted this would occur. As a result, we must be cautious about who we listen to.
In this article, we will discuss signs that will assist us in distinguishing between genuine ministers of Christ and those who are not. Knowing the distinction will aid us in our walk with the Lord.
Without further ado, here are a few warning signs.
1) They portray themselves as important.
These people, according to the Lord Jesus, are "false christs" or "false prophets." As a result, we can anticipate them to present themselves as legitimate spiritual authorities.Many abusive leaders in Christian circles act as if they are the only ones who understand God's word, or worse, the only ones who can hear God clearly.
Then they address their congregations as if they have been summoned to do something "great." They exalt themselves by saying things like, "God has given them a great vision," or something along those lines. They use God's name to get people to listen and believe them.
Consider two examples: a self-proclaimed "anointed son of God" and Christ's successor in Asia, and a "prophet" who sits on a golden throne and has his congregation kissing his feet. There are numerous others.
2) They can use signs and wonders to their advantage.
Jesus promised that those who believe in Him would see signs and wonders. However, believers will not be the only ones who experience such signs and wonders; fake ministers acting in Satan's power will as well.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Paul says,
"The lawless one will appear according to Satan's working, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved."How do we tell the difference between a fake and a genuine if both can perform outward miracles? We examine their inner intentions, or motives.
Fake ministers will use these things to attract people to themselves rather than to Christ. These signs and wonders will vary, but their main intention or purpose will be to draw people away from the Lord Jesus Christ's simplicity.
Here's a simple but telling example: if a minister promises that God will "bless you and grant your dreams" or "make you great and fulfill your ambitions" only if we obey, tithe to them, and serve at their whim, we know who we're dealing with.
3) Their words may appear genuine, but their lifestyles are not.
Friends, we must examine the lifestyle of every minister we listen to. Preachers may preach a fiery message with all the Christian terminology, but they live as if they are friends with the devil.
We must exercise extreme caution.
A minister's life must be honourable before God. His actions and the way he lives will be used to judge his words.
God's ministers reflect God's personality. 1 According to John 1:5-7,
"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him." If we claim to have fellowship with Him but walk in darkness, we are deceiving ourselves.Do not put the truth into practice. We have fellowship with one another if we walk in the light as He is in the light, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin."
Ministers who are shady and secretive should be avoided. We must exercise caution when it comes to Christian ministers who lead double lives.