SOME EARLY INDICATORS OF FALSE PREACHING AND TEACHING

What to look out for before you support a church, or "Christian" ministry. Applies to churches, radio, TV and other ministries.

Indicators to watch for:

- A primary emphasis on emotional feelings and experiences, expressed in the music, preaching and teaching.

- An appeal to the fleshly desires of the congregation. (For example: Physical needs of people are heavily stressed in preaching, invitations and prayers. "Healing" and "Deliverance" are emphasized more than the salvation of the eternal soul.) Observe the invitations - what needs are mentioned most - spiritual or physical ?

- Preaching false general assumptions that rely on the lack of Biblical knowledge of the people. Examples of such false assumptions are:
>"ALL God's people should have material wealth and be materially rich."
>"ALL God's people should speak in tongues." (With the view that if they don't they are not saved.)
>"ALL those who are sick will be healed if they have enough faith."

Such preaching usually omits important Bible study principles such as "context", "Biblical priorities", and "original language meaning" to the words.

- A showy, wealthy appearance of the preacher accompanied by a wealthy lifestyle. (Nothing is wrong with God given honest wealth, but if a pastor flaunts it and brags about it, there is obviously something very wrong. God is against exalting self. See: 1 Peter 5:6)

- Preaching that repeatedly calls of the congregation to "recognize who you are in Christ", with the goal of raising self-esteem. (Watch for phrases like, "We are the King's kids", "storm heaven's gates", "Our rights in Christ Jesus make us kings", "demand your rights in Christ Jesus", etc.)

- Preaching that has a greater emphasis upon physical healing than in being saved and doing the work of God.

- Preaching that constantly says, "The Holy Spirit is here", "this is the Holy Spirit", "The Holy Ghost", "The Spirit is present here," etc. (Hint: IF the Holy Spirit is really present a preacher does not have to try and convince his congregation of it. They will see the works of Christ among them, and receive a confirmation from the Spirit of God within them if they are saved.)

- Repeated use of the phrase, "A new thing" to describe something that happens there. (The Christians foundation for truth comes from the Word of God which does not change. It is out anchor, and basis for our beliefs.) A good rule of thumb is, "if there is no basis for something in the Bible, it isn't of God."

*Watch out for services where behavior is permitted and/or encouraged where a person loses control of his/her senses. This does not have a basis from the Word of God. Nor does behavior which imitates animals while claiming to be a manifestation of the Spirit of God.

- When the preacher and/or teacher use paraphrases rather then a translation of the Bible. (Watch out for preachers who feel that the congregation is too dumb to understand a King James Translation of the Bible. This type of preacher usually thinks he can manipulate his flock into any belief that he feels would make the church grow faster. If the preacher asks the people to bring Bibles with them to church, you can usually tell from the type of Bibles brought where the church stands on the importance of the Authority of Scriptures.)

This information is not intended to divide true brethren, but to help those who have been saved by warning them about certain characteristics which identify preachers and ministers who do not comply with Scriptural principles, and to pray for them.

Is it wrong to warn against such things ? Spirit-filled Paul didn't believe so.

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts 20:28-31

And in Timothy 4:2-4 God warns Timothy to reprove, rebuke, and exhort.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2

We should take heed to the different spiritual climate in the last days, and anchor ourselves - and our support - to Biblically sound ministries.




Return to Main Page
Return to Text Only Index
Return to SRBC Home Page