Pastor’s Thoughts – 06/28/2026

We all make many choices every day about a variety of things. Choices are expected and differences accepted in incidental things. Interestingly, when it comes to religion some people are accepting of everyone having their own beliefs except when it comes to Christianity. Increasingly our society has become antagonistic toward Christians. This is especially true when it is claimed that Christ is the only Savior and the only way to God. Claims of other religions with false deities are largely accepted, while the true exclusive way of the Christian faith is not. This harshness against the Bible’s truth has led many Christians to either be silent or compromise the Bible’s teaching under cultural pressures. The problems with compromises are numerous, but at its root Christian beliefs that are essential to the faith, when disregarded, present Christianity as something that it is not. It escapes notice that compromising the truth leaves whatever remains without substance or power. What is left is something that cannot give hope, cannot save, and leads people into false conclusions resulting in hell even when it is done in the name of Christianity (Matt. 7:21-22).

John tells us, “Beloved, 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” (1 John 4:1). In this context John defines true salvation (1 John 5:13). Here he warns similarly, as all the New Testament writers, of the danger of following every voice that claims Christianity. He alerts us to be cautious and use discernment in what we accept as the truth from God. The idea is not to be naïve or accepting of things with a shallow mindset. As many false prophets are in the world, and whether they are misguided, deceived, or purposeful in their falsehood, they all share one thing in common – they are dangerously wrong! They are not the truth, and therefore, are not to be brought into the belief system of Christians. As an example, to purchase a soap that does not effectively clean is one thing, but it is quite another to buy into a doctrine or belief that will not save. One is temporal and of little consequence, but the other is eternal with infinite results. John says we are to, “Test the spirits.” What is the ultimate purpose of this testing? He says, “to see whether they are from God.”

Because we are living in the last days, the spirit of evil is abounding around us. We must not be naïve. There are only two choices to follow: God or Satan. Keep in mind what Ephesians 6:12 states: “We do not wrestle with flesh and blood.” The point is that superhuman evil forces are behind false and deceitful teaching. The Bible warns of this repeatedly. To ignore the warnings is to be foolish. This testing is indeed part of the battle and to distinguish between the saved and those who are superficial. The latter are merely acting under the Christian name but are yet unborn and not in Christ.

The word test, dokimazo, means to test thoroughly (Luke 12:56), to analyze (Luke 14:19), to try (Rom. 2:19), or to examine (1 Cor. 11:28–29). A careful study of each of these texts and many others requires necessary effort and scrutiny. To illustrate, no one who is thirsty would go into a science lab and start indiscriminately drinking unmarked liquids. The person, no matter how thirsty, would seek assurance that what is consumed is not harmful. By application, testing spirits is even more reasonable as it is dealing with that which is eternal. There is no room for mere assumptions because the consequences of being wrong are infinite and too horrific.

Because of all the deception, this testing is commanded and shown to be essential. This is not something to do only if a person is inquisitive. All of the, “beloved,” (those in Christ) are responsible and accountable for this command from God. No true Christian can embrace every religious doctrine or preacher claiming the Bible. Any Christian sitting in a church without testing what is being said is disobedient. This does not mean those speaking must be infallible, but in the major areas of essentials of salvation in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord, there must be uncompromising integrity.

How does one test? John 17:17 has the answer from Christ’s prayer, “Sanctify them in truth, Your word is truth.” Everything must be tested by careful and honest alignment with the word of God. The idea of testing every spirit is to look below the surface, and to take nothing for granted. The test not only includes what someone says but also getting to know their character and background in accord with Scripture. What is that person’s testimony? “Spirit,” pneuma, is rational soul, and is used by John of the reality of God’s life within the person. The test is to see that there is indeed a true relationship between the person and God. Does the person really have a heart for God and for His truth? To evaluate the spirit of a person requires us to have ears tuned by familiarity with the word of God while we also observe the person’s life. We measure what is being lived out, and what is being said in the name of Christ by His Word.

The serious nature of this is because deception is so prominent and many claim to speak for God, but do not. Many churches today are built around false teachers and are well-attended. Always remember the words of Christ, “For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few that find it” (Matt. 7:14). Thanks be to God who has given us His Word, and promised eternal life to all who believe Him, love Him, and truly follow Him.