1 John 4:1

Sons;

We do not have to look far in the Bible to find verses that speak very loudly to our present day, such as 1 John 4:1 - "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."  Here in this context, John is using spirit to more refer to those who come claiming to be speaking from the work of the Holy Spirit, than "spirits" in the sense that we use the word today.

Of course, in today's world we would see this as a caution against cults, which it very much is.  Just after the life of Christ, religion in the Mediterranean world was in a great deal of flux, with all sort of religions, doctrines, and charismatic preachers wandering around.  Today, religion is a bit more stable, but there are still many who go around saying that they speak for God, that they are Christ returned, or have a new revelation.  We can think of many: Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientists - and that doesn't even go into the way-out groups like the Hare Krishnas, the Branch Davidians, and the list goes on.  Most of these we can laugh off, but sometimes there is just enough truth (or something sounding like truth) that it can trap the unwary.  If there is any doubt, we have to test what people tell us, by use of the Bible.  If someone is saying something that doesn't fit in the Bible, they are wrong, end of story.  And there are lots of people out there like that, who are laying in wait for those who are weak in spirit and knowledge to come along.

Also, we have to be aware of such things even in churches today.  Most pastors are very straight up, but occasionally one comes along with his own agenda, who twists scriptures or actions to fit his own desire or point-of-view.  So, what we hear from the pulpit should be checked as well, if you feel that there is a doubt.  Like I say, that's usually not the case, but as Christians it is our prerogative to judge the teaching of others - especially as leaders of families, where we would not want false ideas to take hold.  

So, be cautious, and if there is doubt, turn to the Bible for the truth.  Better a little effort now in finding out, than a lot of trouble later on!

Love,

Dad