Discernment

[Rich Indeed]

Discernment is incredibly important in these end-times!

I have seen several threads on this board in which some complain that others are accusing them of having a lower 'level of discernment'. This leads me to wonder how people here perceive discernment... is it a thing dependent on a particular level of Christian maturity? Is it some kind of measure of scriptural knowledge? Or is it a gift... much like the gift of prophesy, tongues, or hospitality... which is given by the Holy Spirit to believers as He sees fit?

Should all believers expect to have equal abilities for discernment? Or should Christians acknowledge that some may have greater levels of discernment than others?

What are your thoughts?

[TonyM]

I definitely think it is a gift God gives, because some are naturally more sensitive, and thus they have a sense of spiritual warfare, as in my own personal case. It took me years to understand what it was I was sensing, but now I know, not 100%, but I believe some of us do share similiar gifts and its confirmed by some of our private messages to one another. It's kind of scary, because the discernment is so dead on accurate, and yet really, it is a blessing.

I don't think we all have the same gifts however, or that one person has all the gifts, maybe except Jesus himself. Food for thought.

[4fish]

I believe discernment is given to all by the HS.

Scripture is clear that we all need it and the HS will help us with it - He will guide us into all truth. (John 14:26)

But, are you speaking about discernment or about dispensationalsim? Recently there's been alot of talk on the boards about "dividing the Word of God" by dispensationalists.

Dispensationalism is a religion.

[Resting In Him]

The greater your knowledge of the word of God the greater will be your discernment.

It is impossible to discern truth or error without knowing the Biblical doctrines that we have been given through the Bible.

One of the reasons for lack of discernment is not rightly dividing the word of truth and learning the full counsel of God.

Many Christians are stunted in their growth, being satisfied with just their salvation and not going on to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. They remain "Baby Christians" and are good prey for the enemy of the faith. They fall victim to false teachings which lead them astray.

That is why it is so important to continue in the growth process.

[RaptureNews]

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
[1 Corinthians 12:4-11]

God bless,
Eric

[Resting In Him]

Excellent Rapture News..... :thumb

Here's another one:

Hebrews 5:14 - But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. :):

[4fish]

As has been stated, discernment is a gift from the HS, it cannot be taught or learned.:nod

Therefore, it is possible to discern the truth or error without believing in a particular branch of theology that "divides the word". :nod

One is not a "baby christian", "stunted in growth", "good prey for the enemy" or destined to "fall victim to false teachings" if the HS is in them and has given them the gift of discernment.

Remember, all gifts are poured out in different measurements. IMHO, everyone is given this gift, it just may be that another gift (or gifts) is stronger in a person.

[Resting In Him]

As has been stated, discernment is a gift from the HS, it cannot be taught or learned.:nod

The "gift" you are referencing is the DISCERNING of spirits.

1 Cor. 12:10 - ......to another DISCERNING of spirits.

In other words the "gift of DISCERNMENT" is the ability to DISCERN between evil spirits and the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, it is possible to DISCERN the truth or error without believing in a particular branch of theology that "divides the word". :nod

I would very definitely have to disagree with you here.

II Timothy 2:15 - ...STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of truth.

It doesn't get much plainer than that. We're told to STUDY.

II Timothy 4: 2 - ....Preach the WORD; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and DOCTRINE.

If we don't STUDY we certainly won't know the WORD or DOCTRINE of the WORD so that we will be able to DISCERN correct TEACHING.

Hebrews 4:12 -...For the WORD of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The WORD that we STUDY will occupy our hearts and enable us to DISCERN truth from error.

One is not a "baby christian", "stunted in growth", "good prey for the enemy" or destined to "fall victim to false teachings" if the HS is in them and has given them the gift of discernment.

The Holy Spirit is given to be our teacher. This occurs as we STUDY the WORD of God. The Holy Spirit reveals the truths of the WORD to our hearts and teaches us as we STUDY. What happens in this process, if we are faithful to continue STUDYING the WORD, is we become mature and are able to increase in knowledge which increases our DISCERNMENT abilities. We then become learned and able to teach others.

1 Cor. 2: 13-15 - Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the HOLY GHOST TEACHETH; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually DISCERNED. 15. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

We are taught by the Holy Spirit the WORD of God as we compare spiritual things with spiritual which is found in the WORD. But, if we don't STUDY it then we can't learn it. If we don't learn it, then we can't DISCERN the truth of the WORD.

1 Cor. 3:1-3 - And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat; for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3. For ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk a men?

It is obvious here that some Christians are yet carnal. Why? Because they haven't learned to grow in maturity. Why? Because they haven't STUDIED - they have to be fed with milk - a sign of immaturity. They argue as though they know much and cause divisions because they are not learned. They haven't developed their skills of DISCERNMENT by STUDYING the word whereby the Holy Spirit can teach them the Spiritual truths of the whole counsel of God's WORD. They remain stagnant and ineffective in their walk and personal testimony.

Remember, all gifts are poured out in different measurements. IMHO, everyone is given this gift, it just may be that another gift (or gifts) is stronger in a person.

1 Peter 2:2 - As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the WORD, that ye may grow thereby.

As Peter explains, without the WORD it is impossible to grow in knowledge. Again, without knowledge, or limited knowledge, there will be limited DISCERNMENT.

Again, the gift of DISCERNMENT relates to the DISCERNING of spirits - i.e. evil spirits or the Holy Spirit.

[COLOR=Blue]

[littleone]

Amen Resting!

[Benja32one]

ASV 1 Timothy 3:1 Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office
of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one
wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to
teach;
3 no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of
money;
4 one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection
with all gravity;
5 (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he
take care of the church of God?)
6 not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of
the devil.

'me neofouton', 'not a novice' means not one 'newly planted.'

7 Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without;
lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.


I Hebres 5.....
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard of interpretation,
seeing ye are become dull of hearing.
12 For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have
need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first
principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need
of milk, and not of solid food.

Here it is plainly stated that that it is a 'matter of time' for men to become teachers, and that it is possible for a believer to become 'dull of hearing'.

[antsinmypants]

There are two types of dicernment. One we can learn. The other is a gift.

The one we learn, is to discern good from evil. We are taught that by our elders, both parental and spiritual.

However being able to discern spirits, isn't something we all have.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
[1 Corinthians 12:4-11]

[lookup]

One is not a "baby christian", "stunted in growth", "good prey for the enemy" or destined to "fall victim to false teachings" if the HS is in them and has given them the gift of discernment.


We don't want to mistakenly assume that because God gives someone a gift that they will use that gift as they should.

A case in point: Solomon. He asked God for wisdom, and God gave him wisdom in such measure that he was recognized as the wisest ruler of his time. Yet look at all of Solomon's wrong choices. Ecclesiates is one of the most depressing books of the Bible. For a long time I wondered how someone so gifted by God could make such wrong-headed choices in his life, until I realized that while God gives good gifts, He leaves it up to us as to what we will do with them.

[LDinthewoods]

There are two types of dicernment. One we can learn. The other is a gift.

The one we learn, is to discern good from evil. We are taught that by our elders, both parental and spiritual.

However being able to discern spirits, isn't something we all have.

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
[1 Corinthians 12:4-11] So how can we know for sure who among us is truly blessed with the gift of discerning spirits? I understand that we don't all have the same gifts but what I have trouble with then is knowing who to believe.

I mean the whole Body of CHRIST is relying on these with this gift to help the rest of us, but I believe the part about how to test & trust each other is where maybe some of us (namely me) fall short in our understanding. (Plus I can't think of any scripture I have heard that addresses this.)

[BHiles]

So how can we know for sure who among us is truly blessed with the gift of discerning spirits? I understand that we don't all have the same gifts but what I have trouble with then is knowing who to believe.

I mean the whole Body of CHRIST is relying on these with this gift to help the rest of us, but I believe the part about how to test & trust each other is where maybe some of us (namely me) fall short in our understanding. (Plus I can't think of any scripture I have heard that addresses this.)

Do not accept whatever one says who has the gift of discernment as having any more credence than anyone else because one who has this particular gift is not a sage and always knowing at every moment God's voice on an issue. If however they have become known by you as one who speaks with authority consistant with the Word of God and they have been proofed in evidences of Godly outcomes based on that discernment then you must place your faith in God that He can use them to speak into your life.

In fact when the an issue or situation is such that Holy Spirit discernment is needed and used it is quite a humbling, terrifying experience when recognized that the Holy Spirit has worked through that person. The terrifying part is that a God would use one in such a mysterious way the overwhelming aspect of this and the tremendous responsibility that overcomes one to live right places a huge burden on ones shoulders because at times God will use the one with discernment to advise someone in very crucial desions concerning so may different issues of life. Never trust one with this gift over God's word but confirm in God's word their words.

When the Holy Spirit has given one this gift I believe that thye are usually called to be watchmen.

Ezekiel 33:2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: 3 If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; 4 Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. 6 But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

[LDinthewoods]

but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand. Can you explain literally what this means? Does that mean the watchman would go to hell also?

[antsinmypants]

What Brent Said.

but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.
Can you explain literally what this means?

What it means is if you don't speak out when directed to save lives or warn people, G-d will deal with you.

[lookup]

What it means is if you don't speak out when directed to save lives or warn people, G-d will deal with you.
Very sobering, indeed.

[lookup]

Never trust one with this gift over God's word but confirm in God's word their words.


Excellent advice. And it applies to the exercise of any spiritual gift.

[LDinthewoods]

What it means is if you don't speak out when directed to save lives or warn people, G-d will deal with you.
Okay, but how will GOD deal with the watchman? Do we know what the penalty is or should we just be afraid & not ask?


I know of only about 3 people in my life that fit this description.
If however they have become known by you as one who speaks with authority consistant with the Word of God and they have been proofed in evidences of Godly outcomes based on that discernment then you must place your faith in God that He can use them to speak into your life. That's not to say that these are the only people I listen to or that the HOLY SPIRIT works through. But these are the only people I know that I can discern true authority in them. So, if for some reason, one of these people gave me wrong instruction (and I don't realize it) what happens to me? What happens to them?

[antsinmypants]

Okay, but how will GOD deal with the watchman? Do we know what the penalty is or should we just be afraid & not ask?


It says that the blood of those not warned, are required of the watchman.

So if something happens to the people we are told to warn as watchmen, and we do not warn them- it's on us.

It doesn't go into more detail than that, but from my understanding it means when our works are tested, this would be something that wouldn't withstand.

[Rich Indeed]

Thanks to all of you for responding to this thread... I've really enjoyed 'the discussion'.

Here are my thoughts on discernment - - sounds like, for the most part, they echo many of yours!

I believe when a person makes the initial decision as a true believer in the Gospel, the Holy Spirit gives one or more gifts to the person. Just as our bodies need mouths to speak, feet and legs to propel us, livers to filter, eyes to see, etc., I believe the Holy Spirit distributes the various gift(s) in a way which balances the whole body of believers to achieve God's purposes. I imagine that He also utilizes bits and pieces of our background to determine where our best fit will be, and distributes gifts accordingly... in a sense, to redeem our experiences (both good and not so good) to advance God's Kingdom.

I imagine that He gives us a small gift initially which can grow as we mature in our faith. Some new believers are unaware that they've even been given a gift, and therefore do not look to discover one. I think their gift doesn't grow until they begin to realize it's there, and through faith and study and prayer, begin to embrace it, and allow the Holy Spirit to further develop it.

As for the specific gift of discernment, I started off believing that, like other gifts (prophecy, speaking in tongues, teaching, hospitality, etc.) it was given only to some believers... (and others were given different gifts).

Then, recognizing the importance of discernment, I began to think that ALL believers must have at least some degree of it.

But recently, I'm beginning to wonder... especially when I see some people that I've believed to be true Christ followers willing to embrace practices which thwart the true Gospel and lead many astray. My former pastor, for example... I know he's been preaching the true Gospel... His inspired sermons brought me back to my faith in Jesus Christ after two decades of walking on my own!!... yet, now I see him beginning to allow another gospel into that church through the Contemplative movement. (At a 'Spiritual Formation Retreat' sponsored by that church last Fall, we were led in a pantheistic/pagan prayer, which I believe is fruit of that movement.) Based on discussions with my former pastor, it is clear that he didn't see any conflict with the movement, and while he'd have preferred the retreat leader hadn't used that particular prayer, the pastor told me he had attended a service a couple of weeks earlier where the same man led members of our congregation in the same prayer - - Obviously, though, the pastor never brought up any concerns about it to the man that would be leading our retreat.

This whole thing has really led me to wonder about discernment... I would think ANY true Christian would have a problem with the idea of 'calling on' 'the whiteness of the moon' or 'fire's glory' for a 'shield'... even if earlier verses of the prayer referenced Jesus Christ.

I am certain that pastor is more familiar with Scripture than I am. And he's been trained in Seminary.... The point being that I have no doubt that he has a greater level of maturity as a Christian... yet I am wondering about his level of discernment.

It seems to me that some people tend to be especially blind in the area of discernment... and it boggles my mind that when Scripture is presented, along with other evidences of a practice leading people away from the true Gospel, that some STILL cannot see any danger in the practice. I especially can't understand how a Christian pastor doesn't see a HUGE problem with a pantheistic prayer like the one mentioned above.

Any thoughts?

- Rich Indeed

[Rich Indeed]

Any thoughts re: my last post?

[Rich Indeed]

Okay - I think a discussion I've been involved in on another thread is beginning to help me understand a bit better...

I'm beginning to realize that when Christians are involved in pagan/occult practices (evenly innocently, because they've been promoted as 'ancient Christian practices', for example) they seem to lose their ability for discernment... even failing to see the obvious when it is pointed out... seeing the prayer I mentioned above as counter-scriptural, for example... when it clearly is!

[Larry B]

Thanks to all of you for responding to this thread... I've really enjoyed 'the discussion'.

Here are my thoughts on discernment - - sounds like, for the most part, they echo many of yours!

I believe when a person makes the initial decision as a true believer in the Gospel, the Holy Spirit gives one or more gifts to the person. Just as our bodies need mouths to speak, feet and legs to propel us, livers to filter, eyes to see, etc., I believe the Holy Spirit distributes the various gift(s) in a way which balances the whole body of believers to achieve God's purposes. I imagine that He also utilizes bits and pieces of our background to determine where our best fit will be, and distributes gifts accordingly... in a sense, to redeem our experiences (both good and not so good) to advance God's Kingdom :): .

I imagine that He gives us a small gift initially which can grow as we mature in our faith. Some new believers are unaware that they've even been given a gift, and therefore do not look to discover one. I think their gift doesn't grow until they begin to realize it's there, and through faith and study and prayer, begin to embrace it, and allow the Holy Spirit to further develop it :): .

As for the specific gift of discernment, I started off believing that, like other gifts (prophecy, speaking in tongues, teaching, hospitality, etc.) it was given only to some believers... (and others were given different gifts) :(: .

Then, recognizing the importance of discernment, I began to think that ALL believers must have at least some degree of it :): .

But recently, I'm beginning to wonder... especially when I see some people that I've believed to be true Christ followers willing to embrace practices which thwart the true Gospel and lead many astray. My former pastor, for example... I know he's been preaching the true Gospel... His inspired sermons brought me back to my faith in Jesus Christ after two decades of walking on my own!!... yet, now I see him beginning to allow another gospel into that church through the Contemplative movement. (At a 'Spiritual Formation Retreat' sponsored by that church last Fall, we were led in a pantheistic/pagan prayer, which I believe is fruit of that movement.) Based on discussions with my former pastor, it is clear that he didn't see any conflict with the movement :freaked , and while he'd have preferred the retreat leader hadn't used that particular prayer, the pastor told me he had attended a service a couple of weeks earlier where the same man led members of our congregation in the same prayer - - Obviously, though, the pastor never brought up any concerns about it to the man that would be leading our retreat :doh .

This whole thing has really led me to wonder about discernment... I would think ANY true Christian would have a problem with the idea of 'calling on' 'the whiteness of the moon' or 'fire's glory' for a 'shield'... even if earlier verses of the prayer referenced Jesus Christ :B: .

I am certain that pastor is more familiar with Scripture than I am. And he's been trained in Seminary.... The point being that I have no doubt that he has a greater level of maturity as a Christian... yet I am wondering about his level of discernment :twitch .

It seems to me that some people tend to be especially blind in the area of discernment... and it boggles my mind that when Scripture is presented, along with other evidences of a practice leading people away from the true Gospel, that some STILL cannot see any danger in the practice :freaked . I especially can't understand how a Christian pastor doesn't see a HUGE problem with a pantheistic prayer like the one mentioned above :doh .

Any thoughts?

- Rich Indeed
I have a few thoughts, Rich Indeed, and I would like to present them here, taking you up on this wonderful opportunity :heh !! I AGREE with EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SAID HERE :): !!! GOD GIFTED ME WITH VERY STRONG "DISCERNING OF SPIRITS", AND AS I HAVE GROWN IN KNOWLEDGE IN HIS WORD, AND IN HIS WAYS, THIS DISCERNMENT HAS EXTENDED ITSELF TO "PEOPLE IN GENERAL", AND SITUATIONS IN "PARTICULAR" :heh !! I started out by reading Proverbs EVERY DAY from the age of about 12, because I had a Godly Grandmother:hug, bless her heart, who gave me my very first Bible :): !! Proverbs is one of the BEST SOURCES for WISDOM and Godly DISCERNMENT :): !! This "wisdom" and "discernment" comes ONLY FROM READING PROVERBS ON A "DAILY BASIS", AND "HIDING" THESE "WORDS OF GOD" IN YOUR HEART :): !!! There is NO OTHER WAY to be "discerning" as a Christian, than to IMMERSE YOURSELF IN GOD'S WORD, OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, AND STAY IN IT, ALONG WITH FREQUENT "PRAYERS" TO THE LORD, SO THAT WE MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GETTING THE "RIGHT DIRECTIONS" FROM HIM :): !!!! Your pastor must have "fallen off" from staying in the Word of God, and started listening to FALSE TEACHERS AND PREACHERS, THEREBY "LOSING" HIS GODLY DISCERNMENT :freaked :(: !!!!

[Rich Indeed]

I have a few thoughts, Rich Indeed, and I would like to present them here, taking you up on this wonderful opportunity :heh !! I AGREE with EVERYTHING YOU HAVE SAID HERE :): !!! GOD GIFTED ME WITH VERY STRONG "DISCERNING OF SPIRITS", AND AS I HAVE GROWN IN KNOWLEDGE IN HIS WORD, AND IN HIS WAYS, THIS DISCERNMENT HAS EXTENDED ITSELF TO "PEOPLE IN GENERAL", AND SITUATIONS IN "PARTICULAR" :heh !! I started out by reading Proverbs EVERY DAY from the age of about 12, because I had a Godly Grandmother:hug, bless her heart, who gave me my very first Bible :): !! Proverbs is one of the BEST SOURCES for WISDOM and Godly DISCERNMENT :): !! This "wisdom" and "discernment" comes ONLY FROM READING PROVERBS ON A "DAILY BASIS", AND "HIDING" THESE "WORDS OF GOD" IN YOUR HEART :): !!! There is NO OTHER WAY to be "discerning" as a Christian, than to IMMERSE YOURSELF IN GOD'S WORD, OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS, AND STAY IN IT, ALONG WITH FREQUENT "PRAYERS" TO THE LORD, SO THAT WE MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GETTING THE "RIGHT DIRECTIONS" FROM HIM :): !!!! Your pastor must have "fallen off" from staying in the Word of God, and started listening to FALSE TEACHERS AND PREACHERS, THEREBY "LOSING" HIS GODLY DISCERNMENT :freaked :(: !!!!

Thanks, Larry -

I agree that it seems the pastor may have cut back on reading Scripture... from what I have gathered, based on his sermons, he spent MUCH more time in mystical experiences 'practicing the presence of God', in contemplative prayer, etc.

I agree that the Holy Spirit enhances our discernment as we read God's Word.

You mentioned 'losing' Godly discernment... Do you have an opinion on one's discernment becoming blinded increasingly as one defies the Biblical warnings against engaging in pagan practices?

[Larry B]

Thanks, Larry -

I agree that it seems the pastor may have cut back on reading Scripture... from what I have gathered, based on his sermons, he spent MUCH more time in mystical experiences 'practicing the presence of God', in contemplative prayer, etc.

I agree that the Holy Spirit enhances our discernment as we read God's Word.

You mentioned 'losing' Godly discernment... Do you have an opinion on one's discernment becoming blinded increasingly as one defies the Biblical warnings against engaging in pagan practices :twitch :fear?
:rolleyes OH YES, I DO, INDEED :twitch !! ALL HUMANS ARE GIVEN "FREE WILL" BY GOD :nod !! HE NEVER "INTERFERES" WITH OUR CHOICES, UNLESS WE ASK HIM TO DO SO :thumb !! WHEN A CHRISTIAN "WANDERS AWAY" FROM DEVOTION TO JESUS CHRIST AND HIS WORD, THEY PLACE THEMSELVES IN GREAT "JEOPARDY" :help :eek !! They have "put the Lord to the test", and PULLED THEMSELVES RIGHT OUT FROM UNDER HIS PROTECTION :doh :freaked!!!! HE WILL LEAVE THEM THERE, FOR "DEALINGS" WITH SATAN :evil, UNTIL THEY TURN BACK TO HIM IN REPENTANCE AND COMMITTMENT TO HIM ALONE :B: , FOR HE IS A "JEALOUS GOD" :): !! DISOBEDIENCE IN ANY FORM BRINGS "CONSEQUENCES" SO TERRIBLE, THAT NO CHRISTIAN WANTS THEM :twitch !!!! ONE CONSEQUENCE IS THAT WE "LOSE" OUR JOY, OUR FEELING OF SECURITY, THE PEACE THAT PASSES UNDERSTANDING, AND MOST OF ALL, WE LOSE OUR "GODLY" DISCERNMENT, OR AT LEAST THE "FEELING" OF IT, WHEN WE ARE IN DISOBEDIENCE :(: !! GOD WILL ABIDE BY OUR CHOICES, AND HOPEFULLY, WE ARE "MISERABLE :cry ENOUGH", TO COME RUNNING RIGHT BACK TO HIM :): !!!

[His4ever]

The greater your knowledge of the word of God the greater will be your discernment.

It is impossible to discern truth or error without knowing the Biblical doctrines that we have been given through the Bible.

One of the reasons for lack of discernment is not rightly dividing the word of truth and learning the full counsel of God.

Many Christians are stunted in their growth, being satisfied with just their salvation and not going on to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. They remain "Baby Christians" and are good prey for the enemy of the faith. They fall victim to false teachings which lead them astray.

That is why it is so important to continue in the growth process.

That's definitely it. Well said.

[His4ever]

LarryB, please stop posting in all caps. It's like shouting. :):

[Longing2cJesus]

The greater your knowledge of the word of God the greater will be your discernment.

It is impossible to discern truth or error without knowing the Biblical doctrines that we have been given through the Bible.

One of the reasons for lack of discernment is not rightly dividing the word of truth and learning the full counsel of God.

Many Christians are stunted in their growth, being satisfied with just their salvation and not going on to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. They remain "Baby Christians" and are good prey for the enemy of the faith. They fall victim to false teachings which lead them astray.

That is why it is so important to continue in the growth process.


Resting...........AMEN...........

[Larry B]

LarryB, please stop posting in all caps. It's like shouting. :):
:sorry- My eyesight is poor! I am very far-sighted, with astigmatism :(: - wanna trade :lol ?

[SeaDreamer]

Okay - I think a discussion I've been involved in on another thread is beginning to help me understand a bit better...

I'm beginning to realize that when Christians are involved in pagan/occult practices (evenly innocently, because they've been promoted as 'ancient Christian practices', for example) they seem to lose their ability for discernment... even failing to see the obvious when it is pointed out... seeing the prayer I mentioned above as counter-scriptural, for example... when it clearly is!

I think you are right and I had a long answer all typed out that I just lost saying basically this same thing. I wonder if your pastor has been compromising for quite awhile in small seemingly unimportant ways and this is now the result.

Very few of us wake up and decide, after years of good christian service, to suddenly start reciting pagan prayers.

[SeaDreamer]

:sorry- My eyesight is poor! I am very far-sighted, with astigmatism :(: - wanna trade :lol ?


Larry! You are never going to get healed if you keep making such negative confessions! :fish And don't think I didn't see you talking about your back problems too.

Now someone teach Larry how to use the font enlarger so the rest of us won't go blind reading his posts. :heh

[His4ever]

:sorry- My eyesight is poor! I am very far-sighted, with astigmatism :(: - wanna trade :lol ?

Ohhh, okay. Then by all means post in caps if you need to!

[Larry B]

Larry! You are never going to get healed if you keep making such negative confessions! :fish And don't think I didn't see you talking about your back problems too.

Now someone teach Larry how to use the font enlarger so the rest of us won't go blind reading his posts. :heh
:lol I am just "falling apart physically", I reckon! :spit Maybe I should go to see "Brother" Benny? :fear :eek Naw, I'll just wait upon the Lord :thumb .

[SeaDreamer]

:lol I am just "falling apart physically", I reckon! :spit Maybe I should go to see "Brother" Benny? :fear :eek Naw, I'll just wait upon the Lord :thumb .


Seriously, I'm praying for you especially regarding your back. I have the exact same pain and know how exhausting it can be some days.

And I don't think there is any font enlarge button, I was only picking at you. :wave