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if there are false pastors ,how shall we know them so as to run?and who are good pastors,wherw are they?
We have a great need to know and understand the bible, so that we will recognize error when we hear it. One thing that has not been mentioned, is the spirit that is in the pastor. The word is not supposed to be used as a club, to browbeat anyone, nor to bring condemnation, it is supposed to be shared in a loving kind spirit, and then let the Holy Spirit bring the conviction.. and conviction is completely diff. that condemnation, one leads us the way we should go, and causes us to want to do what God wants, the other one makes us feel guilty and manipulated. So, see how you feel during and after the sermon, and if you feel wrong, take it to the Lord, so that he can help you to understand what is happening and why, and what you should do about it.
And concerning the statement about preachers having lots of money... I see nothing wrong with this, It is ridiculous to even think about a man of God leading a huge congregation, and being a pauper... does not even begin to make sense.. I thank God for blessing his men, and women... what can one do in this world without money... nothing... can you just see a poor little preacher, trying to lead a congregation of 5,000., 10,000 or 20,000 in todays world??? Come on... get real...
God is not concerned with how much money we have or don't have, he is concerned about the attitude of our heart toward it. He did not intend for it to run us, it is our servant... and we can not bless anyone with no money, except in a spiritual sense. And for the rich young ruler... that is not a command to everyone... it was to him.. and Jesus has asked others to do this, but, it does not apply to everyone, only if the Spirit leads you in that direction.
Ok, I really should stay out of religion I know, but... I've never yet met a pastor who lives in a meager house with threadbare clothing and rides the bus because he actually follows the teachings of christ (I assume this is regarding christianity) and donates most of money to the poor and impoverished. So I guess if it's a pastor, it's false. in my personal experience and opinion.
Matthew 19:21-19:23 "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Many false teachers and prophets are around today. One sure fire way to tell is to listen to what they preach and line it up with what the bible says. If they are the ones in error then it will come to light. Christ said in revelation," many will come on that day and say,'Lord, did we not cast out demons and perform all sorts of miracles in Your name?' And Christ said,'Deprt from me you workers of iniquity.'" As said, their works, or fruits, will testify if they are truly a man of righteouseness or not. A humble and contrite heart is a good indicator, but you have to be very discerning.
Great question, how do you know when a pastor is "for the religion" or he's simply milking the congregation out of their money, with no regard for the belief of that religion?
I don't know. Generally though, I've found many pastors that seemed "poor" were in fact better off than most of their church going congregation, which left a very bad taste in my mouth.
In terms of how do you tell, I think only the deity you believe in can truly know the hearts of the faithful. Perhaps try to look for a "sign" that points you in the right direction, and go from there?
Try to remember that God shapes and forms Men to spread the word. But they are still human, you have ministry in you also, so you must read for yourself and then you ask God to lead you to the right Church and trust where He sends you. You will always find no perfect Pastors for all men fall short of the glory of God. we hold the Pastors at such a high level, God is not a respector of persons if you read for yourself then when you hear something different it will let you know that that Pastor is preaching from human aspect and not in the Spirit.
I pay attention if he is saying stuff like. "Me" and "I" way too much. I think that is not good. I have seen a very powerful one on tv and I wont mention the name. Just pay attention to how he says he does this and that for someone and only uses himself as an example. Very selfish. I wont say but I dont like this "preacher". He is doing mass marketing too and he has books out there.
"It is ridiculous to even think about a man of God leading a huge congregation, and being a pauper... does not even begin to make sense." They're not supposed to be like Jesus? "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle..."
The Bible teaches, you will know them by their fruits (results) - either: many are being saved and baptised in their ministry or all they can show is a huge mansion and the Rolls-Royce in their driveway.
captainassassin, don't be ridiculous. That is not what I mean, thank you for allowing me to clarify, however. His teachings AND life, including actions, must line up with the Word of God.
If what he preaches lines up with what the bible says, he is right on.
Really? So, if he does that AND molests little boys, he's okay?
If what he preaches lines up with what the bible says, he is right on.
...don't forget the paedophiles and womanizers.
Well, that's much better...
If his lips move...
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