Tag Archives: God told me

Christian

Is Skepticism Healthy?

I don’t have a quick answer.

I want to believe in the word of God. I want to believe prophets exist today. I want to believe in modern day miracles.

But honestly I’m a skeptic. When I hear someone on television say “God told me” or “God said”, my immediate inner response is bs or bullsh*t. Sorry for the curse word, but I don’t know a better way to express that inner feeling. It’s that strong and usually that immediate.

Let’s take a moment and look at God’s word.

What about prophets today?

Acts 2:17 KJV
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

So we know that there was no end to the time of prophets. There will be prophets in the future. I hope if I encounter one I will believe. Unfortunately I have a preset notion. I don’t believe the ones I see on tv. I haven’t heard one yet, where I said yes it happened and it happened when and how you said it would.

I’ve seen some on tv who say stuff like there’s someone in the audience who has this condition. And they can guess their name, maybe their address or other bits of information. I’m sorry but these guys remind me of magician acts which have a basis in evil spirits. They do not strike me as true prophets of God.

What about modern day miracles? I cannot limit God. He can heal however he likes, but in my opinion he would most likely heal people according to his word.

James 5:14-15 KJV
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

I think skepticism is healthy. I hope with the fear of the Lord and biblical knowledge my spirit will recognize a true man or woman of God. I hope the same for you.

Iron may sharpen iron, but all I see is rust. If you think you are iron or want to be like iron, follow me on Twitter, I will follow you back, and perhaps we can start a friendship strengthening and encouraging one another in the Lord. @DeanNelsonHoff. Or you can just use the link at the top. DM me and introduce yourself.

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Christian, Inspirational

Examining Pulpit Credibilty

There are several public speaking tricks that preachers use to establish credibility. I am hesitant to use the word tricks because the message they are conveying may be otherwise truthful or helpful, but let me present my opinion and then you may form your own conclusions.

Knowledge of original scripture – “The original Greek says… .” The preacher is using a Greek translation Bible. All such translations were done by men of the modern age. If you trust in your KJV this is totally unnecessary and a hit at faith in the complete accuracy of the Holy Spirit’s work in the King James Version Holy Bible.

Knowledge of Multiple Translations – “Other translations put it… .” The preacher is trying to establish mastery over the subject greater than your own. It is very similar to a preacher exhibiting special knowledge of the Greek or Hebrew supposedly acquired through years of study.

Comparison of one’s life to a Holy figure in the Bible. – “As Noah preached righteousness so do I.” As Moses came through all his tribulations, so did I.” Most preachers don’t compare themselves directly to Jesus, perhaps that is God’s work. This may seem innocent enough, but when you hear these comparisons the speaker is hoping to borrow some Holiness. Something I find even more disturbing is criticism of the Holy men of the Bible. The implication may be the speaker is better, smarter, or more faithful.

Direct communications from God – “God said…”, “God told me…”, “God put it on my heart…”. I am leary and extremely doubtful of preachers who make this claim. God can of course talk to people today, but many of television preachers make such claims. I think I myself would need to be 100% sure. We often answer our own questions and put the answer we want to hear on our own hearts.

Closeness to the Lord – Preacher’s that use the phrase My God or Oh my God. I’m guessing this is done to show closeness to the Lord. We’re close so I can say it. To me it sounds like taking the name of the Lord God in vain, as it is in most cases when the layman says it.

Better are the preachers that stick to the word and demonstrate knowledge of it.

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