Discerning Error and Truth

Discerning Error and Truth

There are famous women preachers/teachers that other women love to share these preachers’ words excitedly and pronounce them good and inspiring. I look at these women’s words and read them over and over again trying to make sense of them. They may sound good but they aren’t biblical. They make up words that aren’t in the Bible and point women to ways that aren’t of God. They “hear” from God, write it down on paper, and act if these words they supposedly heard from God are for all women. No, they are not!

I sat under and learned from some of these women. They were just alright with me. I’d try to get all excited about them but for some reason I never could and I couldn’t put my finger on it but now I know. I have grown in my faith and know the Bible better so I can easily distinguish between false, made up teachings and solid, Bible teachings. The only way to do this is to chew on the meat of the Word ourselves and learn from godly men who have spent years studying the Word, not “hearing” from God.

I was reading 2 Timothy yesterday. When I get to these smaller books of the Bible, I usually read the entire book in one sitting but it doesn’t take long because they’re short. The Apostle Paul is teaching Timothy how the church should run. In 2 Timothy 1:12, Paul exhorts Timothy: “HOLD FAST the form of sound words, which thou has heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ.” Know the Word of God, women, so when something that doesn’t line up with scripture is being said or written, you will be able to quickly discern if it is truth or not.

In 2 Timothy 2:14, Paul wrote: “Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” My children went to AWANA their entire childhood and this verse is AWANA’s motto. The Bible was hidden deeply into their hearts so they weren’t and aren’t easily led astray by false teachings. They know the truth and I’ve never seen my daughter become excited about one of these female preachers/teachers, thankfully. Ground your children in the Word.

“Shun profane and vain babblings; for they will increase unto more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:16). One of these types of female teachers, I wrote about years ago and warned about her. Now, she has left her husband and is in a lesbian relationship. Another one has endorsed gay marriage. It’s never my intent to destroy other women’s ministries but it is my intent to warn all of you about the false teaching that is going on. Don’t listen to someone who claims, “I heard from God and this is what He said…” Shun this type of teaching and go to the Word and learn from the Lord. Leaving the clear teachings of the Word and making up one’s own bible is a very dangerous place to go.

Here is a post that went around that women loved:

Now, this isn’t from a Christian source as I am sure you can tell right away but women love these kind of things. I decided to take this post and change each sentence into truth so a woman in the chat room made a poster for me with my words.

If you see a tweet, poster, or statement written by someone that everyone else is swooning over, make sure it’s truth and not just tickling your ears. If it’s hard to understand and it takes a while to try and figure out, it’s probably not truth. Stick to the Word of God and to those who teach it clearly and unashamedly; those who don’t try to water it down. Learn from those who point clearly to Jesus and His ways. If you have a godly male teacher/ preacher that you love learning the meat of the Word from, put his name in the comment section for others to learn from. If you know other godly female teachers who teach godly womanhood, put their names there, too. It’s good for all of us to know those who love the truth and aren’t afraid to teach it!

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
in these last days has spoken to us in His Son,
whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
Hebrews 1:1, 2

37 thoughts on “Discerning Error and Truth

  1. I would consider this a meat and potatoes post 🙂 full of substance. That is my problem with so many of those female leaders – they get you all excited about serving anyone but your husband and children. I went to a women’s Bible study during the day for just a little bit and sadly most of those women were there joking about the shape that their houses were in ( a mess) and that they had no idea what they were going to do for dinner that night. We were able to sit there during the day because of our hard-working husbands and I felt like admonishing them “leave here right now and go home and put your home in order. ”
    I made one small comment The other day on an organization blog because the blogger espoused putting your kids in a daycare for a few hours so that you can do the things that you love. I commented how quickly time goes into not do this with your children. The women’s replies cut me to the quick so I cannot imagine some of the things that you had to read. God bless the remnant. (You:)

  2. Thank you, Shelley. Today’s feminist women don’t like the hard truths of God’s Word at all but the sad thing is they are the ones missing out on the beauty of godly womanhood. along with their husband and children. A good life doesn’t come from pursuing pleasure but working hard and doing what the Lord has asked us to do. You have right thinking so keep speaking truth wherever you can. You don’t know who may be listening and learning from you!

  3. I have so much respect for the pastors at our church. Chad Blackmon’s messages are some of my favorites. You can watch at
    Sheltercovelive.com

  4. I was just thinking about this topic a couple days ago. This past weekend my mother brought me a few copies of Charisma magazine, as I thumbed through the pages I noticed that many of the article authors were referencing God with a ‘hocus pocus’ sort of demeanor. I read sentences like “That God would just rain down his holy fire to burn up all of my inequities and cleanse me from sinful behaviors and desires”. However, what I have had taught to me (by my husband and pastors) is that the next time “holy fire” comes to burn things up, it’s going to be the end of time, not some special prayer session with a person and God where he sends a special fire that burns up their sinful desires. Besides, scripture says the sacrifice of Jesus cleansed our iniquities, and we can rid ourselves of sinful desires and behavior by renewing our minds. Another common theme I read frequently was “I sought to receive the spirit of so and so (a dead person). Perhaps this idea comes from Elisha receiving a double portion of Elijah’s spirit/anointing. Some folks take this too far I think; I’ve seen pictures of and read about Christian groups laying and praying on the graves of great evangelists hoping to inheartit that person’s anointing- that is just wrong. These were just a couple things I read in those magainzes that just sounded wrong; and unfortunately most of these authors were women.

    Its one thing to flow in the gifts of the Holy Spirit (like praying for sick folks and hearing a testimony of healing shortly after), but taking it to another level of hocus pocus sounding spirituality is another whole animal, and a discerning person will know the difference.

  5. Lets just be very humble and discerning of our own hearts. I have never heard of you until now but you are a woman teacher and come across very strong also. Our Lord desires pure humility and true surrender to Him. He continually calls and beckons us to draw near to Him and to share His Gospel to a dying world. I too, am saddened by the lukewarm teachings and heresy but also by unkind words and false accusations stemming from inaccurate media reports. We DO want to sound a warning. But sometimes our opinion is just that. Not truth. I’m an older woman and walked where you are now. I appreciate your concern but honestly, very disappointed in the underlying feeling I get here. Praying for wisdom and discernment for all of us. It’s a subtly dark day in which we are living, but God is Light and He will dispel the darkness!

  6. There is nothing wrong about being strong in the faith, Lynn. Being strong isn’t the opposite of being humble and being in surrender to the Lord. I encourage you to read more of my posts before you judge me as not teaching truth. These verses clearly show that all we need for life and godliness are in His Word. We need no extra revelation that many women claim these days.

    “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

  7. You’re so right, Lindsay. Holy fire is hell and brimstone in the Word and something we as believers don’t want to have any part in. Christ’s death on the cross is what freed us from sin. He did it all for us!

    That anointing is wrong too. There’s nothing in the New Covenant that tells us to do such a thing.

    Yes, the days are evil and we must be women of the Word so we can easily distinguish between truth and error as you have done.

  8. I agree and did not judge you. I do not know you, but have read most of your articles.I am just sounding a warning because of known hurt. We all have different experiences that make us sensitive to certain issues. This is one that has touched our lives. My cry still..is that we all are careful in calling out a name if we do not really know them. Sometimes a ministry seems very off-balanced because they are ministering to others with specific pain. I am sorry if I spoke out of line. As I said.. this hits very close to us. Blessings as you walk close to our Lord and Savior minister to others.

  9. How should I handle combative Christian women wanting to argue about the gospel? I’m quiet mannered so it’s easier for me to witness without a word, but sometimes I worry that I’m doing something wrong withdrawing because I’m unsure of what to say and/or if I should say anything at all. Conversations are friendly as long as I go with the flow but turns sour once I mention God’s Grace.

    I get discouraged as it’s hard to find a Christian woman who does not already know everything about the gospel and I find it suspicious how these women seem to know so well what God wants them to do because it coincides exactly with what they want for themselves. I was always taught that sometimes God calls us to be in uncomfortable situations so we learn to have faith and trust in Him.

  10. One of my favorites is Adrian Rogers. I’ve been listening/watching his sermon on YouTube a lot lately. I love his style of preaching and often feel convicted during his messages. He preaches the straight word.

    On another note, Lori, do you know anything about Lisa Bevere? I don’t know much but I’m curious. I read a little about her yesterday and it seems she is in ministry with her husband. I want to find some women that teach the whole word of God, not just parts that suit them.

  11. Hi! I’m fairly new to your blog (I just subscribed about a week ago), however I began reading some of your articles a few weeks back. I absolutely love your articles and they have taught me so much in such a short period of time. I am a newly wed (next month will be six months married) and I am enjoying every moment of it. Your blog has definitely helped me grow in my thinking when it comes to being a wife and a homemaker. We recently moved to a new state far away from family and at first I was disappointed that I could not work. Then I put on my big girl undies and started making our house a home and stopped whining and complaining as it started to bother my husband and take a toll on our marriage. I actually like staying at home and cooking, cleaning, and not feeling weighted down by a job and a boss or “trying to get ahead”. It actually have noticed a difference in my health, attitude, and stress levels. With my different outlook with staying at home, it has made my marriage better because I’m not fussing or grumpy and my husband isn’t exasperated with me! You have given me encouragement about being a young wife and a keeper at home even when others imply that I should be working to help out financially or to “not get bored”. Thank you for your wise words!

  12. I actually didn’t call out any names, Lynn, but we must call out false teachings since many women are being easily deceived and pulled away from the truth by these lies. In order to minister to anyone with any specific pain, the truth of God’s Word never changes. Never.

  13. We are told to speak the truth in love so if they are speaking things that are not true, Holly, simply speak the truth in love. It may not be well received but you aren’t responsible for this. You are responsible for planting seeds of truth in other women’s lives. The majority may think you speak craziness but there may be one or two women in the group whose hearts are pricked by the truth and may turn wholeheartedly to it but you have no idea unless you’re willing to step out in faith and speak the truth in love!

    “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)

  14. I just read an amazing quote by Adrian Rogers that I loved. I will have to listen to some of his sermons!

    From a quick search and a reputable site, I found out this about her: “As you can see from her calendar of events, Lisa frequently preaches the Sunday worship service at various churches, many of which are co-”pastored” by women, and is an advocate for women preaching. Lisa teaches extra-biblical revelation and twists and mishandles God’s word in many other ways as well. You can read more about her problematic theology in this review of her book, Without Rival.” (https://michellelesleybooks.com/2016/10/10/the-mailbag-do-you-recommend-these-teachersauthors-volume-2/)

    Unless a female teacher is actively and mostly teaching the ways of godly womanhood, I prefer not to learn from her.

  15. You are blessed, Chelsea, that you have a husband who wants you to be a keeper at home even though you don’t have children yet! This is wonderful and God’s perfect plan for you. There are many things you can learn to do and keep yourself busy with. I love the saying: Only a bored person gets bored! 🙂

  16. Yes I agree. Our council we give is God will never ask or direct us in ways contrary to His Word. Ever. It is our faithful test. I again feel like words have failed to express my heart here. Face to face when we can read expression and feel the pulse of each other is what I would rather have done. Blessings ~

  17. Hi Holly,
    I largely agree with Lori on this. However you need to be careful about when you choose to speak the truth in love. Its important not to become engaged in pointless battles. Sometimes its wiser to refrain from commenting, other times you should share with friends privately your feelings on different issues, and other times its ok to disagree in public, in a respectful way and politely. It really depends on whats being discussed. But arm yourself with the truth so you can stand firm

  18. Lori,

    The quote (which you edited/altered) reminded me of the prophet Jeremiah’s letter (chapter 29). He quoted the LORD of hosts’ imperative to “Let not the prophets among you deceive you, neither listen to your dreams which you caused to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you IN MY NAME: I have not sent them, says the LORD.”

    Then the LORD has Jeremiah write that delicious advice to those captives in Babylon: (verse 11) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… thoughts of peace, and not evil, to give you an expected end….” He said they would call Him and pray to Him and He will hear them. They shall seek for Him and find Him when they search for Him with all their hearts. And their days of liberation will be greater than the former days of captivity.

    I choose Truth!

    *hugs*
    Kelley~

  19. Yes, God has clearly spoken to us through His Word. Instead of saying, “God spoke to me and this is what He said…”, we should be saying “God spoke to me” and then give Bible verses in Scripture exactly what He said word-for-word and in context. It’s so easy and I can’t figure out why people need more except to make up their own truth apart from His Word. Blessings, Kelley!

  20. Thank you AnonM! It isn’t always easy to live according to the Word especially when conflicts arise. The last thing I want to do is push someone away from the Truth.

  21. Knowing God by J.I. Packer is a great read full of scripture. Backed by Billy Graham, RC Sproul, Chuck Swindoll, Elisabeth Elliot and more. He writes that “We are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it is disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder thnough life blindfolded, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. ” I wish I had found this gem years ago. Just had to spread the word.

  22. My favorite women to read are Nancy Wolgemoth (Nancy Leigh DeMoss!), Elisabeth Elliot, and Sally Clarkson. I agree completely that we need to be firmly grounded in understanding the Bible so that we can have discernment. There are both male and female writers/teachers these days who are not teaching truth, but it’s impossible to figure that out unless one is grounded in Scripture!

  23. I’m just curious if there is a scripture that caused you to believe that God does not speak to anyone anymore? Thank you.

  24. The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and preachers/teachers to “preach the word; be instant in season, out season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2) He didn’t tell them to teach what God may or may not have spoken to them personally, but all preachers/ teachers of the Word are to preach the Word and teach doctrine (the Bible) for “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instructions in righteousness.”

    “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.” (Heb. 4:12) I’m not sure how clearer the LORD could have been!

  25. What about Nancy Wolgemoth, Lori? Is her teaching biblical? I sometimes listen to her on the radio.

  26. From everything that I have heard come out of Nancy’s mouth, yes, I do believe that it is. Sometimes, she’ll have some women preachers on her radio show that I won’t listen to but Nancy seems to be doctrinally sound and teaches godly womanhood.

  27. Hi. I’m new to your blog and had a question about hearing God. You mentioned that we need only the written word of God in order to know God’s will for us. But when I read about Jesus telling us He had to leave in order to send the helper He also says that the helper will speak to us and lead us. Is this not true anymore? When I’ve read the parts of the New Testament it seems like there are quite a few people aside from the apostles that were hearing the Holy Spirit. I’m confused. Why would they hear when they already had the letters written by Paul and the others? What do you think? I’m not sure what to believe.

  28. Yes, the Holy Spirit guides and leads us but He doesn’t speak to us. God speaks to us through His Word but His Holy Spirit may prompt us, convict us, and challenge us as we are in His Word or listening to powerful, biblical sermons.

    “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

    “One of the most important ways to recognize the Holy Spirit’s guidance is to be familiar with God’s Word. The Bible is the ultimate source of wisdom about how we should live (2 Timothy 3:16), and believers are to search the Scriptures, meditate on them, and commit them to memory (Ephesians 6:17). The Word is the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and the Spirit will use it to speak to us (John 16:12–14) to reveal God’s will for our lives; He will also bring specific Scriptures to mind at times when we need them most (John 14:26).”
    From https://www.gotquestions.org/guidance-Holy-Spirit.html

  29. If you would like to know the names of some good female teachers, Susan Heck and Martha Peace are two! And of course Elisabeth Elliot❤️

  30. I struggle with Sally Clarkson. She seems to use scripture out of context to tickle our ears as far as raising our kids go. Taken as a whole and in context, I’m not seeing where the Proverbs 31 woman fits in. It looks to me as if she sees human nature as good and if we follow her teachings our kids will be great. Elizabeth Elliott is great and realistic.

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