The Gift of Discerning of Spirits
In times like these, Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and all others need to ask for the gift of discerning of spirits. The New Testament clearly teaches that every Christian needs to be able to distinguish good from evil, right from wrong. Hebrew 5:14 says that mature Christians have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. You shall be able to test teaching, and lifestyles of the pulpit folks against scripture, as we all must, as did the Berean Jews in Acts 17:11. I John 4:1 explicitly tells us “do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God.” These passages describe the Christian role of discernment. Within the Body of Christ (Body), however, there are individuals gifted with the ability of discerning of spirits. Those with this spiritual gift must be free and willing to exercise it. Some who have it may be reluctant to use it, because it requires a good deal of courage. It is comforting for the whole Body to know that G...