“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”

   One of the great quandaries of our time is the discernment of truth. Who do we believe? Why do we believe it? Does it really matter? For many of us this has not been a particular hardship or concern. We have our sources of news, information, and protocol that we trust. Rarely do we spend the time to investigate the validity of our trust, we “just believe” we are safe in having confidence in our choice of information. Sadly, there are those that are intrigued with the looks of the news anchor or the design of the web page or worse yet the political leaning of the source of information. We are not given this leeway or prerogative in the matter as it concerns the truth of God’s word. Truth does not bend to preference, popularity, or politics. God’s word is truth.

   Don’t be lulled to sleep by comfort or distance. This danger is real and it is looming over the church, the body of Christ, and even our most dedicated and grounded Christian leaders. Matthew 24 is worth taking time to read as you meditate on this subject matter. It all boils down to the declaration of Christ in verse 35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

   As it turns out the most important thing in our search for truth is our hope and trust in the incarnate Christ. Not the church or denomination. Not the cross or prayer chain or icon of devotion. It all centers on Christ. Christ is everything. He is God. He is eternal. He is the Word. He is God revealed. If you have seen Him you have seen the Father. (John 14:9) Test the spirits. God is not hidden to those that seek Him with a genuine heart.

   Don’t be duped by this present world. There is a Savior. He is the incarnate Messiah, the beloved Son of God. Believe and be saved.

Colossians 2:9-10 “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.