I am concerned with the increasing growth of “feelings based” Christianity.
The good, and biblical, expansion of intimacy-driven as well as Spirit-experience faith, comes with some dangers that must be acknowledged as we progress towards the end of the age.
Much of the body of Christ rejects this whole revolution that I believe is Spirit produced; this missing out on a global kingdom move that is glorious.
But others embrace everything that comes down the pike embracing counterfeit expressions that are causing damage now and will be tragic later.
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16 (ESV)
12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.
13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.
16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:1 (ESV)
1 But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.
The apostolic concern in much of the scriptures is not just with the division of “good & bad”, but rather with Spirit and Soul.
“Source” is the primary issue with a creature.
The Creator is His own “source” and needs no other.
The creature must have a right “source”.
This is why the first temptation and attack from the devil is about “Source.”
The enemy didn’t just tempt Adam and Eve to steal, lust, or murder. No, that will all take care of itself if he can shift their source!
Because if “source” is shifted, then nature is changed, and production guaranteed.
Romans 5:12 (ESV)
12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—
Romans 8:2 (ESV)
2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Many examples of this in scripture:
1. Two trees
2. Two women
3. Two sons
It is important now, and will be more important in the coming days, to discern between the Soulish realm and the Spiritual realm.
Soul Realm: Mind & Emotions (seat of self consciousness)
Spirit Realm: Discernment & Fruit (seat of God consciousness)
Soul of Man: Stained with sin and being sanctified
Spirit of Man: In Christ and Spirit Filled Free of corruption
We must be alert, for there are counterfeit movements for every true Spiritual Movement.
Must discern between soulish & Spiritual:
1. Teaching
2. Worship
3. Miracles
4. Church
5. Living
Final encouragement:
Beware of excessive introspection but do not neglect constant discernment of “source” as you “work out your salvation”
Philippians 2:12 (ESV)
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,