1 Peter 3:18, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." I think this verse is direct to where our spiritual growth begins.
John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Truth is Jesus Christ and what He taught in the word of God about sinners, repentance, holiness, sanctification, justification, and separation from the things of the world. He and His disciples preached and taught the gospel. His words were not always positive and encouraging, most of the time they cut, pierced, and angered those hearing what He was saying. He had crowds following while He was giving them something, but when He needed them they were nowhere around.
Many of our large ministries of today have a feel good, always positive, prosperous, yet deceptive ministry. The leaders know how to work on the hearts/emotions of the people and run the ministry like a money making business. They deliver just enough truth to draw many followers and lead them down a deceptive path because they fail to preach true repentance of sin. They offer health, wealth, and prosperity that they cannot deliver, and so many follow as the blind leading the blind and soon they, both, will fall in the ditch. True repentance is a complete turning from sin, and it is then turning, wholeheartedly, to God to lead, guide, and direct our lives through His word and prayer...letting Him be in control.
God's promises to Christians are for living a life of obedience to Him and His word, not following every man who comes up with a new idea, or has a growing ministry, offers a new translation of the Bible, or uses great uplifting words that sound good and boosts ourselves up. Self or "our flesh" is our number one problem/enemy anyway, we are to deal with it daily...choose to die to the deeds of the flesh, but we love it and feed it with all the things of the world...even what we think are good things.
Luke 6:26, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets." Men are speaking well of the men with the large ministries and the men are getting the glory for the work instead of credit/glory going to God. They are giving out another gospel, a strange message and too many are listening. Is it any wonder why "many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity"? (Read Matthew 7:13-29)
As singlemom said, we must "beware" of many ministries, preachers, books, and teachings that do not follow all the doctrines of the word of God...God will back up His word, but man cannot. By the way, I was hearing an interview with Mr. Osteen telling about the ministry he has now. Before his dad died his dad asked him to take the ministry over, so was/is he a true God-called man of God anyway or as I have heard throughout my life..."a papa-called, mama sent" minister?
