PATTER'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ARTICLE

BEWARE THE TELEVISION CHARLATANS
BY PAT GULLEY

I Jn 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (KJV)

I am continually impressed by the vision of the Apostles of Jesus who warned the early Christians of the coming of the many men and women who would twist the Truth of God into a lie of the Devil. We especially hear these warnings from Peter, Paul, John and Jude. And of course the Apostles Peter and John heard it first from Jesus as they walked, talked, worked and ministered with him for 31/2 yeas.

Matt 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (KJV)

I believe the world has noticed that many television shows and movies that catered to Christians were popular so they have decided to produce television shows with "spiritual" content in order to tap into the Christian audience as well. But most of these shows portray "spirituality' in a very false light. In fact, this light could be termed darkness.

It is very difficult to explain the difference between spiritual and soulish. The Bible, the Word of God, is the only place to go if you want to be able to discern between the two.

Heb 4:12 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. (KJV)

The Word of God is alive. It is alive and powerful and sharper than any twoedged sword. It is the only legitimate way to expose the fallacies of today's television programs. It can reveal that which is true and that which is a lie. But we have to pick the Bible up and read it and study it and allow it to inform us of what is of God and what is of the Devil.

The Lord has also set in the Church Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers to teach us and guide us in the understanding of God's Word. Always remember that it is in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ that God the Father is honored and glorified. (Phil 2:11) Paul warned us in 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 that even Satan can manufacture what may appear as miracles but the glory does not and cannot go to God the Father because the signs are lying wonders.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. (KJV)

One more bit of information you need to remember when watching television or other outlets such as the Internet. Human spirits that leave the human body are never allowed to return to communicate with any medium. There are many things of God that we do not understand but we do know that He still loves the world and that Jesus is the only Way to Truth and everlasting Life. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing. They seek to steal your joy, dilute your faith, and leave you wondering if God even cares about what is going on in this world today. They especially want you to doubt His love for you and yours. Don't doubt God.... doubt your doubts.