Preachers and Teachers Marked to Avoid! (Romans 16:17) Avoid them and avoid getting stung in the wrong spirit!
Category 1-5 listings below!
The Bible tells us to "Mark" or make the Church aware of certain preachers and teachers in their geographical area, who not only reject the correct doctrines, but who attack those that are just fulfilling their calling. Similar to predators in certain areas, these teachers are dangerous and are feeding God's people sour milk, rather than fresh milk, and solid meat from God's Word.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them"
Romans 16:17 KJV
Just as God calls Pastors and Teachers to help equip and teach good doctrine to the Church, likewise God has other callings to give proper directions and guidance to such leadership. Proper alignment in teaching "good doctrine" (Proverbs 4:2) is critical in this end-time we are soon approaching. Thus; a word to the thousands of American Pastors. Sir, your not the only ministry around, and your message and ministry is not exclusive, it effects us all. We all have a responsibility to each other as members of the body of Christ. If God has a calling for us to proclaim out loud the names and errors of a certain Hymenaeus or Philetus, "Who concerning the truth have erred" (II Timothy 2:17-18), then so be it, God's will be done.
Your local church building and the exclusive comfort zone you are in is not exempt to receiving Holy Ghost correction from any of the five-fold ministries that God has ordained. The days of denominations with its 33,000 different church doctrines and divisions is about to end soon. God has got to have some order here, and He is about to make some changes in his Church very soon.
"Behold, I will do a thing in Israel [and in the Church], at which both the
ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle"
I Samuel 3:11 KJV
The Lord desires for us to be one in the faith (doctrine), and in the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3-6). God’s soon coming vision is in Habakkuk 2:1-4, but we encounter an issue in verse 4,
“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live
by his faith”
Habakkuk 2:4 KJV
The faith and humility seems to be lacking in many of the brethren as we are both doing God’s will, and fulfilling each of us our fivefold callings (Ephesians 4:11-15). However, how does one discern that even within a successful ministry, that when God sends us an ordinary man and his wife to expound unto us “the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26), shall the visit or letter be recognizable to us? Shall it be received notwithstanding even over “the pride of your [our] power” (Leviticus 26:19)? Will we receive it by faith? Perhaps it will take both faith and humility.
It seems that many are “locked and loaded” in their presuppositions and positions of doctrine. Very few leaders are teachable these days, once doctrines become “set in stone,” fresh out of Bible College and seminary. As the elder Dean John Burgon once said about 150 years ago, quote,
“Many are impervious to argument and therefore incapable of understanding
proof. It is a mere waste of time to reason with an unfortunate who announces
that he is beyond the reach of conviction” (Dean John Burgon 1813-1888)
I believe many are still within reach and among the fortunate ones, still able to receive the truth, discern conviction, and follow the “Spirit of truth” (John 16:13) who guides us into all truth (all the truth, not just parts of it), enabling us to overcome and warn against the spirit of error (I John 4:6).
As is our duty to declare “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), as we declare this vision and message, it is likewise our duty to expose those who do not follow the rules, God's rules.
Due to so many different situations, and the variance of doctrines, it only seems fair to make sure we are not placing everyone in the same category with the false prophets, soothsayers, and the enemies of God. Thus the only plausible way is to use a category rating such as in hurricanes from Category 1 to Category 5, with category 5 as the most dangerous, and "sunny skies" as cleared for action.
Category 1: Appears honest hearted but has been misled in the past having been taught
incorrectly and has never been corrected, re-taught, or shown the "way of
God more perfectly" (Acts 18:26). Future decisions unknown as of yet.
Category 2: After having been shown certain areas of error, recipient seems distraught
and turns to the source of their teaching or teachers, its origins, and they are
apparently stuck in a state of limbo, as we all wait for their decision for the
truth. This is a critical stage, for some turn to their old mentors and
reinforcements to reinforce their original erroneous teachings, while
thankfully, some turn their hearts in the right way (Isaiah 30:20-21). We find
about 50% in this state to still be open, and the majority of these to be
eschatological issues rather than essential doctrines.
Category 3: Correction on doctrines are openly refused and teacher shows signs of
rebellion against God's Word in receiving any guidance, even with scriptural
authority. Preacher is between keeping it to himself and his church, as to
openly coming out on T.V., Radio, or broadcasts as an enemy of truth. Suffice
to say, this is a dangerous position to be in. Pride and Ego is evident. They treat
eschatological doctrine as essential doctrine in a heaven or "believe like I do
or your going to hell" mentality. There may still be hope in this stage 3, but
pride and lack of humility is their main roadblock (Habakkuk 2:1-4).
Category 4: Preacher is a consistent enemy of the Gospel and broadcasts erroneous
doctrines and messages causing much harm to the body of Christ. Correction
is not only refused but openly rebuttals any guidance with additional attacks
on God's message and vision. They fall into the "dog" category of which Paul
warns, "Beware of dogs....evil workers" (Philippians 3:2). They avoid warning
of all the biblical sins of the flesh, the world, and of the devil (I John 2:15-17).
Many in this category coming fresh out of bible or divinity school are not even
saved, and live a life serving their own flesh and worldly desires.
Category 5: The most dangerous preachers of all, false prophets, false teachers, either
unknowingly or knowingly are leading God's people astray and causing many
souls to stumble. Some have deals with the devil, others do without knowledge
of it, as many begin to embrace the Mother of Harlots (Revelation 17:3-6), and
are now working on and for the Antichrist's one world church,one world
religion, and a one world perverted version of the Bible. They also avoid
warning of all the sins of the flesh, the world, and of the devil (I John 2:15-17).
