Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.    1 John 4:1

The internet has made research super simple. I remember the old days in college doing research papers. This involved going to the library and finding books on the topic of my research. Now if I want to know something about a particular topic I can simply Google it or Bing it or use whatever other search engines are out there.

Last year I purchased a vehicle. When I purchase a vehicle, I do a lot of research. I spend a lot of time on the internet. I check the ratings of the particular vehicle I am interested in purchasing. I check the reviews on it as well as on the dealer. I search for the best deal. Buying a car is a big deal. I check Carfax. He

But I am amazed these days how many people don’t research pastors or ministries. Many people follow the crowd to worship without even bothering to look this person up on the internet. With baby Christians I get it. I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt.

When I rededicated my life to Christ, I lacked discernment. If they ranted and raved and spoke about God and quoted a few Scriptures I thought they were men of God. I found out the hard way this is not always the case.

As a baby Christian, I thought Jesse Duplantis was a good preacher with a good sense of humor. Boy, was I wrong. He’s all about the money. He is closely aligned with Kenneth Copeland, another false teacher. I really had my eyes opened when I listened to their wives speak and later saw the home they were building. Years later, he would ask for money so he could have as nice a jet as the one Copeland had. Are you kidding me? I felt like a fool for ever listening to him.

But as we spend time in prayer and Bible study, we mature as Christians and should not be so easily led astray. We should certainly research a pastor more than we would research a car, just sayin. I myself was led astray, so I get it.

The Bible has a lot to say about false prophets. Jesus said in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” We must be sober and alert, Peter warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.

Jesus warns of persecution. If we firmly believe in Him and refuse to be caught up in false teachings, we will be persecuted. He warned His disciples of this in Matthew 10:16 when He said, “Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.” He means for us to be wise and use discernment, but with gentleness and no wrong doing on our part.

Check the facts. In today’s world, it’s too easy. If you are going to trust a pastor or evangelist, why would you not check them out? Google the person. Read the good and the bad. See what is being said about them. Don’t just look at what they say about themselves. See what others are saying.

Be discerning. Does what they say line up with Scripture? If anyone is coming against them, can they back their accusations up with Scripture?

Pray for wisdom and discernment. Proverbs 2:6 tells us Christ alone gives us wisdom and good understanding. Don’t trust man, trust Jesus. We are told in James 1:5 if we lack wisdom, we can ask God who gives to all liberally without reproach and He will give us wisdom.

The Bible warns us to be very careful. We must be fact checkers.

Have a great day!