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Since the very beginning of the established church universal, we have been inundated with individuals who have attempted to use the name of Jesus for personal gain. At best this has been a misguided desire to truly help others and at its worst becomes an evil exploitation of good people for personal and governmental gain. Make no mistake! These are all fueled by satan for his evil purpose and plan! However, if your like me, many of these opportunities tug at your heart and in a desire to please King Jesus we struggle with discerning what appears as a angel of light and what is truly Holy Spirit inspiration. So how do I become “wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove?” I want to encourage you all with these three simple protections that may help eliminate some of the doubt and frustration:

1 - Philippians 2:15 / James 1:27 - does it point toward Jesus? Does the project, plan, ministry, etc point toward building up His Kingdom through His church? Are there other trusted sources who can testify this endeavor lifts the name of Jesus and strives to exemplify His name. IE: A few years back one of our church members met a fellow Christian on line who was seeking to go to Bible College. We had two independent trusted sources in that country reach out and check on him for legitimization. He checked out and our church body now supports him as he strengthens his ministry through education.
2-Matt 7:15 / Acts 20:29 / 1 John 4:1 - be wary of wolves and test the spirit. Does this ministry attempt to isolate? Wolves love to isolate since it is easier to weaken and destroy. Do they understand doctrinal specifics contained within God’s Word? Salivation, Godhead, Church, etc? Who are they accountable to? Who is the authority over them? What other Kingdom Ministries are they partnered with? Are their photos photoshopped and AI generated? Do they have legitimate addresses and testimonies of real people?
3 - Heb 5:12-13; 13:17 / John 10:1 / 1 Tim 3:16-17 - what does your local Church authority say? How do they reconcile the ministry with the scriptural application? A wise man, or woman, listens to the authority over them. This helps in establishing God’s Holy Spirit of accountability and authority. IE: Very seldom do Ivette and I support a ministry outside of our Church. If we do support another mission we never ask others to support it unless our Church leadership is behind the endeavor. We simply believe God uses His church and love the wise Biblical protection!

I’m sure I have only scratched the surface but I just want to encourage you all. Don’t stop becoming excited about your opportunities to serve and support King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Church. Just be wise in your endeavors!