Discerning the Truth

Before we go to work, let’s cover some basic background facts.

The Internet is actually not the best place to get information, although it is certainly the easiest. Boot up, go online and search for a particular person, place or thing and a variety of web sites with assorted opinions will pop up; sometimes millions of responses will emerge! How do you sort through this glut of information, especially when there are no "truth police" and anyone can post just about anything they want about another person or issue?

First, let us realize what we are working with: The Internet is the technological equivalent of the American west in the 1800s. So, when you think of the Internet, think "Welcome to the "wild west." Although the frontier offered opportunities for wealth, adventure and freedom, yet "wild" or untamed was a true description. These days were filled with much lawlessness and injustice; law and order were in a primitive stage of development. So the Internet offers many opportunities, but it, too, accommodates a lot of deceitful and bias articles. Indeed, as we all know, there are predators who use the Internet to steal your money, defame your reputation, kidnap your identity and worse, in certain circumstances, even take your life.

So, it is important that we follow basic rules of discernment. To keep this simple, let us consider Paul’s words. Although he was speaking of true and false prophecies in the Christian community, his wisdom will help us as we seek to discern truth from error on the web. Paul wrote, "examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good" (1 Thess 5:20-21).

So, rule number one: examine everything carefully. Don’t assume just because a person has a web site, that the individual actually is a true authority on a particular subject, especially concerning spiritual matters. The fact is, while there are people with integrity who serve Christ as discernment ministries and apologists, there are also people who are just venting their bitterness about something that happened in a former church or movement. Their "discernment" is more a reaction to a bad situation than a careful and honest analysis of the truth presented by a particular ministry or church.

In examining everything carefully, here is a checklist with some things to consider:

1. Does the critical website ever mention anything good that comes from the ministry of which they are critical? There are attack sites that have targeted Billy Graham, for instance, that never mention all the people he has led to the Lord. They are silent about the fact that he would only work with churches that worked together in an area. Or that when he traveled, he stayed in hotels with adjoining rooms so that he was always accountable. Were there things someone could find wrong with Billy Graham. Of course. Who on earth does not have something wrong or statements they regret? But to publish only the shortcomings is an "unjust balance," which is an "abomination to the Lord" (Prov.)

2. Is the goal of the critical site to inform you of truth or to destroy the character or ministry of another Christian? John wrote that "grace and truth" are realized in Jesus Christ. So is there grace for the person or only anger? Again, let's be honest: not everything that everyone teaches is without flaw. It's important to look at the preponderance of things a person has written on a subject to get a true view. If someone just takes something out of context, that is unfair. We need to discern the truth through a lens of grace.

3. Have they made any attempt to actually contact the ministry they are accusing? Sometimes what seems like a heresy is really just hearsay. It’s easy to make a proofreading mistake and easier still to say something while preaching that could cause misunderstandings. So has the critic actually contacted the ministry directly and received clarity about something they read or heard?

4. Do they urge prayer for the ministry or have they simply condemned the individual? True discernment is not merely an analysis of doctrinal facts, but it comes from hearing Christ heart in the presentation. When Jesus rebuked the seven churches in Rev. 2-3, He first praised them for the good they were doing; then He spoke to them of what they needed to change (two were blameless though); and then He offered a promise and a reward for those who overcame their unique battle. So, does the critical ministry express hope that the accused ministry might turn from sin or heresy and find a new beginning in Christ?

This is a short introduction to a large issue. Let me say that there are a lot of things that I see wrong with churches, leaders, denominations, and Christians in general. But there are also things wrong with me. I approach life with vision, but also with practicality: I need grace. So, to receive grace for my imperfections, I am committed to people in their imperfections. I try and follow the golden rule, to be committed to people no matter where they are coming from. I am pledged to God to help Christians find Jesus in the midst of a lot of "churchiness." I am not asking people to be blind, but to be committed to the goal of redemption.

There are many things we could add to our opening conversation, but I do not want to take too much of your time. Hopefully, our answers to your questions will help clear any questions you had about my life and ministry.

When a Desolate Soul Finds God

By Francis Frangipane

In spite of breakthroughs in several regions, many Christians have grown weary. Their love is growing cold; their passions, lukewarm. The prophet Daniel warned of a time when the enemy would "…wear down the saints of the Highest One” (Dan. 7:25). To emerge victorious in this day, we must climb into the reality given to us by God in Psalm 91. There is a place of replenishing life, a fountain of light, wherein we can abide. The Bible calls this place the shelter of the Most High.

Elijah: A Man Like Us
Elijah was a man with passions like ours, and he fought in a spiritual war similar to ours. In his battle for the soul of Israel, he stood against the wiles of Jezebel and her husband, King Ahab. Yet his most intense battle was not against visible foes but against personal discouragement.

Love Me Where You're At

By Francis Frangipane

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This message was first published several years ago. However, we have had a large number of new subscribers since then. Considering the times, we thought its message would be a blessing to our newer readers. It is from Pastor Frangipane's book, "I Will Be Found By You" available at www.arrowbookstore.com.
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I have discovered that, as we seek the Lord, our most difficult periods can be transformed into wonderful breakthroughs into God's love. For me one such season occurred during the years 1979 to1981. The association of churches with which I was aligned had fallen under spiritual deception. Not only were its core doctrines increasingly seeded with New Age influences, but also immorality crept in, and key leaders began leaving their wives for other women. I could no longer remain silent. As a result, in 1979 I left my congregation in Detroit, Michigan, where I had served as pastor, and traveled to the organization's regional headquarters in Iowa. I came to plead for repentance. However, after meeting with the senior leaders, I was asked to leave the group.

"You Give Them Something to Eat"

By Francis Frangipane

"Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision." ---Acts 26:19

What I have come to believe concerning the Lord's glory and its manifestation in the church is supported by many Scriptures. Yet, it was through a night vision in 1971 that God granted me insight into His plan. In this spiritual encounter, I saw a great metropolis languishing under the weight of a deep and terrible darkness. Chiseled upon the faces of those in this wretched society was the image of hopelessness. The place was desolate of real life and the time for a recovery seemed long past.