Failure is sometimes necessary to shape us for our assignments.  For this reason we are called overcomers.  I pray that your dedication to assessing your spiritual growth in Christ will guide you toward great success in fulfilling your heavenly calling!

Doctrinal mixtures

Many of us have been victims of another gospel that puts the focus on Heaven instead of Christ.  Now we are very privileged to have been established in present-day truth. In the midst of a highly doctrinal and revelational reformation, we must protect ourselves from any kind of mixture.  

There are many “new” and misleading doctrines that we must be aware of.   Mature believers are not like children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).  The phrase “wind of doctrine” refers to shifting beliefs or teachings that stray from the full council of God’s Word.  As sons of God we should not be easily swayed by every new or misleading teaching.  Some apostles have mixed present-day truth with false teachings that opposes important doctrines such as the trinity, original sin, the resurrection, the coming of Christ and so on.

In 2 Kings 2:18-19, the men of Jericho approach Elisha about a serious issue: although the city itself is beautiful, its water is polluted, causing frequent miscarriages.  The polluted water symbolises corrupt or impure doctrines, which can lead to spiritual failure.  Just as bad water causes physical harm, false or distorted teachings harm the Church (symbolised by women in the city) and prevent spiritual growth. Impure doctrine is usually not altogether false, but contain traces of venom.  It is therefore important that we immerse ourselves completely in the unadulterated Word of God and be able to discern when we encounter mixture. As in the days of Jericho, the churches and programs in the city may be pleasant, but if the doctrine is corrupt, these projects will be unfruitful and fail. 

Once enlightened by the proceeding Word and immersed in the doctrines of the Apostles, you cannot drink from another fountain.  The apostolic dimension cannot sit “under” the charismatic.  The Young Prophet in Bethel did not understand this dynamic.  He was carrying a proceeding Word, but he believed the Old Prophet who manipulated him with a “prophetic word” to eat and drink at his table.  The Old Prophet, who symbolises the old doctrinal order, then condemned the Young Prophet for not following divine instruction.  As a result, the Young Prophet was devoured by a lion. (1 Kings 13:15-22).  The Young Prophet’s journey ended and his vision failed.

The Lord in all His wisdom, connects you to a spiritual father, who is responsible for your spiritual growth.  The Word your father carries is the Lord’s Word for your dominion.  When you drink from other fountains, the Word becomes contaminated, and causes failure.  

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11