10 Signs That True Gospel Of Jesus Christ Is Distorted By False Preachers. Series

1. Emphasis on Prosperity Over Spiritual Growth: The focus shifts from spiritual maturity and serving others to accumulating wealth and material possessions.

- "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains." (1 Timothy 6:10)

2. Watered-Down Message: The preacher avoids discussing sin, repentance, and the cost of discipleship, instead emphasizing a feel-good, self-help approach.

- "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions." (2 Timothy 4:3)

3. Self-Centered Ministry: The preacher's message revolves around personal gain, fame, or fortune rather than Christ-centered teachings and serving others.

- "For we are not peddlers of God's word like so many, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, we speak in Christ." (2 Corinthians 2:17)

4. Manipulation and Emotional Appeals*: The preacher uses guilt, fear, or emotional manipulation to control or influence the congregation rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit.

- "For such people are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:13)

5. *Lack of Biblical Grounding The preacher's teachings are not rooted in Scripture or are selectively interpreted to fit personal agendas or worldly philosophies.

- "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

6. Focus on Signs and Wonders: The emphasis is on miraculous signs and wonders rather than the true gospel message, potentially leading people away from genuine faith.

- "Jesus said to him, 'Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.'" (John 4:48)

7. Exclusivity and Control: The preacher claims to have exclusive truth or authority, potentially leading to legalism or cult-like behavior.

- "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing." (1 Timothy 6:3-4)

8. Financial Exploitation: The preacher exploits the congregation financially, using tactics like tithing, seed-faith, or other manipulative giving schemes.

- "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." (Matthew 7:15)

9. Worldly Wisdom Over Spiritual Wisdom: The preacher prioritizes worldly wisdom, success, or strategies over spiritual wisdom and biblical principles.

- "For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'" (1 Corinthians 3:19)

10.Minimizing the Cross and Resurrection: The preacher downplays or distorts the significance of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and the centrality of the cross in Christian doctrine.

- "For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2)