Who are the Wolves

October 10
It’s an interesting thing to try discerning those who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Today, with so many pastors preaching heresy, it is especially difficult to determine which is which. I would like to suggest, humbly, that those who preach anything contrary to the truth are in error. Those who preach anything contrary to the truth are heretics. I have personally been accused of being a wolf in sheep’s clothing. For this reason, I am immensely qualified to identify those who are indeed such. I have been in a church where the preaching pastor was a wolf. I have been in one or more of the churches referred to in Revelation 2 and 3.

These wolves are incredibly good preachers. They preach “some” good theology. They are very convincing. They speak enough truth to deceive the many who are easily deceived. That said, it is clear God calls those who are the chosen to come out of those false churches. In the final hours, He will give wisdom beyond that which is natural, and call those who are His to persecution, death, and a life of constant difficulty. I would like to clarify those who are definitely heretics. Joel Osteen, Robert Schuler, and any who preach a gospel of prosperity are heretics. Those who make $100,000 a year are heretics. In this age of the church, we have a responsibility to give all to ministry. We have no right to expect God to reward us with wealth for selling everything and following Jesus. As a matter of biblical fact, the opposite is true. I have just listened to Joel Osteen and Robert Schuler. Please believe me. They are heretics of the worst sort. And any who preach the gospel of prosperity are likewise heretics. Anyone who tries to convince you that God wants you to be well, rich, and prosperous are liars of the worst sort. Of the church channels on TV that are preaching the gospel, I think it would be a gross over exaggeration to suggest 1% are truly preaching the gospel.

I used to listen to hundreds of messages a week just to hear the kinds of things those preachers on TV were preaching. Some wear $1000 Armani suits, big diamond rings, and $200 ties. Those are heretics. They are men peddling the gospel. One thing I really loved about Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ. Every single member of that organization made the same salary. It was a bare bones salary that few could live on and have any more than the bare necessities of life. And, after all, that is the kind of life Jesus has called us to in this the church age. Most of us, in America have no idea what sacrificial living involves. We are the quintessential rich man who has a really hard time entering the kingdom of God. And that's God's word for us today.