"For we are not, like so many [ like hucksters making a trade of ] peddling Gods Word [ shortchanging and adulterating the Divine message] but like [men] of sincerity and the purest motive, as [commisioned and sent] by God, we speak [His message] in Christ [the Messiah], in the [very] sight and presence of God." [2Cor.2:17] Amplified Version.
The Church today is plagued by all manner of counterfeit 'Apostles', 'Prophets' and 'Teachers' , as well as 'Pastors', 'Evangelists' and others maquerading as servants of God, whilst 'fleecing the flock' !!!
HOW DO WE RECOGNISE THEM ???....
These people will always be motivated by the 'flesh' ...exhibiting covetousness, greed and corruption, while distorting Scriptures for their own selfish ends !
They will do their utmost to embezzle the very last funds of anyone who comes within earshot ! whilst continually attempting to 'prove' themselves justified by The Word of God.
They serve their Master the Devil ... and he knows the Scriptures as well as anyone !!!
YET THOSE WHO ARE BORN-AGAIN, FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WALKING WITH THE LORD WILL ALWAYS , EVENTUALLY, ...BE ABLE TO DISCERN THE GENUINE FROM THE COUNTERFEIT !!!...
through the GIFT OF DISCERNMENT which has been woefully neglected in these LAST DAYS !!!
Paul gave us several points to consider as the 'marks' of an 'APOSTLE'....
HOW MANY OF THESE GREAT 'PROSPERITY' PEOPLE' CAN SAY WITH PAUL....
'BEATEN WITH RODS'...'PELTED WITH STONES'...'SHIPWRECKED'...'A NIGHT AND A DAY IN THE OPEN SEA'...'IN DANGER'...ETC., ETC.
NOT MANY !!!
REMEMBER THAT ONE OF THE HALLMARKS OF A TRUE SERVANT OF GOD IS .....P-E-R-S-E-C-U-T-I-O-N !!!
If we are living out the Christian life we will be persecuted ....because the 'world' has no place for the true Gospel of-- Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
DONT LET THE DEVIL GIVE YOU ANY OTHER SUBSTITUTE and SAVE YOUR SOULS !!!
May The Lord Bless you.