Some of the teachings that are coming out of some churches today are just off. And some are downright ridiculous—mixing worldviews and new-age teachings to make some convoluted mix of what we call progressive Christianity. These false teachings not only lead people astray but also undermine the true message of the Gospel. And I’m embarrassed to say I not only believed some of this stuff, I TAUGHT IT. God forgive me.

Since scripture instructs us to not neglect gathering together, how do you find a church that is faithful to the text and doesn’t just tickle your ears?

May I suggest that you apply the Berean principle. Acts 17:11 lays that out for us.

The Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

So let’s be like the Bereans and examine some of these false (but common) teachings floating around a church near you.

False teaching #1: Manifesting

There is a new age teaching out there that basically says what you speak, envision, and think will come to pass, also known as the law of attraction.

The idea that Christians can name it and claim it or ‘speak’ something into existence is not only nonsense, it’s witchcraft.

From vision boards to decreeing and declaring, many Christians have tried to take the sovereign will of God into their own hands. 

Those who follow the “decree and declare” formula make such statements as “I decree and declare that I am healed,” or “I decree and declare my family will be wealthy.” 

Humbly asking God for things in prayer is replaced by decreeing those things to happen, and then calling it faith.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for watching the words of my mouth and boldly declaring God’s truth, but the power to speak things into existence is referred to Romans 4:17.

As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom He believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.

Did you catch that? It says GOD calls things that were not—NOT us.

Instead, look for teachers who encourage you to keep your life surrendered to the sovereign will of God. And stick to making your decrees according to biblical truth and not personal preference.

False teaching #2: Emotionalism

Emotionalism isn’t so much taught as it is assumed. Stirring the emotions of the crowd is often mistaken for a ‘powerful’ move of God.

Emotionalism in the church is a reaction based upon feeling. It’s often very expressive, but devoid of true worship.

I’m not saying that everyone who has expressive moments are simply responding emotionally, but many are.

True worship is not just a surface reaction to a strong drumbeat or lyrics to a cool new song.

True worship is a reverence for a holy God and it is a direct response to our awe and wonder of His majesty.

There’s nothing wrong with great music and a beautiful atmosphere. But God doesn’t need us to conjure up a false move of the holy spirit. He’s plenty powerful to reach every hurting heart and sorry sinner.

False teaching #3: Me-ology

Are you a part of a church that makes the Bible all about you?

Yes, there should be a proper application of biblical truth to your life, but that’s only a small portion.

In many ‘Me-ology’ churches, it’s all about ME. My decision, my battles, my experience, my truth—it’s all about me.

In an effort to be seeker friendly, the gospel message has been watered down. Even many of the ‘worship’ songs we hear today are all about ‘me.’ Not Jesus—me.

My husband and I were on vacation not long ago and we passed a preacher on the beach. My delight turned to disgust when I heard the message he was preaching.

“God loves you.” (Wait, don’t hammer me just yet.)
“God loves you just the way you are.”
“He’s so delighted with you. He thinks you’re perfect.”
“He’s smiling down on you right now.”
“Jesus is so happy with you.”

I didn’t even realize how upset I was getting until my husband started to pull me away.

I understand wanting to deliver a message of God’s love, but the gospel is about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for our sins. The sins we need to repent of, not gloss over. 

So yes, we can come to God just as we are, but He doesn’t think you’re perfect—He’ll perfect you in Christ.

Messages like these cause people to believe that God is there to serve them. So when their ignorant, immature prayers don’t get answered, God is now to blame and they walk away from the faith because there was no grounding in biblical truth.

Let’s instead remember Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

False teaching #4: The Prosperity Gospel (otherwise known as the Word of Faith movement)

This teaching encourages believers to use God and scripture for their personal gain, especially in the areas of health, wealth, happiness, and victory.

This is not to negate God’s power and ability to bless us. I do not believe that Christians need to walk around in rags to prove their devotion to Christ. But these teachers who promote such messages all have a personal agenda. 

If you are part of a church that is telling you to sow a seed for your victory or give so it will be given unto you or any other form of manipulative money tactics–RUN!

Yes, you should support the gospel. Yes, God does want you to be healthy and even wealthy (we need more wealthy, generous Christians). And yes, you should ask God for your healing and victory.

But the prosperity gospel is a means to manipulate God through positive thoughts, positive confessions, and donations to specific ministers to elicit a particular result in your life—and it’s not biblical.

You don’t have to fall prey to these tactics and false teachings. Trust in the sovereign will of God and give from a cheerful heart, not a manipulated one

There is ONE thing that you’re going to need to ditch if you want a truly intimate relationship with God and it’s not what you think. To find out, check out this episode.

Also, be sure to grab your FREE 13 Promises of God Guide.