The Heretic Hunters

Recently we’ve become very aware of an increasing movement amongst some Christians who are searching for so-called false teachers and prophets.  

While the Bible warns us of false teachers, it is something that is not always apparent in churches, seminars, or even on the Internet. But it is real and, something that we must be aware of. The Bible tells us to test the spirits and, as always, the Bible offers us sound advice.

(1John 4:1)  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Many well-known and famous ministers and ministries have been accused of this and labelled as heretics. They are constantly under attack from people who call themselves Christians and yet who are nothing more than witch hunters. Many heretics hunters are backslidden, or have a grudge to bear, and are even jealous of success or good fortune.

There is no denying that false teachers really exist and are justifiably accused and guilty as charged but, there is also a number of identifiable “cases” where the accusers target specific subjects or ministers/ministries because they have personally been disappointed or subscribe to somebody else’s opinion. Most do not really understand or bother to study the Word. Their sword cannot be of good quality or they are not properly versed in its use. One of these “popular” accusations is the wealth of the individual minister and/or their ministries, another is focused on their Bible interpretations.

Before setting out on this kind of Crusade, what should be firmly established is whether or not that minister (or so-called minister/teacher) is born again, and has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and this is reflected in the ministry which he, or she, runs or oversees. If this is not the case, then one can justifiably reject both the minister and the ministry. But, the conclusion of any decision made should be based upon fact, not an opinion or inaccurate statements from biased people. The heretic hunter has often been seen to be not fully educated or is not fully conversant in the Word as they would like you to believe. Oftentimes they are seeking their own purpose or the confirmation from others that they are learned experts. These people are just as dangerous and guilty as the false teacher, for they are nothing more than the exact same thing. So, we have to be vigilant on all fronts.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  (Matthew 7:15 – 20)

If what you are investigating is ascertained as a provable case, then both that minister and their ministry should have been scrutinized for content and accuracy by using the Word of God as the plimsoll line, not somebody else’s opinion, including your own. Given the many different Bible editions, using either the original King James or the New King James edition is probably a sensible idea. These are accepted as being the closest interpretation of the original Scriptures that we have in the English language. If the case is proven,  beyond doubt, then what action should be taken?

The Wilderness Experience (Matthew 4:1 – 4:11)

Most Christians are aware of the temptation of Christ, also known as The Wilderness Experience. This is where Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit immediately after he was baptized by John. In short, the devil tried to oppress and defeat Jesus and submit to him (Satan) as his master, as his lord, by using Scriptures from the Bible. However, the Scriptures he used were inaccurate and, effectively, lies. (Not particularly smart as Jesus was and is the Word, being able to correct the devil anyway.) So, Jesus used Scripture to combat the devil, just as we can, to do the same. In effect, this was one person using the Word as a weapon to defeat their enemy. Jesus’s words were more accurate and so, of better quality. His weapon was superior because of its quality. The truth prevailed, as it will in every circumstance.

This is a great example of learning and studying the true Word of God and, the more you study, the more efficient you become in using this beautiful weapon. It is not called the “Sword of the Spirit” by accident.

Heretic Hunters utilize similar tactics. They will take certain words and redefine them in an attempt to dilute or divert the truth. They will take events and report them inaccurately, or not in full, which is why you must Study the Word of God making sure you have the best example of the Bible from which to work.

Because the Word of God is often referred to as the Sword of the Spirit, the confrontation between Jesus and the devil was and, is an example of a spiritual sword fight where a superior weapon, in the hands of an expert, will always prevail.

What Action Should We Take?
As in so many things, the Bible gives us answers to questions that we need answered and instructions on how to overcome situations. 

The Apostle Paul wrote around one-half of the New Testament and was taught by the acclaimed Pharisee, Gamaliel. One of the most respected teachers of the time.

(Act 5:34-39)  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom some men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

So, what should we do when there is an example of either a false teaching or an incorrect,  statement?

Identifying of the truth is crucial and this means that, before any confrontation with the heretic, you must be well versed in the Word – because, mostly, they are. They learn to bully the ignorant and “defeat” them by learning the Scriptures. Not understanding or learning the proper interpretation or truth of the Word, but being able to quote chapter and verse as an assumed qualification.

A Major Asset

One of the most important “assets” that has been made available to all born-again believers is the 3rd person of the Godhead. The precious Holy Spirit himself.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

Developing your relationship with the Holy Spirit is absolutely key to your growth in the knowledge of who you are as a born-again believer and the power and authority which now belongs to you.

Narcissists and Apologists

A Narcissist is a person who is extremely self-centered and has an exaggerated sense of self-importance. They are often vain, selfish and preoccupied with themselves and their own needs. There is usually a lack of empathy for others, deep personal needs, excessive admiration for self, and belief that they are unique and deserving of special treatment.

We have experienced narcissism within this ministry in such forms of obsessive competitiveness. Smugness shown when they “win” and this can be in addition to a vocalized haughtiness. The constant showing-off of trophies and the belittling of others who competed but did not win. If the Narcissist does not win, the tendency is to need to repeat the so-called competition until they do win. After this, they are likely to want to finish the competition and then will walk away. Often, the inferred gratification is that the last win is the most important of all of them to the point where they portray this as a “championship”, that they just won.

Narcissists generally do not care about being right, so much as they want to trigger a reaction by “pushing your buttons”, making you mad, then play the victim. Then it becomes all about them.

Whilst there may be a need to correct these people, it should always be done in love and through counselling, not confrontation. With the Narcissist, because of the usual lack of humility, there is a devout defensiveness and this can be difficult to overcome. That is why correction in this case should be through a conversation and not anger at their beliefs. No matter what, you must never judge the person, but it is acceptable to make a judgment call on their beliefs. You simply can open a conversation by asking a question like “You obviously have a reason for believing this, could you tell me what it is and, any Scripture reference you have?” Now you have started the conversation by being, nice and using the word “what”. 

(This is what is called an “open-ended question.” In essence, there is usually a response to such a question. You have also set some rulings by mentioning Scripture and asking for their proof by requesting they offering it as a basis of their thoughts and understanding(s). (See our teaching Six Honest Serving Men )

The (Christian) Apologist specifically defends their beliefs against critics through a recommended systematic, argumentative discourse in defense of their adopted or manufactured doctrine, typically related to religious beliefs and vigorously, (supposedly) lovingly recommends their faith to outsiders.

There are many examples of so-called Apologists available on the Internet. But what we have discovered is that many of these people are excellent debaters and have phenomenal knowledge of Scripture, using it to put down others who are questioning Christianity or Christian beliefs. In many ways, it is quite brutal and can almost be defined as bullying. Whilst there is nothing wrong with loving correction, there is an inherent danger of acting in arrogance and becoming like a narcissist who just has to win the debate or conversation out of need as opposed to being for the unlearned student’s benefit.

A course of action that can be taken is to listen to the apologist without comment or criticism. Not answering any questions which could lead to an inferred agreement with them because, many times, these people are actually attempting to recruit you into their philosophy or doctrine. Be loving and explain that you are going to be praying over what has been offered.

A great, golden rule, is to always use Scripture to clarify what is the truth, even where you are confident that you know it. But, never use your findings to belittle the other person’s position and, certainly do not confront them, because that makes you a heretic too! Don’t go looking for people’s inaccuracies because that makes you a Heretic Hunter!

There is an absolute need for right and sound judgment, especially when it originates from the Spirit of truth. However, there is a world of difference between it and the critical opinions which we tend to form and speak about others. Human nature is fond of sitting in the judgment seat and giving its opinion, proclaiming its decisions, without hearing both sides or calling witnesses. Don’t base your judgment on idle stories and gossip, inferred proof without certifiable example(s). In any case, don’t speak about it, if it is detrimental, unless you have first prayed about it and sought to turn the sinner from the error of his ways. Let God search you, before you search another. Let Him also guide you as to whether or not you should approach or become involved in any discussion that He has not led you to partake in. Sometimes we can get upset or grieved when we feel our faith or our Lord has been attacked. Never just react (although it is some peoples nature to do so) thereby potentially bringing anger into the situation. Anger tends to remove or dilutes focus and it is never productive to do that. Your goal should only be to teach and to do so in love. 

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. (John 15:12)

When you follow this Scripture you know that you are in alignment is God’s will for mankind. It also ensures that you are not a Heretic yourself, or a hunter of them.

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; ……..(Matthew 6:33)