Hebrews 13:9, "Be not carried about with divers (G4164) and strange (G3581) doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart (G2588) be established with grace (G5485); not with meats (G1033), which have not profited them that have been occupied therein."
With thanks to Strong’s:
Divers, “Of uncertain derivation; motley, that is, various in character: - divers, manifold”
Strange, “Apparently a primary word; foreign (literally alien, or figuratively novel); by implication a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer: - host, strange”
Heart, “Prolonged from a primary κάρ kar (Latin cor, “heart”); the heart, that is, (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle: - (+ broken-) heart (-ed).”
Grace, “From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).”
Meats, “From the base of G977; food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonial) articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law: - meat, victuals.”
Throughout his walk on earth Jesus warned against fault Christ’s and false prophets. Mark 13:21-23, " And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christ’s and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."
Acts 20:29-30, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them.”
We are without excuse as we have been warned by the master himself.
The best protection against false teaching is to study the Word and “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11. CM reminds to be like the Bereans, Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."
For a number of years I was involved peripherally in what is known as the New Age. I morphed from this to the more grounded New Thought doctrine. Through a boyfriend I was exposed to Eastern religion, specifically the Guru Sai Baba. Decades ago Sai Baba would be preaching to his devotees and would manifest gold dust, gold teeth and jewels. Much the same is being done in some circles today. Truly, there is nothing new in the New Age. I’m grateful for this exposure as it has made me very discerning. My only concern is that I may be so discerning that I could miss true miracles resulting from manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
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