The Pretenders are Many

There are many who say they believe in Christ, but His name almost never falls from their lips, there is no fruit to speak of, they are living a superficial and mechanical Christianity based on their own desires to be elevated by others. The depth of conviction for Christ and self reflection is not there .

When we hear believers almost exclusively speaking about rules, miracles and blessings but not mentioning Christ Jesus, we should become concerned.

When we hear no confession of sin, but rather hostility at the suggestion that someone should reflect upon their own attitude or lifestyle, then we have very likely encountered a pretender.

A pretender is one who has all the right words, attends a local church, even lives a decent life, but becomes enraged at any correction or instruction. Their heart is so elevated, basking in their own goodness, that they are unhinged that someone might think they need God to work in them.

Romans 12:2-4 "…2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function,…"

James 5:16 "16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail."

Matthew 7:21-23 "21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’"