Regarding: To DISCERN

My position is to look at the whole ministry rather than having a tunnel vision of a teacher. I look at their spiritual health, financial health, ministry health, and other areas health. The over-all package. I do the same thing when I look for a "local" home church. I will notice that if they "don't practice with they teach", its a flag. If I see alot of red flags, I am spiritually uncomfortable to even listen to them. For example: My wife accepted Christ while watching Jim Bakker's TV PTL ministry. Later, she discovered that even though there are preachers preaching God's message of salvation but they don't practice Christianity themselves. This is why we have to look at the whole picture of each ministry. I have several factors I look for when I look at ministries and churches. I do this locally and abroad. Its my responsibility as a Christian to discern and I don't want to be gullible. You either be gullible or discerner. I love it when Paul said in these verses:

Philippians 1:17-19 (New International Version) The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

The Gospel is being spread regardless. People are hearing the word "Jesus". Before we were saved, our minds & hearts were planted over the years about Jesus from various source. Its the Holy Spirit that convicted us to accept Christ. After we are saved, we are to discern the spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to proper teachings. Many times, people don't allow the Holy Spirit to guide instead, they follow their desires they think God approves. 1 John 4:1 (NIV) [ Test the Spirits ]

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.