avatar
Wanda Alger
avatarWanda Alger3 min read  

WHEN REVELATION BECOMES A DOCTRINE OF MAN…

    In God’s timeline, He is continually revealing Himself and the fullness of His plan to every generation. Paul indicates that God purposely withheld revelation to a previous generation because they weren’t ready for it. Because every generation deals with different issues and challenges, God lovingly shows us what we need to know at the right time. This is so that His ultimate plan of redemption for all mankind can come to fruition. And we will likely never have the “full” revelation of who He is – probably not even after we enter eternity! But the fact is, revelation is still happening – both personally, and corporately.

    Consider the prosperity gospel. When that teaching first came into the Church, there were many who believed that true humility and holiness were best demonstrated by being poor. There was a poverty mindset over a large segment of the Church because they assumed that was what pleased the Lord. I believe the revelation the Lord intended at that time was to reveal how generous He is and how much He loves to see His children flourish. He never intended for His family to just survive – but thrive! That’s a very biblical truth that reveals the heart of a gracious Father.  And yet, some men took that revelation and decided to build an entire ministry upon it. Writing books and centering every message around this one revelation, they got locked in, unable to adjust or grow with the changing times and seasons of the Spirit. The initial revelation about God being generous turned into a get-rich-quick message that appealed solely to the flesh. And this is how doctrines of men come about. They often start with a true revelation of the Lord, but morph into a fleshly faith practice that ends up being destructive instead of life-giving.

    Why is this important? Because we need to learn how to steward revelation rightly. I see the enemy sneaking into our debates about prophecy, healing, accountability, and many other aspects of our faith, in hopes that the Church will throw away the precious revelations of the Lord – simply because of the abuses. (Ex: See how much damage prophecy does to people! Stop prophesying!)  It’s akin to calling for the ban of guns because too many people are getting shot.

    One solution to this issue is to simply be aware. As debates arise concerning our faith practices and policies, look for where the true revelation of the Lord starts – and ends. What aspect of a particular teaching is meant to bring blessing and not trouble? Consider what man is trying to add to the equation and hold fast to what is good. Test the rest (1 Thessalonians 5:21)!  Pray that the Word of God would rightly divide flesh from the spirit.

    Let’s not allow doctrines of men to hijack what God has birthed. He loves to reveal Himself in greater measure. We just need to measure rightly.

      Give

      Subscribe to the Daybreak Devotions for Women

      Be inspired by God's Word every day! Delivered to your inbox.

      More from Wanda Alger

      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        THE WEIGHT OF PERFECT LOVE

        I had an unexpected dream the other night that called my attention to the depth of the Father’s love when dealing with sin in His people… When I woke up, I was struck by my reaction in the dream. Knowing the doctrinal errors and spiritual deception this young woman has been operating in, I was surprised at what the Lord was revealing…

        4 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        A New Wineskin for a CHARISMATIC REFORMATION

        This reform is not rejection of the Charismatic emphasis on the Holy Spirit, but a refinement—where power is submitted to purity, and gifting is governed by godliness. The Church is being invited into a season of divine pruning so it may bear lasting fruit (John 15:2). The question is not just whether we want revival, but whether we are willing to become vessels that can carry it well.

        3 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        PERCEPTIONS ARE BEING TWISTED

        Due to what is at stake in these current scandals and controversies, this demonic twisting spirit is operating at full power. The enemy is inserting himself into these situations to cause perceptions and perspectives to be skewed and void of integrity. Regardless of what “side” you are on, I guarantee the enemy is at work. Statements are being made to mean one thing and they are being received as something different. Unless we are aware of this, we will make assumptions and determine a meaning that is only half true.

        2 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        WE CANNOT PARTNER WITH THIS SPIRIT

        Not everyone who operates in this spirit intentionally wants to lead people astray. Not everyone who is labeled a Jezebel is even aware of their partnership with her. Though there are a few who deliberately choose to rebel against the Lord and refuse to repent, there are also others who are unaware of their own deception. Jezebel blinds her slaves, and many who partner with her have no idea they are puppets in her hands. I know this because I used to be one of them.

        5 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        AN APPEAL TO THE TEACHERS AND PROPHETS

        As much as prophets need to carefully examine their encounters and revelations with scriptural integrity, teachers must view their doctrines through eyes of faith and a personal belief in the supernatural. And as much as the prophetic movement needs to evaluate some of its faith practices and messaging that have gotten off track, so must those who teach be willing to go where their understanding can’t reach and their arguments don’t work. Yes, we need to be grounded in the Word. But without faith in things unseen, we will only be bound to rules that carry no power.

        6 min read
      See all from Wanda Alger

      Editor's Picks

      • avatarCarol McLeod
        featureImage

        The Invitation — Carol McLeod Ministries

        A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Jen Thompson —a gifted speaker, writer, and woman of unwavering faith. Jen has a remarkable way of connecting with hearts

        7 min read
      • avatarSharon Jaynes
        featureImage

        Crying in the Corner

        My son, Steven, was three years old when he contracted a severe case of the flu. His slumped body snuggled listlessly in my lap like a worn-out rag doll. When I carried him into the medical clinic, the doctor took one look at my boy and sent us straight to the hospital. Steven was dehydrated and needed fluids immediately. My heart ripped wide when the nurses taped a support board to Steven’s little arm and inserted the needle for the IV. Read more...

        5 min read
      avatar

      Wanda Alger

      More from Wanda Alger

      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        THE WEIGHT OF PERFECT LOVE

        I had an unexpected dream the other night that called my attention to the depth of the Father’s love when dealing with sin in His people… When I woke up, I was struck by my reaction in the dream. Knowing the doctrinal errors and spiritual deception this young woman has been operating in, I was surprised at what the Lord was revealing…

        4 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        A New Wineskin for a CHARISMATIC REFORMATION

        This reform is not rejection of the Charismatic emphasis on the Holy Spirit, but a refinement—where power is submitted to purity, and gifting is governed by godliness. The Church is being invited into a season of divine pruning so it may bear lasting fruit (John 15:2). The question is not just whether we want revival, but whether we are willing to become vessels that can carry it well.

        3 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        PERCEPTIONS ARE BEING TWISTED

        Due to what is at stake in these current scandals and controversies, this demonic twisting spirit is operating at full power. The enemy is inserting himself into these situations to cause perceptions and perspectives to be skewed and void of integrity. Regardless of what “side” you are on, I guarantee the enemy is at work. Statements are being made to mean one thing and they are being received as something different. Unless we are aware of this, we will make assumptions and determine a meaning that is only half true.

        2 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        WE CANNOT PARTNER WITH THIS SPIRIT

        Not everyone who operates in this spirit intentionally wants to lead people astray. Not everyone who is labeled a Jezebel is even aware of their partnership with her. Though there are a few who deliberately choose to rebel against the Lord and refuse to repent, there are also others who are unaware of their own deception. Jezebel blinds her slaves, and many who partner with her have no idea they are puppets in her hands. I know this because I used to be one of them.

        5 min read
      • avatarWanda Alger
        featureImage

        AN APPEAL TO THE TEACHERS AND PROPHETS

        As much as prophets need to carefully examine their encounters and revelations with scriptural integrity, teachers must view their doctrines through eyes of faith and a personal belief in the supernatural. And as much as the prophetic movement needs to evaluate some of its faith practices and messaging that have gotten off track, so must those who teach be willing to go where their understanding can’t reach and their arguments don’t work. Yes, we need to be grounded in the Word. But without faith in things unseen, we will only be bound to rules that carry no power.

        6 min read
      See all from Wanda Alger