"The Discerner" Book Review

The back cover of The Discerner says, "Satan's number one weapon is deception.  The church's number one need is discernment."  (Click here to read excerpts from the book on Amazon.) This is so true!  I grew up in the church and people would quote to me Mathew 24:24, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."  Then they would sigh, moan, and go into fear.

One day I thought to myself, wait a minute.  Let's read this verse again putting the emphasis on the IF.  IF it were possible.  That means there is a possibility of NOT being deceived!  Why?  Because of the promise of John 16:13 that says, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth."  Since I'm a believer, and Holy Spirit is in me, He will guide me, and open my eyes of understanding Eph 1:15-23.

With this epiphany, I stopped fearing other teachers I didn't know, claimed the promise of John 16:13, and proceeded with the instruction of 1 Thess 5:19-22 which says, "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil."

The big question, however, is how does one not stifle the Holy Spirit, not scoff at prophecies, and know how to test everything?  The author of "The Discerner"James Goll, really does a great job in addressing this question.  Not only does he talk about how God communicates to us through the five senses, but Goll also discusses the sixth sense - Knowing.  This is important for every believer, however, it is especially helpful for those of us who have been given the gift of discernment. 

Many times as inexperienced discerners, we constantly second guess ourselves questioning whether we heard from God, or was that bit of information from somewhere else.  I believe as you read this book,  you will find it very helpful in understanding and growing your gift.  The more we understand our spiritual gifts and hear the Holy Spirit, He will guide us to truth and help us recognize deceptions.  In so doing, we will be more mature when ministering to the Body of Christ, and fulfill our highest spiritual calling.

As you solidify your spiritual gifts, identity, and calling, you will be blessed to be a blessing In Jesus Name!