Some have told me these leaders are sincere Christians who love Jesus and who, being only human, have ''some mistakes'' among the good truths in their writings. They encourage me to read their books, take what is good from what they have to say, and ''just leave behind what is bad.''

They say we can all at least be inspired to imitate their love, passion, and devotion for Jesus, even if we don't agree with 'all their teachings.' ''Chew the hay and spit out the stubble,'' is how some put it.

Setting aside the obvious- that one cannot overlook the advocating of murder as a mere ''mistake''- this kind of idea is laying a snare in front of God's people.

Many who can't discern will mistakenly embrace what is false among the teachings. Many will suffer harm or even shipwreck of their faith as a result.

One who loves God's people will not encourage them into spiritual danger. If the Apostle Paul did not want to be seen eating meat that had been sacrificed to an idol lest he cause a brother to stumble (1Cor 8:13), how much more would he have avoided this movement's events, books, and seminars, lest someone think he was giving it his stamp of approval?

Turning to God's word we find He draws a clear line between those we should listen to and imitate, and those we should not (Heb 13:7-9).

It may not be evident in their first pamphlet a person picks up, but a real examination of the teachings of this movement and comparison with the word of God will lead to the conclusion we have come to here: the Jesus of this movement is not the Almighty God of the Bible. Though it may sound similar, their gospel is not the complete gospel of the Bible. Their spirit is very distinctly different than the Holy Spirit of the Bible.

How then does God teach us to regard these leaders and their teachings? Would He have them be our example in any way? Let's turn to His word:

It is clear that God would have us turn away from those who teach falsehood, not look into their teachings pursuing some possible ''good.''

Apparently God's concept of 'unity' is different than the movement's, because the Bible goes further still, not hesitating to name the names and warn the brethren of specific persons teaching falsehood:

Anyone who has baked bread knows that ''A little leaven leavens the whole lump'' (Gal 5:9). Once the yeast has been added, there is no way to separate it from the dough again and the whole of the bread is effected by it. Jesus compared false teachings to leaven (Mt 16:12).

We should let Jesus lay this idea of ''chewing the hay and spitting out the stubble'' to rest once and for all. He said: ''Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?'' Mt 7:16.

So, church, why are we looking for grapes on thorn bushes? Why are we searching for figs among thistles?