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Can you pass the Deuteronomy 13 Test?
I’m guessing the first thing that came to mind, if you are familiar with Deuteronomy 13, is whether or not you are a false prophet.
Am I right?

What if I told you there is a different test?
A test, not for false prophets, but a test for you and a test for me?

The test is right there in the scriptures.
Did you miss it?
Let’s take a close look…

Deuteronomy 13:1-6
13 “Whatever I command you, you must take care to do—you are not to add to it or take away from it.
² “Suppose a prophet or a dreamer of dreams rises up among you and gives you a sign or wonder, ³ and the sign or wonder he spoke to you comes true, while saying, ‘Let’s follow other gods’—that you have not known, and—‘Let’s serve them!’ ⁴ You must not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams—for Yehova your God is testing you, to find out whether you love Yehova your God with all your heart and with all your soul. ⁵ Yehova your God you will follow and Him you will fear. His commandments you will keep, to His voice you will listen, Him you will serve and to Him you will cling. ⁶ That prophet or dreamer of dreams must be put to death! For he has spoken falsehood against Yehova your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to entice you from the way Yehova your God commanded you to walk. So you will purge the evil from your midst.

Did you see it?
I’m not talking about the test of a false prophet.
I’m talking about the test that you and I must pass.
Do you see it?

It is right there, in verses 4 and 5
for Yehova your God is testing you, to find out whether you love Yehova your God with all your heart and with all your soul. ⁵ Yehova your God you will follow and Him you will fear. His commandments you will keep, to His voice you will listen, Him you will serve and to Him you will cling.

Yehova, your God, is testing you…
Are you passing this test?
Can you spot a false prophet or a false teacher?
Is it really important to be able to?

According to Yehova, being able to identify a false propeht is a test that we must pass.
If we pass the test, we love Yehova with all our heart and with all our soul.
If we are unable to pass the test, then we will chase after the thoughts and ideas of men, and we do not love Yehova with all our heart and all our soul.

Do you get it?
This is a big deal!!!

Before we even get to “the test” in verse 4 we are given very important instructions in verse 1.
Are you violating this instruction from Yehova?
If He commands it, we are to do it. 
Not only are we to do it, we are not to alter His command.
Does this describe your life?
Does this describe your walk with Yehova?
Are you a person that follows His instructions, without altering them?

Yehova then gives us a scenario to consider:
What if a prophet or teacher encourages us to do something, anything, contrary to following Yehova?
What if this prophet or teacher is even able to perform miracles?
Would we allow miracles to cause us to fail His test?
What about charisma?
What about charm?
What about compassion?
What about a massive ministry, with thousands of followers?
Do these things make someone believable?

Yehova does not care about miracles.
Yehova does not care about charisma or charm or passion.
Yehova cares about His own truth.
He only cares if you will listen to His voice and follow Him.
Would you allow something miraculous to pull you off the narrow path?  Would you chase after someone who can do supernatural, miraculous things?
Don’t fail the test.
Don’t forget your purpose.
Don’t be dazzled by false teachers and false prophets.
Don’t let fancy words, or even fascinating actions distract you from your purpose.
“…love Yehova your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”

What if a vibrant, caring, passionate teacher comes along.
What if he inspires many to improve their lives?
What if he teaches about the good news of the gospel?
What if he feeds the hungry, and takes care of the poor?
So far so good, right?
What if he adds to or takes away from the commandments of Yehova?
Uh-Oh.
Houston, we have a problem.

There are countless millions of mainstream church pastors who seem to care, but they teach against the word of Yehova.
They encourage you to follow and worship and love a Jesus who did away with the commandments of Yehova.

What did God say again?
13 “Whatever I command you, you must take care to do—you are not to add to it or take away from it.

If anyone anywhere anytime adds to or takes away from the commandments of Yehova, then they are a false prophet or a false teacher.
End of story.
No questions asked.
Black and white. 
No gray area here.
A worthy teacher will point you to the words of Yehova, and encourage you to follow Him.
A false teacher will tell you His commands are no longer valid.
Yehova says he is to be put to death, in order to purge the evil from among you.

Do you love Yehova with all your heart and all your soul?
Do you pass His test?
Or do you listen to the teachings of men?
Do you listen to false prophets and false teachers?
If you do, then you have failed the test.

Scripture says a matter is settled on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If that is the case, then we need another test in scripture, just like the first in Deuteronomy.
Is there one?

1John 2:3-6
³ Now we know that we have come to know Him by this—if we keep His commandments. ⁴ The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. ⁵ But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God is truly made perfect. We know that we are in Him by this— ⁶ whoever claims to abide in Him must walk just as He walked.

Do you know Yeshua Messiah (Jesus)?
Or are you a liar?
This is not my question to you.
I am simply quoting the inspired word of God.
Do you keep the commandments?

If not, please pray about these things.
God will give you His understanding if you truly seek it.
Will you obey the scriptures, or will you listen to the teachings of men?
Will you listen to men who speak against the word of God?