Hi Norm, blessings to you and yours. I found the following helpful when learning to test the “spirits” so to speak during my apostasy from mormonism. If the “spirit’s” influence/admonitions don’t square with the Bible, then that spirit is not of God.
Can the Holy Spirit err by making a mistake? I say not.
False teachers forbid as evil what God has allowed, and command as a duty what he has left indifferent.
Christ always had some witnesses for the truth in the darkest times.
Viewing the 1769 King James Version.
1 Timothy Chapter 4
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Hi SZ, hope you’re doing well.
Yes, we should test the spirits.
The Spirit that let me to Mormonism testifies to me of the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ, warns against sin, inspires me to love my fellow beings, encourages me to be patient and kind, provides comfort in difficult situations, gives me hope and faith, and makes me want to be an influence for good in the world.
All these things I find in the Bible.
Best regards,
Normandy