How did Peter know that Cornelius spoke in tongues and that is was not demonized stuff??And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Acts 11:15-18
How did the church than knew the difference between good and evil? (Acts 8:13-28, acts 16:16)
So....how do we know now the difference between good and evil?
God is the same yesterday today and forever
The Holy Spirit is the same yesterday today and forever. Isn't He?
I can tell you how I determine what is bad or not.
1
I read the Bible, to gain knowledge of what is Christlike/ Biblical/ Spiritual.These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so Act 17:11
This is what Paul did teach the Thessalonians:
Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. 2 'Thes 5:19-21
The Corinthian letter clearly tells about gifts and how to use them.
2
I use the Bible to reprove, rebuke, exhort and pierce.Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Math 4:7
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God Ef 6:17
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Tim 4:2
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebr 4:12
3
I pray that the Spirit learns me to discern the right way/words/gifts.
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Jes 30:21
to another discerning of spirits 1 Cor 12:10
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Phil 1:10
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb 5:14
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and white raiment, that thou may be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou may see. Rev 3:18