True and False Prophets
By K. Neill Foster, Ph.D.

"Beware of False Prophets" is the English translation of " Gardez-Vous des Faux Prophetes" a message first published in French, later emerging as an appendix in Sorting Out the Supernatural and now posted here. A Spanish version is now available.

"Beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15, KJV). These well-known words of Jesus immediately imply two things: there are false prophets - and they are dangerous.

The existence of true and false and the danger of deception in the Christian life were not limited to the life and times of Jesus Christ. Moses, before Him, also warned the people of Israel against false prophets (Deuteronomy 13 and 18).

And there are false prophets today as well. Just a few years ago a young friend of mine, along with his wife, became infatuated with a false prophet. At the time they were living in a western community isolated from other Christians and so began to attend meetings in which the "prophet" unveiled "new" truth and "deeper" truth that, according to him, traditional churches and pastors were too dull to accept.

Some of my colleagues alerted the young man and his wife to their danger, repeatedly warning them to get out and not to follow "that man." I held my peace. But finally the day came. The two of us were in his place of business alone. He knelt to pray - and prayed in tongues.

After the prayer time was over, he asked, "Neill, what do you think?" It was my signal to give him the exhortation that had been building up in me. I told him that the man he was following was wrong, unfaithful to the Scriptures - and false. Since there were many prophecies in the movement, I told him that he would get prophecy upon prophecy, and when one was not fulfilled there would be another to explain why the first had failed. My exhortation was lengthy and vigorous.

The reader must not assume that I am against prophecies. Remember that Paul instructed us not to despise prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:20). I seek to obey that injunction. Neither should the reader assume that I am against tongues-speaking. While I never promote tongues-speaking, the New Testament tells us not to forbid speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:39). In this case described above, however, both of these phenomena were threads in a web of deception. Had I understood then what I learned later about testing the validity of tongues and prophecy (1 John 4:1-3), I might have been able to help my friend escape his deception.

Although my words hammered him, and he seemed literally to reel before all that I was saying, he did not - seemingly could not - leave off following that false prophet. Still today, he and his wife continue to follow. The prophet was killed in a plane crash, but his tape recordings go on, and the evil powers that worked and still work through him hold their victims. As I write, I grieve for a brother so long deceived and for a friendship that could have been.

Two Kinds of False Prophets

Though a great many who are familiar with the Old and New Testaments are aware that there are false prophets, not as many realize that there are two major kinds of false prophets.

• The first, the lying false prophet, announces events or says things that do not come true. He is obviously a false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). The penalty in Old Testament times was death for false prophets (18:20). This kind of false prophet is the most easily recognized and least dangerous of the two.
• The second kind of false prophet is more deceptive (Deuteronomy 13:1-3). He is impeccable in his words at first. An exhortation comes to pass. No fault can be found with his speech. Nevertheless, over time he draws the hearts of the people away from the Lord God Almighty. Finally, he leads them off to serve other gods. This kind of person is very dangerous, indeed the more dangerous of the two.

Four Kinds of False Prophecy

Most of us are inclined to forget that there are false prophets. However, the frightening facts are these: there are at least two kinds of false prophets and four kinds of false prophecies. The details of these false prophecies are listed in Jeremiah 14:14.

• False Visions. These may come from the evil heart of the false prophet, or they may come from an evil spirit that controls him. The false visions are truly "seen" by the false prophet, but their source is devilish.
• Divinations. This is another form of false prophecy. Diviners may examine the entrails of animals or how rice floats in water. Or they may use a thousand other ways to divine. But their information is finally false even though some things may appear to be true, and entrapment of the simple is made easy. True prophets of God do not read palms or witch water.
• Idolatries. This breaking of the first of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3) is the third form of false prophecy. Idols in themselves are nothing, nothing at all (Jeremiah 10:1-5). However, if they are seized by demons, then the idols reflect the power of the demons involved. The Ten Commandments explicitly forbid idols or graven images of any kind. When demons empower the idols, it is not long before prophecies emerge from the demons. We dare not have anything with such demons (1 Corinthians 10:21). Their prophecies are false.
• Delusions. These are the final kind of false prophecy - delusions of the mind. They are not necessarily from the devil; they may simply be fabricated by the persons themselves. They are still false, however, and very dangerous. And we recall again that false prophets were under severe judgment in the Old Testament. Jeremiah reminds us that even though false prophets prophesy and say all kinds of fascinating things, the Almighty is saying, "I did not send them" (Jeremiah 14:15).

One might even think that false prophets would have no power to attract at all. But the commentators, Keil and Delitzsch, observe in this Jeremiah passage that these willing listeners are under judgment just as severe as those who prophesy falsely: "They are not. . . excused because false prophets told them lies, for they have given credit to these lies." ¹

Four Characteristics of False Prophets

False ministers exhibit a number of peculiar characteristics. Though not every false prophet necessarily displays all of the traits mentioned here, these are common.

• The Love of Preeminence. They like to be important and to have others believe and follow them. Diotrephes is a case in point. He loved to have the preeminence, but his heart was wholly evil (3 John 9). If someone has an inordinate desire to be a leader, if he thrusts himself forward to gain ascendancy, ask yourself a very important question: Is that person a false prophet?
• The Love of Money. We know from Scripture that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). The early Christians wrote that if a man asked for money, he was surely a false prophet.² Those writings did not get into the New Testament, and certainly godly pastors and evangelists should encourage God's people to give their tithes and offerings. However, if someone is always pressing for money and seems likely to benefit personally from that gift or offering - beware!
• The Love of Immorality. Adultery and fornication are never too far removed from the doors of most false prophets (Jude 4; Revelation 2:20). Some may appear to be holy, even sanctimonious, but their apparent "purity" does not negate the rule (2 Corinthians 11:15). If you have doubts about someone, watch that person's interpersonal behavior.
• The Love of Miracles and Spectacles. The God of the Bible is certainly a God of miracles. No one can read the New Testament and come to any other conclusion. Faithful preaching of the Word of God even today will be followed by miracles and deliverances (Hebrews 13:8). At the same time, Jesus clearly warned that the presence of miracles and the casting out of demons are not necessarily authentications of true prophets. Rather, some who do those things, according to Scripture, may be the ones who will hear Christ's words: "I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME" (7:23). He will say this even to those who have been using His name in the doing (Matthew 7:15-23, NASB).

As the return of Jesus Christ nears, we may expect an abundance of false prophets and ultimately the appearance of the Antichrist. He will be a man of lying signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). We are not to be deceived.

The Fourfold Message of the False Prophet

False prophets never speak all lies. Rather, they speak mostly truth, but woven in and through the many true statements is a lie - probably a major lie. Paul was amazed that the Corinthian church had been taken in by pseudo-apostles (2 Corinthians 11:1-15). The message of the false apostle may demonstrate and/or be characterized by a number of things.

• He has his own gospel. Are you surprised at that? Don't be. If the prophet is false, and inspired by the devil, he will have a special message. It will make sense. It will have its own reasons and rationale. It is also likely to be accompanied by its own miracles, and providences. This was exactly the case among the Corinthians. But do not be deceived - it is a different gospel, a different message. Even though the Corinthians knew the Apostle Paul and had been taught by him, they loved the new gospel, and it went down smoothly (2 Corinthians 11:4; see also Galatians 1:6).
• He has his own Jesus. If a false prophet comes to a Christian, he will need a Jesus of some kind. He will never deceive any Christian unless he has a Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4). There are many beings called Jesus in the world, just as there are many antichrists (1 John 2:18) and many false Christs (Matthew 24:24). I learned many years ago that when someone comes to me talking about Jesus, I must wait. I wait for the verbal use of His full title. I want to discover which Jesus is being talked about. Is he the Jesus of the New Testament, of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John? Is He the Jesus Christ described by the Apostle Paul? Did He come in the flesh (1 John 4:1-3), and is he Lord of all (1 Corinthians 12:3)? Is He the Jesus we confess in the Apostles' Creed?
• He has his own spirit (2 Corinthians 11:4). There is a reason why Christians must never invite false prophets into their homes (2 John 10). It has to do with doctrine, yes, but it has much more to do with spirits and contagion. Evil power is contagious. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses have another gospel, true. And they preach an alternate Jesus, true. But they are most dangerous because they have another spirit, an evil spirit which can do great damage in the life of a Christian. "So behind every prophet is a spirit, and behind each spirit either God or the devil."³ The apostle did not bother to say, "Do not believe every prophet." Rather he went straight to the point: "Do not believe every spirit." Dr. Stott, in looking further at this passage says, "There is an urgent need for discernment among Christians. We are often too gullible, and exhibit a naive readiness to credit messages and teachings which purport to come from the spirit-world. There is such a thing, however, as a misguided charity and tolerance toward false doctrine. Unbelief (believe not every spirit) can be as much a mark of spiritual maturity as belief." ⁴

If Christians are discerning, they will have learned the habit of disbelieving all spirits. That, in fact, is what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he said, "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, KJV).

• He has his own anointing. False prophets are sometimes very exciting and colorful. They speak with power. They may be interesting and dramatic. There is a reason for that; being false does not mean being without an anointing. He just has another kind of anointing, an alternate anointing (1 John 2:18-27). Antichrists in the New Testament are those who have substitute enduements. It is not just that they are against Jesus Christ - they are sometimes powerfully, dramatically and excitingly so. They have an alternate anointing that gives them power. The true prophet is supposed to have an anointing from the Holy Spirit of Almighty God. The false prophet has another kind of unction.

Four Favorite Doctrines of False Prophets

I may be exaggerating when I say that the following are the four favorite doctrines of false prophets. You be the judge.

• The Denial of the Deity of Jesus Christ. For false prophets, Jesus Christ may be "a" god but not the Creator, God incarnate, God Almighty. They may even allow that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, but not God Almighty (John 1:1). Without exception, they find ways to diminish the integrity and deity of Jesus Christ. If these false prophets are inspired and empowered by Satan, as they are, we should not be surprised that they ultimately attack the Lord Jesus Christ. They do it because Satan is their father, and he has been a murderer and a liar from the beginning (8:44).
• The Denial of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. John makes this very clear. Every spirit that does not continually confess that Jesus Christ is come "in the flesh" is not of God (1 John 4:1-3). Why is the incarnation so essential? Because Jesus Christ was not truly man if He was not clothed with flesh. If Jesus Christ did not come in the flesh, who died on the cross? And what was torn if not His flesh? And what was shed if not His blood? The Apostle Paul preached Jesus Christ crucified. He preached the cross. Why was he so emphatic? Because it is on the cross that the enfleshment and incarnation of Jesus Christ are most clearly seen. Beware when there is no mention of the blood of Jesus Christ. Beware when there is no preaching about the cross of Jesus Christ. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, KJV). False prophets do not love the cross of Christ. They prefer rather not to mention it.
• The Denial of the Lostness of Man. The Scripture makes very clear that all men and women who have not believed in Jesus Christ are eternally lost (John 3:16,36). To question that there is a place called hell, and to suggest that eternity is not forever is a favorite device of false prophets. Jesus Christ was the most emphatic teacher of eternal punishment and the lostness of man in all of the Bible (Matthew 25:46; John 3:16, etc.). False prophets, moved and controlled by evil spirits, do not want to confess their own future since the lake of fire has been prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
• The Denial of the Inspiration and Integrity of Scripture. The Bible teaches that God's Word has been inspired as holy men were moved by the Holy Spirit to write (2 Timothy 3:16). All that they have written are God's words (Romans 3:2). Every single word of the original texts has been given by God. Not even a tiny jot or tittle will pass away (Matthew 5:18). It is the practice of Satan to say, "Did God really say. . . ?" (Genesis 3:1). False prophets say the same thing because they are energized by the same spirit.

False prophets also like to have their own revelations and attack the adequacy and inerrancy of the Holy Scriptures in order to introduce their own scriptures. If the prophet is adding new revelation to the Bible accepted by the Church for most of these 2,000 years, you can be sure that prophet is false.

Four Favorite Tactics of False Prophets

False prophets are involved in spiritual warfare - against the church and against the Lord Jesus Christ. In their wars on behalf of the counterkingdom ruled by Satan, they follow a number of common strategies.

• Invasion from the Outside. When Paul was bidding farewell to the Ephesian elders, he warned them that certain men would descend upon their church and cause havoc (Acts 20:29). This is one of the favorite tactics of the false prophet. Coming in from outside, he is unknown and, therefore, more easily able to deceive. The Church of the first century struggled mightily to distinguish between prophets false and true. Several of the criteria they emphasized in the Didache and other early writings have to do with distinguishing between those who come into the local assembly from the outside.
• Emergence from the Inside. Just as Paul warned the Ephesian elders about those coming from elsewhere, he proceeded to shock them further by insisting that even from among themselves false brethren would arise (Acts 20:30). We are not to be surprised by those who rise up and become false prophets. They come, still today, from among the faithful.
• Resistance to Authority. False prophets challenge the authority of the pastor and elders. If they are to be successful, they must challenge the existing leadership. The Scriptures teach that believers are to obey those who have the rule over them, those who oversee watch for their souls (Hebrews 13:17). If a true undershepherd, a true and godly pastor (1 Peter 5:1-4), is guarding his flock, his authority has to be overturned before the false prophet can rend and tear the sheep. It also must be admitted, unfortunately, that sometimes godly leaders become corrupt and end up as false prophets themselves, remaining in the places of authority all the while.
• Isolation of Victims. False prophets are rightly likened to wolves (Acts 20:29). All predators do one thing to their victims - they separate the one about to be destroyed from the protection of the flock or herd. Once the victim is separated from the rest, he becomes easy prey. The word "demon" means distributor and divider.⁵ If false prophets are controlled by demons, we should not be surprised when they divide the flock, isolating their victims before destroying them. And if the young, the infirm and the aged are beguiled, we should not be surprised. Young people are inexperienced and unfortunately curious. The weak and aged sometimes do not have the strength or clarity to escape.

Four Main Weapons against False Prophets

Fortunately, there are a number of powerful spiritual weapons that can and must be used in the Christian's struggle against the deception of false prophets (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

• God's Word. The more one reads and studies the Bible, the more likely he is to recognize false prophets. Conversely, the less one knows about the Word of God, the more easily he will be deceived and led astray. Like Timothy of old, we should give attendance to reading (1 Timothy 4:13), and we should study to show ourselves approved unto God, not ashamed, but able to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

Familiarity with the Bible also needs some basic laws of interpretation to go along with it. One of the most helpful is this: If the literal sense makes common sense, seek no other sense. Another helpful rule of interpretation to remember is that the Bible is by far the best interpreter of itself.

• A Multitude of Counselors. In a multitude of spiritual counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). God's servants are part of a body - the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:15-16). Christians can be very helpful to one another. If pastors or elders or older brothers and sisters in the church warn you, listen! They are probably correct. Their wisdom is exceptionally valuable. Having seen various false prophets over the years, they have learned not to be taken in by them.
• Tough Truth (2 Timothy 4:2-3). False prophets tickle the ears of the people (4:3). They often pronounce that they have deeper truths to share (Revelation 2:24). Paul observed that those who wish to turn away from the Lord Jesus Christ will not "endure sound doctrine" (2 Timothy 4:3). The message that is very smooth and attractive probably has something wrong with it. Real truth has an edge; it has bite to it. It makes demands. It sometimes hurts when we hear it. One of the best understandings with which to protect oneself from following false teachers is this: Sound doctrine must be endured.
• Pursuit of Love (1 Corinthians 14:1). There are always those who wish to pursue miracles and spectacles. There are always those who wish to have their ears tickled. But love is preeminent. Miracles and martyrdom cannot compare with it (13:3). It is greater than faith and hope (13:13). Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to love one another (John 13:34-35). The great commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:29-30). "By this all men will know that you are my disciples," Jesus said (John 13:35).

Paul's prayer for the Philippian church was that their love would abound more and more in order that they could discern (Philippians 1:9-10). The most discerning apostle was John. True, he wrote his Gospel, his epistles and the Revelation as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit, but he was the obvious choice among the apostles to write the Revelation - because he was the apostle of love, because he loved the Master so deeply (John 13:23). He saw more because he loved more. In conclusion, I must recount the story of a false prophetess who lived in a Latin American city. The beginning of a movement that was called a revival was underway in that city. It featured a lot of falling under the power, being "slain in the Spirit." Eventually, the woman, along with her brother who was the pastor, withdrew from her home church with perhaps 200 others. Because the church leadership was wrong, and because they were not following the Holy Spirit, she said, it would soon become clear that she was to be a prophetess and would lead a great movement for God. To validate her calling and future status, she also announced that on a certain day her invalid husband would die. His death would demonstrate the rightness of her prophecies and launch her out into a wide prophetic ministry.

The predicted day arrived. The sick husband, a believer, dressed himself in his best finery. Many people gathered to witness the passing of this saint of God into the presence of the Lord. They waited the whole day and even partly into the next, but nothing happened. The husband did not die on the day appointed. The woman obviously was a false prophetess. To his credit, her brother who was pastor of the new group publicly rebuked her. The original church that had lost hundreds of people returned to evangelism and soul-winning. The congregation grew until once more the sanctuary was filled. But, in the meantime, the false prophetess had caused a great deal of trauma and pain.

Final Word

One might assume after reading this appendix that discerning false prophets is a simple matter. If that impression has been conveyed, it is most assuredly wrong. I have been deceived more than once. The struggle to be discerning faces duplicity so great, Matthew says, that even the elect are barely able to discern (Matthew 24:24).

If you have a great concern about false prophets, my advice is ultimately twofold: 1) immerse yourself in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:l5), and 2) pursue love, so that it may abound on every side and bring you discernment in the end (Philippians 1:9).

Beware of false prophets.

Endnotes

1. C.F. Keil and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament in Ten Volumes (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1980), volume 8, 250.
2. Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson, Anti-Nicene Christian Library (Edinburgh: T &. T Clark, 1916), volume 5,114.
3. John R.W. Stott, The Epistles of John (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1960), 153.
4. Ibid.
5. W.E. Vine, The Expanded Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, edited by John R. Kohlenberger, III (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1984), 283.

K. Neill Foster, Ph.D. is webmaster of Evangelistic Enterprises Society of Alberta. The above article is used by permission: ©2001 Christian Publications.

Folks this article is an excellent concerning false prophets. False prophets are demonic in nature and their words are meant to put a wedge between God and Gods people. But Beware as does satan, false prophets know the bible and they deliberately twist and turn the words around to catch well intentioned people in their web of deceit, And by the way the Bible does not say or imply that all people will be saved...this is untruth. Read the article, eye opening.

Gods Blessings,

Al

Thanks Al for that post!

Awsome post, I must save that in my archives.

Very good post Al.

Let us call this the truth about the false. It admits to a need to be diligent and to have a major ability to discern. For in these days false is truth and truth is false and it seems to be like a reversible coat.

What speaks largely to me is the underlying spirit...I see meaness in those folks ...

They also divine through scientific and esoteric means...through colors, musical notes, stars and numbers.

I've also noted a great amount of emotionalism ascribed when recieving such revelations. It seems to replace rational thinking based on scripture alone.

Matthew 7:1

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged."

They also idolize the teacher..cleaving to their everyword...
This false prophet laps up the adoration with false piety.

You can't jump on everyband wagon that comes along.

You must research...being as wise as the serpent that's piping his tune.

What light?

It has to do with doctrine, yes, but it has much more to do with spirits and contagion. Evil power is contagious.

This happens on many kinds of forums where someone will develop a pm relationship with individuals.. Courting them behind the scenes and ingratiating others to themselves. Flattering and slowly establishing a following that is hard to break free from. Guilt is attached to this.

This is the "you can't make me" mentality...

They will post or say whatever they want under the guise of free speech

also disrespecting elders...

thumbing their nose and continuing to lead others on the course to distruction.

There can't be counsel with disrespect.

Miki,

Great observations....Thank-you.

Gods Blessings,

Al

Warnings and advice have been given in Scriptures concerning false prophets.

"Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be on you guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears."
Acts 20: 30-31

Paul knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that false teachers/prophets pose a threat for the eternal soul. Paul knew and pleaded day and night for people to be on their gaurd against such people. So one way in which we can discern between a teacher that teaches truth as opposed to the false teacher...is to read your BIBLE. Get alone with God and have a one to one conversation with him. And beware; false teachers are dangerous.

"I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to he teaching you have learned. Kesep away from them. For such people are not serving ou Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people."
Romans 16: 17-18

So we are WARNED about peoples that cause divisions and place obstacles in the way of Christians that might prevent that person from entering into eternal salvation. So lets see.......Ummm......what teacher on our forum teaches that all people shall be saved? This teaching is in direct violation of Biblical teaching. Oh and more more tidbit. Which false teacher actually has the audasity to say that we will be raptured by the time the American elections roll around? Can our forum teacher please provide some scriptual proof for any of her bogus claims?

Gods Blessings,

Al

Al, did I say I was a TEACHER? I have a belief system. I did NOT say I was a teacher, preacher or prophet. The only teacher I have is JESUS and HE speaks to me. Judge not, lest YOU be judged by your own belief system.

Do you know what happens after you die? What heaven looks like? What it feels like to burn in torment? I think the main point is simple: REPENT for the DAY is APPROACHING. Isn't that what John the Baptist said, he was the one crying in the wilderness (do you remember that part of the Bible?)... it stands today. REPENT! Change your ways, for that day is fast approaching. \

Whether someone prophesies it or not does not mean they are a PROPHET, just look around you at the signs, it's obvious in nature, in politics, in food issues.. everyone can see what's happening, and the Lord predicted it and said it was going to come. So why not give another long read through the NT and see what the Lord says before calling other people TEACHERS when they are expressing their beliefs and opinions. Isn't that what this forum is for? I don't see anyone else getting attacked like this on the atheist DEBATES section. If you went there and saw what was being said, you'd be there a long while.

Again, I am NOT a teacher, preacher, or prophet. And if you look in the PROPHESYING section.. you'll see many who post there, but have any of their 'prophecies' come to pass? Is it about it COMING TO PASS? I know many who post in there something they feel they need to say for the day. Are they stoned for saying what they want? Why is Justice?

So before you judge, look at yourself. We are all the same, really. HUMANS that MAKE MISTAKES, we're Christian, and we are all BEING SAVED (it's a process), but in the end, my belief still stands that my loving Jesus will have ALL BE SAVED. Not forcing or teaching anything, just stating my opinion. You can take it or leave it, and if you're ignoring me, then you won't respond. If I'm still on ignore, then you won't see this or care.

Have a wonderful SUNDAY, which is the Lord's DAY and you are not making a very good start of it. I would say put the claws away. You asked yourself, so take your advice. Take care, Rose

Hi Rose,
I've noticed that this scripture you present is being used by many people (not just you alone). I've also noticed that those who use this scripture against the teachings or belief's of others, are also just as guilty of it's admonition; to "judge not"...for it is being used as an accusation against those whom it is wielded; ie- those they are directing the admonition to are accused of being unjust judges...when many times that may not be the case! When I see people grabbing this small tidbit of scripture as a judgment against others, I never see the context surrounding the scripture being presented. As christians, we should seek to discern the whole counsel of God. Judgment is not wrong when it is used *righteously* and applied by those who are spiritually wise with discernment. Not only this, but people need to be careful in their judging because it is just as wrong to label good as evil as it is to label evil as good.

(NKJV) Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank [is] in your own eye? 5 "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

(The *act* of removing the speck from another's eye in this scenario is an act of judgment...so, what is actually being said in this scripture is a warning to those who do judge, that they better not be hypocritically guilty of the same sin, and/or worse sin....because this opens up the one doing the judging to be judged too.)

Romans 2:1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
Romans 2:3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

(This confirms the same understanding which Jesus was conveying in Matthew 7).


John 5:30 "I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

(A spiritually minded man or woman will not seek their own will or counsel in a given matter...but rather will seek the righteous will of the Father in determining right from wrong and specifically; judgment).

John 7:24 "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."

(This is another great admonition...we cannot rely upon our own physical eyes; because by this we are lacking a God given, spiritual discernment. Outward appearances can be deceiving.)

1 Cor 2:15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is [rightly] judged by no one.

(A spiritual person is called to judge all things...yet is not under judgment because they are not guilty of committing those same sins which are being judged.)

1 Cor 5:3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.

(An example of Paul judging a fellow believer, bound in sin.)

1 Cor 5:12 For what [have] I [to do] with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?

(The body of Christ are called to judge those who are within the body.)

1 Cor 5:13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person."

(Of course the world is full of sinners; this has already been judged for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...but as far as those who are within the body of Christ is concerned; they are called to be light...not darkness...and if they are not walking according to the truth of God; or are still bound in sin...we are admonished to put them away from us.)

1 Cor 6:2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

(Another calling to JUDGE.)

1 Cor 6:3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

1 Cor 6:4 If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge?

1 Cor 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?

1 Cor 11:31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

(Once again, we must be careful with our judgments and judge ourselves, FIRST...we do not want to find ourselves guilty of the same things we are judging against.)

1 Cor 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

(Let's pray that none of us need to get to this point; because the chastening of the Lord would be unecessary to those who had already judged themselves appropriately.)

1 Cor 14:29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.

(Prophecies are to be judged and weighed. The spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets. The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.)

God bless you,
Kim

Kim,

Bless you too.. I do know all those Scriptures. Was making a point... a broad one. I do know the admonitions, and like I said I'm not a teacher, but I know Scripture. Sorry if I took it out of context, but I know the rest of the verses that surround the one I posted.

So if you would like to teach, the position is open!

Hugs, Rose

....I'd rather have the mindset of Moses; "Would that all God's people were prophets!"

...but who really wants that dirty job or is qualified?

Adeline,
It's good that you brought this topic to light. The author of that article is right...there really is much to be learned in the way of discernment concerning false prophets. Personally, I think the times we are living in is much worse than the times Jesus lived in when He walked the earth. The Pharisees of old are nothing compared to the modern day Pharisees. We have been given so much more truth than they had...and much more will be required of us.

We need to guard our hearts against false doctrine, which is also the leaven of the Pharisees. It only takes a tiny amount of untruth to leaven an entire lump of dough.

God bless you,
Kim

You need very good discernment to learn about false doctrine. There is a lot to be gleaned from EVERY religion (though I don't like that term)... and they are TRUTHS, UNIVERSAL truths. So it is sometimes VERY hard to tell unless it is not looked at closely. You should try it sometime, it's fun learning!

Kim,

False Prophets were a real threat to the Kingdom of God yesterday as they are today. A small amount of untruth can leave someone eternally bankrupt.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'ord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never kew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"

Our Lord shall not be fooled by outward appearances, he can look right through us and see where our passions are. He can see either a heart burned for God or a heart that is turned on to contention and division. Our God knows and he shall not be mocked.

In Christian Love,

Al

The contentiousness on this forum has grown by leaps and bounds. Few there are with spiritual discernment, and understanding of the cause of it. There are some with open eyes and hearing ears. Thank God! But many here lack spiritual discernment.

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy" -John 10:10

"But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep." -John 10:12

Annie,

This is all predicted in the Bible. During the last day there will arise many false teachers and few will we able to tell the difference between the false prophets and Gods prophets. Thanks so much for your post.

Gods Blessings,

Al

May the Lord bless you with peace... to accompany your spiritual discernment.

Folks,

Thank-you to all who have sent an encouraging word my way. So many of you have used your personal messenger to offer prayer and advice. Inspire and Chloe? My respect for both of you has grown and you both continue to live out your testimony for all to see. And Kim (IAMLIVES)? Your posts were so timely....thank-you. Annie and Whirlwind? Both of you gals helped lift me up to a hollier and higher ground. Kim my dear friend? Thanks for all your encouragement and love. Val and Chris, thank-you for your prayers. Miki, thank-you for your wonderful observations. Damo, my dear friend Damo, thanks for bringing laughter into my life. Peacemaker and Gideon, thanks for finding this post valuable. We sometimes all need to feel needed at times, and I thank-you for your encouragement. Pamela your observations are always appreciated. If I missed someone I do apologize. I apologize for any hurt feelings...but my position is firm and clear. False prophets/teachers need to be immediately dealt with. We can't tolerate just a little bit of evil, to tolerate evil is to compromise on Gods words. To let down God is just not an option.

Here is a song that I would like to dedicate to my friends.
"Angels amongst us"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9txzREaNO4...feature=related

In Christian Love,

Al

PS- God never abandoned me as I was being abused...........................locked in a psychiatric hospital.......spent so many years unable to have children....................through my nightmares...............yada yada

God always spoke up for me. I made it against all odds because my God stood beside me. He stood up for me against all odds. He comforted me through the bullying and the beatings and some on this forum would like me to overlook/compromise Gods word. Sorry it can't be done even if by my silence forum peace will follow............But, if I remember right God did not promise us peace on earth, now did he? I love God and God loves me and it is by Grace that I have been saved. And Rose? Your comment about my whacko posts and my place of employment was unnessary and meant to hurt. It was like this: any information that I shared with you while you were my friend, you used against me. With the help of God I will forgive you but I shall never trust you again.

A Godly Goodnight to All.

Signing off,

Gods Kid

I agree Al...false prophets are a real threat, and I'd like to add that I believe they are a MUCH greater threat today than they ever have been in the past. The spirit of antichrist is at work in the body of Christ bringing division, heresy, and confusion. It's this very thing which is causing the great falling away from the true, genuine faith. And you are right...God will not be mocked. I believe these things are being allowed by Him solely for the purpose of testing the hearts of individuals. Those of us who know the truth have a responsibility to share that truth...regardless of whether or not it is rejected. In this way, we can similarly be free of any guilt like Ezekiel who was warned to speak the truth in ancient times.

God bless you,
Kim

Amen Annie...and I must say, your picture is speaking more than a thousand words! Right on!

(((((((Al)))))))...(((hugs)))

Thanks!

I do wish I could access youtube...but I'm on dialup. I'm reminded of the song "Holy Ground"...that's a good one too!

God bless you,
Kim

And I have the utmost respect for you Al. You teach me and help me more than you can know.

Anytime you need anything....you know how to reach me. I just wish we didn't live so far from each other.

Love,
Cindy

Only Jesus can judge. We can't....not even if we wanted to, but we are obligated to "discern" what is right and what is wrong, and this article is excellently speaking to us all. I have heard New Age false religions talk about Jesus as if He is merely another "flower in their theological Garden." There are a lot of false teachers now, and they really are teaching a false Jesus.

The entire chapter you quoted, Matthew 7, appears to have been directed to those of the Jewish religion because the Levitical Tribe was given the power to judge others, and because the end of the chapter read like this: And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Thanks for this Al. By posting this, you are not only fighting to defend the Truth, but you are fighting off the wolves that would like to tear our weaker sisters and brothers apart... until they are spiritually dead.

Repent for what? Quoting God's Word?

If you were a sheep being attacked by a wolf, and we were all working ranch dogs......border collies, Catahoula's etc., we would be running to your rescue right now, and Al would probably be at the front of the pack!!! Repent for what?

Sharon,

Thank-you so much for all your advise and encouragment. Just corresponding with another forum member and I understand that I will not win a popularity contest on this forum. This saddens me but one thought won't leave my mind, I have been silently thinking on this thought for a few months. Perhaps soon a bible study can be started on this topic? How much is earthly peace worth having? I was told that I was acting in the flesh because I took a stand against someone that misused and twisted scriptures. So my question is this: If we strive for this false peace on earth and compromise with evil (Compromising with evil is to allow something that is not godly to keep sprouting half truths) aren't we disappointing our dad in heaven? So if we make other people happy on earth and yet make our Father unhappy in heaven; how does this profit anyone? How does this further the kingdom of God? How does a false peace go out and minister in a hurting harvests?

Gods Blessings,

Al

Have you ever read my profile? Precisely, the very first line in my statement of faith?

Didn't Jesus say, "The World hated me, before they hated you, " and "count it all joy when you are persecuted for my name's sake?" OK....I will look them up now so I can quote them in context.......

When teachings do not line up with Scriptures than the person teaching half-truth must be approached and challenged. BTW- I am more weary and get more concerned when someone teaches a half-truth than I am when a false teacher absolutely lies about God and Scriptures. Half-truths can be more damaging and half-truths can sentence a soul to an eternity being seperated from our Father.

Gods Blessings,

Al



<H2 style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">Check, Check and Check Again</H2>This is a principle that holds true in most areas in life. Carpenters speak about measuring twice and cutting once. We teach our children that when they cross the street they must look left, look right and look left again. And when it comes to our faith we must be even more careful and check everything we hear.

1Thessalonians 5:21 says: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” In other words, not everything is good and can be trusted, so everything must be tested first. The noble-minded Bereans even subjected Paul’s teaching to scrutiny and they were commended for doing so (Acts 17:11).

We live in dangerous times and the world is filled with deceivers, false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing and heretics. Those who preach the Truth are a small minority while the false apostles wield massive budgets with which they dominate every form of media. No matter whether you listen to “Christian” radio, watch “Christian” television look at “Christian” websites or enter a “Christian” bookstore, the odds are stacked against the possibility that you will be exposed to truth. Yet every day thousands are deceived into believing anything that is sold under the banner of “Christian.”

It is thus imperative that we carefully check every word we hear or read. But how do we do that? Here are a few brief pointers:

First, listen to the voice of the Spirit: “…when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). Let me make this very clear: You cannot judge a message or a man just based on that inner voice. But if you listen to the promptings of God’s Spirit, you will often feel uneasy about something which simply means that you need to stop and check. In the same way, a good feeling about someone or a teaching does not mean it is right – you must still check. Almost every week I get emails from people who question things because they “did not feel it was right.” In most cases they were correct. Error is presented so cleverly and so slickly that there are times that the problem will not be obvious. Yet an uncomfortable feeling about the message should lead to a check.

It is easy to overreact to the extremes of the mystical and touchy-feely religions and to reject anything that is not written in black and white. But Jesus promised that “the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). Paul writes “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Listen to Him. He will often warn you of danger and alert you to the need to check further.

The second check is to ask the question: “Does this line up with Scripture.” Notice, the question is not whether the speaker / author quoted a verse. The question is “does it line up with the general teaching of the Bible.” It is easy to support error with isolated verses which are taken out of context.

Next ask the question: “Exactly what does the Bible teach on this matter”. You will be surprised how much you can learn by simply using a concordance. The fist time I heard that people were barking like dogs in churches, and that this was a “blessing from God,” I immediately looked at every verse that spoke about dogs and barking. That little study showed that every time dogs were referred to in the Bible they were symbolic of evil, demons and that which is defiled! So if the devil is presented as a dog in the Bible (Psalm 22:16,20), can the barking of a dog be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit?

The fourth question is whether the teaching is new or is representative of what the church has always believed? So when the televangelist says that God consists of nine parts, we should immediately recognize that as contradictory to the commonly held doctrine on the tri-unity of God. Some times new teachings aren’t quite as obvious as this, but the point is – they’re new.

Off course, this presupposes that you know the basic doctrines of the faith. That is just the problem. Most Christians do not know the fundamentals of the faith and “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). If you are not able to list and describe the fundamentals of the Christian faith, then you are in danger.

I am not asking you to be a theologian, just like you do not need to be a chemist to know that protein is food and arsenic is poison. You must know the basics else you will swallow the biggest lies and be deceived. When someone presents a teaching that contradicts the basic tenets of the faith you need to be very careful. Check again. Did you misunderstand him? Did he misspeak or does he really believe what you heard him say? We do not all agree on every detail of the faith but there are certain non-negotiable doctrines that are simply not up for discussion and you need to know what those are.

The fifth question is whether the message contains flaws in logic. Our faith is logical and rational and when preachers make irrational and unproven claims they must be challenged. There are many ways in which preachers and writers break simple rules of logic. Here is one example of a “technique” that is often used: If “A” equals “B” then “C” equals “D.” NO! The first part of the statement has nothing to do with the second. Don’t be fooled by a long list of things that are mentioned but that has nothing to do with the conclusion. Here is a real example. God made Abraham rich with material things; God made Isaac rich (materially); God made Jacob rich (materially); therefore God will make you rich with material things. Wrong. There is no direct link between the Patriarchs, material blessings and you – even though many like to say so.

The sixth question is whether there is evidence of dishonesty. Does the author deal with the material and evidence in an honest way or does he disregard all the verses that disproves his point and only quote those that support his idea? Does he blatantly change words or their meaning? Does he pick and choose translations to find one that will support his view? Or does he make obvious errors in fact. Remember, if he can lie to you in small things then he can lie to you in the major things – don’t trust him (Galatians 2:24). I just caught you. There is no Galatians 2:24! Yet you will be surprised how often writers and preachers will quote verses that have absolutely nothing to do with the topic. They do this since they know their audience is gullible and will not open the Bible to actually check.

Next week I will deal with questions you need to ask about the author / speaker. You must check both the message and the messenger. Sometimes good preachers can bring a flawed message. In that case you must reject the message but not the preacher. But sometimes a bad preacher can bring a good message. In this case both the message and the messenger must be rejected. The only way you will know the difference is to check, check and check again.

Just reread your profile....thanks! I guess that I still am having a difficult time with how some people in the family of God can't see and discern between a clean and unclean spirit. Is discernment really all that difficult? Is discernment a gift? See for me and you discernment might be easy, almost too easy but surely I can not make claims to this gift?

Gods Blessings,

Al

These are some verses dealing with being popular. There are many, but I am only giving a couple here as an example.

1 Thessalonians 2; 1-4

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our visit to you was not in vain.
but though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Phillipi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God, in the face of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from error or uncleanness, nor is it made with guile, but just as we have been approved by God, to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak not to please men, but to please God....who tests our hearts.

John 15; 18
If the World hates you....know that it has hated me, before it hated you.

OK...I know there are better one's...... but I am really tired tonight. It was HOT in California today!! I know I get even bossier when I'm tired, so I'll try again some other time.

This is good advice to follow before you wish truth twisters God speed. Before you have lunch with them .. before you dabble in idol conversation with them pretending you don't see the lying road they're on... so you don't have to deal with it.. playing dumb and not accepting responsibility for what you say and who you casually talk to. When you dance with the enemy it sends a bad signal to babes.
We're not all one big happy family here. Ignoring it won't make it go away.

It is written that prophets are subject to prophets.

The false will try to deceive if it were possible the very elect.

If we keep of eyes on the light, then Jesus will bring light into the darkness for our discernement.

So I'm not worried most false prophets usually are discerned by the fruit of their lips...

Amen. Look to Him, and shine your light! And it wouldn't hurt to concentrate on more positive topics here on the forum instead of the ones that are always at the top proclaiming horror and bad things to happen. It seems that this is the concensus, to choose the things that depress us instead of lift us up. I think the only threads in the few short days I have been here where I have felt love have been by Loisfaith2000, CrownsevenAlphabet, and Zeetz. Time to start smiling and be grateful for what we have.

In all due respect, some of us have come through a rough time. We are trying to learn from past experiences. And yes there are more positive topics you could visit...

Gods Blessings,

Al

Your name is Rose?