Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing,
but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15
They are everywhere, even in the church
Some are intentionally leading others astray
Jesus went on to say how to recognize them:
Ye shall know them by their fruits.
Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Matthew 7:16-17
What is the fruit and how do we recognize it as being different?
Many people profess the Lord, speak His word and look good,
some even say the right things and seem so holy and righteous
The key is who is getting the glory?
Who is at the center and what is being accomplished?
Is the gospel being preached and are people being drawn to Jesus?
Or is the pastor being elevated and are people being drawn
to a particular church so that it may be built and fortified?
Who is receiving the glory?
There are many prophets on YouTube
Their messages are compelling and interesting
Sometimes, it can be hard to sort out the true from the false
Those whose messages are mingled with flesh are many
I have noticed a few whose messages are from a lying spirit
It can be enticing and fascinating
Some tell of a lovely future
Others speak of doom and gloom only
The message that Jesus speaks will draw men to Him
or their hearts will despise the message, whatever it is
Joining with the world,
not standing for Christ and his controversial message to the world
that pride will keep you from Him
Loving the world
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15
Loving money
For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10
No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one, and love the other;
or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24
Notice the red flags that they give, they always do
You will become familiar with the stench of self-exaltation and pride,
where they seek to be honored or revered and where Jesus is not honored, nor glorified as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
Listen for His word
Be cautious of condemnation, Jesus always offers a hand-up,
a way to escape sin, to overcome sin by His strength and power
If you are being led to the foot of His throne, the foot of His cross,
that is assuredly good fruit
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
What better way to find out than by asking the Lord for wisdom?
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him. James 1:5