We have had some posts lately on this could very well be the end time, or the beginning of the end. In Matthew 21 11-13 Jesus said, Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. How to identify the False Teacher
The false teacher or false prophet is led by the flesh, seeking to obtain power or gain for himself from the ministry. Initially, his message may not be false, but his motivation in ministry is fleshly, so he appeals to the fleshly in others, offering them some carnal or soulish satisfaction. He will ultimatley introduce some doctrine that is contrary to the truth. Eachof us must use the Word of God to measure the words any preacher speaks, and any variation or imbalance in what is taught must be questioned. We also need to be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in this judgment. We are to judge on the teaching...... God will judge the teacher.
False prophets can be known by their "fruit" (Mt. 7:16), not their personal claims or "gifts." In fact, some false prophets can even produce miraculous signs (Mk. 13:22; Rev. 19:20) and accurately predict an event (Deut. 13:1-4). Other false prophets can be identified by their false prophecies made in the name of the LORD (Deut. 18:21,22). In Jezebel's day, the false prophets feasted at the king's table (1 Ki. 18:19), while the true prophets were hid out in a cave and secretly fed there (1 Ki. 18:4). Popularity and affluence, therefore, must not be a criteria either when trying to identify a false prophet, since they sometimes have large followings. False prophets speak with conviction, since they expect their lying words to be fulfilled (Ezek. 13:6). False teachers can also sound authoritative in their teachings (1 Tim. 1:7).
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
Right Bro. Reb! What really concerns me are those main stream denominational preachers that stray from God's word. Thank God there are not many that do, however, for whatever reason some do, they bring in their own adjenda and get off course, taking those in their charge off course as well.
My oldest sonis involved with a main stream denomination, ( I don't want to mention which), and his pastor told him never to speak with me again. It has been three years since I have seen my oldest son or my grandaughter. It started one day when my son and I were fishing. He said "my preacher said if you speak in tongues you are going to hell."If you believe in healings you are going to hell, and so on... I then asked my son, "What does the Bible say?" I was trying to get him to read out the scriptures for himself, and make the preacher responsible for every word he was saying. After all, for a person to say one is hell bound, that would make him a judge!
I asked him if I could meet with his pastor. He then remarked his pastor would not recognize me, because I was not of that certain denomination...Churches do have false teachers, we as Christians need to hold them accountable for each word they teach. Too many in the pews are simply spoon fed in the pews and get little of the word at home.
One thing I will always do, and ask of those I preach to, if you have a question about my sermon, please ask! The Bible should be the only source of our message. It really doesn't take a great theologian to interpret the bible, there are just too many putting into it their own views. God was real simple in laying it out for us.
Right on bro Bob! Teach straight from the Bible, word for word and you are covered
in everyway, when questioned. If they don't believe you, they don't believe the Word
of God!
The Bible is like a lion; it does not need to be defended; just let it loose and it will defend itself. -- Martin Luther
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Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
Amen,
I have never seen a false teacher who had Christ love in him. Usually they are very proud individuals. I have seen many false teachers. Real simple test. By their fruits ye shall know them. They appear to have all teh answers. They like to lay heavy burdens on others that they don't een keep themselves. They are very riggid individuals that have no peace. The fruit test is an excellent test. No one can fake fruit.
Brother Chuck
At least not in my experience. Also, false teachers seem to love money .
What has been your experience with false prophets and false teachers?
Do they ever admit to being wrongabout their doctrine at any time?
Do they entertain new ideas' or differing doctrinal views with an open mind?
Is it often the "my way or the highway" mentality that prevails?
Have any ever acknowleged their errors and gotten on the true path of God's ways?
What would you guess the percentages would be for a false prophet or teacher to be saved?
I do believe that there is a vast difference in just making a doctrinal error and being a false prophet ot teacher just as there is in failing and falling into an ocassional sin as compared living a life commited to sin.
False Prophets
