I was going to write on this very subject but saw an article in Christian Digest that said pretty much what I was going to write. So, enjoy this article by Pastor Jim!
By Jim Stockstill
February 20, 2020
To quote Chris Rosenbrough, “False teachers and false prophets have been and will always continue to be a very serious threat to the Church and to every baptized Christian. In today’s postmodern society it is not considered politically correct to speak this way because people wrongly believe that everyone who claims to be a Christian is a Christian, regardless of what they believe, teach, or confess. Yet, Yeshua warns us in his Sermon on the Mount about false teachers and false prophets, and describes them as wolves in sheep’s clothing and not as harmless people who should be ignored—or worse—tolerated.”1
As directed by the Lord, for the last few years, I have not watched or listened to broadcast news nor read articles or publications from secular or Christian sources. Following the prophetic word, the Lord gave me on “warmed-up leftovers” and the false prophetic words that are so prevalent today, my son asked me to watch this short clip from Perry Stone. https://youtu.be/aH_f9eICGcs2 According to Luke, “dad this guy sounds like the words you have been sharing on prophecy.” Personally, I do not know this minister but I agree with his sentiments as they are supported by Scripture (Yeshua HaMashiach, Apostle Paul, etc.) and similar to what Holy Spirit has been speaking to me.
As the Body of Christ moves into the year of “fire” https://trueconservativepundit.com/2020/02/01/its-a-minute-before-midnight/; Holy Spirit is grieved with the carnality and erroneous prophesies that are inundating many non-denominational Churches. We should heed what Yeshua said about prophets, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15–20)
Paul went on to clarify this remarkable gift and how prophets/prophetesses are to operate (1 Corinthians 14:29-33) in home and/or church gatherings. The feel good “prophetic words” that please the flesh but do nothing for the spirit are loathsome and grieve Holy Spirit. Unvarnished prophetic truth from the Lord is intended for correction, instruction, guidance and confirmation – it is not intended to elevate the prophet or prophetess. Sadly, often to achieve an agenda, many shepherds welcome the feel-good, goose bump, everything is wonderful prophetic words that are soothing, pacifying, and often associated with prosperity. With much of what we hear is counterfeit, misleading, and often deceitful, their lofty words rarely give true Holy Spirit guidance for the individual or assembly and are commonly forgotten when the reality of tests, trials, and tribulation (John 16:33) confronts the believer within hours or days. On the other hand, are there true uplifting and encouraging prophetic words given today? – absolutely. Nevertheless, as the Israelites stoned, ridiculed, and mocked the prophets in the Old Testament, sheep today rarely hear (or want) prophesies as spoken by Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and so many others.
With “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3), countless sheep prefer to hear about the goodness, compassion and mercy of our Heavenly Father but shy away from prophetic words that include; sin, conviction, repentance, and humility, or that nonbelievers must be “born-again” (John 3:7). The Lord is a loving Father and has all of those characteristics (Exodus 34:6) yet He desires (Psalms 51:6) that we follow His example and walk on the pathway of righteousness.
The primary difference between men like Jeremiah – a true prophet of God – and false prophets was their source of information. As we witness today, rather than speak the Word of the Lord, false prophets would deliver messages that originated in their own hearts and minds. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hope. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord’” (Jeremiah 23:16). God will always distance Himself from false prophets: “I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied” (Jeremiah 23:21).
Another difference between true prophets and false prophets in the Bible is motivation. True prophets are motivated by loyalty to God above all else, whereas false prophets are motived by self-interest and a desire to be popular among the people (1 Kings 22:13–14). While Jeremiah foretold the grim truth of coming desolation upon Jerusalem, the false prophets promised peace (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11). Naturally, the people of Judah, and many sheep today, preferred the pleasant messages of the false prophets. It is hard to imagine, but quoting Isaiah 30:10, the Israelites said, “Don’t tell us what is right. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies”.
Lastly, as we witness with endless “telethons”, tried and established messages of “robbing God” and schemes to fleece the sheep, often false prophets were hired for payment or spoke their messages for financial gain: “Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, ‘Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us’” (Micah 3:11).3
As we face dark days and the increasing manifestation of evil, may we pray Holy Spirit would give us discernment and to know those that are true shepherds and genuine sheep among us. May the Lord bless you with wisdom, guidance, and His divine protection. Selah
Blessings,
Pastor Jim
Your brother in Christ,
Ted
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