Friday, May 8, 2026

What kind of parent are you.. parent?

Think about it. The way you treat your mother and family members is for the most part the way that you will be treated. 

Eternity is before us.

There have been times when I've had to say I'm sorry. Admit it quit it and repent. Not always easy but it's necessary (text I'm going to see humility). Some people never voice those words upwards or outwards -- cowardice! Godly conduct grows out of godly character.

It's nimrodic to believe in karma, but I believe that we each will reap what we sow. We pray that sinners will get saved and changed!

Listen, the children watch their parents daily and see how they treat their other family members, their parents and other people. 

Have a right spirit with the Holy Spirit. They hear your tone, they see your reactions. They know your attitudes and hear many of your words. 

May I ask you some questions for the purpose of self-reflection? Do I have your permission to? Are you a parent? Family dynamics are a direct result of the principles and behaviors taught and modeled by parents. 

God frequently addresses the responsibility of children (small and big) and parents to obey Him. Come to Christ! Read through the Bible. 

We are to tend and nurture, to listen, to biblically instruct, and love our families while we have them around. That's limited, life here is brief.

Children are highly perceptive of their parents' actions, tone, stoney or warm relationship together, attitudes, actions and words.

The way that you treat God -- love Him. The way you treat your mom, the way you deal with your parents is to be humbly-straightforward, respectful, good and kind. That's the way that you will be treated, Madame.. or Sir. 

Eternity is before all of us! 

Why believe in karma when it's off? I believe that we each reap what we sow because the Bible teaches this. 

Our children watch a lot -- the see the example that us set before them, good or selfish. They see our attitudes and hear si many of our yelling words.. or gentle hopefully.

Yes, the scriptures clearly teach that we each often reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). The attitude, the respect shown (even when not all things said are so great), then honor, the patience, and the mercy we show toward our parents frequently shape the kind of relationships we experience ourselves later on in life.

Hey bro, love and respect your mother, please. Quit hurting her heart! 

Believe all she says that's true and biblical -- hang on to it! Why would she not want to help you progress properly? 

Parents, help them if they are willing to progress properly in the Lord! 

A mere inner hunch, a guess, the inner feelings, the speculations and personal opinions are worth only about a nickel. 

Are you greedy, lustful, hardhearted, lukewarm, and self-seeking? Stop that! 

I've seen so many decent men fall hard.. as they go for the gold, the glory and/or the girls.. or boys? Stop that. Why give the gospel a black eye, so to speak!? Holy is happy!

Listen, if you don't gain dominion over your mind and fleshly nature when you're young, it's going to get bigger and more horrific for you later on. 

How disciplined and courageous are you? Self-control begets self -control. Lack of self-control begets just begets more lack of self-control. Praying for wisdom and making the right decisions begets more right decisions that will follow. Those postitively affect others lives! No man is really an island. What we decide and do causes ripples. Leadership is influence. We all influence for good or bad. Do so wisely for God!

Are you consistently blameless, in touch vertically, honest and above reproach (and that doesn't mean perfect or without blemish)? Do you exaggerate, fully or partially lie, or withhold the truthful words that could warn people when they're needed and in danger! 

Do you ever say: "I'm sorry, I was wrong (or I wronged you). I repent before God and don't want to be arrogant." If not, then your character is so ugly, so repelling, and far from what it should be -- winsome. Why live so hideously with that stench of hubris? 

Do you have godly character or the world's inferior character? What will you do with that?

"Conduct is what we do, character is what we are. Conduct is the outward life. Character is the life unseen, hidden within, yet evidenced by that which is seen. Conduct is external, seen from without; character is internal -operating within." ~ E.M. Bounds 

Make every effort to seek the Lord and His will for you first and your family.. and supplement your Christian faith with virtue daily -- have godly character!

Think of all the money you'd save if you never drank or got drunk!

Our children are watching us closely—learning from all they see.. from our words, our tone, our reactions, and the way we treat those who raised us. Whether for good or for harm, we are quietly modeling for the next generation what honor, love, forgiveness, and respect look like.”

"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?'" John 3:24-26

We do not believe in karma, but we do believe the biblical principle that a person reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7). The way we speak to and treat our parents often plants seeds that influence how others—including our own children—will one day treat us. I don't want to hear "depart from Me, I never knew you." Children learn not only from what we teach them, but from what they watch us live.

Also, check out the meaning and context of these Scriptures:

  • “Honor your father and your mother” — God
  • “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” — God
  • “Train up a child in the way he should go…” — God

 “A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian… and most of all, his family ought to know.” ~ often attributed to D. L. Moody

Many single godly women are wisely taught to watch closely how a man treats his mother because if that couple ever gets married, then that's how he'll end up treating her. So true!

A wise and godly woman pays close attention to how a man speaks to and treats his mother and family. The character revealed in the home is often the character carried into a marriage and most people get married at some time or another. 

While God’s grace can truly convict, regenerate, and transform a person (sanctify), patterns of honor, patience, kindness, humility, and respect toward your parents frequently become the same attitudes shown later on toward a spouse and children.

Thus far what is your master passion, what you talk about dream about the most? What have your inner motives been about?

One of the clearest windows into a man’s inner character is often seen in how he treats his mother. A man who consistently shows honor, gentleness, gratitude, and respect to others in the home is far more likely to carry those same good qualities into a marriage. Likewise, harshness, dishonor, selfishness, and contempt towards your mom and dad ..left unrepentant, can eventually surface in other close relationships as well. How long will you let that weird bitterness eat away at you when you too are so imperfect. Not to forgive your parents, others, and God (who has never sinned) is like a rat eatting down the poison while hoping that other one dies. 

This harmonizes with the Word:

  • “By their fruits you will know them.” — God, in the Bible
  • “Honor your father and your mother.” — God, in the Bible
  • “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger… be put away from you… Be kind to one another.” — God, in the Bible

How you treat your mother is how you will be treated. Eternity is before us, and time here is brief! 

These cautions and admonitions are true. Go with these principles of observable character to learn what not to be and what to be. Some wise people choose to repent deeply and change through the transforming work of Jesus Christ. I wish all would! Not all will. 

We've been given the so-called golden rule here, it's a Sermon on the Mount principle -- do unto others as you want done unto you and don't do what you don't want done to you. 

Where does God teach this?  He said, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell[a] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’" Matthew 7:12-23

The Bible of course, has never taught karma.. which is understood in Hinduism and Buddhism. It's the belief that a person’s actions determine the conditions of their future lives through reincarnation. That won't happen. 

God says, "it is appointed for man once to die" in Hebrews 9:27.

That highlights the inevitability of physical death for every human, and the certainty of divine judgment that will soon follow, emphasizing the need for spiritual preparation today!

Hebrews 9:27 kjv: "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment".

Hebrews 9:27 niv: "Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment".

Scripture rejects both reincarnation and the idea that salvation or eternal destiny can be earned through human effort. Will power ain't enough, but there is power enough in the name of Jesus. 

Yes, the Bible presents something altogether different to us all: a holy God who rules sovereignly over all His creation, a moral universe where actions carry consequences, and a Savior who offers kind mercy to us sinners who could never save ourselves.

May I say it again: Hebrews 9:27 states this plainly, "And just as it is appointed and destined for all men to die once and after this comes certain judgment," 

There is no endless cycle of death and rebirth over and over again. Each person lives only one earthly life here, and then they stand before a holy, fiercely righteous God (perfect). Human destiny is not shaped by karmic energy.. the force, or "cosmic balance," but by the righteous judgment and the sovereign mercy of the living God.

At the same time, Scripture repeatedly teaches us the principle of sowing and reaping. All of our choices matter. Sin bears consequences too, and righteousness bears fruit for God's glory. What have your iniquitous patterns been like thus far? Job observed this reality when he said, “Those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same” (Job 4:8). Proverbs 11:18 adds, “The wicked earns deceptive wages, but one who sows righteousness gets a sure reward.” The Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:7 also declares with solemn clarity, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”

Yet even here, biblical truth differs sharply from "karma." The law of sowing and reaping operates under the mighty hand of a personal, sovereign God, not under an impersonal energy force. I need energy to work all day, but I hate how the world misuese that term! 

Scripture never teaches that people mechanically earn future blessings through moral performance while here. God Himself governs justice, mercy, rewards, and judgment according to His perfect omniscience.. with wisdom and righteousness.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 says, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” The Judge is not karma at all -- he is an all knowing, all-powerful Person. The Judge is God.

This distinction becomes especially important when speaking about salvation with others. Karma says people ultimately receive what they deserve. The gospel says none of us truly want what we really deserve. Jesus went to the cross in my place--it was substitutionary. Paul in Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death.” Mr. Isaiah 64:6 humbles every human heart when he says, “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Filthy rags and I won't elaborate too far--it's gross! Even our best efforts cannot erase our guilt or those unseen (by man) sins that we didn't even recognise we were doing before a perfectly holy all-seeing God.

That is why Christianity is not a religion of self-salvation. Eternal life is not achieved by balancing moral scales. Can earn salvation, not today, not tomorrow, and not on any other day!

It is received as a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. If it's not recieved freely, then you don't have salvation. Paul in Ephesians 2:8–9 proclaims, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

The cross of Christ at Calvary stands in direct opposition to the world's karma. Karma says you must bear the full weight of your own deeds here. The gospel declares that Jesus Christ bore the judgment sinners deserved. Paul in Second Corinthians 5:21 reveals the glory of this great exchange: “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

This is the wonder of free grace from God. He does not merely give people what they have earned. In Christ, He offers forgiveness to all who are guilty, and mercy to the undeserving, and eternal life to all who repent and believe in Jesus.

Still today for you and me, the principle of sowing and reaping remains deeply true in the Christian life. Paul writes in Galatians 6:8–9:

“The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

A farmer does not plant thorns and expect to gain wheat. In the same way, what a person plants, tends, and cultivates in thought, in word, and in conduct eventually bears some sort of fruit. Have you produced smelly, bad, rotten fruit?

A life sown to bitterness, to the world, to lust, to greed, to pride, or to rebellion just produces sorrow and destruction. A life fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit produces love, holiness, peace, and eternal reward. Paul in Galatians 5:22–23 describes the Spirit’s fruit as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Your kids need to be thoroughly taught about these! Even then, all believers can understand that every good thing (gift) ultimately comes from God’s grace. 

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 niv

Paul in Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Smart Christians do not boast in themselves. Any genuine righteousness in us is evidence of God’s free gift and transforming work.

Jesus Himself acknowledged the moral consequences of stupid human actions independent from His will. In Matthew 26:52 He warned, “All who take the sword will perish by the sword.” In Luke 6:37–38 He taught that mercy, forgiveness, and generosity often return blessings: “For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” 

What do these truths reflect of God’s intelligent moral order in this world? They don't reflect karma. They are expressions of divine wisdom and justice governed by a living God who sees the hearts of every human.

The Bible’s teaching about relationships also reaches far deeper than mere reciprocity too. I once heard that the Golden Rule is this: He who gets all the gold rules. Not so fast in Matthew 7:12 Jesus tells us something better:

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Christ was not teaching a "become the top boss," or a self-help principle or some social philosophy. He was calling people to Himself, to wise service and active, sacrificial love. The world says, "Get all you can, can all you get and then sit on the can." The world says, “Treat people as they treat you. Get em back.” Jesus says, “Treat people the way you would want to be treated.” The difference is profound.

Remember the old neg-versions? False religious systems often phrase such morality negatively:

  • Confucianism: “Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.”
  • Buddhism: “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.”

Good things to say -- and I wish those two guys always put out the truth! But Jesus speaks taking it beyond that -- positively and proactively. He calls His followers not merely to avoid harming others, but to actively pursue love, kindness, mercy, and goodness toward others. Serve, help and win them. 

Jesus' teachings flows from the very heart of our Heavenly Father God. When we see Jesus we see the Father is what He explained to his disciples. Jesus later summarized the entire Law with two commands: love God fully and “love your neighbor as yourself” (sure, cuz you already do love yourself, Sport. Matthew 22:37–40). 

Then, on the night before the cross, He raised the standard even higher:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34–35).

The measure is no longer mere human fairness at all. The measure is the self-giving love of Christ Himself.

And yet even this command drives us back to the Father's grace. Left to ourselves, we are too selfish, too proud, too depraved, too broken, too sinful to love this way consistently. God's Golden Rule is not some ladder by which people work on and climb up into heaven. It is the fruit of a regenerated, transformed heart. Only those who have been forgiven by Christ (born agian spiritually) can truly begin to love as Christ loved.

The appeal of karma is certainly understandable in this world gone creepy and mean. People long for real justice. They see so much of false justice. Where did capital punishment go for murderers and rapists when there is real evidence? Children keep getting trafficked and raped too! 

Deep down, humanity knows that evil should not go unanswered and goodness should really matter. Scripture agrees with that longing, but it points us beyond lame karma to something infinitely greater: the righteous judgment of God and the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ. He will soon set things right on earth! 

The Christian hope is not that we can purify ourselves through endless effort or future lives. Our hope is that Christ died for sinners and physically rose again from the dead. Through Him, guilty people can be reconciled to God, made into new creations, and given eternal life.

As Second Corinthians 5:17 declares:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

And that is the great difference between karma and the gospel. Karma says, “Earn your way.” Jesus says, “It is finished” (John 19:30).

As the hymn writer Augustus Toplady wisely wrote:

“Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling.”

Or as Charles Spurgeon once said:

“Grace is the opposite of merit. Grace is not only undeserved favor, but favor shown to the one who has deserved the very opposite.”

The gospel does not minimize justice. It fulfills justice at the cross while extending mercy to all who trust in Christ. Sadly many won't. 

To be a good parent, opt to live pure, live honest, live considerate, live holy, and authentically godly. 

To be a godly father is far more than simply helping yourself to (righteous or sinful) pleasures and thus bringing children into this world. Most men can biologically father a child, but a godly father reflects the heart of the heavenly Father who is kind and giving. From the very beginning, fatherhood was entrusted by God as a sacred stewardship to us guys. After creating Adam and Eve, God commanded them ..us people to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Yet God never intended fathers merely to provide materially or biologically. He calls us to lead spiritually, to love sacrificially, and to model Christ faithfully, starting within the home.

A godly father takes responsibility for his actions or nonactions, for his words, or for his silence. He first walks closely with God himself. Before he can lead his children spiritually, he must personally know the Lord. 

You can't be a good leader until you are a good follower of God ..who is good. Children quickly recognize whether Christianity is genuine or merely some lame religious routine. If a father treats God as optional, his children will often do the same. But when they see a father treating his parents rightly, praying sincerely, repenting humbly, worshiping joyfully, and obeying Scripture seriously, they witness living faith instead of empty talk. Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!”

A godly father deeply loves and honors his wife consistently no matter what he feels like. One of the greatest gifts a father can give his children is to faithfully love their mother. Children learn much about marriage, security, tenderness, and forgiveness simply by watching how Dad treats Mom at home and out of the home. Ephesians 5:25 commands, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” A father who speaks the truth with gentleness (not his truth, my truth or their truth -- God's truth), and shows patience, and asks forgiveness when he wrong.. and honors his wife .. he teaches his children powerful truths that no "preachy sermon" alone could ever communicate.

A godly father understands that providing financially is very important, but it is not enough. First Timothy 5:8 makes clear that a man should work hard and provide for his household, yet Scripture also places upon fathers the responsibility of spiritual leadership. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 teaches us that God’s Word is to be taught diligently to children throughout daily life. A faithful father prays alone for with his children and prays with them. He talks with them about Scripture, encourages obedience to Christ, and helps shape their hearts, not merely manage their outward behaviors.

Godly fathers recognize that children learn more from what they observe than from what they are told. Little eyes watch everything. A father may say honesty matters, but if he lies casually, his children absorb hypocrisy. He may speak about worshiping God, yet if sports, entertainment, money, or comfort always take priority, children learn what truly rules his heart. Paul told believers, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Every father is already leading by example, either toward Christ or away from Him.

A godly father also serves others selflessly. Jesus said of Himself, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Fathers reflect Christ when they quietly help others without seeking applause. Children who grow up watching their father serve widows, help neighbors, care for the hurting, and give generously often carry those same values into adulthood. Compassion is more often caught than taught.

Consistency is another mark of godly fatherhood. Children thrive where there is stability, honesty, and trustworthy character. A father who is unpredictable in discipline, harsh in anger, or careless with promises creates confusion and insecurity. Ephesians 6:4 warns fathers not to provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Godly discipline is never cruel, impulsive, or vindictive. It is loving correction designed to shape wisdom, self-control, and godly character.

A godly father also guards his own heart carefully. Addictions, lust, drunkenness, uncontrolled anger, and worldly compromise damage not only the man himself but often generations after him. Ephesians 5:18 calls believers not to be controlled by wine or sinful desires, but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. A father who runs to Christ in weakness teaches his children where true strength is found.

At the center of godly fatherhood is humble submission to God’s authority. The world admires self-rule and independence, but Scripture honors men who willingly bow before the Lord. Even Jesus lived in joyful submission to His Father’s will (See John 5:19; 8:29). A godly father understands he is not the ultimate authority in his home. He himself lives under the authority of God’s Word.

And finally, a godly father leads like a smart shepherd. Not foolishly with pushy domination, pride, or selfish control... but with courage, wisdom, integrity, humility, and agape love. He goes first in real repentance. First in earnest prayer. First in selfless service. First in zealously seeking God (yes with red-hot spiritual passion). Joshua declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). That is the heartbeat of a godly father. Care for your family -- don't neglect them or treat them tough when that is so uncalled for. 

A good dad will lead his family toward Christ, and away from sin, and repeatedly into truth. He protects his home from all physical and spiritual danger. He shepherds rather than manipulates or hyper-controls. He listens and hears, as well as instructs. Act like a man.. men! That's what God in the Bible says to us. He becomes the kind of man his children can trust and safely follow because he himself is closely following Jesus the Chief Shepherd.

No earthly father does this perfectly. Every Christian father falls short in many ways. Yet the hope of the gospel is that God uses imperfect men who humbly repent, trust Christ, and depend daily upon His grace. A godly father is not a flawless man. He is a forgiven man who loves God sincerely, walks in humility, and continually points his family toward Jesus Christ.

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13

And perhaps no earthly picture of fatherhood is greater than this: a man whose children can more easily understand the love of their heavenly Father because of the grace, truth, strength, and tenderness they consistently experienced in Him.

Remember when Jesus invited Thomas to not only see his scars, but to also touch and feel those scars so that Tom would be convinced of Christ’s bodily resurrection (John 20:27).

Get right in the light, before you're left in the dark to face something far worse. Anyone who does not know the Lord possessing a red-hot passion for Him and a sense of urgency regarding biblical evangelism.. something is flat-out wrong with that person. They are not the good example they need to be, that those around them really need them to be! 

We all should be excited to see God soon! What kind of rewards do you want from the ultimate Rewarder who is completely fair -- completely just? He will indeed reward everyone according to their words and works, whether good or bad. Thoughts of the Great White Throne Judgment and the judgment seat of Christ should be sobering.

Thursday, May 7, 2026

“For-Profit” or “Non-Profit” Prophets? (Part 2)

False Prophets and the Narrow Way

On this, did Jesus give us some warnings in the Gospel of Matthew 7:15–20? Yep:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? In the same way, 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. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

The way is narrow and the gate is small. Jesus is the only way into the Father's holy heaven. 

He said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14 niv

If we love Him, we will keep is commandments by His grace and power. 

Christ’s words above are both compassionate, serious and urgent. He lovingly calls sinners to salvation, yet He also warns that there are deceivers who seek to lead souls away from the truth and onto the broad road that ends in destruction.


A. The Divine Invitation

At the close of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus brought every listener to a place of decision. In Matthew 7:13–14 He declared:

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

The Lord Jesus does not merely offer information; He calls for repentance, faith, and surrender. Every person must choose between two roads: one leading to eternal life, and the other to judgment.


1. Christ’s Invitations in the New Testament

Throughout the New Testament, Christ continually invited sinners to come to Him.

In Matthew 4:17, Jesus proclaimed:

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Repentance means turning from sin and self-rule to God.

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus tenderly called sinners like me:

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

In John 7:37 He cried out publicly:

“If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.”

Again and again Christ revealed Himself as the only Savior:

  • “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35)
  • “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11)
  • “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6)
  • “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)

The heart of Christ is full of mercy toward sinners, calling them to Himself for forgiveness and eternal life.


2. God’s Invitation in the Old Testament

The gracious invitation of God is also seen throughout the Old Testament.

In Book of Isaiah 1:18–19 the Lord says:

“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

God promises cleansing and forgiveness to those who humble themselves before Him.

Again, in Isaiah 55:1:

“Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters… come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

Salvation cannot be purchased by human merit, religious works, or self-righteousness. We come to God empty-handed, trusting completely in His grace and mercy.

The Bible closes with the same gracious invitation in Book of Revelation 22:17:

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’”

From Genesis to Revelation, God calls sinners to repentance and salvation.

Yet Scripture also reveals that God’s patience will not continue forever. Those who reject His mercy will face His judgment. The same Lord who lovingly invites sinners also warns of eternal destruction for those who refuse His Son.

As Second Epistle of Peter 3:9 teaches, God is patient, “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Still, the broad road ends in judgment.


B. The Two Roads Before Humanity

Every person stands at a spiritual crossroads.

One road is narrow. It is entered through repentance and faith in Christ alone. It is difficult because it requires denial of self, submission to God, and obedience to truth. Yet it leads to eternal life.

The other road is broad. It is crowded, popular, and easy. It allows man to keep his pride, self-righteousness, and sin. Yet it leads to destruction.

Both roads may appear religious. Both may claim to lead to heaven. But only one is true.

The narrow way rests upon God’s accomplishment through Christ. The broad way rests upon human effort, self-made religion, and deception.


C. The Warning About False Prophets

One reason the narrow gate is difficult to find is because false teachers stand nearby, pointing people toward the broad road.

Jesus therefore warned:

“Beware of false prophets” (Matthew 7:15).

These deceivers disguise themselves as spiritual guides while secretly leading souls away from truth. Like wolves among sheep, they appear harmless outwardly but inwardly seek destruction.

Many people follow them.

Jesus warned in Matthew 7:22–23 that multitudes will one day say:

“Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name?”

Yet Christ will answer:

“I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.”

Religious activity alone does not prove someone belongs to Christ. False prophets may preach, perform impressive works, and speak religious language while remaining strangers to saving grace.


I. The Warning Concerning False Prophets

A. False Prophets Throughout Scripture

The Bible repeatedly warns about false teachers.


1. In the Old Testament

In Book of Deuteronomy 13:1–5, God warned Israel that even if a prophet performed signs or wonders, he was to be rejected if he led people away from the true God.

Truth is not measured merely by miracles, charisma, or outward success. Doctrine must agree with the revealed Word of God.

“Speak unto us smooth things.”

The people actually said that to the prophets. 

"Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:" Isaiah 30:10

These words refer to flattering words, illusions, or messages that make people feel comfortable in their sins, rather than warnings about sin, repentance, or coming judgment. People today even have a preference for false comfort over inconvenient, straightforward truth, which ultimately leads to deception, rather than genuine peace. 

Yes, it's sad. In every generation, foolish people have preferred comforting lies over convicting truth.

Jeremiah repeatedly exposed false prophets who spoke from their own imaginations instead of from God. They encouraged sinners in rebellion rather than calling them to repentance.


2. In the New Testament

Jesus warned:

“Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

Paul warned in Epistle to the Romans 16:17–18 that false teachers deceive hearts through “smooth words and flattering speech.”

Peter warned of “false teachers” who would secretly introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1).

John instructed believers:

“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).

False teaching has existed throughout redemptive history and will continue until Christ returns.


B. The Nature of a True Prophet

A true prophet was marked by two things:

  1. A divine calling
  2. A divine message

God chose certain men to speak His truth faithfully.

Moses was called directly by God and instructed to speak God’s words (Exodus 3–4).

True prophets did not invent messages to please people. They faithfully proclaimed what God had revealed.

False prophets, however, spoke from their own hearts, promoted error, and misled the people.


C. The Danger of False Prophets

Jesus said:

“Beware.”

The word carries the idea of being constantly alert and on guard.

False prophets are spiritually dangerous because they corrupt truth, distort the gospel, and lead souls toward destruction.

Peter described them as:

  • “destructive”
  • “greedy”
  • “deceivers”
  • “slaves of corruption” (2 Peter 2)

Epistle of Jude likewise portrays them as dangerous, selfish, and spiritually corrupt.


D. Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

Jesus said false prophets come “in sheep’s clothing.”

They disguise themselves as servants of God.

They may even speak a lot about:

  • Jesus
  • grace
  • faith
  • the Bible
  • love
  • blessing

Yet they avoid truths such as:

  • repentance
  • denying your old fleshly nature and what the world system demands
  • holiness
  • sin
  • judgment
  • dying to self, self-denial regarding your own way
  • full surrender and obedience to the Lordship of Christ

They outwardly resemble shepherds while inwardly acting as wolves.

A wolf’s purpose is not to protect sheep, but to consume them.


E. Different Kinds of False Teachers

Scripture reveals several categories of false teachers.


1. Heretics

Some openly deny biblical truth and reject the authority of Scripture.


2. Apostates

Others once professed Christianity outwardly but later abandoned the faith altogether.


3. Deceivers

These are often the most dangerous.

They sound evangelical, use Christian vocabulary, quote Scripture selectively, and appear moral outwardly. Yet they subtly twist truth and distort the gospel.

Second Epistle to the Corinthians 11:14–15 warns that Satan disguises himself “as an angel of light,” and his servants likewise disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness.

Because of this, believers must exercise biblical discernment.


F. The Marks of False Prophets

1. Their Words

False teachers often emphasize comfort, success, self-esteem, and earthly happiness while avoiding difficult biblical truths.

They may speak much about blessings while saying little about repentance or holiness.


2. Their Lives

Some appear outwardly respectable and religious. Yet beneath the surface there is pride, greed, immorality, or self-exaltation.

Jesus said we are to examine their “fruit.” Fruit includes:

  • doctrine
  • character
  • conduct
  • motives
  • influence
  • obedience to Scripture

A corrupt tree cannot continually produce good fruit.


G. The Final Judgment of False Prophets

Matthew 7:22–23 gives one of the most sobering scenes in Scripture.

Many religious people will stand before Christ claiming spiritual works done in His name.

Yet Jesus will declare depart from me:

“I never knew you.”

Not “I knew you once,” but “I never knew you.”

Their ministry, miracles, religious language, and public reputation could not replace genuine salvation and obedience to God.


The Tragedy

False prophets will not perish alone.

Jesus said “many” follow them on the broad road.

The tragedy is multiplied because deception spreads destruction to others.


The Certainty of Judgment

God did not spare fallen angels, the world in Noah’s day, or Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Peter 2:4–6). Scripture therefore assures us that He will not ignore false teachers who corrupt truth and mislead souls.

Judgment upon false prophets is certain unless they truly repent and turn to Christ.


Final Exhortation

Jesus began this warning with one clear command:

“Beware.”

Believers must not be naïve or spiritually careless. We are commanded to test teaching by Scripture, examine fruit carefully, and remain steadfast in the truth of God’s Word.

Many today are easily deceived because they judge teachers by popularity, personality, eloquence, charisma, or outward success instead of biblical faithfulness.

But Christ said:

“By their fruits you shall know them.”

The true servant of God points people to Christ, repentance, holiness, sound doctrine, and obedience to Scripture. False prophets point people toward self, error, compromise, and destruction.

May we remain grounded in the Word of God, discerning in spirit, humble before the Lord, and faithful to “the faith once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

Quite a few biblical prophets, apostles, and teachers either worked ordinary jobs for a time. They labored with their hands, or farmed crops, or shepherded animals, they served in government positions, or deliberately refused financial dependence on ministry income at times. Paul did that. In Scripture some figures are clearly identified with their work occupations, while others are not. But the pattern is unmistakable.

Why are we told to work while it is day (John 9:4)?

How many prophets are in the Bible?

Are there prophets in the church today?

Are there really false prophets.. spiritual wolves so to speak.. in sheep's clothing? Yes.

What was a prophet in the Old Testament?

What is a prophet's reward?

Again, is the concept of personal prophecy even biblical?

What prophecy is Matthew 2:23 referring to regarding Jesus being a Nazarene?

I want to re-hear the story of Elijah from the Bible.. and the prophets of Baal?

What are the prophetic books of the Bible?

What was a seer in the Bible?

What does it mean when some kooky pastor gets way off and yet says that we are not to ask about it (test what we hear against the Bible)? Have you heard that.. we're not to touch God's anointed prophet or apostle? Sadly, Liney and I have heard that.

Please help me to recognize false teachers and false prophets so I don't get ripped off.

Don't get off the wall. I have some friends in So Cal who like to tell me about all their prophetic dreams. Sup with that? They try to give spiritual interpretation to every dream they have. 

What is prophecy? What does it even mean to prophesy?

What is 'the Law and the Prophets' mentioned in the New Testament?

We've often heard that He is, but is God really restoring the offices of apostle and prophet in the church today?

He took off so fast. Was Elijah afraid of Jezebel?

What does it mean that the church was built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20)?

What is the core message of the Major Prophets?

Give me the names of all of the Major Prophets and Minor Prophets?

Is there like a core message from the Minor Prophets?

Is there real prophetic ministry?

I want some passages about prophets?

What is the Bible referring to when it mentions the law and the prophets?

What was the school of prophets?

What does it mean that Saul is also among the prophets?

How can I know God's will for my life?

According to God what is a real prophet?

What did Jesus mean when He said, “If you love me keep my commandments”

What is the law of Christ? 

What does it mean that love is the fulfillment of the law?

How can I experience true intimacy with God?

Is it really possible for Christians to do greater works than Jesus?

God often called people to minister who already had ordinary work, and many continued on in their practical labor while serving Him wholeheartedly.

"Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. But Jesus answered them, 'To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.' Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. So Jesus replied, 'Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.'John 5:16-19 (What's that chapter about contextually?)

Works (John 5:1–21). The Father works and so does Jesus. Let's not become workaholics, but take time out to be with Him before we work. For us comes acceptable worship and then acceptable works. God in the garden “broke” His Sabbath rest to help two sinners (Gen. 3:8ff.), and Jesus followed His good example. In the world of nature, the Father is healing bodies, multiplying food, turning water into wine, and so forth; but He takes longer to do those things. Our Lord’s miracles are the Father’s works done instantly. Whether instantly or gradually, they are wonderful works of God.

Wrath (22, 24–30). Today, Jesus is the Savior; tomorrow, He will be the Judge (Rev. 20:11–15). Even death cannot keep lost sinners from the judgment, for He will raise them from the dead. There is no escape, except faith in Jesus Christ (5:24).

Worship (23). If you worship God the Father, you must also worship the Son; and if you dishonor the Son, you dishonor the Father. Those who claim to worship God but ignore the Son are not even worshiping God! They are only fooling themselves.

Witness (31–47). How can anyone deny that Jesus is the Son of God when so many witnesses affirm that He is: John the Baptist (vv. 31–35), the miracles (v. 36), the Father (v. 37; Mark 1:11), and the Scriptures (vv. 38–39)? But when people believe on Him, they have the witness within themselves (vv. 39–47; 1 John 5:9–13).

Know this. The Bible teaches two truths simultaneously:

  1. Those who preach and teach the Word, including the untainted gospel message, may rightly receive support.
  2. Some servants of God voluntarily worked secular jobs to avoid burdening others or to silence all the cruel accusations of greed.

Paul taught:

“The Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:14

But Paul the tentmaker also said:

“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities.” Acts 20:34

And:

“We worked night and day.. that we might not be a burden.” 2 Thessalonians 3:8


True Prophets Work Hard and Wisely

Are There Teachers and Servants of God With Non-Ministry Kinda Work? Sure. 

Old Testament

Moses — Shepherd

  • Exodus 3:1
  • Spent 40 years tending sheep before leading Israel.

Amos — Shepherd & Fig Farmer

  • Amos 1:1
  • Amos 7:14–15

“I was no prophet… but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs.”

Amos is one of the clearest examples of a working prophet.

Elisha — Farmer

  • 1 Kings 19:19
  • Called while plowing with oxen.

David — Shepherd

  • 1 Samuel 16:11
  • Though later king, his early life involved labor and sheep tending.

Daniel — Government Administrator

  • Daniel 6:1–3
  • Served administratively in Babylon and Persia.

Nehemiah — Cupbearer to the King

  • Nehemiah 1:11

Ezekiel — Priest

  • Ezekiel 1:3
  • Priestly service was vocational, not merely prophetic.

Samuel — Judge/Leader

  • Functioned in civil leadership in addition to prophetic ministry.

New Testament

Paul the Apostle — Tentmaker

  • Acts 18:3

This is the most famous example.

Paul often supported himself financially while preaching.

  • Acts 20:33–35
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:7–10
  • 1 Corinthians 9

Why Paul Did This The Way He Did

  • To avoid accusations of greed
  • To model diligence
  • To avoid burdening poor churches
  • To silence false teachers
  • To preserve gospel integrity

Paul fiercely opposed ministers who commercialized ministry.


Aquila and Priscilla — Tentmakers

  • Acts 18:2–3
  • Ministry coworkers with Paul while working a trade.

Several Apostles — Fishermen

Peter

Andrew the Apostle

James the Great

John the Apostle

  • Matthew 4:18–22
  • Mark 1:16–20

They worked in commercial fishing before doing full-time ministry. Don't do another person's calling, do the ministry that God calls you to. 


Matthew the Apostle — Tax Collector

  • Matthew 9:9

Luke the Evangelist — Physician

  • Colossians 4:14

Jesus Christ — Perhaps a Carpenter for a time (Do you actually see Him doing that in the Bible? His earthly dad did.)

  • Mark 6:3

Before public ministry, please do go to work with your hands. We all need good character and to work hard. Do it as unto the Lord -- this profoundly dignifies ordinary secular labor.


Approximate Count

Depending on how strictly one defines all this:

  • “prophet,”
  • “teacher,”
  • “apostle,”
  • or a full-time minister while on the job site, even while “working secular occupation,”

It's true, all Christians are to be in touch with the Lord as they help others in all type of trades.. get rightly in touch with the Lord. We are to be full-time ministers for Jesus. 

Now, there are at least 15–25 clearly identifiable servants of God connected with so called ordinary labor, trades, agriculture, fishing, administration, or government service.

The Bible repeatedly destroys the idea that spiritual authority must equal wealth, celebrity status, or professional religious status from titles.


What Did They Commonly Have in Common?

1. Godly Humility

God often called workers, shepherds, farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, and laborers.

“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.” 1 Corinthians 1:27


2. Godly Integrity

They were not primarily motivated by profit.

Paul especially emphasized this.

“I coveted no one’s silver or gold.” Acts 20:33


3. Godly Willingness to Sacrifice and Fulfill the Calling

Many endured poverty, persecution, and hardship.

  • Hebrews 11:37–38
  • 2 Corinthians 11:23–28

4. Faithfulness to the Lord in Ordinary Work

God often calls people while they are faithfully laboring.

  • Moses tending sheep
  • David shepherding
  • Amos farming
  • Peter fishing
  • Elisha plowing

You Can Enjoy The Right Balance In The Lord! Be Fruitful And Faithful. Live Effectively And Not For Self

I'm of course, no prophet, bishop or apostle (I'm a simple ordinary servant like many are), but I've been paid before to go minister the Word to people here and abroad. I was sent and not went as a missionary pastor in Bavaria and in other locations. 

The Bible does NOT condemn full-time paid ministry in and of itself. Most of my minister friends are sound teachers and preachers -- they are freed up by the Christians to do what they do best. What they are called and equipped to do for God's glory. 

Faithful elders and teachers may rightly receive support.

“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18

“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor.” — 1 Timothy 5:17

The danger comes when ministry becomes:

  • merchandise,
  • manipulation,
  • celebrity culture,
  • greed,
  • luxury-seeking,
  • or spiritual profiteering.

That is exactly what Scripture repeatedly condemns.


There Is Indeed A Contrast

What Did True Prophets Say?:

  • “Repent.”
  • “Obey God.” The Word and Holy Spirit (they agree).
  • “Take up your cross.” Live for Jesus!
  • “Fear the Lord.”
  • “Christ must increase.” I must decrease.

What Did False Prophets Say?:

  • “Peace, peace” when there was no peace.
  • “Give, dig deep, use your credit card, and get rich.”
  • “You will not surely die.” (when their sinning was leading to that)
  • “What people want to hear.”

Hey, I'm not a calvinist, but here are some good truths for ya

“The minister who cares not for his flock is no shepherd.” John Calvin

“A servant of God has but one Master.” George Müller

“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” Hudson Taylor

“There is no substitute for holiness.” Harry Ironside

You can know God in a personal way today--now is good, it's time to get right with the Lord, Sport!