Man, how did I know they were a prophet?
Well, it was because without any inquiry, they told me that's what they were.
That would be kinda humorous if it were not so spiritually tragic.
Why would anyone need to go around telling people such a thing? Ever encounter a false prophet/teacher? They love their ecclesiastical garb and lingo. There are gobs of so-called "reverends" out there today (some way out there). So many love to tell you about their high office, their title, their special apostolic anointing, and their superior giftings.
If it's new, it ain't true -- if it's true, it's never new like they say it is.
Some so-called Christians are just misinformed and gullible (unlike the Bereans were in Acts), and then they (with some motives) propagate their weirdness of doctrine and practices.
Liney and I have been in many solid and whacko "Christian churches" in Europe, in the USA, in South America etc. Have you too been in some?
One day I heard an individual tell me they had a special Revelation for my personal guidance. Strange, not that I never need counsel, but don't I have the Holy Spirit inside for that?
I've seen these presumptuous individuals in a congregation with much volume clash on the drum symbols and then loudly declare they have a new revelation from God that they allegedly "prophesy over the people."
And then they verbally take off with it all -- it's horrible! They might throw half a Bible verse in there to sell it better.
Hey, don't walk, run from such places and people! Hit the crash bar, aka "panic bar" on that exit door!
Christian, what does it mean to properly contend for the faith?
Listen, one of the best ways to deal with false doctrine from false teachers is to prayerfully.. boldly preach the Word in season and out (it doesn't need to be done in a churchy or preachy sort of way, and let your godly life preach too).
The most dangerous false prophets are rarely the loudest about Christ—they are the loudest about themselves.
Scripture repeatedly warns that false teachers often arrive draped in confidence, charisma, emotionalism, and spiritual theatrics. They speak with dramatic certainty, manufacture atmosphere, and claim private revelations from God, yet their message subtly shifts people away from the sufficiency of Scripture and toward dependence on personalities, experiences, feelings, and mystical impressions.
“If it’s true, it’s really not new. If it’s new, it’s really not true.”
The faith has already been delivered. God is not rewriting Christianity every generation to fit trends, personalities, or spiritual entertainment culture. Jude wrote with urgency:
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).
Notice those 4 important words: once for all delivered.
The gospel is not evolving and changing for each era. The methods to win em might change, but the Message is not to be added to, or watered down any. Truth does not need upgrading to 2.0. The Holy Spirit NEVER EVER contradicts the inerrant Word that He inspired. God has never contradicted Himself.
Far too many professing Christians today are biblically illiterate.. and malnourished yet spiritually impressionable. Because they do not deeply know Scripture, they become vulnerable to sensationalism disguised as revival. Some chase emotional experiences the way the world chases adrenaline. A dramatic voice, a loud platform, dim lights, swelling music, prophetic jargon, and a half-quoted Bible verse can suddenly convince undiscerning people that God is speaking something “fresh.”
We are warned plainly:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
One of the clearest marks of false teaching is the constant obsession with “new revelation.”
“I have a word from the Lord for you.”
“God told me privately.”
“The Spirit revealed something beyond Scripture.”
This is not humility. It is spiritual presumption.
The apostle Paul warned:
“Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you… let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).
The issue is not whether someone sounds passionate. False teachers often sound passionate. The issue is whether their doctrine aligns faithfully with the written Word of God in proper context.
Many modern movements elevate subjective impressions above careful biblical interpretation. In some gatherings, emotional frenzy replaces reverence. Drums thunder, voices rise, personalities dominate, and then someone boldly announces a supposed prophecy over the congregation. Yet when Scripture is opened carefully and contextually, these “words” often collapse into confusion, manipulation, self-exaltation, or doctrinal error.
Charles Spurgeon wisely warned:
“Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
That “almost” has shipwrecked many souls.
Jesus Himself warned:
“Many false prophets will arise and mislead many” (Matthew 24:11).
Notice: not a few—many.
According to research from Barna Group, a large percentage of professing Christians struggle to identify basic biblical doctrine or recognize worldview contradictions. While exact percentages vary by study and year, Barna’s broader research consistently shows widespread biblical illiteracy within the modern church. That helps explain why emotionalism and celebrity spirituality spread so quickly today.
The answer is not cynicism.
The answer is the living Word of God. Yes, Jesus. Stick with His Authoritative Scriptures.
The answer is not spiritual paranoia.
The answer is spiritual maturity in the Holy Spirit.
The answer is not chasing after goosebumps, cozy feelings, heebe jeebies and exotic experiences.
It is about prayerfully abiding (instead of striving) in Christ through His Word.
Jude does not merely warn believers about deception; he tells them how to get past it and spiritually survive, even thrive without it:
1. Rightly Build Yourself Up in the Faith -- Edify You First
Are you malnourished spiritually? False teachers/prophets love to find and share new ways (with each other cuz they validate each other like on TV) to fleece the flock, not how to properly and faithfully feed the flock.
A starving Christian becomes an unstable Christian.
God’s people must become discerning people of the Book again. Prove all things and hold tightly to what is so!
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Weak doctrine produces weak discernment.
Strong discernment grows where Scripture richly dwells.
The church does not need less preaching. It needs more biblical preaching—careful, contextual, Christ-centered exposition that feeds souls instead of entertaining consumers.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said:
“What is the chief end of preaching? To give men and women a sense of God and His presence.”
2. Pray in the Holy Spirit
Truth is not merely intellectually learned; it is spiritually discerned.
“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Prayer humbles us before God. It keeps us dependent, sober-minded, and spiritually alert in an age intoxicated with spectacle.
3. Keep Yourself in the Love of God
False religion often produces either pride or immorality.
True Christianity produces holiness, humility, and love for Christ.
Jude warned about those who “turn the grace of God into lasciviousness” (Jude 4). In every generation, some twist grace into permission for carnality. But biblical grace never trains believers to love sin; it teaches them to deny it.
“The grace of God… teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness” (Titus 2:11–12).
4. Live With Hope in Christ’s Return
A church that loses eternity eventually becomes obsessed with novelty.
But believers who eagerly await Christ do not need artificial spiritual hype.
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
The early church did not conquer Rome through theatrics.
They conquered through truth, holiness, prayer, sacrificial love, and unwavering devotion to Christ.
I don't mind being friendly towards seekers or others, but don't want to make everything "seeker-sensitive." Acceptable worship in a service is for God, not for sinners.
Also.. I never want to allow any weird extra-biblical stuff to scare off sinners! If God via Christians bring them there, we each can do our best (minus any spiritual compromise) to win them to Christ. Preach not a;; about the gospel -- just preach the gospel and leave the results up to the Spirit.
Today, many churches chase trendy "relevance" while neglecting real reverence. Yet the power of God has never rested upon gimmicks. The Spirit of God works through the Word of God to exalt the Son of God.
“If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, much of what we do would go right on and nobody would know the difference.” ~ A.W. Tozer
“Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” — Charles H. Spurgeon
“A time will come when instead of shepherds feeding the sheep, the church will have clowns entertaining the goats.” — often attributed to Charles Spurgeon
“The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which makes men look to themselves for salvation.” — Charles Spurgeon
“What is the chief mark of false teaching? There is always something of man in it.” — J. C. Ryle
“The church has no greater need today than to hear the voice of God through men aflame with holy truth.” — A.W. Tozer
“The devil is not fighting religion; he is too shrewd for that. He is producing a counterfeit Christianity.” — A. W. Tozer
That is a devastating thought.
The cure for false teaching is not merely exposing darkness. It is flooding hearts with truth.
Preach Christ.
Teach the Scriptures carefully.
Disciple believers deeply.
Pray fervently.
Live holy lives.
Love people sincerely.
Stand firm courageously.
And when you encounter so-called Christian ministries obsessed with self-appointed prophets, heavy revys (new revelations) aka manufactured revelations, manipulative emotionalism (pushing, slapping, throwing coats at, snake handlers etc), and teachings untethered from Scripture—do not casually stroll away casually. No! Just run. Lovingly warn, and take your friends with you out the door, never to return
I will sprint, because...
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
“On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand.”
Churches across this Land and others do need to see authentic Spiritual Awakening. Yes, we need a fifth one in the USA, with an evangelistic revival too that exalts none other than Jesus Christ. That's what real Awakening produces -- tactful, effective Bible based soul-winning.
Qs: Do you yet know the Lord in a personal sorta way? Does your life, attitude, demeanor, and message honor and point to Jesus Christ?
The church in any era does not need any “new move” that's detached from Scripture.
It needs a fresh return to the old paths.
“Thus says the Lord: ‘Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it’” (Jeremiah 6:16).
The true prophets of Scripture were not religious entrepreneurs building personal kingdoms, selling spirituality, or flattering crowds for financial gain. They were servants of the living God, often rejected, persecuted, poor, imprisoned, lonely, and brokenhearted—yet faithful. They feared God more than men.
Many of the false prophets, however, were marked by greed, self-promotion, compromise, and a craving for applause, influence, comfort, and money.
Man, the contrast is striking:
“For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God.” — 2 Corinthians 2:17
“Through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” — 2 Peter 2:3 kjv
“Her prophets divine for money.” — Micah 3:11
“I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran.” — Jeremiah 23:21
A true prophet seeks God’s glory.
A false prophet seeks personal gain.
A true prophet trembles at God’s Word.
A false prophet manipulates God’s Word.
A true prophet calls people to repentance, holiness, truth, obedience, and Christ.
A false prophet usually tells people what they already want to hear.
What True Prophets Throughout Scripture Had in Common
Although the personalities and ministries of God’s prophets differed greatly, there are unmistakable characteristics repeatedly seen throughout Scripture.
Common Marks of True Prophets
1. Loyalty to God and His Word
They spoke what God said—even when it cost them dearly.
“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.” — Acts 4:19
“Your word was in my heart like a burning fire.” — Jeremiah 20:9
2. Holiness and Reverence
True prophets feared God.
“To this man will I look: to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at My word.” — Isaiah 66:2
3. Earnest Prayer
Nearly every true prophet was deeply connected to God in prayer.
- Moses interceded for Israel repeatedly — Exodus 32:11–14
- Samuel prayed continually — 1 Samuel 12:23
- Daniel prayed three times daily — Daniel 6:10
- Elijah prayed fervently — James 5:17–18
4. Courage
True prophets often stood alone against nations, kings, priests, and crowds.
Micaiah: “What the LORD says to me, that I will speak.” — 1 Kings 22:14
5. Repentance-Centered Ministry
They confronted sin instead of entertaining sinners.
- John the Baptist: “Repent!” — Matthew 3:2
- Jeremiah warned Judah continually
- Ezekiel called Israel to turn from wickedness
6. Suffering and Rejection
Most true prophets were hated.
“Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?” — Acts 7:52
- Moses was opposed.
- Elijah was hunted.
- Jeremiah was imprisoned.
- Zechariah was murdered.
- John the Baptist was beheaded.
- Jesus Himself was rejected.
7. Faithfulness Over Popularity
False prophets gained crowds. True prophets often wept alone.
“They have healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” — Jeremiah 6:14
Major True Prophets in Scripture
Old Testament Prophets
- Enoch — Jude 14–15
- Noah — 2 Peter 2:5
- Abraham — Genesis 20:7
- Moses — Deuteronomy 34:10
- Samuel
- Nathan
- Gad
- Ahijah
- Elijah
- Elisha
- Micaiah
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Ezekiel
- Daniel
- Hosea
- Joel
- Amos
- Obadiah
- Jonah
- Micah
- Nahum
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
New Testament Prophetic Voices
- John the Baptist — Matthew 11:9
- Jesus Christ — Prophet, Priest, King (Deuteronomy 18:15; Luke 24:19)
- Agabus — Acts 11:28
- Silas — Acts 15:32
- Philip the Evangelist’s daughters — Acts 21:9
False Prophets Throughout Scripture
The Bible contains many warnings because false prophets are numerous.
Named False Prophets or Deceptive Religious Figures
Old Testament
- Balaam — Numbers 22–24; 2 Peter 2:15
- Hananiah — Jeremiah 28
- Zedekiah son of Chenaanah — 1 Kings 22
- Shemaiah the Nehelamite — Jeremiah 29:24–32
- Noadiah — Nehemiah 6:14
- Prophets of Baal — 1 Kings 18
- Prophets of Asherah — 1 Kings 18
New Testament
- Simon Magus — Acts 8:9–24
- Elymas — Acts 13:6–12
- Jezebel — Revelation 2:20
- The False Prophet — Revelation 13:11–18
- False apostles — 2 Corinthians 11:13
- False teachers infiltrating churches — 2 Peter 2; Jude
Common Characteristics of False Prophets and False Teachers
1. Greed and Financial Exploitation
“In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” — 2 Peter 2:3
“They rushed for profit into Balaam’s error.” — Jude 11
2. They Tell People What They Want to Hear
“Speak unto us smooth things.” — Isaiah 30:10
3. Sexual Immorality or Corruption
“In the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies.” — Jeremiah 23:14
4. Pride and Self-Exaltation
Like Korah in Numbers 16, many false spiritual leaders seek prominence and authority.
5. Distortion of Scripture
“They twist the Scriptures.” — 2 Peter 3:16
6. Denial of Christ’s True Nature
“Every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.” — 1 John 4:3
7. Outward Appearance of Godliness
“Having a form of godliness, but denying its power.” — 2 Timothy 3:5
Jesus warned:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” — Matthew 7:15
Difference Between a False Teacher and a False Prophet
False Prophet
A false prophet falsely claims divine revelation -- direct divine messages for you.
Like what?
- “For His guidance, God told me to tell you…”
- Predicting falsely
- Claiming visions/dreams from God
- Speaking presumptuously in God’s name
- Deuteronomy 18:20–22
- Jeremiah 23
- Ezekiel 13
- Matthew 24:24
A false teacher might have a token proof text or half a verse that corrupts sound Christian doctrine. I call this scriptorture as they pull out of context and twist biblical truths. Does it go against the Essentials? Do they lovingly cling to Jesus, His Bible truths, and our historical Cardinal Doctrines of the faith to man-made traditions or worthless religious ceremonies?
Like what?
- Distorting salvation
- Denying Christ
- Adding works to grace
- Promoting sensuality, greed, universalism, or heresy
- Galatians 1:6–9
- 2 Peter 2
- Jude
- 1 Timothy 4:1–3
- Titus 1:10–11
Can a person be both a false teacher and a false prophet at different moments? Sure, they can so beware!
Jesus Christ even solemnly warned about this kind of thing. He said that in the last days “false christs and false prophets” would arise, putting out/displaying persuasive words, counterfeit spirituality, and deceptive signs (lying wonders, false healings or miracles) in an attempt to mislead the masses—even, if possible, the very elect of God. The apostles gave people the same warnings, declaring that mockers, deceivers, and corrupt teachers would infiltrate the church in the latter times (See 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 17–18).
"Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:23-27 nkjv
Because deception often disguises itself in religious garb and churchy language, in herky jerky emotional experiences (I don't need any liver-quiver). Have you seen some pentihossile charismania before? It's popular and outwardly successful-looking in some areas and scary in other locations.
It's God's will that all believers must become deeply rooted in the truth of God’s Word (from cover to cover), that we continue unto spiritual maturity as we prayerfully walk with the Jesus of the Bible, and as an outgrowth.. respectfully win people to Him.
The Christian who diligently studies Scripture from cover to cover, correctly handles all the counsels of God -- “the word of truth” (See 2 Timothy 2:15). They love to walk in fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.. with other growing believers in church and small group. They will be equipped to minister God's way not their own way, discerning and recognizing both the genuine from the counterfeit. Mr. Lu-Cifer and his thugs love to counterfeit the good things from God to fool ya!
Strange weirdness.. begets strange weirdness.
Is a dream or warm feeling or “burning in the bosom” a reliable way to validate a move from God?
Why does God tell Balaam to go with the Moabites and then get angry because he went?
Our Lord taught that “a tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). It's true -- in the same way that a healthy tree can be (with some responsible study) distinguished from a diseased one by its fruit.. so spiritual believers and leaders are revealed over time by the doctrine that they choose to live and teach. the character they display, the gospel they preach, and the spiritual effect they produce in others.
Scripture gives several tests for discerning true and false ministers:
1. What Do They Teach About Jesus Christ?
Any teacher who denies the full deity, humanity, lordship, atoning death, bodily resurrection, or exclusive saving work of Jesus Christ departs from the faith once delivered to the saints.
- Matthew 16:15–16
- 2 John 9
- 1 John 2:22
- 1 John 4:1–3
True prophets exalt Christ. False teachers diminish Him.
2. Do They Preach the True Gospel?
The biblical gospel is the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Any message that replaces repentance, grace, faith, and the cross with self-exaltation, greed, worldly success, or human-centered spirituality is another gospel.
Paul warned with holy seriousness:
“Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you… let him be accursed.” — Galatians 1:8–9
3. What Kind of Fruit Is Seen in Their Life?
False teachers are often marked by pride, greed, sensuality, rebellion, manipulation, and a craving for recognition. Jude compares them to Cain’s pride, Balaam’s greed, and Korah’s rebellion (Jude 11).
True servants of God will grow in the Word and increasingly display:
- holiness,
- humility,
- love for truth,
- reverence for Scripture,
- prayerfulness,
- repentance,
- integrity,
- and obedience to Christ.
Jesus said plainly:
“By their fruits ye shall know them.” — Matthew 7:16
"Hey Kurt, don't judge me, man. Dude, judge not lest ye be judged" (One of the most quoted verses by unbelievers today. We are not to cast any final judgement cuz only God sees hearts and knows where they'll go). We indeed can evaluate, and should.
On True Prophets and Godly Bible Ministers
- Deuteronomy 18:15–22
- Jeremiah 1
- Ezekiel 2–3
- Amos 3:7
- Matthew 5–7
- John 10
- Acts 20:28–31
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3–12
- 1 Timothy 4:12–16
- 2 Timothy 4:1–5
- Titus 1
- James 3:1
- 1 Peter 5:1–4
On False Prophets and False Teachers
- Deuteronomy 13
- Jeremiah 23
- Ezekiel 13
- Micah 3
- Matthew 7:15–23
- Matthew 24:11, 24
- Acts 20:29–30
- Romans 16:17–18
- Galatians 1:6–9
- Colossians 2:8
- 1 Timothy 4:1–3
- 2 Timothy 3–4
- 2 Peter 2
- 1 John 4:1–6
- 2 John 7–11
- Jude
- Revelation 2:20
- Revelation 13
