Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.


Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.


I use to think.. "How stupid can you be" to get caught up in a religious cult.  I use to think that anyone with common sense should have the ability to discern right from wrong especially when it is laid out for you word for word in THE WORD (The Holy Bible).  However, I have come to realize, by seeing it first hand, that the power of persuasion can overcome even the mature Christian. The promise of blessings if you do as I say, (not as I do) . The Jim Jones and David Koresh's of the world are no longer few and far between, they live among us and can be spotted in our local churches.  Our churches today have become so worldly that we can no longer see with spiritual eyes.  I do believe the end of times is near and the Wrath of God is only a blink away.  We are in dark times and most are looking for a light that will burn eternally and save them from destruction when in reality they only find a flashlight that will dim as the batteries lose their power and soon it will die.  False prophets are all around us.  Pray for wisdom to discern right from wrong, true from false.  Pray for courage to take a stand for what is right.  Fear God more than man and do the right thing.


Here are some characteristics of a True Prophet and a False Prophet to help you decide.


True Prophet:

1. Few in Number; trusts only in God  
2. Generally disliked and not trusted  
3. Speaks what God says - "God says..
4. Gives warning of God's judgment of all
5. Works in the Holy Spirit and wields the sword of truth
6. Demonstrates the Power of God and shows the Glory of God  
7. Socially unacceptable to the proud; does not conform to people's expectations
8. Speaks a compelling message:  
9. Seeks God's will in your life:  
10. Seeks God for His counsel:  
11.  Calls for the testing of prophets  
12. Shares that we too are subject to God's judgment, to fear God
13. Shares Scripture to show the truth:

False Prophet

1. Many of them; trusts the majority opinion
2. Generally liked and trusted by the people
3. Speaks presumptuously of God; "I think ..." 
4. Speaks of peace and prosperity 
5. Uses power of suggestion or illusion; calls it signs & wonders
6. Demonstrates the wisdom of men and enjoys men's praise 
7. Socially acceptable and conforms to people's expectations
8. Promotes self-interest:
9. Gives counsel to God
10. Demands belief in his position: 
11. Shares that God will not judge you, do not fear God: 
12. Shares opinion to explain Scripture: 

Rules of Thumb

1.  Don't believe anyone who ignores, or disagrees With ANY of God's Word. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." (Luke 21:33)
2. Prove All Things (1 Thess 5:21): Never just take someone's word as "gospel (even the Pastor)," regardless of how educated or exalted they may be, or appear to be.
3. Know Your Bible: Familiarity with the Scriptures, all of the Scriptures, is a vital defense. 
4. Follow Christ, Obey God.  Man cannot save you only God can:  God's true servants want you to obey God, not them. Follow them only if they follow Christ.
5. Beware of Miracles: While in the end time God's true prophets will perform great miracles (see The Two Witnesses and Down Without A Fight?), there will also be great Satan-empowered "miracles" which will deceive many:
6. Finally, Prophet doesn't mean "Profit":  God's true servants are not interested in taking from you.  They want to give to you, not worldly money that is quickly spent, but true wealth, the knowledge and understanding that will enable you to obtain the eternal spiritual riches that will last forever. God's true servants don't want your money. They want you to obey God.