Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 John 4:1
Some people I know are following a false prophet. They have blinders on and only see what they want to see. They look towards a promised end, ignoring the means used to attain it. They are lost in his lies.
And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.
Matthew 24:11 NLT
This false prophet declares war on people who do not praise his every action. He mocks those who don’t give him the adoration he so desperately desires. He makes promises he will never keep. He does what he wants, disregarding Christian beliefs and values.
This is what the Lord says: “You false prophets are leading my people astray! You promise peace for those who give you food, but you declare war on those who refuse to feed you.”
Micah 3:6 NLT
Beware of false prophets who come disquised as harmless sheep, but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Matthew 7:15-16 NLT
He seemed harmless at first. There was no way people would follow him!
Then, he found a way to convince some that he was on their side. He discovered their weakness, and he pushed their buttons. Promises were made and they believed.
Behavior that should have sent them running was excused. Soon, crowds began to encourage the behavior. Laughing at who he was mocking, chanting against his latest target.
What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.
Luke 6:26 NLT
The false prophet wants all the glory and all the praise. The crowd wants what he has promised. And they want to be entertained.
We cannot ignore this false prophet. We cannot let him change the rules so far in his favor that we cannot change them back.
These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:13 NLT
Unfortunately, we cannot convince his followers to leave him by calling out the false prophet. They will not listen.
Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 8:12 NLT
Through our actions, works and words, we must continue to be who we are. Encouraging those with blinders to see beyond the promises and see the wrongs committed against God’s people.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44 NLT
Individually and in groups working together to spread Christ’s message, we can make a difference. We fight against hate by spreading love. We follow the light that is Jesus.
Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Matthew 22:37-39
