Is Your Favorite Prophet False

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

1John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

I think we need to turn away from our modern prophets and read again the OT prophetic books to see when prophets showed up, what their mission and message was, how clear it was compared to soothsayers and when they gave messages of mercy and prosperity.

If false prophets had already manifested in John's day, it is not hard to imagine how prominent and prevalent they are in these last days of apostasy before His return. Peter says they will be among the flock, not speaking from the outside the congregation.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Indeed, in that day, they will say they prophesied in the name of the Lord and did many wonderful works to include casting out devils, but Jesus never knew them. I am sure they were well-known on earth with quite a following, but they end up in Hell as will many of their followers unless they see the truth and turn away from these folks led by demons and speaking doctrines of devils.

1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

We have had and have groups that have forbidden people to be married. We have groups that make abstaining from certain foods part of salvation/sanctification. I would say we have a fair share of seducing spirits mucking about as well.

Be careful who you are listening to while not despising prophecy. The abuse, misuse and faking a gift does not negate the gift itself. It condemns those who do it. Maranatha!