Opening – The Self-Proving Prophet
Let me start with a single, startling sentence:
> “One proof I have that I am a prophet of God is if you deny that it is so.”
Let it sink in.
It sounds clever at first, like a riddle that wins no matter how you answer.
If you agree, the claim is confirmed.
If you disagree, the claim is also confirmed.
It feels airtight, but something inside whispers that truth should not need such a trick.
Today we’ll follow that thread—not to play word games,
but to discover how God invites an open, testable faith that can stand in daylight.
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1. The Closed Loop of Unfalsifiable Claims
Philosophers call this an unfalsifiable claim—no possible evidence can count against it.
You can hear the pattern everywhere:
Conspiracy thinking
“If you don’t believe my theory, that just proves how deep the cover-up goes.”
Manipulative relationships
“If you really loved me, you wouldn’t question me.
The fact you doubt proves you don’t care.”
False spiritual authority
“Reject my message and you reject God Himself.
Your very doubt shows I’m right.”
It’s the same closed circle.
And because nothing could disprove it, it cannot truly be proved.
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2. God’s Open Invitation to Test
The Bible paints the opposite picture:
God welcomes examination.
Isaiah 8:20 sets the standard:
> “To the law and to the testimony: if they do not speak according to this word, there is no light in them.”
Jesus gives a practical test:
> “By their fruits you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20)
John urges:
> “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)
And when Paul preached in Berea,
> “They examined the Scriptures every day to see if what he said was true.” (Acts 17:11)
These are open tests—Scripture, character, spiritual fruit, observable life-change.
They require thought, prayer, and community.
Even Jesus invited this scrutiny.
In John 10:37 He said,
> “If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe Me.”
Think of that humility:
The Son of God saying, “Look at the evidence. If it doesn’t match the Father, you are free not to believe.”
Truth does not fear the light.
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3. Lessons from History
God’s people have faced this again and again.
Jeremiah’s day.
Temple preachers insisted that the building itself guaranteed safety.
Jeremiah said, “Don’t trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord.’”
They mocked him, saying his warnings proved he was against God.
Early church challenges.
Groups arose claiming special revelation that placed them above Scripture.
Opposition was taken as confirmation of their anointing.
Modern parallels.
Charismatic personalities sometimes say,
“If you question me, you’re resisting the Spirit.”
Social media movements tell skeptics, “Your disagreement proves you’re brainwashed.”
Different centuries, same pattern.
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4. Marks of the True
Contrast that with the marks of genuine, Spirit-filled leadership:
Consistency with God’s Word
Nothing in Scripture contradicts itself; God’s character remains faithful.
Integrity and fruit
Love, joy, peace, patience—the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)—are visible over time.
Transforming power
The gospel changes lives, not merely minds.
True messengers welcome questions and accountability.
They know that light only grows brighter when tested.
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5. A Word to Today’s Church and Heart
This speaks to every level of life.
Personally –
A living faith does not collapse when you ask hard questions.
Bring your doubts to God.
He already knows them and He invites honest wrestling.
Relationally –
Don’t accept manipulative love that says,
“If you cared, you’d never question me.”
Real love thrives in truth and freedom.
As a congregation –
Whether you meet in a cathedral, a storefront, or a home,
keep an open Bible between pulpit and pew.
Measure every sermon—including this one—by the Word and by the Spirit’s fruit.
In witness to neighbors and seekers –
When someone says,
“I can’t believe the Bible because it’s unscientific,”
don’t be afraid of conversation.
Truth does not need panic or propaganda; it invites investigation.
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6. The Gospel’s Different Kind of Proof
Return to the opening sentence and flip it around.
A self-proclaimed prophet might say,
“If you deny me, you prove me right.”
But Jesus Christ says,
“If you look at My works, My words, My cross, My resurrection, you will see for yourself.”
On the cross He provided the ultimate evidence of God’s character.
In the empty tomb He provided the ultimate evidence of God’s power.
In lives transformed by His Spirit He continues to give evidence today.
The gospel never demands blind acceptance.
It graciously says,
> “Come and see.” (John 1:46)
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)
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7. Closing Call
Friends, don’t settle for a faith that depends on a human personality or clever argument.
Come to the One who is truth and who welcomes every honest test.
Lay your heart next to the Word of God.
Let Christ’s character and resurrection stand as the final proof.
The real sign of God’s messenger is not that denial confirms it,
but that truth shines all the brighter when examined in full light.
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Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for truth that welcomes honest searching.
Give us hearts courageous to question, humble to listen, and ready to follow You in the light of Your Word. Amen.
