FALSE PROPHETS

We must carefully examine not only those who propose to speak for God but ourselves in terms of how we listen to them. Today's religions are not exempt from the same evil that surfaced in Jeremiah's day ...

Therefore, says the Lord, I am against these prophets who steal messages from each other and claim they are from me. I am against these smooth-tongued prophets who say, ‘This prophecy is from the Lord!’ Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people.  Jeremiah 23:30-32

False prophets are well-received because they tell people what they want to hear rather than what God has said. 

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  2 Timothy 4:3-4

It is not just cultish groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, etc. whose leaders teach for doctrines the fallacious edicts of an evil imagination. Many mainline churches have also fallen prey to preachers who misinterpret Scripture to advance their own personal agendas. They add to (or subtract from) the truths found in God's Word in order to tap into the natural pride of man and gain followers to worship at their feet. 

I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:29-30

But the Lord has given us a standard by which to measure those who proclaim to speak for God ...

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them. Matthew 7:15-16

Do they produce fruit 'keeping with repentance' or condone sinful behavior in the name of tolerance. Are their teachings Christ-centered and bring glory to Him alone? Do their teachings line up with the truths found in your personal study of Scripture? Are they bold when proclaiming the Lord's plan of salvation, yet humble in regard to their calling? 

Carefully scrutinize not only his words ... but the man himself.