Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.
But how do you know who is from God and who is not? What determining factors are there? The truth is that the Bible, the Torah, as well as the Quran speaks of signs of coming prophets. Yet we do not believe. Our forefathers didn't believe either. Some of us consider ourselves of superior minds and intelligence and look harshly upon those who believe something other than what we feel to be correct. Take Mormonism or Later Day Saints church movement for example. They believe that Joseph Smith was directed by angels to recover a book written in gold plates containing the religious history of an ancient people. Prophet or fake? Or take the example of Alexander Dowie who claimed to be the spiritual return of biblical prophet Elijah. Whatever happened to him? Perhaps consider John Hugh Smyth-Pigott who claimed that he was the second coming of the messiah and was god, not man. Where is he now? I am certain if researched, many more will be found. So again remember this:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15
So then how does one recognize the truth? The answer is simple my friends. Be aware of the word of God in scriptures. Study them and know them well. In scriptures the foretelling of prophets and the signs that will appear are written. After educating yourself, pay attention to the teachings of the so called prophets. Is their message leading you to God or away from Him? Do they prophecy in the name of God, or are they fortunetellers looking for your wallet? Are they seeking fame for themselves or are they giving all fame, praise and glory to God? Is their healing given only in return for profits or do they speak the truth of the gospels without wanting anything in return? For Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 9:3-5
"He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.”
In scripture it is also said about false prophets that:
"For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."
Romans 16:18
To be a true messenger or God, the messenger must display the characteristics of godliness. He must be pious and righteous. Not just in his words, but in his actions as well. My dear readers, your best defense against being naivete is to arm yourselves with the word of God. Know it by heart. Know the truth. Don't be fooled. At the same time however, don't be reluctant in recognizing someone who is indeed preaching the word of God. Prophet or not, trust in the true word of God, no matter who speaks it. For it is written:
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 1:14
Alas, whatever you do my friends, please don't be hypocrites. Don't speak ill of those who disbelieved and mocked Christ on the cross, and then in the same breath mock those speaking the same word of God that Christ taught. For we must be vigilant and on guard. It is a daily struggle and a war against the enemy who is forever waiting for an opportunity to attack. Attack in the form of discouragement, or in the form of false prophet-hood. Do not give him cause to enter your lives. Be alert in your hearts and minds and do not be dismayed ever. For the Lord our Savior is with us always....Amen!!!
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