God’s Diplomats: False Christs

Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.

Jeremiah 23:16 (ESV)

They have seen false visions and lying divinations. They say, ‘Declares the Lord,’ when the Lord has not sent them, and yet they expect him to fulfill their word

Ezekiel 13:6 (ESV)

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:24 (ESV)

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…

1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)

False prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies

2 Peter 2:1 (ESV)

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.

1 John 4:1 (ESV)

One alarming theme in BOTH Testaments is the looming danger of false prophets: pretenders who claim to speak for the Lord.

  • A wolf howling far away is scary, but a wolf in our midst is scarier.

  • How can a wolf stand in the midst of sheep? The smartest wolves STILL dress in sheep’s clothing.

Unfortunately, most preachers don’t preach on the cloaked and present danger of wolves.

  • But why wouldn’t good shepherds warn their sheep?

  • Why wouldn’t they share all the warning signs?

  • Is it the stone-cold church wall of silence…

  • Where whistle-blowing is too disturbing?

  • Because it might raise doubts and suspicions…

  • Thereby lowering our trust, faith, and tithes?

Here’s my big concern: Some riled-up pastors focus their fingers on our hell-bent world. But Jesus didn’t. He warned us about misleading leaders, specifically those found in our churches.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ, you, too, are called to leading positions: Yes, in media, but also in church. Don’t be afraid to speak the truth IN LOVE.

God’s Diplomats: False Christs (Part 14)

Carey Arban