Warning Against False Prophets

Sensationalism

Most people today are fascinated by sensationalism and every manifestation of excitement and world conflict, but particularly in the religious world. But, not only religion, but every newspaper in the world prominently displays headlines to draw attention to every field possible. Nothing is missing: politics, world peace, medicine, but again, particularly, church affairs, abuses, scandals and religious wars. To get attention, however, in any field, it must be out of the ordinary and shocking.

Stony Hearts

But, even terrible events, such as 9/11, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, or floods, where thousands may die and many more suffer or are homeless, is soon forgotten after a few days. This attests to the heart of man, which is growing hard and dull… as stone. (Job 41:24; Ezek. 11:19; 1 Sam. 10:9; Zech. 7:12)

Masked Jesus

There is an enormous growth of indifference in religious life, fellowshipping, church attendance, and zeal for worship, and spiritual matters. Many dogmatic sects, eastern cults, new and diverse church movements are asserting their opinions and authority with arrogance. They, in fact, do not have any appearance or foundation of Christianity, but proclaim the love-theme, the beat of music, socials, and freedom of conscience. Jesus is “masked.”

Repent

What, however, was the resounding message when Jesus Christ first began His ministry? It was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Mk. 3:35) the faithful prophets for hundreds of years preached the same message! “Turn from evil and serve the Lord.” There was no sensational, heavily burdened message, but a simple “positive truth” Jesus made very clear, saying, “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother and my sister, and my mother.” Now, that is quite a promise! For to do God’s will, however, is to enter into an everlasting relationship with Christ. (1 John 2:17)

Success Formula

The Apostle Paul, however, was very successful. What did he preach? He preached, saying, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling bloc, and unto the Gentiles foolishness; But unto them who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”(1 Cor. 1:23, 24) What did people at that time like to hear? No different than they want to hear today. All Athenians, then and now, either like to hear or tell some new thing. (Acts 17:21) Today it is called sensationalism. Few wanted to hear about truth and righteousness. Paul was disappointed but he kept working in faith, preaching the truth and the secret wisdom of God.

Secret of Faith

What is the secret of true faith? To faithfully serve the Lord without noisy propaganda, theatrics, loud music, revelry, and merriment, which describes today’s Christianity. The pretended Christianity ?of many modern preachers use ungodly things to pull away the people from the truth and its message of salvation. But,even many that are taught the truth and are very enthusiastic about it are to be warned. Here is the warning, “and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Tim. 4:4)

True Gospel

So, where is the true gospel? It is with those who keep the firm foundations. (John 15:10, 14; 14:21) No matter how eloquent Jesus’ words are repeated, if the Sabbath commandment is not included, every hour spent listening is wasted time. Jesus has warned us that false Christs will come and deceive those who have not fallen on the Rock with a full and contrite heart.

Satan’s Ministers

Yes, Satan will clothe himself as an angel of light. It is much the same as if his ministers are transformed into ministers of righteousness and the apostles of Jesus Christ, but as false apostles and, thereby, deceiving the unwary. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) This is why the spirits need to be tested. The Church, furthermore, is to be the watchman, as the Church, given to man by Jesus Christ. He told the disciples, in fact, to be alert for false deceptions.

From the beginning, the Church was exposed to many spiritual movements. Apostle Paul exhorted the Esphesianelders thusly, in Acts 20:28-31. It was so profound, that Paul warned everyone “with tears, night and day.” (Acts 20:19) Also, Paul warned further, “to avoid them.” (Rom. 16:17)

Don’t Believe

The Apostle John, too, said, “not to believe every spirit, but try every spirit, whether they are of God, as many false prophets will appear.” (1 John 4:1) In our time, there is no shortage of those called by the Lord to do a great work. But the question arises… which lord or godcalled? In fact, “many are called but few are chosen.” (Matt. 22:14)

For this reason, the gift of discerning spirits is needed. A believer heard a man on the street one day shouting, “glorious it was, glorious it was.” He asked him, “what was so glorious?” He thought he was intoxicated for ecstatically shouting.Well, he was… spiritually! He went to some revival meetings and was still full of the spirit. But, he didn’t want to know anything about the true fruit of faith, obedience to God, or keeping of the Ten Commandments.

Tongue-tied

A Bible Worker went to a family with our literature. They asked him if he had the gift of speaking tongues? The worker simply asked them, what is more important, the speaking of unintelligible mumblings and babblings of words, or learning and doing the will of God? When approached with keeping the Commandments of God, they didn’t want to hear about them.

Speaking in tongues started at the end of the 19th century. Many well-known evangelists fell for it, but strong differences of opinion happened, resulting in divisions and branches of faith, fighting among themselves. Humanity today, because of terrible shakings and siftings of modern times, can easily fall into charismatic movements. Peoples’ feelings are turned upside down, and in confusion are swayed to and fro. Furthermore, ?those that are unstable or in poor health; having weak nervous systems and lowered immune systems, are easily attracted to sensationalism; things from the invisible world, things that grab their attention, instead of simple, humble things of the truth.

Seeing is Believing

The ability to discern spirits is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Ah! The gift to see and discern the spiritual position of a man! The Apostle Paul showed this gift. (Acts 13:8-10) Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit, the power of God. In fact, all the disciples were led in all truths with this power, and recognized the spirit guiding a man. We need this gift, this spirit, too. This power. Do you have it? are you developing it? are you using it or applying it daily? It is a divine security measure as well. By merely a few words, a look, body language, observing one’s conduct, we have a profile or screening measure by the shield of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. What a precious gift!

Before the ascension of Jesus Christ, He promised the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, with its purpose and function. (John 14:26; 16:13) If man is willing to be molded, there will be a sanctification of the whole person. The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power, the way of life will be made so plain that none need to err again. (AA, pp. 52, 53) Just think about this a moment. What is your way of life?

Chaff or Wheat?

Spiritualism is growing in society, but instead of talking about this, let’s talk of present truth. (Rev. 1:3) Not only the book of Revelation, but all the books of the Bible! Sis. White said, “God will arouse His people. Heresies will come among them, which will sift them, as the chaff is separated from the wheat. The Lord says, ‘Awake.’ The light that came before, is now for our time, showing the perils that are right upon us. This light should lead us to a diligent study of the Bible and our positions.”

Sent From God

We must be familiar with the Scriptures or we will fall into false teachings. Some preachers call themselves, “Sent from God.” They preach the Sabbath, yes, but mix truth with error, in a subtle, devious way; topics of sensationalism. Many topics cannot be supported by Bible scriptures. Moreover, the beat of many Christian songs are more like pagan jungle dances than honouring God. In fact, many services today are predominantly filled with music, and specials, taking precedence over the main purpose of Sabbath worship; the hearing of God’s word, the uniting of hearts and souls in prayer, and refreshing of our faith.

Hearing and Sight Failure

People always want something new and exciting, pleasure seeking, almost to the point of obsession, otherwise they are not interested. But, the Scriptures and our message is exciting, but our hearing and sight fail us! (2 Pet. 3:10-12) Attending a Sabbath service for some is a form of entertainment, a diversion, and social occasion. But, not as the apostles as they gathered at the Day of Pentecost; “all of one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1)

Thief!

God’s word says, “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.” (2 Pet. 3:10-12) We know what wars have
done and are doing; but what awaits us in a time not too far away? “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)The Lord calls everyone, but we cannot always have big successes. The parableof the Lord shows the results of invitations to the Great Supper. (Luke 14:15-24) But, everybody made excuses and so it is today, too. Those, however, under the Spirit of God will not be fanatical, but calm and steadfast, not extravagant in thought, word, or works.

Your Guide and Shield

“In all the confusion of false doctrines, the Spirit of God will be a guide and a shield for those who have not resisted the truth, and listening only to the voice of Him who is the truth.” (GW, p. 289)

May the Lord help us plant our feet firmly on the Rock of eternal truth and that our hearts and consciences be on fire with the words of Jesus.

Character Rehabilitation

Finally, the building of character is the work for today. Once this is done, we will be allowed to go home with the redeemed and dwell in the eternal haven of rest. May we all receive grace from the Lord for this.

May we, thusly, be prepared to face the adversary, and discern False Prophets In the Last Days.
AMEN.

John Theodorou, USA