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Friday, April 24, 2009

TEST FOR FALSE PROPHETS

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ I pray that this test will be a blessing to you and you loved ones. It will assist you in revealing false teachers and false teachings against the Word of God as revealed in the King James Bible. A Prophet is a person who speaks from God through divine direction and a false prophet is a person who does NOT speak from God through divine direction. One "yes" answer to any of these questions proves that the teacher is a false teacher, and his instruction should be disregarded. Here are 32 Characteristics of False prophets to start the test with.

1. STRENGTHEN: Acts 15:32
2. DEFINE GOD'S WILL: Acts 13:1-3
3. PREDICT THE FUTURE: Acts 21:10,11
4. CENTERED IN CHRIST: Luke 10:24
5. INTERPRETED BY CHRIST: Luke 24:27, 44; Isaiah 7:14; 2 Sam 7:16; Deut 18:20, 22; Deut 7:13
6. UNITED IN TESTIMONY: Acts 3:21-24
7. CONTAINS GRACE AND SALVATION: 1 Pet 1:9-12
8. ABIDING REVELATION: Matt 5:17-20
9. INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT: 2 Pet 1:21-2:2
10. NOT OF ONE'S OWN INTERPRETATION: 2 Pet 1:20
11. ALWAYS RELEVANT: Rev 22:10
12. MUST NOT BE CHANGED BY MAN: Rev 22:18,19
13. INSPIRATION: Micah 3:8
14. FOREKNOWLEDGE: Is 42:9
15. NON-FULFILLMENT: Jer 28:1-13
16. PEACEFUL MESSAGE: Jer 23:9-40
17. APOSTASY FROM GOD: Deut 13:1-5
18. LYING: Jer 23:25-40
19. SCOFFING: 2 Pet 3:3,4
20. UNCONDITIONAL: Ezek 12:25-28; Ezek 13: 1-9
21. SOMETIMES CONDITIONAL: Jonah 3:1-10
22. DATED: Dan 9:24-27
23. NON-LITERAL: Matt 17:10-12
24. UNRECOGNIZED BY JEWS: Acts 13:27-29
25. INTERPRETATION OF, NEEDED: Luke 24:25-44
26. OFTEN REFERRED TO: Matt 1:22,23
27. DOCTRINE: Is 8:19, 20
28. PROPHECIES: 1 Kin 13:1-32
29. LIVES: Matt 7:15-20; Matt 24:1; Matt 24:24; Act 13:6-8; Jer 6:13; 1 John 4:2; Acts 20:29-30; Ezekiel 22:28; Matt 15:16; Gal 5:18-22
30. PROPHESY PEACE: Jer 23:17
31. TEACH A LIE: Jer 28:15
32. PRETEND TO BE TRUE: Matt 7:22,23
33. TEACH CORRUPTION: 2 Pet 2:10-22
34. IN THE LAST DAYS: Matt 24:11



1. STRENGTHEN: Acts 15:32
1. Does the prophet speak secretly, without strong argument, numerous words, advice or appeal to his listeners?
2. Does the prophet fail to assure, uphold, sustain or strengthen his listeners?

2. DEFINE GOD'S WILL: Acts 13:1-3
3. Does the prophet minister for anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ?
4. Does the prophet seem to obtain divine revelations without the necessary worship and sacrifice required by LORD GOD?
5. Does the prophet fail to acknowledge the Holy Spirit's inspiration in his revelations?
6. Does the prophet avoid the laying on of hands in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ?
7. Does the prophet fail to pray or fast?

3. PREDICT THE FUTURE: Acts 21:10,11
8. Does the prophet fail to make specific and illustrated predictions of future events?

4. CENTERED IN CHRIST: Luke 10:24
9. Does the prophet appear to have a knowledge about all things without Jesus Christ being in the center?

5. INTERPRETED BY CHRIST: Luke 24:27, 44; Isaiah 7:14; 2 Sam 7:16; Deut 18:20, 22; Deut 7:13
10. Does the prophet believe other's revelations without study and a confirming interpretation by Christ?
11. Does the prophet speak words which are not in accordance with the law, prophets, and psalms in the Scriptures?
12. Is the prophet unable to understand Scriptures?
13. Does the prophet show a lack of knowledge concerning Jesus Christ or Scriptures?
14. Does the prophet speak incorrectly about Jesus' birth?
15. Does the prophet speak against the relationship of the Jews to the LORD GOD?
16. Does the prophet speak in the name of other gods?
17. Does the prophet's predictions NOT come true after speaking in the name of the LORD GOD?
18. Does the prophet speak presumptuously (unduly or overbearingly confident), take for granted or take liberties?
19. Does the prophet question the fulfillment of the second coming of Jesus Christ?


6. UNITED IN TESTIMONY: Acts 3:21-24
20. Does the prophet contradict the testimony of other prophets since the world began?
21. Does the prophet give credit to anyone but God for what his mouth speaks?
22. Does the prophet speak against the restitution (restoration) of all things as spoken in the Scriptures?


7. CONTAINS GRACE AND SALVATION: 1 Pet 1:9-12
23. Does the prophet fail to inquire and search diligently for truth?
24. Does the prophet fail to make salvation the object of prophecy?
25. Does the prophet speak for his own uses or glory, and fail to consider the listeners?
26. Does the prophet attempt to keep all that is revealed to himself, and refuse to minister others with the new revelations?
27. Does the prophet preach the gospel on his own without the assistance of the Holy Ghost?


8. ABIDING REVELATION: Matt 5:17-20
28. Does the prophet insist upon the strict adherence of law and righteous behavior rather than the inner spiritual intentions of the LORD GOD?
29. Does the prophet insist that the law of Moses is no longer applicable since the fulfillment of Jesus Christ?
30. Does the prophet change even "one jot or one tittle" (the most minute letter or mark) of the law?
31. Does the prophet teach man to break one or any of the least commandments of God?


9. INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT: 2 Pet 1:21-2:2
32. Does the prophet give credit for his prophecy to anyone other than the Holy Ghost?
33. Does the prophet privately bring in damnable heresies (destructive opinion or doctrine that goes against the LORD GOD’s Word)?
34. Does the prophet experience destruction because he is deceived by his own teaching and continues to reject the way of truth?
35. Does the prophet evilly speak against the Way of Truth?

10. NOT OF ONE'S OWN INTERPRETATION: 2 Pet 1:20
36. Does the prophet indicate that his divine revelation of the scripture is a private interpretation?

11. ALWAYS RELEVANT: Rev 22:10
37. Is the prophet's revelations of the Word of the LORD GOD not always relevant (applicable, appropriate, fitting)?

12. MUST NOT BE CHANGED BY MAN: Rev 22:18,19
38. Does the prophet add unto the Word of the LORD GOD, and include things not spoken of in Scripture?
39. Does the prophet take away from the Word of God, and exclude things spoken of in Scripture?


13. INSPIRATION: Micah 3:8
40. Does the prophet's revelation lack the power, judgment and might of the spirit of the LORD GOD?

14. FOREKNOWLEDGE: Is 42:9
41. Does the prophet provide revelation of former things which have come to pass, rather than new things?

15. NON-FULFILLMENT: Jer 28:1-13
42. Does the prophet's revelations fail to come to pass?
43. Does the prophet predict peace following the fulfillment of a legitimate prophet's revelations?


16. PEACEFUL MESSAGE: Jer 23:9-40
44. Is the prophet profane (characterized by irreverence or contempt for the LORD GOD or sacred principles or things, unholy, heathen, common, vulgar, blasphemous, sacrilegious, low, mean, base)?
45. Is the prophet wicked in the House of the LORD GOD?
46. Does the prophet's way seem "slippery in darkness" (tending to shift positions, fickle, shifty, unstable, insecure with a lack of knowledge or enlightenment)?
47. Has God brought disaster and evil upon the prophet?
48. Is the prophet foolish, absurd, unwise, whimsical or extravagant?
49. Does the prophet commit adultery and walk in lies?
50. Does the prophet strengthen the hands of evildoers, preventing them from turning from wickedness?
51. Does the prophet make his listeners vain (without real significance, value or importance; baseless, worthless)?
52. Does the prophet speak a vision out of his own heart, rather than from out of the mouth of the LORD GOD?
53. Does the prophet promise peace to his listeners?
54. Does the prophet tell his listeners that no evil shall come to them?
55. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to walk after the "imagination of his own heart" (do what makes you feel good)?
56. Does the prophet fail to turn the LORD GOD’s people from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings?


17. APOSTASY FROM GOD: Deut 13:1-5
57. Does the prophet present signs or wonders for the worship of other gods?
58. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to not walk after the LORD GOD, not to fear Him, not to keep his Commandments, not to obey His voice, not to serve Him, or not to cleave unto Him?


18. LYING: Jer 23:25-40
59. Does the prophet speak falsely in the LORD GOD’s name?
60. Does the prophet focus more on the act of "dreaming" rather than the Word of the LORD GOD that is intended?
61. Does the prophet lack confidence in the speaking of the LORD GOD’s Word?
62. Does the prophet steal the LORD GOD’s Words from his neighbor?
63. Does the prophet use his "own tongue" and attribute it to the LORD GOD?
64. Does the prophet use false dreams to cause the LORD GOD’s people to err by their lies?
65. Is the prophet reckless and light, unconcerned about the consequences of his action?
66. Is the prophet "burdened" (that which is borne with difficulty, obligation or trouble) by the LORD GOD’s Words or even his own words?
67. Does the prophet "pervert" (misinterpret, distort, corrupt, mislead, defile) the Words of the living LORD GOD?
68. Has God brought an "everlasting reproach" (blame) and a "perpetual shame" (disgrace) upon the prophet that will never be forgotten?

19. SCOFFING: 2 Pet 3:3,4
69. Does the prophet scoff (an expression of mockery, derision, doubt, behaving with scornful disapproval) about the last days (end times)?
70. Does the prophet encourage listeners to ignore "last days" prophesy, in favor of "stable as she goes, everything is as it always was" prophecy?


20. UNCONDITIONAL: Ezek 12:25-28; Ezek 13: 1-9
71. Does the prophet's divine revelations prolonged (take place in times far off), rather than immediate?
72. Does the prophet prophesy out of his own inspiration?
73. Does the prophet deny visions (a beneficial and meaningful event that appears vividly and credibly to the mind under the influence of the LORD)?
74. Does the prophet attempt to whitewash the severely cracked walls of his listeners, rather than filling in the gaps with the Word of God?
75. Does the prophet's vanity and lying divinations (futile and false attempts to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means) make others to hope that it would confirm God's Word?
76. Is the prophet outside the assembly of God's people?
77. Is the prophets writing deliberately excluded from the record?
78. Is the prophet denied entry into the land of Israel?


21. SOMETIMES CONDITIONAL: Jonah 3:1-10
79. Does the prophet discredit other prophets who speak divine revelations in a specific event, rather than a lifetime career?

22. DATED: Dan 9:24-27
80. Does the prophet's 'divine' revelations occur outside the seventy weeks spoken in Daniel?

23. NON-LITERAL: Matt 17:10-12
81. Does the prophet stick to the strict meaning of the LORD GOD’s Word, neglecting the figurative, metaphorical or mysteries revealed?

24. UNRECOGNIZED BY JEWS: Acts 13:27-29
82. Do the Jews accept the prophecies and doctrine of Jesus Christ as explained by the prophet?

25. INTERPRETATION OF, NEEDED: Luke 24:25-44
83. Does the prophet fail to use Christ to expound scripture?
84. Does the prophet oppose understanding of the scriptures among his listeners?
85. Does the prophet fail to have an understanding or acceptance of the fulfillment of all things concerning Christ which "were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets and in the psalms"?


26. OFTEN REFERRED TO: Matt 1:22,23
86. Does the prophet deny the virgin birth of our Jesus Christ?
87. Does the prophet fail to refer to the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ?


27. DOCTRINE: Is 8:19, 20
88. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to seek those with familiar spirits (well acquainted and intimate associations with the dead spirits)?
89. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to seek the whispered and muttered words of wizards (male soothsayers - persons who foretell events)?
90. Does the prophet use anything other than "the law and testimony" (LORD GOD’s Word) as the basis for interpreting a claim to divine revelation?


28. PROPHECIES: 1 Kin 13:1-32
91. Does the prophet fail to predict events in the future that only the living sovereign LORD GOD could inform?
92. Does the prophet's sign denoting a miraculous event fail to produce an effect of wonder on those who behold it?
93. Does the prophet's sign fail to use the LORD GOD’s Words in revealing the effect?
94. Does the prophet fail to accomplish what the LORD GOD has tasked him to do?
95. Is the prophet easily swayed by other prophets?
96. Does the prophet experience a sudden, violent and painful death?


29. LIVES: Matt 7:15-20; Matt 24:1; Matt 24:24; Act 13:6-8; Jer 6:13; 1 John 4:2; Acts 20:29-30; Ezekiel 22:28; Matt 15:16; Gal 5:18-22
97. Does the prophet mislead others in believing his character or intentions or beliefs are something they are not?
98. Does the prophet's work produce less than the fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control)?
99. Does the prophet mislead many?
100. Does the prophet mislead using great signs and wonders?
101. Does the prophet try to turn listeners away from the faith?
102. Is the prophet greedy for gain, never having enough money, prosperity, prestige, people, etc.?
104. Does the prophet speak perverse things (deliberately departing from what is reasonable; stubborn; self-willed)?
105. Does the prophet have false vision (saying it's from God) and leading people into wrong doings?
106. Does the prophet have followers who's deeds are of the flesh (immortality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, wrath, disputes, dissension, heresies, envying, drunkenness, carousing)?


30. PROPHESY PEACE: Jer 23:17
107. Does the prophet speak of future peace to those who follow after the imagination of their own heart?

31. TEACH A LIE: Jer 28:15
108. Does the prophet lead others to trust in lies rather than the Word of God by making the teachings of lies more comfortable to the listeners than the truthful teachings of our LORD GOD?
109. Does the prophet teach rebellion against the LORD GOD?


32. PRETEND TO BE TRUE: Matt 7:22,23
110. Does the prophet prophesy, cast out devils and perform wonderful works in Jesus' name, without being known by Jesus?

33. TEACH CORRUPTION: 2 Pet 2:10-22
111. Does the prophet walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness (sexual promiscuity)?
112. Does the prophet hate authority?
113. Is the prophet presumptuous (impertinently bold)?
114. Is the prophet self-willed (selfish, stubborn and obstinate)?
115. Does the prophet speak evil of dignitaries (persons who hold high rank or office)?
116. Does the prophet live in a natural life, displaying characteristics of a brute beast (brutal, insensitive, crude, irrational, savage, cruel, carnal, sensual, and animal like)?
117. Does the prophet speak evil of the things that he does not understand?
118. Is the prophet perishing in his own corruption (moral perversion and depravity?
119. Does the prophet enjoy reveling (to make merry, boisterous merrymaking, to party) during the daytime?
120. Does the prophet have fun with his falsehoods?
121. Is the prophets eyes full of adultery?
122. Is the prophet unable to cease from sin?
123. Does the prophet have a beguiling (enticing) unstable soul?
124. Does the prophet exercise his heart with covetous practices (wrongful desires)?
125. Does the prophet seem to be cursed?
126. Does the prophet forsake the right way and love the wages of unrighteousness?
127. Is the prophet unable to satisfy the spiritual thirst of men?
128. Is the prophet blown about by every wind of doctrine?
129. Does the prophet speak great swelling words of vanity (emptiness)?
130. Does the prophet allure through the lusts of the flesh?
131. Does the prophet promise liberty when they themselves are the servants of corruption?
132. Is the prophet entangled in the world (natural life) and overcome by it?
133. Has the prophet turned from the holy commandment delivered unto him, and like a dog, turned to his own vomit again?

34. IN THE LAST DAYS: Matt 24:11
134. Is the prophet one of many rising the last days to deceive many?

Remember, one "yes" answer to any of these questions proves that the prophet is a false prophet, and his words should be disregarded.

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About Me

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I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.

MY THEOLOGICAL TRAINING:

It brings to my face a unadulterated smile each and every occasion I am asked, “Elder Dre, What Theological Training do you have?”

My heart beams with joy at the opportunity to humbly give full glory to God as I reflect on on how the prophets, patriarchs and apostles of old would have respond: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, King David, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Matthew, Mark, Peter, James, John and the other disciples, not forgetting the Saviour Himself.

How would they have answered the question: “What theological training do you have?”

The words of the prophet Amos also came to mind: “Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:” Amos 7:14

I surely am not impliedly decrying theological preparation, education or training: I consider it essential, but not as much as some think. For the fact is, the Almighty raises up believers according to His own standards.

Educational qualifications, wealth, fame, talent, social standing, outward appearance etc. are useful; but they are secondary in His sight. Qualities like faith, obedience, holiness, humility, honesty, absolute loyalty to one’s spouse, the ability to raise one’s family to fear God and keep His commandments etc.; these are the things the Most High values.

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Only on the Day of Judgment will it be known how truly educated, weighty and effective I have been. That is why I have to smile when the question arise.

The vanity of the question is only matched by the foolishness of my answer.

As the wise man wrote: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1: 2 or as the apostle Paul commented in 2 Corinthians 11:16-30 when rattling off a long list of impressive qualifications “... I speak as a fool.”

Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 1 John 4:14-15 (NLT)

I am a preacher, but most of all, I proclaim that Jesus is the Savior with various applications of that truth in my everyday life. My dear friend, if you are a Christian, you are a preacher also. Whether you have been ordained or not, hired by a church or not, or ever been recognized as a preacher or not is beside the point. All who have God living in them are called to proclaim the Savior to the world. It is a Holy calling, and a demanding one. It will pull you out of your comfort zone, challenge your commitment, and help to develop you into the person God has created you to be.

John spoke as an eyewitness to Jesus' saving power. We speak as heart-witnesses; ones who have not seen Jesus with our eyes, but have experienced Him through personal transformation. I speak, and you speak, as a representative of Christ on earth. The message that we bring is simple, yet profound; that God the Father sent God the Son into the world to save those who are lost to bring them into relationship with Him. As you tell the story, and I tell the story, some will listen and receive the grace that God has sent us into the world to proclaim.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, what a privilege to be a spokesperson for You.

Thank you for stopping by. Stay encouraged and please do come back.