FALSE PROPHETS

"Should False Prophets Still Be Stoned?"

"For there shall arise false Christs, and FALSE PROPHETS, and SHALL SHEW GREAT SIGNS and WONDERS; insomuch that, if it were possible, THEY SHALL DECEIVE THE VERY ELECT". Jesus, Matthew 24:24 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

"But THE PROPHET, WHICH SHALL PRESUME TO SPEAK A WORD IN MY (God's) NAME, WHICH I HAVE NOT COMMANDED HIM TO SPEAK, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, EVEN THAT PROPHET SHALL DIE (by stoning)". Deuteronomy 18:20 KJV (Capitals are mine for emphasis)

THIS MINISTRY IS AVAILABLE TO ALL BELIEVERS, BUT MUST BE CAREFULLY MONITORED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MATURE LEADERSHIP

Under Old Testament law, all false prophets faced the death penalty, which was execution by stoning. It was considered an extremely serious offense to speak a word in the name of God if God had not spoken. In the New Testament epistles we are all urged to prophesy words of encouragement to each other, which is like a confirmation to other believers of what the Holy Spirit has already dealt with them about. We are even told to "covet to prophesy". This ministry is available to all believers, but must be carefully monitored under the direction of mature leadership to avoid extremes and excesses.

NOT EVERYONE IS A PROPHET, BUT ALL IN THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY PROPHESY

On the other hand, a prophet occupies one of the five ministry offices in the church. Ephesians 4 KJV. Not everyone is a prophet, but all in the body of Christ may prophesy. Being a prophet and prophesying are entirely two different matters. What is the test of a prophet? Very simple. The prophesies of a true prophet come to pass. The prophesies of a false prophet do not come to pass. For a prophet to speak words of directions and predictions, it is very important for the person to whom they are given that they be "right on", with no error whatsoever. If it is not right on, it can destroy lives and ruin relationships. It is "not a laughing matter".

IT WAS KNOWN AS "THE Y2K SYNDROME HYSTERIA"

One well-known television Bible teacher proclaimed at the end of 1999, that we in the church would not see the dawning of the year 2000, as Jesus was coming before 1999 was history. It was known as "The Y2K Syndrome Hysteria". Some who did not endorse the pre-trib stance sold "survivor kits". When none of this happened--no rapture and no tribulation--they advertised that they were being sold for half price. Another man wrote a booklet, printed four million of them, and sent them out free to all pastors and ministries in the U.S. and Canada. It was called, "88 Reasons Jesus is Coming in 1988". When that did not happen, he rewrote and retitled the booklet, "89 Reasons Jesus is Coming in 1989", and sent out four million more copies. We have not heard from him since. He did not put his photo on the booklet, so he would not be able later to be identified and face the consequences of being classified as a false prophet.

MOST OF THESE PROPHECIES HAVE BEEN GIVEN DATES FOR THEIR FULFILLMENT

A current prophet said that the Lord showed him before the re-election of George W. Bush as President, that the weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) would be discovered in Iraq. He predicted that a new energy source would be discovered last year. He also said that Easter before last, many corpses would be resurrected on that Sunday worldwide. He is also convinced that the present resident of the White House will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be used as "a man of peace". Most of these prophecies have been given dates for their fulfillment, but those dates have come and gone, and the predicted events are still non-existent.

IF I BOAST, IT IS IN THE LORD, AND CERTAINLY NOT OF MYSELF

Although this message may seem to be critical, it is written in love to warn the body of Christ not to be so gullible, but to develop a sensitivity to the genuine Person of the Holy Spirit to discern between the true and the false. This kind of nonsense brings reproach to the body of Christ and makes us "a laughing stock to the world". When no major ministry in the world believed it, I prophesied the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, and the years it would happen. I prophesied the peace pact between Israel and Egypt. If I boast, it is in the Lord, and certainly not of myself. The only reason I mention it here is to let you know that I believe in the office of the prophet--a true prophet. I am not talking about "a Christian fortune-teller" for those who are too lazy and ignorant to seek the Lord for themselves. I am speaking of "the real deal".

I AM NOT ADVOCATING A RETURN TO STONING FALSE PROPHETS, BUT IT SURE WOULD STOP A LOT OF THIS "SPEAKING IN THE FLESH INSTEAD OF THE SPIRIT"

What should happen to those who are caught up in this false prophecy business? There is rarely, if ever, an apology to the body of Christ by these would-be prophets, as there is no accountability. I am not advocating a return to stoning false prophets, but it sure would stop a lot of this "speaking in the flesh instead of the Spirit". Two of the greatest and most accurate prophets I ever knew unfortunately messed up toward the end of their lives. The devil hates this ministry gift, and will do everything in his power to discredit it. The Holy Spirit has called me to be "a prophet to the nations", but I do not wish to be known as a prophet. I would rather be identified as an apostle. Why? An apostle moves in all the ministry gifts, wherever and whenever there is a need. That takes the limits off of God. I prefer that one. Of course, I did not choose that designation; He did.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE REALLY HEARD FROM THE LORD BEFORE YOU SPEAK

If you have been called to be a prophet do not let anything I have written discourage you. Only let it be a guideline to walk softly before the Lord, and make sure that you really have heard from the Lord before you speak. You are responsible for whatever you decree is from the Lord. On the other hand, you must be obedient and speak what He has given you, as you will be held accountable for your obedience as well. His reputation is at stake. He has trusted you with a word. Don't let Him down. He is counting on you. Fear no man, only have the fear of the Lord.