How can we discern false prophets claiming, "I am he," in today's world? Mark 13:6—Christ’s Clear Warning “Many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many.” Why Counterfeits Attract Followers • People crave quick answers, miracles, and charismatic leaders • Biblical illiteracy leaves hearts unguarded (Hosea 4:6) • End-times anxiety makes sensational claims seem plausible (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Scripture’s Built-In Discernment Tests 1. Confession of the true Jesus • “Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” (1 John 4:2-3) 2. Total fidelity to the written Word • “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” (Isaiah 8:20) 3. Prophetic accuracy—100 percent, every time • “If the word does not come to pass…that prophet has spoken presumptuously.” (Deuteronomy 18:22) 4. Christ-exalting, not self-exalting, ministry • “He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30) 5. Godly fruit and humble character • “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:15-20) 6. Freedom from greed and exploitation • “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated words.” (2 Peter 2:3) 7. Alignment with the gospel of grace, not another gospel • “If anyone preaches a gospel contrary…let him be under a curse.” (Galatians 1:8) Practical Red Flags in Today’s World • A leader who claims exclusive revelation, titles like “the anointed one,” or dates for Christ’s return • Teaching that adds to or subtracts from Scripture—new holy books, altered doctrines • Manipulative demands for unquestioning loyalty, large sums of money, or isolation from family • Signs and wonders used as proof while doctrine contradicts clear biblical teaching (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) • Moral compromise tolerated or celebrated by the leader or group Cultivating Personal Discernment • Daily, literal reading of the whole counsel of God (Acts 17:11) • Prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit, who “guides into all truth” (John 16:13) • Commitment to a sound, accountable local church (Hebrews 13:17) • Regular testing of teachings against Scripture, not emotions or experiences (1 John 4:1) • Remembering that even Satan “masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14) Living With Confidence, Not Fear • Jesus forewarned us so we would stay alert, not anxious • His sheep “know His voice” (John 10:4) and will not follow a stranger • Clinging to His literal promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) |
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