Scams From the Pulpit

Christ took the time to caution His followers against false prophets--they were those who would appear to be very religious, but yet they were void of the truth of God's Word.  He said in Matthew 7:15-16, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits." Throughout the corridors of time there have always been those who have sought to selfishly capitalize on the trust and vulnerability of others.  Christians are not immune to this temptation and it happens too often in Christian circles.  It shames the name of Christ and hinders the work of the Church in delivering the Gospel message to a dying world.  Once a ministry or pastor loses credibility with his flock or his community, his work there is pretty much over.  It also serves as a real set back for that ministry for years to come. 

Some would suggest that Christians are not to judge, but that is definitely not what Christ is saying here or elsewhere.  All things are to be measured against the standard of God's Word while taking caution that one's own life is in order spiritually.  The way to know a false prophet or a scammer is by the genuineness of their labor and by what they call Truth.  There are those in our country today who are building personal empires and fortunes at the expense of gullible people who fail to see through the false motives.  Even a false prophet / teacher appears to have fruit, but Christ says that their fruit is spoiled.  Each week there are false prophets delivering messages that are not from God's Word.  It is imperative that Christians search the Scriptures to make sure that all things that are taught are Biblical.  When the message from that religious leader is not founded upon Scripture and it fails to promote the glory of God, then it is time to step away from that leader and that ministry.  God's Word must serve as the foundation that drives all Christian ministries--especially Christ's church.  False prophets are guilty of NOT presenting the entire truth of God's Word; they love to talk about love and focus on feelings.  A false prophet is one who fails to present the entirety of the Gospel.  Many false prophets today are all about money, self-glory, and building large ministries and they fail to talk about the authority of Scripture. 

Take heed and be like the Bereans in Scripture who searched all things that the Apostle Paul was teaching them in order to see whether or not the Truths were accurate according to Scripture (Acts 17:11).