Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

tested those who claimed to be apostles, John instructs us to test false prophets (1 John 4:1).

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 A false prophet may claim to be a true prophet and may look very much like a true prophet. The false prophet may even have prophecies that come to pass, but inwardly their heart is not right before the Lord. False prophets are inclined to tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear so that they can be popular among the people (Jer. 5:31; 23:21; 29:8-9). The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end? Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end? – NIV For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD. Jeremiah 29:9 False shepherds or hirelings are referenced in both the Old and the New Testament (Jer. 23:1-5; Ezek. 34:1-10). Jesus contrasted His shepherding ministry with those that he label ed “hirelings” ( John 10:11-13). I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling

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