Recently, Harold Camping falsely predicted that Jesus would return for His true followers on May, 21, 2011. He is an example of a “false prophet/teacher” that Jesus said would rise up in the end times (see Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 23-24). Jesus told His disciples to be aware and alert to these false teachers and not to allow them to deceive us into wrong thinking or actions.
In my experience, I have discerned there are three main characteristics that identify a false spiritual leader:
One person becomes very dominating and has high control or influence over his followers. He/she convinces followers to leave their churches and form fellowships to listen to him/her exclusively.
They condemn Christianity and claim to have the only true knowledge and authority. They reject all other teaching and claim to have exclusive truth.
He/she claims to have received “special revelation” from God.
To combat these false leaders, the Bible tells us to be discerning and always be prepared. Peter exhorts us in 1 Peter 3:15, “to set our hearts apart for Christ and always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give a reason for the hope we have.” Paul encourages us in 2 Timothy 2:15, “to present ourselves to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Knowing and applying God’s Word to your life is the best way to keep yourself from being deceived by a false spiritual leader.
Serving Him,
Pastor Dave Champness
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