(Matthew 7:15-16) Watch out for false prophets (teachers, preachers).

Christian leaders in the past were usually rooted in a sphere of accountability of a local community, and ministering under qualified church elders.

People who listened to their teaching/preaching, usually knew their families, and how they lived their daily lives. 

Today, however, this is no longer true.

The truth is everything has changed because of the rise of globalism, large independent churches and organizations, advanced transportation (especially airplanes), and expansive communications (multiple television channels, podcasts, social media, YouTube etc), 

There are thousands of false Christian teachers/preachers traveling through our communities, and broadcasting their teaching on social media with hardly any accountability. 

This is a major problem for Christians, because we do not know how these teachers/preachers actually live, what Jesus called the “fruit of their lives.” Knowing how a person lives their lives is the primary way can discern false prophets/teachers. 

Please be alert and cautious of false teachers/prophets/preachers. Be careful to follow Jesus’ warning: Look out for false Christian leaders, whose lifestyle does not match what they teach/preach. 

Do not be spiritually naive. There are many so-called Christian teachers/preachers who live ungodly, deceiving, and secret lifestyles. 

They preach for money. 

They practice sexually immorality. 

They are unfaithful in their marriages. 

They are manipulators. 

They lack integrity. 

They damage the understanding of God’s nature, and the true church among the unbelieving.

Simply because someone is a good speaker (entertainer), does not dismiss their significant behavioral sin. This includes admiring so-called Christian musicians, who are often living ungodly lives. 

How we live our lives for God is so much more important than how well we speak or sing. 

In the end, we will be judged by God by the fruit of our lives—not how good our sermons or songs are. 

How we live is actually what we truly believe. 

I am not talking about religious legalism or moral perfection. I am emphasizing that we must assimilate truth into our inner lives and worldview. 

Remember, even Satan appears like an angel of light.

Pray for spiritual discernment. The ministry of the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. 

Lord, we pray that you will expose all evil. 

Let’s seek for truth and righteousness in every area of our lives--privately and publicly. 

As Jesus said in Luke 6:46-49, “Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' but do not do what I say (obeying the truth)?”