LAST LESSONS #224 — SIMPLY TRUTH — 7

I spent a little time with a couple of our missionaries recently and they told me that in Africa many self-proclaimed prophets make themselves visible on billboards and television. We know there are self-proclaimed prophets in every country and also in every religion—including Christianity. However, in Africa, they put up large signboards on the roads and invite people to their prophecy meetings. So I thought I would write about it.

True: In Africa self-proclaimed prophets are quite visible.

Although there are self-proclaimed prophets in every country, they seem to make themselves more visible in Africa. In Africa they put up billboards on the highways inviting people to come hear their predictions. These are people who claim to have special knowledge or ability to make predictions about the future for the world and for individuals. They prey on those who are gullible enough to give them money.

The Bible is clear about being mindful of false prophets. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15

Not true: False prophets can predict the future including the timing of the Lord’s return.

False prophets do not know when the Lord will return. Matthew 24:36 makes it clear that no one knows the time of the return of Jesus: “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.”

The Bible says that in the last days many false prophets will come. “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” Matthew 24:11 Therefore, care must be taken in listening to those who say they have been given the gift of prophecy. The only sure person to listen to is Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 1:1-2 states, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Therefore:

Read the Bible to see what Jesus and those to whom he spoke about the future such as John in the Book of Revelation have to say about the future.

Also make sure you go to a good church that teaches the Word of God. Do not go to a Pentecostal church that encourages its members to be baptized by the Spirit in order to receive the gift of prophecy.