The concept of knowing whose word to pay attention to has precedent in Scripture. “False prophets” are still with us. “Experts” dispense advice while ignoring God altogether or twisting His words to suit their purposes. We have seen this occur on the pulpit, social media and many other electronic venues. I’ve Watched television evangelism or ministers that want to mail you a handkerchief that will heal your body for a donation of money. They have made hundreds of thousands of dollars with this kind of false teaching. Rather than speak the Word of the Lord, false prophets delivered messages that originated in their own hearts and minds. True prophets are motivated by loyalty to God above all else, whereas false prophets are motivated by self-interest and a desire to be popular among the people. Through God’s Word and Spirit, God has given us what we need to begin to discern the false from the true.
