BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS

Everywhere we turn, we hear reports about psychics. Tabloids are thirsty for stories on psychics who search for missing children; ads saturate the airwaves encouraging viewers to call their psychic friends and learn their fortunes; and movie stars, royalty, and even politicians consult psychics to receive direction on critical issues of life. Seeking advice from psychics today is as common as consulting physicians or theologians. But what should our position be as Christians on this phenomenon?

The scriptures say there is only one source for true wisdom –– God’s word. (2Tim. 3:16-17) They warn of lying wonders in the end of the present Gospel age. They also tell of the activity of Satan and the fallen angels who would interfere with men’s affairs so as to draw away the faith of many. “...the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders... And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie...” 2Thess. 2:9-11

Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. mat 7 15

Armed with the scriptural facts, the true follower of God would be very sceptical of these so-called prophets. Is it any wonder that a fallen angel would be able to inform psychics of the location of dead bodies or tell of someone’s past or present? All this would give credibility to their guesses of future events which may or may not come to pass. Anyone can make educated guesses. As for us, we will leave the future to the true prophets of old whose words were written for our admonition.

The scriptures are clear, “Beware of false prophets...” We must avoid anything akin to spiritism or occultism. There are but two masters. One is God and the other is the god of this present evil world, Satan. (Matt. 6:24; 2Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2) This “prince and power of the air” is not the only angel who left the ranks of the righteous angelic realm to practice lawlessness. A host of angels fell before the flood of Noah’s day and are now those who whisper in the ears of any who will lend them. The increasing popularity of New Age thinking has opened wide the door for these evil spirits to influence and deceive. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1Tim. 4:1 See also Acts 16:16-18; Jude 6

The only way to avoid falling into the snare of these seducing spirits is to “Put on the whole armour of God [His truth and character], that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:11-12

If you have given heed to these evil influences, do not despair, but do be aware and heed the scriptures. Call upon the Lord for grace to help and determine not to have anything more to do with them. “...as for me and my house,we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15