“Thus saith the Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!”
Ezekiel 13:3
As did ancient Israel, the contemporary United States has a false prophet problem. Moat of them are found in the prosperity gospel (Joel Osteen and Kenneth Copeland) and New Apostolic Reformation (Bethel and Hillsong) camps.
Roman Catholicism is the largest “Christian” denomination (though I would argue they are a cult sect, rather than a denomination), but the NAR is the fastest growing in the US and the world.
The NAR believes in spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, faith healing, and prophecy. Biblical prophecy can mean either seeing the future or preaching.
In the context of this verse, it means having visions of things to come – or at least claiming to.
So when a “prophet” comes out and predicts that God showed him the end of COVID by May, 2020 –
WOE UNTO HIM!!!
For that prediction is not from God, but man’s OWN spirit – or perhaps from an evil spirit in some cases.
“Woe” is an exclamation of judgment from God, and He WILL judge harshly.
When a “prophet” predicts the end of the world, or that a nation will be judged, or that prosperity will come to those who follow their teaching that is NOT of God –
WOE UNTO HIM!!!
When a “prophet” tells you that the Great Tribulation outlines in the book of Revelation happened 2,000 years ago or that we are in the midst of it right now, which we know is untrue because the Bible is clear on the timeline of you study Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4-5 that there will be a Rapture of the Church before the Tribulation begins, which has yet to happen –
WOE UNTO HIM!!!
And if that “prophet” be a woman “pastor” like Paula White or Beth Moore, which is a violation of 1 Timothy 2:12 and 1 Timothy 3 –
WOE UNTO HER TOO!!!
God does not appreciate false prophets who come in His name, but do so under their own power.
They come with a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5).
Beware the false prophets who do not adhere to the limitations or cessation of spiritual gifts according to 1 Corinthians 14.
You need to find a good, Bible based, New Testament Christian church, and run from these false prophets even if you believe they are genuine.
If they predict because “God told them,” get away. If they speak in tongues without an interpreter, get away. If they claim spiritual gifts, even if they demonstrate power that you have not seen before – remember Moses went up against magicians that could mimic the work of God as well – get away.
If they tell you that you can know if you are saved because of your health and wealth – get away.
I can help if you need. Feel free to reach out to me and I will help you find a good church or find salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Do not wait, because you never know what the day might bring.
Simmons' Opinions 