Because they hire them to tell them what they want to hear, it is difficult, usually impossible, to convince religious people that their ministers are false prophets. Therefore, to acknowledge that truth is to admit that they are false Christians–which is true. Showing either the minister or the parishioner Biblical proof of their spiritual condition always elicits something akin to, “Well, that’s not what I’ve always been taught.” I understand their stance; I spent the first years of my life hearing the same religious mantras, doctrines, customs, etc. Years of intense Bible study proved that most of what I had been taught in church was a Satan-inspired lie. Because my pastor supposedly spent his days studying God’s Word, I believed what he preached to be correct. But upon studying the Word I found that what he studied was church doctrine, and that any Scripture that did not conform to that doctrine was eliminated. Because I was both young and not an ordained minister I assumed that I simply did not understand the Biblical passages that refuted what I was being taught in church. But I was not wrong. I understood God, and so did the minister. He simply lacked the spine to preach God’s pure Word, knowing that to do so would cost him his job. Sixty years later I find no change. People are still wanting their ears scratched, and hirelings are still eager to accommodate them. Neither can tolerate God’s Truth.

Sparkling personality, great tv presence, seminary degree, large congregations, healings, etc.–how can anyone doubt the authenticity of such a popular minister. Listen to the Words of God: “And there shall arise … false prophets showing great signs and wonders” that will be so awe-inspiring that some of the very elect will be deceived. What can God’s ministers do in the face of such religious power and influence? “Fight the good fight” (1 Tim. 4:7) as did the Apostle Paul who instructed Timothy to “Preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they (the church) will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap (hire) to themselves (their own choice of) teachers, (parishioners) having itching ears. And they (teachers) shall turn their ears from the truth, and (they) shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:2). “Know this also, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of their own selves …. having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof … ever learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth” (2 Tim. 3:1-5).

God comes against false prophets and those who blindly follow them. He calls them His enemies against whom He will “… fight with the sword of My mouth” (Rev. 2:16). In 3 John 3 He commands His ministers to contend for THE (one and only) faith. What weapon are we to use against the rebellious church? The same weapon He used against her god during the Great Temptation–His Word, the Sword of His mouth. “It is written” preceded His verbal condemnation of the devil. Today, the same words must precede the saint’s condemnation of the Counterfeit Church and her god. In Revelation 2:12 Jesus refers to His Word-weapon as a two-edged sword. In Hebrews 4:12 He describes His Word as being sharper than a two-edged sword, and that It pierces the soul, spirit, joints and marrow in order to expose the thoughts and intents of the heart.” In Ephesians 6:17 He explains that He is referring to “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Because His Word exposes one’s true character, the church hates His Word–the same Word by which she will be judged (Jn. 12:48).