How to tell if someone is a false prophet.
Scriptures:
- 1 Peter 4:10-11
- Deuteronomy 18:21-22
- Deuteronomy 13:1-5
- Matthew 7:15-20
- 1 Corinthians 14:29-32
Introduction
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
- To serve others
- The words of God
Anyone speaks
* Examples: Teaching, prophecy, exhortation (encouragement), wisdom, and knowledge.
- Word of God
Anyone serves
* Examples: Administration, acts of mercy, giving, hospitality, and physical help/service.
- Not in your own strength
Outline:
- Introduction
- Finding Your Purpose in Life Series
- Review: Your Spiritual Gifts
- Qualifications for a prophet
- Fallen Modern Prophets
Finding Your Purpose in Life Series
The two greatest days in your life are:
- the day you were born
- the day you figure out why you were born
– – Mark twain
Purpose is the fundamental reason that something exists
The Bible tells us that everything was created by God, the Designer, for a reason
If you want to find your purpose… You have to start with God
Your calling is the purpose that God created you for
- It's the end goal of your assignment on earth
- It is how you serve his purposes in the world
A Christian’s Callings
Christians have
- General callings
- A Unique calling
General Christian Callings
All Christians are called to:
- To Love God
- Love your neighbor
- Make disciples
- Be conformed to the image of Christ – sanctification
Unique Calling
Additionally, you were given unique
- Natural ability
- Acquired skills
- Spiritual Gifts
- Personality
- Desires and preferences
- Life experiences
to serve others, and to glorify God
Your gifts and talents are owned by God… Not you
Success is Measured by Faithfulness, Not Impact
In this series we will discover:
- What a purpose is and why it matters
- What are your unique attributes as it relates to your calling
- What life experiences have prepared you for your calling
- What is your unique purpose
- How to overcome the barriers preventing you from pursuing your purpose
Throughout this next year, I will walk alongside you and help guide you to finding your purpose
Review: Your Spiritual Gifts
Gifts, Ministries, Effects
1 Corinthians 12:4-7^
Gifts
The raw spiritual "tool" or talent (e.g., the gift of teaching, prophecy, or healing).
This is the internal enablement from the Holy Spirit
Examples
- Prophecy
- discernment of spirits
- Speaking in tongues
Ministries / Functions
The specific office,role or sphere of service where you use your gift.
Example:
- Pastor
- Choir director
- School teacher
Gift vs Ministry
You might have the gift of teaching, but that gift can be expressed in many different ways.
Example: Gift of teaching
- Pastor
- Jail ministry
- Classroom
You can have the gift of prophecy, but not serve in the office of a prophet
- You might be in the parking lot Ministries
Effects
The supernatural impact or outcome of the gift being used.
Example
- You can “feel the anointing” when someone is singing
Manifestations vs. Permanent Gifts
Manifestations
The Holy Spirit can give any gift to any believer at a specific moment to meet a specific need.
Referred to as:
- "manifestation of the Spirit"
- “Spirit coming upon you”
- “ Being filled with the Holy Spirit”
Permanent Gifts
What people call "having the gift" is a consistent history of God choosing to work through someone.
3 Lists of Gifts
In this series, we are going to discuss three different classifications of gifts of the Holy Spirit in the Bible
- Motivational gifts
- Manifestation gifts
- Ministries/function/offices
Motivational Gifts
Gifts of the Father
Romans 12:6-8^
6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
The List:
- Serving
- Teaching
- Exhortation (encouragement)
- Giving
- Leadership
- Mercy
- Prophecy
Nature:
These are usually permanent. If you have the "gift of mercy," you have it for a season or for your entire life.
- These are not momentary gifts that you will only manifest once
- You can generally choose to exercise them whenever an opportunity arises (at will)
These were covered in https://unchaineddisciples.blogspot.com/2026/01/your-spiritual-gifts.html
Manifestation Gifts
Gifts of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:7-12^
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 12 For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.
- Word of Wisdom
- Word of Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discerning of Spirits
- Tongues
- Interpreting tongues
Not all Christians “have these” gifts
- the Spirit distributes them "as He wills" (v. 11)
- The spirit can manifest any of these gifts on any Christians at any given time
The Gift of Wisdom
AKA the “word of wisdom” or “utterance of wisdom.”
It is the ability to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs
- A solution to a problem
The Word of Knowledge
The unique ability to receive knowledge which could only be revealed supernaturally
- Information
Faith
The gift of faith is the unique ability to trust God against all circumstances.
Having a supernatural peace or assurance about some situation
- Supernatural certainty
- Unshakable faith during persecution or suffering
Healing
The ability to initiate supernatural intervention of God that cures a physical ailment, disease, or injury without the aid of natural medical means.
Working of Miracles
This describes when the Holy Spirit chooses to "over-ride" the laws of nature, working in or through an available person.
Examples:
- Raising the dead
- Turning water to wine
The Gift of Prophecy (Review)
https://unchaineddisciples.blogspot.com/2026/02/your-spiritual-gifts-part-3-gift-of.html
The ability to deliver a message from God to a group or individual
- Sometimes this is foretelling the future
The gift is separate from the office
Steps of prophesying
- Revelation
- Interpretation
- Application
7 things to check before declaring a word
- Motive
- Source
- Scripture
- Community / Wise Council
- Timing
- Tone
- Completeness
Qualifications for a Prophet
The Office of Prophet
You can have the gift of prophecy, but not hold the office of a prophet in the church
In the Bible, there isn't a "job application" or a specific set of credentials (like education or lineage) that qualifies someone to be a prophet.
Instead, the Bible focuses on
- Divine Appointment
- Speaking on Behalf of God
- The Test of Accuracy
- Doctrinal Consistency
- Character and "Fruit"
- Accountability and Self-Control
- Initial Reluctance
1. Divine Appointment (The Calling)
Unlike priests in the Old Testament, who were born into the role (the tribe of Levi), prophets were hand-picked by God regardless of their background.
No self-appointment:
A prophet does not choose the job.
- Jeremiah was told he was appointed before he was even born (Jeremiah 1:5).
- Amos was a simple shepherd when God "took him from following the flock" to speak to Israel (Amos 7:14-15).
Often have a Divine encounter
2. Speaking on Behalf of God
The primary qualification is being a vessel for God’s specific message,
- "Thus says the Lord."
The "Mouthpiece" Role: The word "prophet" (prophetes in Greek) literally means "one who speaks forth."
3. The Test of Accuracy
Deuteronomy 18:21-22
21You may ask in your heart, “How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?” 22When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
The Old Testament provided a very simple, binary test for anyone claiming to speak for God:
• 100% Fulfillment:
There was no "margin for error" in biblical prophecy.
Here are the names of the Christian prophets and leaders who publicly stated they received divine revelation that Donald Trump would win the 2020 election: (from ChatGPT)
- Shawn Bolz
- Pat Robertson
- Kris Vallotton
- Lance Wallnau
- Kenneth Copeland
- Kat Kerr
- Mark Taylor
- Jeremiah Johnson
4. Doctrinal Consistency
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
1 “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes true, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let’s follow other gods (whom you have not known) and let’s serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 “You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. 5 “But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken falsely against the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, to drive you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall eliminate the evil from among you.
Even if a prophet performs a miracle or makes a correct prediction, they are disqualified if they lead people away from God’s established commands.
A true prophet's message must always align with God’s previous revelations.
If their prophecy contradicts the Bible… They are a false prophet
5. Character and "Fruit"
Matthew 7:15-20
15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20So then, by their fruit you will recognize them.
In the New Testament, Jesus and the Apostles shifted the focus toward the prophet's life and character.
"fruit"—their actions, character, and the long-term results of their ministry
6. Accountability and Self-Control
1 Corinthians 14:29-32
29Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should stop. 31For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.
Subject to Evaluation
The church is told not to accept every word blindly but to "weigh what is said" (1 Corinthians 14:29).
Under Control
Unlike the "ecstatic frenzies" seen in pagan religions, the Bible states that "the spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets" (1 Corinthians 14:32).
A prophet is expected to remain in control of their faculties.
- “The Holy Spirit is a gentleman… he won’t override your will” - Zack Poonen
This implies that it is an “at will” gift
7. Initial Reluctance (The "Not Me" Phase)
Interestingly, a sign of a true biblical prophet was often their desire to NOT be one. Because the job involved delivering unpopular messages to powerful people, many tried to back out.
- Moses complained he couldn't speak well.
- Jeremiah argued he was too young.
- Jonah literally hopped on a boat to go in the opposite direction.
The "knowing" often came through a sense of divine compulsion—a feeling that they had to speak, even if they didn't want to.
- Jeremiah described it as a "fire shut up in my bones" that he couldn't hold in.
Fallen Modern Prophets
New Apostolic Reformation meltdown
(Prophets, Apostles, Dominionism- Seven Mountain Mandate)
Mike Bickel
Mike Bickle is the founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC), an influential charismatic Christian missionary organization based in Kansas City.
Manifestations of the spirit: real or fake? Mike Bickel’s perspective part one.
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxEsRWkZ9-K1qVvt4cPoeZ_FjnF0wqYw2g?si=xA8zhigBPptlSZuV
- “Auto manifests“ reenact the actions they did the first time they had a real encounter with God.
- you can end up with a manifestation culture without the Holy Spirit being in your midst
Some is real and some is fake
https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxJbv59xKqShKwm6FC-P1xXRAZsZ6DWmPk?si=OLRyVL9dbCl1PW55
- False prophecies are tolerated within this movement
- Confession: In late 2023, Bickle released a statement admitting to "inappropriate behavior" and moral failures that occurred over 20 years ago, though he denied some of the more intense allegations at that time.
Permanent Disqualification: By late 2025, a pastoral recommendation team declared him permanently disqualified from holding any ministry office or leadership role within the church for the rest of his life. The decision to disqualify Mike Bickle from ministry was made through a multi-step process involving several leadership groups and external investigations. The final, formal determination of "permanent disqualification" came from a specialized team of outside ministers. A subsequent investigation found that it was "more likely than not" that Bickle had committed sexual abuse or misconduct involving at least 17 survivors over several decades.
- Forerunner Church: The local church associated with IHOPKC was officially closed in May 2024.
- IHOP University (IHOPU): The school of ministry and music has been shut down.
- The Missions Base: Most of the specialized ministry departments (children’s, internships, etc.) have been discontinued.
Shawn Bolz
Shawn Bolz was a “prophet” known for giving incredibly specific "words of knowledge" (names, addresses, social security digits)
One of the highlights of the 2016 Azusa Now event (20K attendees)
Sean Bowles in action
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx1EvKrrYmWqcTTJbTtdT2QQbURywBe4Is?si=Kb4w89BNCWu30LCn
The methodology
- Give a word of knowledge proving that they have supernatural information
- Give you the prophecy that God has spoken for you
Fox News
posted Shaun Bolz’s prediction in March 2020
- That the Lord told him that millions won’t die from Corona and that the economy will surge.
On January 17, 2026, Christian YouTuber Mike Winger released a nearly six-hour exposé titled "The Skeletons in Bethel's Closet Are Now Going to Speak." exposing Shawn as a fraud.
The allegations that led to this denouncement fall into two primary categories:
1. Fake Prophecy ("Cold Reading")
The Allegation: Evidence from international church leaders and former staff suggested that Bolz was not receiving this information via divine revelation, but was "mining" social media, Google, and event registration forms.
2. Inappropriate Sexual acts towards church staff and members
Result
All of the prophetic churches are distancing themselves from him and many admitting that they knew/suspected he was a fraud
We believe that Shawn was not truthful in how he received his words of knowledge and prophetic words. We also acknowledge our belief that he engaged in sexually explicit and harassing behavior towards some members of his staff. We do not condone his actions, or endorse his ministry. We strongly advise you to take our position into account if you choose to interact with his materials.
— Bill Johnson (January 2026)
An Important Letter from Bill, Kris, and Dann on Behalf of Bethel Leadership | Bethel
Global Awakening (Randy Clark) Statement on Shawn Bolz
https://globalawakening.com/statement-on-shawn-bolz/
Instructor: Michael Leadon
References
Previous Unchained Disciples Teachings
- Your Skills and Talents
- Your Spiritual Gifts
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 2
- Your Spiritual Gifts - Part 3
The skeletons in Bethel's closet are now going to speak
https://youtu.be/GH05S53QlY0?si=SehyE5tHhPKm_UDn
Report Details 17 Cases of Abuse by IHOPKC Founder Mike Bickle
IHOPKC Leader Mike Bickle ‘Permanently Disqualified’ From Church Office
Extra
Azusa Now (2016)
• Year: April 9, 2016
• Organizer: Lou Engle (founder of TheCall)
• Location: The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
• Significance: The event marked the 110th anniversary of the original 1906 Azusa Street Revival. It was a massive 15-hour "solemn assembly" focused on prayer, worship, and racial reconciliation.
Key Details of the Event
• Attendance: was estimated between 60,000 and 70,000 people.
• Collaborators: Though Lou Engle was the primary visionary, the event featured prominent leaders from across the charismatic movement, including Bill Johnson (Bethel Church), Heidi Baker, Daniel Kolenda, and Shawn Bolz.
False Prophets
Jesus came in the flesh
1 John 4:1-3 (NASB20) 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now it is already in the world.
In Gnostic theology, there is a sharp divide between the "spiritual" (which is good) and the "material" (which is inherently evil). Because Gnostics believed the physical body was a prison of corruption, they argued it was impossible for a pure, divine being to inhabit real human flesh.
Baptized in the Holy Spirit
Acts 8:14-17
Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Evil Spirits
2 Chronicles 18:16-22 (1 Kings 22:21-23)
16 Then Micaiah answered, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd, and the Lord said, ‘These people have no master. Let each one go home in peace.’”
17 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Didn’t I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?”
18 Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing on his right and on his left. 19 And the Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?’
“One suggested this, and another that. 20 Finally, a spirit came forward, stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’
“‘By what means?’ the Lord asked.
21 “‘I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouths of all his prophets,’ he said.
“‘You will succeed in enticing him,’ said the Lord. ‘Go and do it.’
22 “So now the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouths of these prophets of yours. The Lord has decreed disaster for you.”
- The Holy Spirit isn’t the only spirit that can influence you
1 John 4:1-6
4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spiritof truth and the spirit of falsehood.
- Is all true prophecy from God?
- How do you test the Spirit
- Do they claim Jesus as savior
- Are they followed by the world or by believers
Being filled by the Holy Spirit
Unchained Disciples.
In the New Testament, that was desperate for a miracle… Got one
Example: cooking for someone????
Do you want them to respond with “oh man this is amazing. I’ve never had lasagna that taste like this. Where did you get these noodles from? Did you make them yourself? It must be organic tomatoes I never had this spice before“
- It makes you want to cook more.
- The Holy Spirit is the same way
If you’re full of the Holy Spirit, you can change the environment in the room.
- similar to if you are filled with anger… You can change the environment in a room
False teaching
- Undermines salvation
- Destroys faith
- Divides the church
- dishonors God
- Damage is our witness
Contradict scripture
Either directly opposes biblical truth or adds to or subtract from it
distorts the gospel
Change the essential message of salvation
Diminishes Christ
Reduces Jesus from his rightful place or denies aspects of his nature in work
Promotes ungodliness
Leads to sinful behavior rather than holiness
Appeals to human desires
Often caters to what people want to hear rather than what they need to hear
False teaching: maybe talk by well-meaning but miss guided believers
false teaching can be corrected through loving instruction
False teacher: refers to the character and intent of the person teaching
- There is a delivery deception or self-serving motives
- The first teacher is unresponsive to correction
Second peter 2:1–3. Describes them as “bringing in destructive heresies“ and in their greed they will exploit you with false words“”
No comments:
Post a Comment