You see it all the time.. someone preaching and talking about their visions and special knowledge about Christ’s Second Coming. And we should always start with skepticism because there will be many, many more false teachers than true.
You must always have your Bible in hand and referencing it when listening to this persons’ story..
But there is one thing that is a slam dunk for me when it comes to determining whether someone has been blessed with the Spirit of God, of Truth.. and is teaching that Truth reflecting the source of all Truth - God.. and whether this person is teaching from a very real, blessed place.
That’s misguided, illogical and overpowering anger.
Anger comes from Satan himself. It is not Christ-like and never will be; yes, the Lord has been angry at His people, but that is not what we are called to be in any circumstance. No teacher of the Word of God should lash out with anger… even if they are not believed or misunderstood.
A teacher is patient and kind. A teacher doesn’t try to persuade and seduce people to follow him or her.. they teach. That’s it. They tell their story and leave it to those listening what they will do with what they hear. Whether they follow them or not.
There’s no force or anger. Just teaching, instructing and telling their story.
So if you want a solid sign someone is false — ask yourself, are they kind? Do they reflect Christ and what a Christian is called to be? Or are they a reflection of all that’s evil in the human spirit?
-Brother Matt