TESTS OF A TRUE PROPHET - INTRODUCTION

Throughout history, God has spoken to His people through prophets. As we draw closer to the end of time, it should come as no surprise that individuals arise claiming to be a prophet of God. However, nearly all of these fail to meet the scriptural requirements for a true prophet. Rene Noorbergen, has studied a number of psychics and acclaimed prophets including Jeane Dixon, and Nostradamus (Jeane Dixon, My Life and Prophecies and Nostradamus: Invitation to a Holocaust). In his book Ellen White: Prophet of Destiny he lists ten biblical requirements for a true prophet. These are: 1) A true prophet does not lie. His predictions will be fulfilled. (Jer. 28:9, "But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true.") 2) A true prophet prophesies in the name of the Lord, not in his own name. (2 Pet. 1:21, "For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.") 3) A true prophet does not give his own private interpretation of prophecy. (2 Pet. 1:20, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation.") 4) A true prophet points out the sins and transgressions of the people against God. (Isa. 58:1, "Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.) 5) A true prophet is to warn the people of God's coming judgment. (Examples of judgment such as portrayed in Isa. 24:20, "The earth reels like a drunkard, it sways like a hut in the wind; so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion that it falls --never to rise again." and Rev. 14:6, 7, "Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth --to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'"). 6) A true prophet edifies the church, counsels and advises it in religious matters. (1 Cor. 14:3, 4, "But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.") 7) A true prophet's words will be in absolute harmony with the words of the prophets that have preceded him. (Isa. 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.") 8) A true prophet recognizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ. (1 John 4:1-3, "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. 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, 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.") 9) A true prophet can be recognized by the results of his work. (Matt. 7:16-20, "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.") 10) A true prophet acts in accordance with the will and approval of God. (Deut. 18:19, "If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.") Let's expand two of the more significant passages above: Deut. 18:15-22. [Moses said to his people] "The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. . . . The LORD said to me: 'What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.' You may say to yourselves, 'How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?' If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him." Isaiah 8:19-22, "When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness." "Based on these texts, it becomes obvious that not everyone who prophecies is a prophet of Godfor a true prophet is not a psychic who performs with the aid of a mental or "spiritual" crutch, but is someone who has no degree of freedom either in tuning in or controlling the prophetic impulses or prophetic recall. These impulses are superimposed over the prophet's conscious mind by a supernatural personal being, having absolute knowledge of both past and future, making no allowance for error or human miscalculation." (Noorbergen, Ellen White: Prophet of Destiny, pp. 21, 22). Of all the professed prophets to have arisen during the last two hundred years, only one well known "prophet" meets the above criteria. Ellen Gould Harmon, later known as Ellen G. White, a simple girl was chosen by God to bring a series of messages to the world, messages most specifically addressing the end of time. The timing of the visions and revelations shown to

her coincided with a great spiritual awakening and then a great disappointment as people around the world anticipated the return of Jesus Christ to this world around 1844. In reality, while their understanding of the timing was correct, the event they were looking for was incorrect. God reached out to a number of believers and showed them what significant event had begun (You will discover what this was as you read through this booklet). Mrs. White, through inspiration, became probably the most prolific woman author of all time, hand writing ten of thousands of pages of text and authoring a large number of books. Her books, and compilations from her writings, have sold in the tens, perhaps hundreds of millions of copies. Writings covering subjects as diverse as health, child care, the coming judgments, history, and science. News commentator Paul Harvey has used her occasionally for his "Rest of the Story" programs. If you hear him say, "Well it looks like the little old lady was right again," you will know whom he is talking about. In my study of the Word and Scripture, and as I have studied a number of Mrs. White's writings as a supplement for deceiphering the Bible. I have been very impressed with what God has shown her. It would seem unfortunate if this series on "What does the Bible (the Word of God) say . . . " did not include at least some of the words of God as given through her. And especially, as the fulfillment of these tremendous prophecies that God gave her draws closer. It is my desire that you prayerfully study the words of God as brought to you through Ellen G. White's earliest writings. The online version of the book deletes the page numbering system found in the earlier editions of the Early Writings so any references to such numbering in the standard official introductions should be mentally deleted. We'll try to include any footnotes and appendices as hotlinked to the originating reference point. An FTP MS Word version will maintain those page numbers. These numbers look like and indicate the beginning of the page. The Table of Contents, footnotes and Appendix all utilize this numbering which is harmonized with the Comprehensive Index to the Writings of Ellen G. White. This section of the web site is composed of three sections. First is EXPERIENCES AND VIEWS, preceded by a rather lengthy Preface from various authors providing some historical background. The second part is called the SUPPLEMENT in which Mrs. White responds to questions that were raised from the initial printing of the EXPERIENCES AND VIEWS. The third section, also preceded by an Introduction, is called, SPIRITUAL GIFTS, Vol. 1 containing a concise account of what became known as the Great Controversy Vision. The subtitle for this section is: The Great Controversy between Christ and His Angels and Satan and His Angels. This tremendous vision lasted over 2 hours and took place in September of 1858. For more information on this, see the Preface . The Christian Church that Mrs. White helped form and lead was the Seventh-day Adventist church, recognized worldwide for its fundamentalist back-to-the-Bible theology, its extensive educational and medical network (second only to the Roman Catholic Church in extent) and its strong emphasis on evangelizing the world.

We trust that you too will find these writings an incredible eye-opening experience and blessing. May God bless you as you study.

The best way that I know of to identify a TRUE PROPHET would be to use the Word of God ALONE to do so. Fact is, if a Prophet IS sent by the Christian God who wrote the Christian Bible, then common sense would be that to identify same would be BY that Christian God's Word...

1. Deuteronomy 18:21-22, "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the
LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." The true Prophet of the Lord predicts that which does come to pass. If the Prophet's predictions fail, they are exposed as NOT of God.

2 Numbers 12:6, "And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the
LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." The true Prophet of the Lord will receive visions or dreams from the Lord

Numbers 24:4 "He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:" Numbers 24:16, "He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the

3.

most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:" When in "vision" their eyes will be open

4. Daniel 10:17, "For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me,
straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me." When in "vision" a true Prophet will NOT breath. "Inspiration" = God Breathed, Therefore, since the Almighty is breathing through the Prophet communicating His Truth, the Prophet has no need to breath

5. Daniel 10:17, "For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me,
straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me." The true Prophet will collapse with absolutely no strength in him/her

6. Daniel 10:18, "Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and
he strengthened me," Once "touched in the "vision" the Prophet receives supernatural strength.

7. Jeremiah 28:9, "The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall
come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him." A true Prophet will be 100% accurate. there is absolutely no margin for error.

8. 2 Peter 1:20, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private
interpretation." A true Prophet NEVER gives his private interpretation. He only shares

what the Lord reveals. Scripture defines Scripture, not man.

9. 2 Peter 1:21, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." A true Prophet only prophecies in the name of the Lord. He only seeks to glorify the Lord. He will never seek glory to himself. NEVER!

10. 1 Corinthians 14:3-4, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and
exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church." A true Prophet will look to edify, comfort, and uplift the Church body by his testimony as well as exhort them.

11. Isaiah 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is
because there is no light in them." A true Prophet keeps God's Law, and abides by the testimony of the Bible Prophets as well. If a Prophet does not agree with the Bible Prophet's or does not keep God's Ten Commandments, he is a false Prophet.

12. 1 John 4:1-3, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." A true Prophet believes and preaches the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He will preach Jesus as God who came to Earth and put on humanity in order to redeem us all.

13. Matthew 7:15-20, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but
inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." A true Prophet will show good works, and have identifiable fruits of a Christian. He/she will have abundant BIBLICAL fruits!

14. Exodus 15:20, "And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand;
and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances." Judges 4:4, "And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time." 2 Chronicles 34:22, "And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect." Luke 2:36, "And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;" Acts 21:8-9, "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." Gender makes no difference. Women can, and have been prophet's as well.

15. Acts 2:17-18, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my
Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" Age makes NO difference in being a prophet.

16. Matthew 24:24-25, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew
great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before." Performing miracles proves nothing.

Click here for the biblical facts needed to expose false prophets.

Bible Scholar Looses Voice on the John Ankerberg TV Show while attacking Truth! Followers of Nostradamus caught red handed altering his writings to make him appear true. A List of "faith healers" that are dying or have died from disease. Links on topic

In the Word, prophets have always acted as intermediaries for the Almighty in order to communicate His will and or message to the people of God. Amos 3:7 tells us, "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." All too often, especially in today's world, people will believe that the prophet is speaking for himself and should be disregarded completely. And again, all too often in today's world, this is usually the case. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." -2 Peter 1:21 The Lord, in His loving way, always sought the best for His children. Whenever they would sidestep His will, or totally turn from Him He would usually make it known through the prophet He has sent. He told Ezekiel, "...they are impudent children and stiffhearted. I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD." -Ezekiel 2:4 Even Isaiah was told to, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." -Isaiah 58:1 Directed and moved by the Holy Spirit, the prophets not only spoke of future events with 100%

clarity, they were also used by the Almighty to instruct the people when they walked outside of His will. The Almighty's loves for His children is so great that He even sends His prophets to add to the Truth that is already written beforehand. And His prophets would always be in perfect harmony with that written Word. For it is also written is, Isaiah 8:20, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Is this still done in today's church? Is the Almighty still active through His prophets? According to Ephesians 4:11-13 we hear a resounding YES, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:" The gift of prophecy is STILL a major aspect in today's Christian church. And it's not only to predict the future events or interpret the prophecies already written in the Word. It is also declared in the Word of this Mighty Creator we worship that His prophets are used to uplift the members of the body of Christ. His prophets help them grow spiritually as well as grow together in love for their brothers an sisters in Christ. Edification is a wonderful result of those that embrace all that the Almighty has to offer through His Word. And His prophets love to point people write back into it! Amen? Question: Will the Almighty send prophets in the last days? Acts 2:17-18, "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:" Answer: YES! There are numerous preachers, pastors, priests, and just plain people, that declare the Lord no longer has need of prophets. They believe that in our day a prophet is not a necessity because of the simple fact that we have the Bible. However, Acts 2:17 & 18 overwhelmingly declare them in error. The other toss of the coin is that many believe that the Lord DOES use prophets in our day, but they feel it would ONLY be men of God that He would use and never a woman. Is this belief biblical?

Luke 2:36,38 "And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Acts 21:8,9 "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." Judges 4:4, "And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time." Exodus 15:20, "And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances."

Apparently not. The Lord does in fact use women in prophecy. In fact, just recently He used a woman named Ellen G. White to proclaim numerous facts not only regarding biblical jurisprudence. Ellen White was also a prophetess that spoke of our day with absolute clarity even though she lived well over a hundred years ago. Her books (475 of them) have been dissected by literally millions of scoffers, and to date not one of them have been able to come up with the slightest proof that she was anything but a prophetess. Sure, there are those that will take her out of context to try and make her appear in error, however, these are the very same people that will take Bible Scriptures out of context to preach lies in the first place. All one needs to do is read for your self her writings IN CONTEXT and one can see that they lie about her like they lie about the Scriptures. Fact is, every test the Bible declares should be used to identify a true prophet have been used on her, and she has passed the test with flying colors. Problem is, we ARE living in a time when false prophets will run rampant. Jesus warned us to "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."- Matthew 7:15 So we must be on the look out for these wolves. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." -Matthew 24:24 So... how do we detect false prophets? 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 tells us first of all that we should, "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." Even though we see numerous false prophets popping up all over the place, the Word of the Almighty declares we should not despise all prophets. Simple reason is, unless you examine their words and match them up with Scriptural jurisprudence, we truly can never know IF they are false prophets correct? All too often the prophet will declare something we feel is so far off the wall that we feel they must be bogus. Yet when we examine their words in the Light of Scriptures we sometimes may find otherwise. That is the only way to find out if they are sent by the Creator. Besides, the Bible gives us MANY clues on how to detect these false prophets. So, why not utilize them eh?

Deuteronomy 18:21-22, "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." Jeremiah 28:9, "The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him."

Biblical fact is, when the prophet prophecies, the prophecy must be 100% accurate. It has to be 100% because if he is a prophet THE LORD IS THE ONE SPEAKING THROUGH HIM, and the Lord does not share error in the slightest degree! Take a look at many of the "so called" prophets of our day. Look at the writings of Benny Hinn or Hal Lindsey for example. BOTH of them made certain prophetic claims on numerous topics that did not come to pass. Both of them even put "dates" on certain events occurring and the dates came and went. And both of them PUT IT IN WRITING in their books for all the world to see. Or look at the "so called" Psychic's of our day. Take "Jean Dixon" for example. She was considered one the most renowned psychics of all time because of her uncanny accuracy of 18% correct! That means she was 82% WRONG! Look at Nostradamus. I will admit that he "appears" a little more accurate then most. But his"quatrains" were designed to actually go either way so as to generate a higher accuracy. In other words, he worded them in such a way that, if his prediction declared a certain event to happen in a certain year, he would also word it in such a way as to make it appear it could happen in a different year or at a different place. PLUS, those predictions that were not able to be "worded" in that way, he would declare that "with prayer you could avert

this disaster" and when it didn't occur, many Catholics believed their prayers worked. Either way, there is an easy way to expose him. He spelled Hitler, "HISLER." That is NOT his name and my Creator is 100% correct! Plus, just recently we all saw how his 1999 predictions failed completely. So bad in fact that many of his followers decided to start rewriting his predictions to make it appear he was right. They were caught, and Nostradamus has indeed been dethroned. Truth will always out! For Truth is truth folks! So remember.. if they have a "single error" they are easily proven to be a false prophet. For to be a prophet you are one that is used by the Creator. And He is no dime store psychic! He is 100% on the money 100% of the time! No if ands or buts about it! By the way, Nostradamus would get his "visions" by gazing into a black mirror or a bowl of water. That is an occult practice most different types of Satanists use to this day. Another method of detecting a false prophet is verifying what they TEACH as well. Especially now-a-days! Fact is, thanks to many modern day prophets before us, many have learned how to decipher Bible prophecy with better accuracy now. Plus, many will "borrow" the revelations of those before them to claim them as their own and then teach error unto you regarding Bible doctrine. The Word of God states plainly this is a major key utilized by many evil prophets. Deuteronomy 13:1-3, "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." The Word says plainly, if the prophet IS correct, but then preaches biblical error, do NOT trust him at all! The teaching of the prophet must always be 100% in line with that which is written. If he or she is swaying in any way with the Word of God we are told not to place any trust in him or her. For it is written plainly in Isaiah 8:19 & 20, "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Case in point would be some of the "mediums" that are popping up all over the place lately. One name comes to mind is "John Edwards" of the television program, "Crossing Over." This man speaks with the "so called" spirits of dead loved ones and tells the people things that only their dead loved ones can know. This IS an authentic communication he is performing, however he is NOT speaking to their dead loved ones. He is speaking to the DEMONS that were assigned to their dead loved ones while they were still alive. These demons know every aspect of those people because they were at their side tempting them all their lives. They know how they speak, their mannerisms, their accents, and their inner most secrets. They even know their facial ticks, if any, or strange habits as well. So, when the demons speak, or sometimes actually APPEAR as a "ghost" of their dead loved ones, the people believe it simply because they do not know what the Bible has to say about the state of the dead. Most people are totally unaware as to what happens when you die. The Bible is plain about it, but if they don't read AND BELIEVE the Bible. They will fall for things like this easily. That is what Stan is counting on! In fact, if it wasn't for Rome's ability to corrupt doctrines in every denomination, no one would have fallen for the so called "Lady of Fatima" that appears to children as a spirit saying she is Mary, the mother of Jesus from Heaven. (For information about the "state of the dead" click here) It is crucial that we examine the prophet's word and match them up with Scripture. If they do not agree 100%, then understand in your heart that you ARE dealing with a bonafide, dyed in the

wool, FALSE PROPHET. Another key to detecting false prophets is their adherence to the Law of God. If they do not keep the Ten Commandments, they are simply not capable of receiving prophetic understanding of the Word let alone visions. For it is written, "Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD." -Lamentations 2:9 In order to receive a vision from on High, one must be a commandment keeping child of the Living God. Do a study in the Bible to find out what happened each time the people or the prophets rejected His Commandments. You will see clear evidence that the visions STOPPED! Keeping the Law is crucial! In fact, this is one of TWO major keys of a child of God. Revelation 12:17 says, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Key #1 = Keeping the Commandments Key #2 = Having the testimony of Jesus Christ

Most understand what keeping the Commandments is all about. But what is the "testimony of Jesus Christ?" What does the Bible define it as? Revelation 19:10, "...for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." There you have it! More evidence of a true child of God as well as one who understands prophecy. The testimony of Jesus is the gift of prophecy! Of course the most important of the two would have to be keeping the law. For if you do not keep it, the blessings of the Almighty would not be realized, and the prophecies would indeed be closed to you.

Ezekiel 7:26, "Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients." Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

Another major key of a true prophet is their constant desire to get the listener to acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. All true prophets of the Lord are strong Christians with a desire to teach others the Jesus of the Bible. Look at Rome, they seek to glorify Mary or the Popes at all times. And it's not just Rome either. Many denominations place their founders, or leaders on thrones fashioned for Christ.

1 John 4:1-3, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in

the world."

Look at the "psychics" or "mediums" of today. Do they preach and teach the message of Christ? Or do they teach and preach the message of hell? PLUS, also notice the "so called" Christian prophets. Do they REALLY preach Jesus came in the flesh? Do their doctrines really reflect such a truth as this? Take for example to "original sin" doctrine handed down by the Vatican that many denominations declare as valid.

Question: What is Original Sin? Answer: Original sin is the sin we inherit from Adam, the father of the human race. Source = The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine by Rev. Peter Geiermann, C. SS. R.

Besides the fact that Ezekiel 18:20 bluntly states this is not true... "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." The Vatican also declares that Jesus Christ did NOT have "Original Sin" when He was born. In other words, the Vatican is bluntly saying JESUS CHRIST DID NOT COME IN THE FLESH YOU AND I HAVE. They are declaring that Jesus came in a flesh that did NOT have "Original Sin" where our flesh DOES have it. That is biblically exposing them as both a false prophet as well as antichrist. For the Word plainly states if they preach Jesus did not come in our flesh they are of Antichrist! Most false prophets aren't as bold to expose themselves as graphically as the Vatican does. Most will lie and say they "do" believe Jesus came in the flesh. But when you look at the rest of the fruits they bare, it's an easy task to see them for what they are. Sure they may claim Christ Lord, but their fruits say they have been joined to their idols, so.. leave them alone as is the command we find declared in Hosea 4:17. A major goal of a TRUE prophet is to get people saved and part of the body of Christ. Psychic's, mediums, catholic priests, and all others that teach in this way are NOT interested in you or your eternal possibilities. They are more concerned with the 'here and now" and will act accordingly. Money drives them! They are preachers of filthy lucre and that is what they worship. By the way, some false prophets will also perform "miracles" that are not of God. This too is an easy fruit to expose. Fact is, the Elect can not be deceived and the obvious lie will surface with ease. Besides, the Word of God has already given us an ample supply of clues to look for. Is it not written in Matthew 24:24-25, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before." All around us we can see false prophets performing what appears to be miracles, signs and wonders. Benny Hinn for example is one of the most major prime examples of this. His unbiblical methods, and ecumenical message proves him out with ease. I don't want to get into a long drawn out discussion on how evil this man is, but if you would like to see some facts on this, click here...

http://www.aloha.net/~mikesch/tbn.htm (Listen to the audio's as well!) By the way, Benny Hinn is not the only one. Again, the Vatican is infamous for it's false healing's and unbiblical miracles. Since Fatima in 1917, to present day in Lourdes France, we see numerous people doing the exact opposite of what the Bible says is needed for the reception of a miracle. Yet, "some" appear to be healed. Still, as many who do believe Scripture realize, the Vatican is by no means a Christian organization. Therefore, one can see that not only the Creator performs miracles. Demons do as well so as to entrap many into believing it must be of God because of the miracle. The necessary "fruit inspecting" is ignored because of the sensationalism of the so called miracle. Jesus plainly said in Matthew 7:15-18,20 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." The work of the true prophet of God will be marked by the good fruit it bears as well as the good fruit it produces. So... what is good fruits?

Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

The fruit of the true prophet will reflect the character / name of Christ Jesus. Would Jesus Christ allow four people including a baby to die at his gatherings as we see Benny Hinn did in Nairobi Kenya recently? Would Jesus Christ kill 500 million Christians as the Vatican admitted to on March 12, 2000? Would Jesus charge money for His "predictions" as millions of psychics do? Of course not. The fruit of the Spirit is always far stronger than the miracles of the prophet. A true prophet of the Lord would never do a "good" act and then embrace "evil" at the same time. NEVER! A prophet of the Lord will meet each and every requirement recorded in the Word. Else, he would not be one that was OF the Word, would he? We must examine and verify their message and do as the Bereans did in the book of Acts...

Acts 17:11, "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so."

Verify! Verify! Verify! And don't despise them either! You never know until you VERIFY that they are true or false. You may be forsaking a true warning from the Almighty if you blow off every prophet that comes your way. Plus, you may be forsaking a BLESSING as well, for it is plainly written in 2 Chronicles 20:20, "... Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." VERIFY those that claim to be prophets. Granted, you will no doubt see the majority of them are false, regardless, verify anyway! The true prophet is a valuable source of information, encouragement, as well as warnings from the Creator. They are used by the Lord to help prepare the people for His coming. Isaiah 58:1, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their

transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins."

SUMMARY of signs of a TRUE prophet you can use to detect the FALSE ones...

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Age and sex don't matter (Acts 2:17,18) 100% correct 100% of the time (Deuteronomy 18:2122) Matches Scripture 100% (Deuteronomy 13:1-3) His message encourages the saints to obey the Law of God (Ezekiel 7:26) His teaching glorifies Jesus Christ and His work of salvation (1 John 4:1-3) Miracles don't prove a thing (Matthew 24:24,25) His work, message, and walk will display the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 7:1520 & Galatians 5:22,23) (keys outline courtesy of Cyberspace ministry)

Bible Scholar Looses Voice on the John Ankerberg TV Show while attacking Truth!
You can call it pure justice, a sign from God, or whatever you want, but eyebrows were sure raised recently during the tapings for Christian TV's The John Ankerberg Show.Ankerberg, a bitter opponent of the King James Bible, had wanted to do a series of TV programs in which the heads of the new version translation committees the NIV, RSV, NASV, NKJV, etc. would debate King James Bible advocates. Afraid that the King James people would get the upper hand and win the debate, Ankerberg attempted to "stack the deck." He invited five new version scholars but only three King James advocates. Since Ankerberg is himself a fervent promoter of the NIV and other false versions, that made the odds six to three. But the three King James men Dr. Joseph Chambers, Dr. Samuel Gipp, and Dr. Thomas Strouse, weren't deterred by the odds. They accepted John Ankerberg's invitation anyway so that they could get out their vital and important message that the King James Bible is the only trustworthy, accurate, scholarly, and whole Bible available in the world! The John Ankerberg programs are taped in advance in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and then shown later to a national TV audience. For the Bible version debate, eight shows were taped. However, on one of these shows, Ankerberg and the new Bible version people were forced to call an abrupt halt right in the midst of the taping. It happened when Ankerberg asked Dr. Don Wilkins, of the New American Standard Version translation committee, a key question. Is it true, asked Ankerberg, as Gail Riplinger reported in her bestselling book, New Age Bible Versions, that a number of the scholars who worked on the new translation committees lost their voice as punishment by God? As the TV cameras captured the moment, Dr. Wilkins opened his mouth to answer and nothing came out! No sound! Wilkins kept trying to clear his throat, but he couldn't respond. Ankerberg and the other new version scholars were visibly startled. Finally, an embarrassed and frightened Wilkins was able to screech out in a cracking, almost inaudible manner, "I... I've... lost... my voice!" A shocked John Ankerberg ordered the cameras to stop and back up, whereupon Dr. Joseph Chambers, a King James only advocate, politely protested. "The cameras should record exactly

what happened here," Chambers insisted. But Ankerberg was hearing none of it. After a brief delay, the TV cameras began to roll again, after the amazing segment of Dr. Wilkins losing his voice had conveniently been excised! But our miraculous God wasn't through yet. Ankerberg had taped eight programs in all, but after broadcasting only two of them, he pulled the others off the air and refused to continue the series. When we called his office to ask why, we were pointedly told that it was because the series was a financial flop. When the first two of the eight programs aired, people did not send in enough contributions. In other words, Ankerberg claims that the series wasn't making enough money! I watched one of the two programs that did air, however, and I believe there is another, quite different reason why Ankerberg and the false new version folks decided to pull the remainder. At one point, the new version "scholars" were clearly frustrated when Dr. Chambers asked them why, an astounding 46 times in the NIV, the title of "Master" for our Lord Jesus had been changed to "teacher!" Obviously, there is a vast difference between one who is our Master and one who is a mere "teacher." Such poignant episodes as this make me doubt Ankerberg's rationale as to why he quickly jerked the remaining programs from the broadcast schedule. If, as he claims, Ankerberg pulled the series because he wasn't bringing in enough money, what does that tell us about his "ministry?" Is John Ankerberg in it only for the money? Is filthy lucre the sole measure for the programs he airs or doesn't air? -FLASHPOINT: A Newsletter Ministry, October (Vol. 95-10) p.3

Nostradamus followers CAUGHT RED HANDED!

-The below email is from a friend of this ministry. In it he exposes the truth about Nostradamus. As many know, this ministry declares Nostradamus a false prophet not worthy of our consideration. For it is written... Deuteronomy 18:22, "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."

NOSTRADAMUS
Nicholas; I've been getting a lot of e-mail last couple days on Nostradamus hoaxes - people saying he predicted the attack on New York - that are completely bogus. And from what someone else has told me, I've only heard the tip of the iceberg on what is going around. Here's a few examples so you can know to ignore them when you see them, and pass this along to anyone who sends you such trash. Here's one false quote I got.... "In the year of the new century and nine months, From the sky will come a great King of Terror... The sky will burn at forty-five degrees. Fire approaches the great new city..."

This is not a quote from one of Nostradamus' predictions. This is a combination of two predictions merged together to fit yesterday's events. It is a combination of quatrains VI 97 and X 72, but it isn't either one of these. Also, he didn't say "new century", he said "1999" - and nothing happened then!!! Here's another "quote" I got yesterday... In the City of God there will be a great thunder, the fall of Twin Brothers torn apart by Chaos. While the fortress endures, the great leader will succumb. The third big war will begin when the big city is burning. -Nostradamus, 1654 Still another quote I got had the exact thing as above, but said "city of York" instead of "city of God". Perhaps they changed it when they realized no one would recognize New York as the "city of God". Do these Nostradamus supporters have any conscious at all??? Also, he died in 16th century, so the date is also wrong. Nostradamus never said this one either. This was invented five years ago by Neil Marshall, a Canadian high school senior in a paper he wrote debunking Nostradamus in which he made up a quote saying it was so vague, it could easily come true from any number of news events. Nostradamus had a lot of FAILED prophecies. There's no need for us to pay Nostradamus any attention. If you invent a lot of vague stuff and allow several hundred years for it to happen, sooner or later you'll come up with an event that can be mapped. But let's take a look at the following failed prophecies he made... Said Arabs in Tunis, Fez and Bougie would be captured by Morroco in 1607. It didn't happen. (VI.54) Predicted ban on astrology to occur in 1607. It didn't happen (VIII.71) Predicted a cleric election in 1609. There is no record of this having ever happened. (X.91) Predicted "king of terror" for 7th month of 1999. You guys lived through this time period. (X.72) Nothing happened that could be applied to having fullfilled that prophecy.

With all these failed prophecies, why should we waste or time trying to figure out if any of his vague prophecies apply when his specific ones bombed? Have we swallowed all that PBS special propoganda to the point that we believe that over common sense and a history failures? Nostradamus was a false prophet. Let's not give him any credibility. Now here's a REAL quote from something he did say... The sky will burn at 45 degrees fire approaching the great New City Immediately a huge scattered flame leaps up when they want to have proof of the Normans. (VI.97) This is about ALL he ever said that COULD apply to New York City in any detailed way (and even this has some ambiguity - like most of his prophecies). The first half of this might apply to Tuesday's events, but the last half certainly doesn't. "New City" could be New York City, and it is CLOSE to 45 degrees. So some people have been using that first half, but since the second half doesn't fit, they sometimes fill it in with something else he said. Now why would all these

Nostradamus supporters like to make up a lie to support a false prophet like this??? It seems the only way they can make his prophecies come true...is to change the wording of his prophecies. WOW! Anyone can be successfull doing that! Shalom, Joe

Below is a list of false faith healers that are either dying, or have died of disease.
A.A. ALLEN An acknowledged divine healer and exorcist died from alcohol abuse. At the entrance to Miracle Valley (A.A.Allen's 1,280 acre community) was a huge sign that made it plain just what was going on in that neck of the desert. In red and gold, it proclaimed: A.A.ALLEN REVIVALS, INC., MIRACLE VALLEY, ARIZONA. The Blind to See. The Deaf to Hear. The Lame To Walk. SIGNS. GIFTS. WONDERS. (James Randi, The Faith Healers, 1989, p.83-85) Interestingly enough, A. A. Allen claimed thousands upon thousands of healings, and himself died of sclerosis of the liver in 1967, having secretly been involved with alcohol for many years while supposedly being able to heal everybody else. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) In 1970 Allen died from what "news accounts report [as] sclerosis of the liver." (Reported in "New Revival Tent Dedicated in Philadelphia," Miracle Magazine, September 1967, 15; quoted in Harrell, 202) One writer describes Allen's cause of death as "cirrhosis" of the liver (see Gary L. Ward, "Allen, Asa Alonzo," in J. Gordon Melton, Religious Leaders of America [Detroit: Gale Research, 1991], 9)

JAMIE BUCKINGHAM Discipleship Movement & charismatic author - died of cancer.

WILLLIAM BRANHAM Died in 1965 at age 56, after suffering for six days from injuries received in an automobile accident. His theology was unbiblical and heretical, and of course when applied to himself his theology of healing had no effect whatsoever, though his followers right to the end, were confident God was going to raise him up. And even after he died they believed that God would raise him from the dead. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9)

CHARLES CAPPS Word of Faith teacher, teaches power of our words to create reality - his wife contracted cancer and was medically treated. I don't deny the existence of disease. I deny the right of that disease to exist in this body, because I'm the Body of Christ." (Capps, The Tongue, pg. 43)

JACK COE An acknowledged divine healer died from polio. (Coe) warned followers "that the day would come when those who consulted physicians would have to take the mark of the beast." Coe (subsequently) became critically ill with bulbar polio ... (and) took the "mark of the beast" (as he dfeined it) and was admitted to the hospital. (Hank Hanegraaff, Counterfeit Revival, 1997, pg. 137 citing Harrell, All Things Are Possible, 101) Want info on the REAL mark of the beast?

DR. HOBART FREEMAN Word of Faith teacher & pastor of Faith Assembly - over 90 people died in his church following his teaching and then Hobart died due to a medically treatable disease. After a 15 year old girl whose parents belong to Faith Assembly, died of a medically treatable malady, the parents were convicted of negligent homicide and sentenced to ten years in prison. Freeman himself was charged with aiding and inducing reckless homicide in the case. Shortly afterward, on December 8, 1984, Freeman himself died, interestingly enough of pneumonia and heart failure complicated by a severely ulcerated leg. Hobart Freeman's theology did not allow him to acknowledge that Polio had left one of his legs disfigured and lame. Quote, he said, "I have my healing." And that is all he would say when anyone pointed out the rather conspicuous inconsistency between his physical disabilities and his theology. Ultimately, his refusal to acknowledge his infirmities cost him his life. He had dutifully, according to his own theology, refused all medical treatment for the maladies that were killing him, and medical science could easily have prolonged his life, but in the end he was a victim of his own teaching. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9)

KEITH GRAYTON Died of the complications of AIDS. He spoke at a Church in Detroit, and declared he was totally healed. He died a year or so later.

BUDDY HARRISON

Kenneth E. Hagins son-in-law, died of cancer Dec. 1999. Dad Hagins "special healing anointing" (read I Believe In Visions by Hagin) could not help his own family member. Kenneth Hagin's sister died of cancer as well.

RUTH WARD HEFLIN A self-proclaimed power preacher and healer, Heflin's untimely death of cancer made more news. A Religious News Service story reported: "Revivalist Ruth Ward Heflin Dead at 60. -- Revivalist Ruth Ward Heflin, known for her role in the so-called "gold dust" revival involving churches across the globe, died Friday (9/15/00) at a Richmond, VA hospital. Heflin, who had suffered from cancer for several months was 60. ... She directed the Calvary Pentecostal Campground in Ashland, VA which was founded by her parents in the 1050s and later led by her brother, Wallace, who died in 1997. (The Christian News, 9/25/00, pg. 10 as cited in "The Life And Times Of Golden Girl And Globetrotter Ruth Ward Heflin, by G. Richard Fisher, Personal Freedom Outreach, The Quarterly Journal, January-March, 2001, pg. 5) Heflin suffered a broken ankle in an automobile accident last year. In April, doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer that already had spread to her bones. Heflin underwent a mastectomy on April 25, but refused chemotherapy or further cancer treatment because she said the Lord told her to refuse, according to Connie Wilson, her personal assistant. (Renee DeLoriea, "Ruth Ward Heflin, Revivalist and Prayer Minister, Dies At Age 60.", Charisma Magazine, November 2000, pg. 21)

E.W. KENYON E.W. Kenyon studied at the Emerson College of Oratory in Boston which was a hotbed at the time for the emerging New age thought. They imagined they have discovered laws of faith, promoting a Christianized version of occultism. Kenyon had divorced his wife even when he taught that what one speaks they will possess. E.W Kenyon who is certainly the Father of the Word of Faith Movement taught divine healing and that it was always God's will to heal. But he died in a coma, brought on by a malignant tumor. He died from disease. (Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, Death By Faith, http://www.letusreason.org/Wf25.htm)

KATHRYN KUHLMAN An acknowledged divine healer died from heart disease in Ann Arbor Michigan. Kathryn Kuhlman died of heart failure in 1976, curiously enough. She had battled heart disease for nearly twenty years, and that statement is made by Jamie Buckingham who would have been one of her disciples. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9)

AIMEE SEMPLE MCPHERSON An acknowledge divine healer - died of a barbiturate overdose.

Sister Aimee died of a barbiturate overdose in 1944. (The Interactive Bible, 1998) While the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements deals with the controversial aspects of "Sister Aimee's" life -- her mysterious disappearances and alleged affairs, multiple marriages (two of which ended in divorce), and death from an apparent drug overdose -- it is strangely silent about her theatrical preoccupation with the slain in the spirit phenomenon. (Hank Hanegraaff, Counterfeit Revival, 1997, 168)

JOYCE MEYERS Almost the majority of the known healers went for some kind of treatment from medical professionals. This was in spite of all their claims of miracles and the practice of their "positive confession" faith. Even Joyce Meyers did, and she was honest to admit that she had breast cancer and was medically treated. One of the few honest admissions. (Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, Death By Faith, http://www.letusreason.org/Wf25.htm)

DAISY OSBORN T.L. Osborn's wife also, regrettably died of cancer several years ago.

JOHN OSTEEN Word of Faith mega-church pastor in Houston - his wife, Dodie had liver cancer and through the mercy of God and medical attention survived. John Osteen himself passed away a little over a year ago due to several medical conditions. His church "confessed" his healing and he himself had stated that God told him he would be preaching in the pulpit in his 90's. Osteen died in his 70's. One of the more recent sad stories was John Osteen who was a pastor in Houston of a megachurch, who had kidney dialysis in late 1998. He also had a heart catheterization in August that determined all was well with his heart at that time. Later on doctors performed surgery to put in a pacemaker for his heart. Pastor Osteen knew "he was in need of a miracle." He claimed God had given him Psalm 27:14. Requests went out to his friends to wait on the Lord with him, and agree with him for a creative miracle for his kidneys and his heart. They agreed with the Psalmist in Psalm 41of the Lords deliverance and protection to keep him alive. He will transform his illness. He will raise him up! The "Lord" gave him a vision that he would be preaching into his 90's. Osteen "confessed," his healing and 20,000 members in his church stood in "agreement" with him for his recovery. They believed he would have his miracle just like his wife Dodie received her miracle But unfortunately did not happen. (Mike Oppenheimer, Let Us Reason Ministries, Death By Faith, http://www.letusreason.org/Wf25.htm)

ROD PARSLEY Added to that is the fact that as much as Parsley rants about God's Kingdom come in our body, he still has a deaf section and a signer in his church. As kindly as we can, we say, physician heal

thyself. (Personal Freedom Outreach, Rod Parsley - The Raging Prophet", 1999) Parsley, in his book, Renamed and Redeemed, states that: Jesus is not sick - I don't have to be sick! (Rod Parsley, Renamed and Redeemed. Columbus, Ohio: Results Publishing, 1991, pg. 15)

BISHOP EARL PAULK "We have received the earnest of the EXPECTATION through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but we must move on to the POSSESSION, which is overcoming the last enemy, death. Sometimes the interpretation has been made that Jesus Christ conquered death, but if that were so, why would Paul's epistle to the Corinthians, written at least ninety years later, say that the last enemy that SHALL be destroyed is death (I Corinthians 15:26)? JESUS CHRIST CONQUERED DEATH INDIVIDUALLY, BUT IT IS LEFT TO THE CHURCH TO CONQUER DEATH ON A CORPORATE BASIS.. " (Earl Paulk, "The Proper Function of the Church" (Atlanta: K Dimension Publishers, undated), p.13, emphasis in the original)

FREDRICK K. PRICE Word of Faith mega-church pastor in Los Angeles - his wife, Betty got cancer and was medically treated (chemo-therapy) and by the mercy of God was patched up. "If you need a crutch upon or something to help you get along, then praise God, hobble along until you get your faith moving to the point that you don't need a crutch." (Price, How Faith Works pg. 92) " ... how can you glorify God in your body, when it doesn't function right? How can you glorify God? How can He get glory when your body doesn't even work? ... What makes you think the Holy Ghost wants to live inside a body where He can't see out through the windows and He can't hear with the ears? What makes you think the Holy Spirit wants to live inside of a physical body where the limbs and the organs and the cells do not function right? ... And what makes you think He wants to live in a temple where He can't see out of the eyes, and He can't walk with the feet, and He can't move with the hand? ... The only eyes that he has that are in the earth realm are the eyes that are in the body. If He can't see out of them then God's gonna be limited ..." (Frederick K.C. Price, "Is God Glorified Through Sickness?" (Los Angeles: Crenshaw Christian Center, n.d.), audiotape #FP605)

ORAL ROBERTS Oral Roberts was on Paul Crouch's "Praise the Lord" show on TBN (October 6, 1992). Crouch was asked to lay hands on Oral Roberts to minister to his chest pains, Roberts exclaimed, "I feel the healing power of Jesus!" and said it felt like an "electric current go through him." Paul you are anointed. Oral Roberts was pronounced healed on TBN. But was he really? It was reported less than four hours later, while visiting a home in Newport Beach, Roberts felt more pains and was hospitalized at Hoag Presbyterian Memorial Hospital (also in Newport Beach), shortly after midnight. Subsequent articles report that Roberts' heart attack was "near fatal." ("Evangelist Has Tests," The Orange County [CA] Register [Dec.16 1992], A-7) the healing evangelist now has a pacemaker ("Roberts Out of Hospital," The Orange County [CA] Register (2l

December 1992), A-30).

R.W. SCHAMBACH Faith Healer - got a quadruple heart bypass. "You don't have any problems, all you need is faith in God." (R.W. Schambach, TBN)

RUTH CARTER STAPLETON Another one that comes to mind, Ruth Carter Stapleton, was the Faith Healing sister of former United States President Jimmie Carter. [She] refused medical treatment for cancer because of her belief in faith healing. She died of the disease in 1983. (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9)

MACK TIMBERLAKE Word of Faith pastor - suffering from throat cancer, getting medical attention.

JOHN WIMBER Signs & Wonders Movement, author of "Power Healing" Wimber claimed, "It's God's nature to heal not to teach us through sickness. Sickness is generally not beneficial." (Benn and Burkill, p. 102 as cited by Paul G. Heibert in Healing And The Kingdom) "I had what doctors later suspected were a series of coronary attacks. When we returned home a series of medical tests confirmed my worst fears, I had a damaged heart, possibly seriously damaged. Tests indicated that my heart was not functioning properly, a condition complicated and possibly caused by high blood pressure. These problems combined with my being overweight and overworked meant that I could die at any time." (John McArthur, Does God Still Heal, Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, transcribed from the tape, GC 90-60, titled "Charismatic Chaos" Part 9) Wimber ultimately died from a hemorrhage as a result of a long battle with cancer.

Sword of the Spirit exposes "False Prophets" More quotes from Benny Hinn

Benny Hinn Declares Jesus is showing up in the desert! 666man.net FALSE SDA PROPHET EXPOSED!

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

False Prophets
Matthew 24: 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Revelation 1:7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen

NOTICE!!!
BELLOW ARE TWO LIVE RECORDINGS LISTEN CAREFULLY TO BOTH OF THEM ! ! !

Job 1:20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mothers womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. You know what? We've said this a million times and it's not even scriptural - all because of Job: "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord" [Job 1:21]. I have news for you: that is not Bible, that's not Bible. The Lord giveth and never taketh away. And just because he said, "Blessed be the name of the Lord," don't mean that he's right. When he said, "Blessed be the name," he was just being religious. And being religious don't mean you're right. (Benny Hinn program, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Nov. 3, 1990) Benny Didn't Read the Next Verse: Job 1:22 - "In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing." Luke 11:2 And he [Jesus] said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Matthew 26:42 He [Jesus] went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. ...never, ever, ever go to the Lord and say, "If it be thy will" Don't allow such faithdestroying words to be spoken from your mouth. When you pray "if it be your will, Lord," faith will be destroyed. Doubt will billow up and flood your being. Be on guard against words like this which will rob you of your faith and drag you down in despair. (Benny Hinn, Rise & Be Healed! p. 47-48) In the above statement Benny said,"Don't allow such faith-destroying words to be spoken from your mouth. When you pray "if it be your will, Lord," faith will be destroyed. " If Benny was a true Prophet of God , or if he even read his Bible he would know that those are not faith destroying words!!! THAT IS THE ULTIMATE FAITH ! Did Jesus give bad advice, did he pray the wrong way in the garden? NOT LIKELY !

WARNING! BENNY HINN DECLARES JESUS IS IN THE DESERT!

Greetings everyone in the last hours of Earth's history. This newsletter is a bit more graphic than others in the area of prophetic fulfillment as you will no doubt understand. What I am about to share with you now is something of great urgency. I implore everyone reading to please alert their loved ones of the graphic importance of this newsletter. A few days ago a friend of this ministry forwarded a couple of recordings of Benny Hinn to me. These recordings were made from an April 2, 2000 broadcast of the TBN Television Network. In these recordings you will hear things that will bring a sense of grand excitement in your heart. I must insist that you understand what Benny Hinn is saying on these recordings is not in any way condoned by Presents of God ministry. They are however proving Jesus is capable of making 100 % accurate prophetic statements in Matthew 24. Jesus said... Matthew 24:23-27, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." What you are about to hear on these "wav" file recordings of Benny Hinn are overwhelmingly accurate as to how Jesus said the false prophets would preach in these last hours of Earths history. You can listen to these recordings here... (NOTICE: I added a comment to the file for those that would download without reading this newsletter) DOWNLOAD FILE #1 b-hinn1.wav FILE #2 b-hinn2.wav
Or... Listen with Real Media

b-hinn1.rm PLAY CLIP HERE (You need Real Player for these to work)

b-hinn2.rm PLAY CLIP HERE

In the first recording, Benny Hinn is saying Jesus is appearing in the "Muslim world." All those that understand historic fact realize that the religion of Islam embraced bythe Moslem is that of the desert of the Middle East. We have all seen the pictures, movies, or some sort of historic depiction of the Moslem as Arabian men riding camels in the desert correct? Refresh you memory as to what Jesus said in Matthew 24:26, He said, "...Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth..." Is this not an awesome fulfillment of His prophecy? You will also notice that Benny Hinn has thought to "deceive" the masses by using the fact that Jesus did in fact appear for 40 days after His ressurection, Hinn also mentions the Biblical fact that Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus as well. He uses these Biblical events to verify his lies of Jesus appearing now. He fails to mention however, that Jesus bluntly states that when they preach as he is doing in the LAST DAYS that we are not to go forth to seek Jesus. Hinn even goes so far as to say, "If Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, why not reveal Himself to alot more than just Paul?" Never will you hear Hinn stating the Scriptural facts of Matthew 24:26. Hinn even makes some ridiculous un-Biblical claims for the reasons as to why Jesus chose to appear to Paul on the way to Damascus in Chapter 9 of Acts and not Cornelius in Acts chapter 10. And why is Benny Hinn making these wild claims? It is because of what he says last on the recording. He says, "This is why we need to give to the Gospel now more than ever." That's right people! Benny Hinn is spewing false prophecies and doing Satan's will in the work of deceiving the masses all for the fleshly gain of filthly lucre! Satan is using the lure of money to get Benny Hinn to gather many to come forward to receive the Roman Mark of the Beast. Count on it! Rome is invloved in a big way with Hinn. Notice his crusades, and then notice all the Catholic priests on the stage with him as he preaches his eartickling message for all the world to embrace. In the second recording, Benny Hinn goes so far to say that Jesus is actually going to appear physically at one of his meetings. What else did Jesus say in Mathhew 24:26? He said, "...Wherefore if they shall say unto you... behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not" Yet again, Benny Hinn fails to mention this prophetic fact. Jesus made two prophetic statements 2000 years ago, and we see here that Benny Hinn is doing

exactly as Jesus Christ said the false prophets of today would do! Benny Hinn actually tells the "agreeing and applauding" audience that Jesus will appear at his meeting in Narobi Kenya at the end of April! He even says that he expects to have VIDEO FOOTAGE of the appearing of Jesus Christ at his meeting in Kenya. Can you imagine such boldness? Can you see how blunt the devil is becoming in these last hours people? Pray for Benny Hinn, and pray for that gathering of souls that agreed with him and applauded his hellishly fabricated lies. Pray they hear the three Angels message of Revelation 14 and they do as Revelation 18:1-4 declares the true child of God should do. *********************************************************** **WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING WARNING** *********************************************************** My friends, you must understand the ugrency of this fact. YOU MUST NOT GO TO SEE THIS FAKE JESUS! Jesus boldly tells us in numerouys passages of His Scriptures that we MUST NOT GO when they proclaim He is in the desert or meeting places. He is warning you in advance NOT TO GO! Jesus plainly says that... Matthew 24:26,27 "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Revelation 1:7, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." EVERY EYE SHALL SEE HIM! Not just the eyes in the desert! Not just the eyes in the inner rooms! Not just the eyes in the neighboring town! PLEASE UNDERSTAND why it is so important that you must not go there. You must not entertain the temptation either! You must not go even out of curiosity! For Jesus DID warn you in advance in His Word not to go. And WHY does He warn you not to go? See this... Revelation 22:8-9, "And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." Notice if you will that John, the favorite Apostle of Jesus Christ fell down at the feet of the Angle TO WORSHIP HIM! John, the Apostle Jesus loved the most, the Apostle that Jesus entrusted to care for His mother when He was dying on the cross, the Apostle that watched Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead, walk on water, give sight to the blind, ears to the deaf, tongues to the dumb! This same John who was considered a very strong Christian. John who was chosen by Jesus Himself to recieve the vision we now

understand as the book of Revelation. Please understand that this very same John FELL DOWN TO WORSHIP THE ANGEL! Understand this is why Jesus warns you NOT TO GO to see this bogus Jesus that is about to start appearing all over the world. Understand that perhaps your wife, your husband, your brother, your sister, your mother, your father or your best friend will come to you and say with ovrwhelming confidence and excitement, "I JUST SAW JESUS IN THIS PLACE! HE HEALED ME! COME SEE HIM WITH ME!" Take heed of the warning of Jesus Christ, DO NOT GO THERE! For if you go, it does not matter if you are the strongest Christian to ever walk this Earth, it will not matter even if you are a water walking, dead raising, blind healing Christian. YOU WILL fall down at the feet of this fallen angel to worship him. And he will NOT do as the Angel in Revelation 22:8,9 did for John. He will NOT tell you to stop worshipping him. For he desires you to worship him as God Almighty! THAT is why he will manifest himself before you AS JESUS. For it is written... Isaiah 14:12-14, "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High." Lucifer, now called Satan wants to be worshipped as a god. He wants you to fall to his feet in worship. He wants you to receive his seal of ownership upon your forehead! He wants to MARK you as his before God Almighty can SEAL you as His. And he is using Benny Hinn in these last days to herald his arrival as Antichrist just as Jesus used John the Baptist in His day to herald His arrival as THE Christ. Benny Hinn is boldly standing on the lillypad of Revelation 16:13.. Revelation 16:13, "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." The Devil (dragon) has taught the Roman Church (beast) well its agenda. So well in fact that the Apostate Protestant Church (false prophet) now stands as an image of the beast in almost every detail. Right down to the keeping of Sunday as the Devils sabbath over and above the 7th day Sabbath as Scriptures declare throughout the Old as well as the New Testament as the true day of the Lord God Creator. Fact is, the Lord's day IS the Sabbath... Isaiah 58:13, "...the Sabbath, ...my holy day..." Matthew 12:8, "For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day." The false prophet standing proud within the Apostate Protestant church has chosen their representative in this man along with a few "helpers" that this ministry has already exposed in previous newlstters. Be forewarned my brothers and sisters in Christ, this will soon come to a false revival that causes all the world to "come together" in a global

group hug. And they will be standing firm against those of us that choose to embrace the Truth in Scripture over and above the lies proclaimed by the Benny Hinn's of this world. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." Are you ready? Are you sure?

W ould we have believed the Message of John The Baptist which declared to the people that the Messiah was already standing among them - The promised First Coming of Christ was no longer 'past' or 'future' tense, but "present" tense and they knew it not.

Please Note: You may find in this and other pages at this site a "critical analysis" of man-made religion. Sometimes we may even make mention of Church names, etc. But PLEASE understand that WE ARE NOT criticizing the People who hold to these Churches or Groups as their absolute - but rather we are offering a "critical analysis" by the Word of God, of the "SYSTEM" of man-made, man-controlled religion. Dr. Billy Graham once made a critical analysis of the Church systems in general and came to the conclusion that "The
Holy Spirit could leave the church and it would go right on doing 90% of what it was doing; and NOT KNOW that the Holy Spirit had left." We believe that according to Revelation 3:14-22, the Holy Spirit is on the "outside" of the Church, knocking, calling, NOT to the church BUT to the individual in the church. Christ, in the form of the Holy Spirit has been pushed out of the churches by tradition, man-made programs, and worldliness. His leadership has been usurped by man. MAY YOU HEAR HIS VOICE CALLING YOU, THROUGH THE REVEALED WORD FOR THIS AGE.

TRUE Versus FALSE Prophets Prophets have always played a very important part in the unfolding of the plan and purpose of God. The Bible has
MUCH to say about prophets. In Genesis 20:7 we find the first reference to "a prophet".....

Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.

These words were spoken to Abimelech, King of Gerar. Abraham had dealt deceitfully with Abimelech. In an attempt to hide the fact that Sarah was his wife, Abraham, fearing for his life, told Abimelech that she was his sister. Therefore, Abimelech, took Sarah and would have made her 'his' wife if God did not warn the King in a dream, instructing Abimelech to "...restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, AND HE SHALL PRAY FOR THEE, and thou shalt live... From this portion of Scripture we see two things - first: Prophets are humble and sincere but in themselves, they are
NOT infallible; but they serve an infallible God who allows His servants to sometimes stumble to teach us that "Without Him we can do nothing." (John 15:5). Secondly: In spite of their weaknesses and failures, God still demands 'respect' for His prophets. "...do my prophets no harm." (Psalms 105:15).

The Lord instructed King Abimelech to "give Sarah back and Abraham would pray for him". The King not only gave Sarah back to Abraham but also gave him, sheep oxen and servants; and the very one who had gotten him into trouble with God in the first place was the only one who could pray and ask God to heal Abimelech and all his household and his nation. This shows the "high esteem" in which God held His prophets. In this age, considering what Abraham had done, he would have been the last one that most professing Christians would
call on to pray for them. Yet, Abraham was God's choice. It is a self-righteous generation which looks for fault, weaknesses, and/or mistakes in the lives of others in order to justify their negative opinion of that individual's belief and teachings. Moses, Job, Samson, King David, King Solomon and other Bible Characters would be rejected by this self-

righteous generation. But each one was "God's choice".

In 2nd Chron. 20:20 the importance of the office of a prophet is further established:
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
According to Biblical prophecy for the last days, God has Promised to send a Prophet, first to the Gentiles and then the Jews, in the spirit and power of Elijah, just before the "Great and Dreadful day" of the Lord. That Prophet is to "restore ALL things" (Matthew 17:11) and "finish the Mystery of God" (Revelation 10:7) and "Forerun the Second Coming" of the Lord Jesus Christ (Malachi 4:5-6). You will find numerous references to this throughout this Home Page. BUT God also warns us that the last days will witness the rise of MANY False Prophets. One TRUE Prophet is promised to the Gentiles, But MANY false ones will arise to "Deceive MANY".

Bible history bears witness to the fact that True Prophets, at the beginning of their ministries attracted much attention.
MANY followed them when they FIRST started out with signs and wonders, But when they begin to lay in the Word, asking people to line up with the Truth, most of the people followed him no more. Our Lord Jesus had the same experience in the days of His flesh. He was a great Prophet when He just went forth with Signs and wonders, healing the sick and raising the dead, BUT one day He gave them "The WORD TEST" (John 6:53-67). Jesus "tested" their discipleship with "Doctrine" - A strange Doctrine indeed. MANY of His disciples cut Him off right there and then. They went back and walked NO MORE with Him. Every TRUE PROPHET of God experiences the same thing.

In the last day NOT Many will be following the TRUE Prophet but Millions will be following the False prophets. In
these last day, so great is the number following the FALSE WAY that Jesus said, "WHEN the Son of Man comes, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?" (Luke 18:8). The vast majority of what is called 'Christian' DOES NOT have the faith which Jesus requires of them in this hour - Belief in the WHOLE BODY of Revealed Truth. WHY is the church in this condition? BECAUSE of the MANY False Prophets, who, from the pulpits are Crucifying the True Word and making it of non-effect to the people by calling it error. All they're giving the people is a "traditional Christianity" void of Faith.

It is written in Matthew 7...

7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are revening wolves. 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.....

Speaking specifically of the "Last Days" Matthew in chapter 24 warns...

24:11 And MANY false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive MANY.

24:24 For there shall arise false 'Christs', and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch
that if (it were) possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

If indeed the "True" and the "False" prophet would be so close so as to deceive the very elected (if it were possible),
then HOW are we to distinguish the "True" from the "False"? Since These things are a matter of Life and death, we must be able to separate the two. How are we going to determine which is True and which is False? Does God expect us to judge "that prophet" according to the "traditions" of the church - if so, WHICH church?

If we were to judge our Lord Jesus according to the traditions of the Jewish church, He would be judged a "false Prophet" - and by the 'religious leaders' of His day He was declared to be 'false', even Beelzebub, the prince of devils. If HE were to appear among us today, dressed in a two or three piece suit, doing the same things He did back then, perform the same signs and wonders, THE DENOMINATIONAL AND NON-DENOMINATIONAL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE WOULD CRUCIFY HIM AGAIN. why? Because He would scream out against the "traditions, false doctrines, and worldliness" pervading the church World today. COME ON! LET'S BE HONEST! "NOT ONE" denomination or non-denominational group is maintaining the
"standard" they started out with. WHY??? Because they put a PERIOD, even an Exclamation Mark behind the Truth which God had given them in their day. Their "CREED" was forever settled (not in Heaven) but in the Church, and they aren't going to allow anyone to add to it or take away from it - not even God. Jesus found the same opposition 2000 years ago. They weren't going to allow Jesus to change anything - They crucified Him.

The Bible says, "There, They, Crucified Him." THERE - in the most holy city; THEY - the most holy people;
CRUCIFIED - the most shameful death; HIM - the most Precious Person. Let God send His Servant and Messenger today (as He has) to call the churches to repentance, rebuke their worldliness, condemn their "Traditions, Creeds and Dogmas" and correct them in their teachings, they condemn him and brand him a false prophet. In their pulpits (the most holy place) and internet pages, THEY (the so-called holy people), CRUCIFY (by calling it false) the WORD Revealed in This Age.

WHY WOULD the churches do such a thing? Revelation 3:14-22 holds the answer. In verse 15, our Lord Jesus
informs the Church systems in this Age (NONE are exempt), "I KNOW THY WORKS!" Then in verse 16 He passes His judgment on the Church - they are SPIT OUT of the mouth of God. OF COURSE, in verse 17, the Church doesn't agree with God's judgment. God looks down and sees the Church (in general) wallowing in self-righteousness, saying, "I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing..." BUT GOD SAID, (verse 17), the Church "DOESN'T KNOW that it is "Wretched, and miserable, and BLIND, and NAKED."

Now, I'm only telling you what the Bible says. Make no wonder it says in Revelation 18:4:
18:4 "And I heard another Voice from Heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER, my people, that ye be not partakers
of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues;"

Surely we can't look to the Church Systems of this day to Vindicate or Sanction any Prophet that God might send our
way. No Church will Vindicate any Messenger unless he identifies completely with their way of teaching things. Therefore, amidst all the false prophets that swarm the earth today, promoting their favorite denomination, nondenominational group, doctrine or tradition, HOW are we going to find and identify the TRUE PROPHET of God?

As we consider "God's Way" of identifying a True Prophet let's remember.....

Just because the Prophet teaches something different from the church's 'traditional teaching' - that doesn't mean that the Prophet is false or wrong. THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE POSSIBILITY in the Light of "Revelation 3:15-18" that the Church IS WRONG in HOW it has taught "certain" doctrines over the years.

Indeed, the scientists have taken the world further with their scientific knowledge than the Church has with the
Word of God. In fact the churches have not progressed in revelation beyond the foundation revelation(s) which initiated the Revival that each church or group came out of. It's a sad epitaph for the church - That's why God judges her thus in Revelation 3:15-17. He 'winked' at their ignorance for a season (Acts 17:30), but now, IN THE LIGHT OF THE REVEALED WORD, by the Prophet He has sent in this AGE, He commands ALL men everywhere to repent. (Revelation 3:19).

Therefore, you know and I know that NO CHURCH is in any position to judge or pass judgment on "God's
Chosen Vessel". By what authority does any church that has been "spit" out of the mouth of God (Revelation 3:16), stand in judgment on "That Prophet" whom God has sent into the world. WHO judged Moses? WHO was ordained to sit in judgment on Elijah, Elisha, or John The Baptist? The WORD Itself Testifies of the Prophets and they testify of the Truth of the Word, even when it is directly opposite to what the people and the church teaches.

If indeed we are to judge a Prophet by the church - then tell me, WHICH CHURCH? Pentecostal (oneness or
Trinity)? WHICH Pentecostal denomination? Methodist? WHICH Methodist denomination? Baptist? WHICH Baptist denomination. One of the Non-Denominational churches? WHICH ONE? Common sense will tell you that you can't take the judgment of one above the other.

A TRUE Prophet Versus A FALSE Prophet It Is Written in 2nd. Chronicles 20:20...

20:20b "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS, So shall ye prosper."

Again we have "Thus Saith The Lord!" in Psalms 105:15...

105:15 ...Saying, touch not mine anointed, and DO MY PROPHETS NO HARM.

To distinguish between the True and the False is becoming increasingly more difficult for the people of the
Twentieth and Twenty-first Century to do. WHY??? Because they have, and are becoming more and more complex in their thinking. The people have become so set in their own ideas as to HOW a prophet should come, and WHAT he will be like, and WHAT he will say and HOW he will act. But according to Scripture God always does it contrary to the human way of thinking.

He always does things according to His Word BUT Contrary to man's interpretation of that Word.

The human being tends to 'take pride' in his seeming knowledge and understanding of the Bible. They have it all
figured out (based on traditional teaching of the churches). Yet when God comes on the scene and fulfills His Word, man fails to recognize it. It's happened in every age. It happened when Jesus came the first time and according to Scripture, it will happen at the time of His Second Coming. The Bible says, "When a man 'thinks he knows' something, he knows nothing as yet as he ought to know it." (1st. Corinthians 8:2).

Ask yourself this question: If YOU were living in the days of John the Baptist, WOULD YOU have recognized
him as a TRUE Prophet of God? John came apart from EVERY school of religious thought. He was not a priest, though he was entitled by birth to be one. He was not a Pharisee, nor was he a Sadducee. There is no record that he belonged to the Essenes. He was not educated either formally or religiously by men. he was however, filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's Womb, and that same Spirit that filled him taught him.

His aims were so different from those around him that he was NOT ONLY misunderstood but VIOLENTLY
repudiated. He was not truly understood by his own disciples, and much less understood by the groups who came to question him. His coming, his actions, his preaching - all seemed to cause more confusion than illumination. He seemed more against men than for men. In all realms, except that of the Spirit, he was a non-conformist. EXCEPT for the Very Elect of that day he was either repudiated or held in doubt.

Surely we must credit Bible History when it shows profusely that EVERY MAJOR PROPHET and Messenger of God was both MISUNDERSTOOD and finally REJECTED by ALL except a bare minority in whom was the Spirit of the Living God.

Regarding the True Prophet versus the False Prophet, Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:1520). BUT then the Question can be asked, "WHAT fruit?" The Same Bible which warns of false prophets and how to identify them, also tells us how to recognize a True Prophet sent from God. Many times people will focus in on the gifts and miracles produced in the different ministries. BUT according to the Bible a "TRUE Prophet" is not to be vindicated by his gifts and miracles alone. He can have these things and still be a "False Prophet". Remember! The Gift and the Miracle aren't false, yet there is an aspect of the man's ministry that is false.

It is written in Matthew 7:22-23...

7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy Name? And in the Thy Name have
cast out Devils? And in thy Name done many wonderful works? 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mark in his Gospels says:

13:22 For false christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible,
even the elect.

Moses in Deuteronomy also warns about, NOT the signs and wonders, but the "teaching" of false prophets. There's
always a Voice or Message that follows every sign God sends. Here, Moses is warning about the "Voice" or "Message - Teaching" which follows the Sign shown by the prophet.

13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which
thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God
proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

False Prophets will prevent the people from following on to know the Lord in the higher heights and deeper depths of
His Word. They will teach the People to follow after the 'gods' of denominations, non-denominational and independent groups. A TRUE Prophet will always point to GOD and the Absolute Authority of the Word of God, NOT to a church creed (written or unwritten), and not to any ism or cult.

False prophets will look like sheep (Matthew 7:15). False prophets will be WIDELY ACCEPTED MEN, LIKED,
ADMIRED AND WELL SPOKEN OF BY ALL! Luke says: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26).

False prophets make the people to trust in a lie:

"Then said the Prophet Jeremiah, unto Hananiah, the Prophet, 'Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord hath not sent thee, but thou makest this people to trust in a lie" (Jeremiah 28:15) Here we have "two" prophets - one True and one false. Hananiah, the FALSE Prophet was wide accepted and recognized by the King, the Church and the people. Jeremiah, the TRUE Prophet was considered odd and fanatical - according to the Jewish Church of the day, he wasn't to be taken serious in his teachings.

In the end it was discovered that Hananiah and four hundred Jewish Church leaders of that day, had a "lying

spirit" on them. Even so today - according to the Bible (2nd. Thess. 7-12), God has sent a strong delusion upon the religious people of the Gentile world, to cause them to believe "the lie" and be damned, because they receive not the love of the Truth revealed in their day, by His vindicated Prophet. Rather than accept Truth the vast majority will believe the lie of church tradition, thinking that they'll be saved without lining up with ALL of the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). See also Jeremiah 23:16-17; Ezekiel 13:10a. Jesus said: "IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye my disciples indeed..." (John 8:31). "AWAKE! Thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee LIGHT" (Ephesians 5:14).

False Prophets will pervert the ways of the Lord for their own purposes, as shown in Acts 13:6-12 and Exodus 7:812. They will have power BUT it will be nothing compared to the power manifested in God's True Prophet. Yet the ways of the False prophet are extremely deceptive as revealed in Jeremiah 23:9-32 and Exodus 13. It is the thousands of false prophets standing behind church pulpits today who are leading the people astray - to believe a lie and think that they can live in sin, adultery and fornication; fashion themselves after the rest of the world and still be saved. IN ALL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL MESS IN THE WORLD TODAY, ONLY THE ELECTED SEED OF GOD WILL NOT BE DECEIVED ( Matthew 24:24, 2nd Chronicles 18 and Jeremiah 28). And they won't be indentifying with any denomination or non-denominational group(s), they will be identifying with the WORD FOR THEIR DAY. Praise the Lord!

One Final Test God said: "And if thou say in thine heart, how shall we know the word which the LORD hath NOT spoken? When a
PROPHET SPEAKETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath NOT spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt no be afraid of him," (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

That is how to tell a True Prophet - When he prophesies in the Name of the Lord and the thing comes to pass. Jeremiah
28:9 says: "The prophet who prophesieth of peace, WHEN THE WORD OF THE PROPHET SHALL COME TO PASS, THEN SHALL THE PROPHET BE KNOWN, THAT THE LORD HATH TRULY SENT HIM." To deliberately reject and/or mis-represent what the prophet says, is to be found guilty of "rejecting the counsel of God" against yourself, as did the Pharisees when they rejected John's Message (Luke 7:30).

A TRUE PROPHET will not take the people away from the WORD of God. He will always be pointing the people,
not to a church, but to the WORD, even when it is contrary to the 'traditional teachings' of the Churches of the day. Every AGE has had it's Messenger. This Age has had a Messenger-Prophet. But in every Age when the Messenger came on the scene, there was always something in their teaching which was contrary to the accepted teachings of

the church of that Age.

Aside from the fact that William Branham's ministry was accompanied by the "Pillar of Fire", an Angel from the
Presence of God, a Cloud of Seven Angels in 1963, he came with an "Open Vision" ministry, manifesting the "sign" of the Son of Man and NOT ONE TIME did his visions fail. When discerning the thoughts and intents (pass, present and future) of the hearts of the people, NOT ONE TIME did it fail. Surely, the same God that was so able to control a man to do these things, was also able to control what he was teaching. William Branham himself confessed saying that the "same God" who does these things through him is the "same One" who tells Him what to teach. BUT of course, man being the nature that he is, wishes to acknowledge God in the Signs and Wonders BUT deny Him in the teaching.

SURELY, we see now, that if we were to reject this ministry and call William Branham a false prophet, then
without a doubt we would have judged the Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ the same way if we were living in the days when He walked among us in flesh, doing the SAME signs and wonders as was manifested in the ministry we present in this Home Page. Remember - Your attitude today would have been your attitude in Jesus' day.

Any SERIOUS investigator, looking into this Home Page will have no recourse (unless he/she be BLINDED by
tradition) , but to acknowledge that God has indeed visited this Age in the Life and Ministry of a Mighty Prophet. The William Branham Home Page will show that William Branham was VINDICATED by God, RECOGNIZED by his contemporaries as a major prophet, THEN REJECTED by a wayward and arrogant Laodicean generation.

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. (2nd Kings
17:13). False Prophets undermine the authority of God; draws the people to himself; makes the Word of God of no effect in the people's lives and teaches for doctrine the commandments of men. Such was not the case with God's prophet to the twentieth century.

Don't take what someone else is saying about it. "Come and See." Study it for yourself and may the God of ALL Grace enlighten your willing heart and eyes to see WHAT He HAS done in this Age to prepare us for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus, the Resurrection and Rapture.

The Seven Bible Tests of a True Prophet

Introduction: Num. 12:6 "And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, [I] the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, [and] will speak unto him in a dream."

Often God uses dreams and visions to reveal His will to mankind.

Test # 1) Isa. 8:20. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them."

The "law" here is a reference to the "Law of Moses," the first five books of the Old Testament, which also contain the Ten Commandments law, and "testimony" is a reference to the rest of the Old Testament, and by extension including the New Testament, which also contains the "testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 12:17), that both together explain what the "Law of Moses" means in mankind's practical experience.

True prophet's sayings are totally consistent with all that the Holy Spirit has already revealed in Scripture.

Test #2) Jer. 23:14. "I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness. v.16, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, [and] not out of the mouth of the LORD."

True prophets will reprove other prophet's sins, rather than conspire to support one-another's claims.

Test #3) Jer. 28:9. "The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, [then] shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him."

True prophet's predictions must come to pass, ALL of them.

Test #4) Mt. 7:15. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. ... Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. ...Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."

True prophets lead people to repentance and humility before God, and to love their fellow humans. They never lead people to become competitive, prideful or self-exalting.

Test #5) 1 Jn. 4:2. "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:" (See also Hebrews 4:15. Jesus "was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.")

True prophets confess that Jesus came in our "fallen" human flesh, yet He got the victory over every sin and all sin, just as we can, through connection with His Father and our Father.

Test #6) Dan. 10:17. "For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me."

True prophets have no strength or breath of their own while in vision, but supernatural strength from God. Test #7) Jn. 1:15. "John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me."

True prophets exalt Christ alone, but never their own abilities.

A True Prophet to Our Generation?

Once again, I greet Bible Believers in the wonderful Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and encourage each one of you to "keep looking up -- for the first Resurrection draws nigh." We're studying pretty deep into the Word today so you'd better fasten your prayer bonnets and ask Grace for faith. All the signs are here. The Cold War is over, there is talk of a "new world order" of peace and co-operation between the nations of the world. Russia is receiving assistance from the US and UK military to destroy her nuclear stockpile, and the West has been invited to invest in the commercial future of the former Soviet republics. Paul told us to expect such things, "For when they shall say 'Peace and safety;' then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape" (I Thessalonians 5:3.) But do you realize that along with these natural signs, God also promised a Supernatural sign? The Elect will not miss It. Let's take two Scriptures for a text: Firstly Amos 3:7, "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, without FIRST revealing His secret unto His servants the prophets." A prophet is a SIGN, a Supernatural sign, from God to His people (Ezekiel 12:6.)

Secondly in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." By God's grace we'll be prepared for that Day if we can recognize these are KEY Scriptures to understanding God's mind. He NEVER changes, and He either interprets His Word by bringing It to pass, or through ONE (1) man who is a vindicated prophet. Every serious Christian knows the hour is desperately late; that soon our beloved Lord Jesus will meet His Bride in the air (l Thessalonians 4:l6-17.) What most people don't know is that even AS JOHN THE BAPTIST FORERAN THE FIRST COMING OF OUR LORD, A PROPHET HAVING THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH WILL FORERUN CHRIST'S SECOND COMING. Of course even now there are false prophets it the world, leading many astray (Matthew 24:11,24.) But the same God who said there would be the false, said there would come a TRUE prophet. Now those of us who are truly spiritual Bible Believers will realize that BEFORE the false prophets can arise, God's TRUE prophet must FIRST come on the scene. The false prophets are impersonators of the God's TRUE prophet, even as Jannes and Jambres impersonated Moses. Who came FIRST? Was it Moses or Jannes and Jambres? Moses was FIRST. As they withstood Moses' Message, impersonating the signs and wonders God performed through him, so do these resist the Truth God's prophet has ALREADY delivered: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. Paul was speaking of the last days, when he foretold this in II Timothy 3. The time of the end is AFTER Christ has opened and revealed the Seven Seals, and through His vindicated prophet, of course (Daniel 12:4; Revelation 10:7.) A word of caution to all those so-called "committed Christians" on a witch hunt for false prophets and cults. In your self righteous zeal, have you missed the Holy Spirit and the TRUE prophet? Examine your own self first, whether you be in the faith, lest you are led of the spirit which inspired Saul of Tarsus. God's TRUE prophet must FIRST appear on the scene, BEFORE there can be false prophets to impersonate his Message. But do you believe God still sends prophets? Phew!! I bet that scorched a few ears. Who ever heard of counterfeiters attempting to pass fifty or hundred dollar bills printed to their own original design? Boutique bills? Never! They follow AFTER and impersonate the legal tender. Did you ever hear a false prophet preaching a message entirely of his own invention? Never! His teaching will be Bible based, "so close to God's genuine interpretation as to deceive the very Elected, IF that were possible." But the Elect of God only receive HIS Voice, they CANNOT be deceived on the Word. Forget about searching for false prophets, until AFTER you have found the TRUE prophet of God, proven his vindication, and received his Message by faith. As Jesus said to Peter, "After YOU are converted then you can serve God and your brethren." Whilst we are on this tangent, may I admonish you to lay off the J W's, the Moonies, Adventists, Roman Catholics and so-forth -- their teaching wouldn't fool a Baptist, let alone God's Elect. And don't go seeking false prophets among any of the Protestant

denominations. False prophets "so close to the genuine revelation" are hardly going to teach Roman dogma like the trinity, the very Elect would never fall for that stuff in THIS day. God said, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6.) This verse, having a compound meaning, is referring to TWO SEPARATE COMINGS OF ELIJAH. John the Baptist, and one at the end of the Gentile Age, and before Daniel's Seventieth Week when the present world is to be cleansed by fire for the Millennium (Malachi 4:1-3.) An angel said concerning John the Baptist, "And he shall go before Messiah in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children." John's ministry fulfilled this much of Malachi 4:6 but that was all, for the angel went on, "and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17.) The angel said nothing about John turning "the heart of the children to their fathers," because that part of Malachi 4:5-6 did NOT pertain to John. Jesus said John the Baptist was Elijah, that's true. "For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John" (Genesis 3:24; Malachi 3:1; Luke 1:13-17.) "And if you will receive it, John is the Elijah which was to come" (Matthew 11:7-14.) But now turn to John 1:19-23, "This is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him if he was Messiah, he confessed, 'I am not the Christ.' So they asked him, 'Are you the Elijah (of Malachi 4:5-6?)' And he answered, 'NO! I am NOT the Elijah promised before the Tribulation, the great and dreadful day of the Lord. I am the Elijah of Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, the voice of one crying in the wilderness -- 'Make straight the way of the LORD.'" Does the Bible contradict itself? Not at all! Jesus said John was Elijah and John said he wasn't. John knew precisely who he was. God is known by faith -- NOT learning -- they were looking for the WRONG Elijah. When John quoted the Scripture, their Bible knowledge condemned them. He didn't try explaining it to those ministers who would only seek to justify what they'd learned in Bible school. The Hebrews expected an Elijah to forerun a Messiah who would destroy Rome and establish the kingdom of Israel, which is the Millennium (Acts 1:6.) Knowledge without faith caused them to confuse the Lord's SECOND physical Coming with His FIRST, making the Word of no effect to them. Jesus confirmed Isaiah's prophecy of Israel's spiritual blindness (Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:10-17.) How were they blinded? Bible learning aside from faith had made them unteachable, and they rejected God's vindicated PROPHETS for the educated guesses of THEOLOGIANS.

Although Jesus had told them plainly in Matthew 11 that John the Baptist was Elijah; some time later in Matthew 17, after showing them a vision of His Second Coming in glory for the Millenniel Reign, preceded by two prophets with the Anointings which were upon Moses and Elijah, they were still confused. Questioned by His disciples, Christ Himself identified Malachi 4:5-6 as TWO comings of Elijah: "His disciples inquired, saying, 'The scribes say that Elijah must first come, what will he do?' Jesus answered, 'They're correct saying that Elijah truly WILL COME BEFORE the Millennium, (FUTURE tense,) and his ministry at that time will be to RESTORE ALL THINGS. But I say unto you that Elijah HAS COME ALREADY, (PAST tense,) and his ministry was to lay the ax and UPROOT ALL THINGS. But they knew him not and have done unto him whatsoever they chose.' Then the disciples understood that he spoke of John the Baptist" (Matthew 17:1-13.) Can you see the TWO comings of Elijah identified by Jesus? He spoke of an Elijah who foreran His FIRST Coming as Son of man - the prophet and Kinsman Redeemer -- to pay the price of redemption with His Own life. Moses, Ruth, Psalms, Hosea and Malachi taught, Israel would then reject Him and He would turn to the Gentiles to call out a Bride, a people for His NAME. Jesus showed Peter, James and John a preview of "the Son of man coming in His Kingdom," as Son of David for the Millennium, preceded by the witnesses of Zechariah 4 and Revelation 11 who preach to Israel -- AFTER the Gentile dispensation, and AFTER the first resurrection. God has not forsaken the nation of Israel; a remnant of 144,000 will receive the Spirit, 12,000 out of each tribe, when he reveals Himself to them by faith. The disciples understood all of this but they also knew Malachi 4:5-6 spoke of a SECOND coming of the Spirit which was upon Elijah, Elisha and John the Baptist, to RESTORE the Word to the Gentiles BEFORE Christ's Return to "build again the tabernacle of David" (Isaiah 11:10- 12; 54:1-5; Daniel 9:24-27; Amos 9:11-15 and Acts 15:1-17.) Like Abraham and believers in every age, the disciples were looking forward to the kingdom of God on earth. They knew Israel would become apostate and reject Messiah and that the Gentile church also would apostatize and reject Him. This was hardly "fresh revelation:" Paul explains it quite clearly in Romans 11, as do Peter and James in Acts 2 and 15. Initially, the disciples expected the Millennium to be established in their lifetime (Acts 1:6,) so Jesus said, "Some of you won't see death before you see the Kingdom coming in power," and He showed them the vision. But they had been taught a prophet with the anointing of Elijah would first come and RESTORE "all things spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" -- the Word. They were confused because this SECOND Elijah did not appear in the vision. They were "fishing," and thought if Jesus could help them to place THIS Elijah, they might know "the day or hour" when the Kingdom would be restored. (He only comes for those who are LOOKING for Him,

those who love His appearing). Jesus knew this was way in the future: at that time it wasn't even revealed to Him. Both Elijah ministries of Malachi 4:5-6 were to God's CHILDREN, not to His SERVANTS. The FIRST was to turn the heart of the apostolic fathers to the CHILDREN. John's ministry began to accomplish this from the Day of Pentecost -- three and a half years after his death!!! Israel is God's SERVANT nation while the Gentile Church is His placed CHILDREN. This FIRST Elijah ministry could NOT have been fulfilled before Calvary and Pentecost, as God was dealing EXCLUSIVELY with His servant Israel (Matthew 10:5-6; 15:24; John 1:11.) Jesus told Peter to wait until he was born-again before trying to turn the heart of all nations (Luke 22:32; 24:47-49; Acts 1:4.) Two thousand years later, the SECOND Elijah ministry would RESTORE the faith once delivered unto the saints of Pentecost, for the manifestation of the sons of God and the translation. John was sent to God's SERVANT nation: he could not possibly have fulfilled Malachi 4:5-6. In his life-time, John could only point to the Patriarchal fathers, denying Calvary and the Lamb of God he introduced! NO, the FIRST Elijah ministry of Malachi 4:5-6 was the RESULT of John's ministry AFTER his death. It's two thousand years since John's death, and the tribulation has not begun. The earth has not burnt up, and Christ and the saints have not stepped out on the ashes of the wicked for a thousand years of peace. John clearly was NOT the SECOND Elijah of Malachi, sent with the Message of restoration, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-3.) Whereas John came to Israel, the Elijah ministry of RESTORATION comes to the Gentile church BEFORE the Tribulation -- before the plagues of judgment smite the earth. As he and Jesus well knew, John was the Elijah of Malachi 3, who restored nothing (Luke 1:17; John 1:23.) Many other Scriptures are like Malachi 4:6, where the history of thousands of years is suspended on a comma. Take for instance, Isaiah 11:4; 61:1-2; Daniel 9:24-27; Zechariah 13:7 and Malachi 3:1-4. Now read Acts 3:l9-21, where Peter talks about Jesus Christ, "Whom the heaven must receive until the times of RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS." We see the Lord Whom we love must REMAIN IN HEAVEN, until all the Word is restored and manifested in His Bride on earth. Then He'll catch Her away for the Wedding Supper, in the twinkle of an eye. The Elijah of Malachi 4, whose ministry RESTORES ALL THINGS therefore was not John, but another who comes at the end of the Gentile dispensation BEFORE our Lord's return. In Matthew 24:37-39 Jesus invites us to review Genesis 6, "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Intermixing, lust and sexual immorality were rife: it grieved God He had ever put man in flesh so he could be tempted. God NEVER FORGAVE THEM and destroyed all life save Enoch and those who were in the ark. Jesus, Peter and Jude said these conditions would repeat in the

end time: intermarriage between races, promiscuous living to satisfy the lust of the flesh, great advances in science and engineering and . . . a prophet. Now Enoch was a prophet, ONE man out of the seventh generation from the first Adam, with a perfect understanding of the mind of God: such agreement or oneness, he was translated without death. Enoch typed the Elect Church, the Bride of Christ in the end days, who will fulfill Jesus' prayer, "That they may all be one in the agreement of faith, as You and I are One, and therefore have no need of a mediator" (John 17:21-26.) Christ's Bride, insignificant in number, will be called out of Laodicea, the seventh generation from the Second Adam. Under preeminence to the Word by perfect faith, what She says God will do during the manifestation of the sons of God (Matthew 4:4; Ephesians 5:24; John 5:19.) After this short and powerful demonstration of the Spirit, this little hunted and persecuted group will be translated. Noah types the foolish virgin who are saved, but having missed the full Atonement or new birth, will go into the Great Tribulation where they will be martyred. Those who kept not their first estate of holiness and separation, but left their own habitation to intermingle with the descendants of Cain during the long-suffering of God in the days before the Flood, are LOST. They type the wicked majority of today who share the same destiny (II Timothy 3 & 4; Jude 3-7; Revelation 17:8; 20:19-21.) Can you see the conditions of the "days of Noah" reproduced today? Is there an unashamed corruption of morals? Is the church apostate, wholly absorbed in worldly matters? Despite God's condemnation, they actually endorse and encourage intermarriage between the races (Genesis 1:11; 6:1-4; Daniel 2:43.) Look at the great advances in science and learning: in this century we've advanced from the horse and cart to space travel. Jesus foretold these conditions for the end of the Gentile dispensation, but He also promised a "gathering together unto the Word," through perfect faith like Enoch's (Genesis 49:10; II Thessalonians 2:1; Hebrews 11:5-6; Revelation 18:4.) In the gospels, we read of two grinding in the mill, one is taken, another one left; again, two are working in the field, one is taken, and the other one left, and so-on. The disciples ask Jesus, "Where are they taken to, Lord?" He replies, "Wheresoever the Carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together." This is not the translation of the living saints as so many men teach. They are gathered around the restored Word Luke 17:37.) The Message of the end-time Elijah will RESTORE the hearts of the children to the Bible faith understood by the apostolic fathers. This ministry, described in Revelation 10:7 and 18:1-4, will separate Christ's Bride from the apostate church, which is nothing more than the world with God's Name.

Let us identify this Elijah through the last Book of the Bible, called the REVELATION OR UNVEILING OF CHRIST, THE WORD. In chapters 2 and 3, Jesus Christ is dictating seven letters to seven Gentile churches in Asia Minor. The conditions portray the whole period of Christ's ministry as Mediator, through the seven dispensations of Grace, or Church Ages, since Pentecost where the faith was pure. These symbols were SEALED from our understanding "until the time of the end" when God promised to reveal the mystery through a prophet, the "angel" or Messenger to the last Church Age. Each Church Age had its own angel (Revelation 2:1,8,12; 3:1, 7,14.) The word "angel" is Greek for Messenger, not necessarily a supernatural Being - more often a man (Galations 1:8-9; 4:14; Hebrews 13:2; Revelation 22:8-9.) Although Peter had the faith keys which unlocked the kingdom or new birth to the Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles in Pentecost; Paul was the angel to the first or Ephesian Church Age which commenced in about AD 53 and lasted until 170 (Acts 9:15; 19; Romans 11:13; 15:15-16; Galatians 1:11-12; 2:6-8; Ephesians 3:1-8; II Timothy 1:11; Revelations 2:1.) Paul established the Church that was in Ephesus. Paul set the Church in order and wrote the New Testament. The Gospels are actually four witnesses to the life of Jesus Christ under the OLD TESTAMENT and record many of His prophecies. The Book of Acts testifies how the Holy Spirit acted in the lives of the early saints, and how He'll behave in all who are born again and under preeminence. Although many are not aware of it, Paul was a prophet (Acts 13:1; 20:27; I Corinthians 14:37-38; Galatians 1:8-12; I Thessalonians 2:13.) According to Revelations 1-3 and Acts 19, the faith once delivered to the Pentecostal saints began to be compromised just twenty years later in the Ephesian Age which "left its first Love" -- Christ, the Word. As the voice of "the majority" overcame the Voice of inspiration, spiritual discernment and vigilance against false apostles were in decline. Soon Jewish fables and pagan rites began to pollute the faith. In the Pergamean Age, the Roman Catholic church organized at the First Nicea Council of 325 and eventually submerged the world in almost a thousand years of Dark Ages. The Protestants made great progress in the attempted reforms to the Roman system of worship, until about the time of World War II, when they began their rapid decline to apostasy. The Messenger or major apostle to each Age comes at the END of the age. Peter came at the end of the Jewish Dispensation and turned the key, Paul carried the Fire from the end of Pentecost to Ephesus; Irenaeus carried It over to Smyrna and so-on. The last three Ages were the Reformation, whose messengers were Martin Luther, John Wesley, and William Branham. The last came at the end of Laodicea and RESTORED "Light in the evening time." The whole of the Gentile dispensation is typed by Israel's Pentecostal Feast which commenced on the sixteenth day of Nisan, with the waving of the sheaf of the first fruits of the wheat harvest. The noblest grain, wheat speaks of Christ and His Church, which will be "gathered into the Garner" for the Wedding Supper before the Great Tribulation,

when God turns to Israel, then "burns up the chaff with unquenchable Fire" (Matthew 3:12.) The Pentecostal Feast commenced on the third of seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Leaven which represents the senses and sin, became mixed with pure faith in the Word . . . AFTER the remaining four days of unleavened bread, or the pure faith of Pentecost. We have already traced its course through the Church Ages. Bread, the staff of natural life, types faith in the Word, which brings eternal Life. Jesus called Himself the Bread from heaven which, if a man eat, he will never die (Matthew 4:4; John 6; 12:24.) The seven Sabbaths or rests through the Pentecostal Feast, represented the Seven Church Ages. Each Church Age was a separate "rest," Sabbath, or "Mercy Seat" for the elected of God. The saints' ONLY entrance to that Rest or new birth, was by "hearing what the angel was saying to the Church in THAT Age," as Jesus admonished at the conclusion of the Message to each Age (Romans 10:17; I John 1:7; Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 36,13,22.) God does not receive a second-hand religion and has no grandchildren; His children are the manifestation of the Word for THEIR AGE. Jesus said "It is ONLY by walking in the revealed Light I am manifesting in YOUR day that you can be under the Blood, or born again" (I John 1:7.) There were seven distinct and separate Church Ages or Rests and seven major apostles; each brought a separate and distinct Message. By faith in which the saints became written epistles of the Word for their Age. Without the Message for YOUR DAY it is IMPOSSIBLE to be born again. The Messages of Sardis, Philadelphia, or Laodicea produced the new birth IN THEIR DAYS but they will not work today. We must have them, but God said in Isaiah 28 He would build the Body, line upon line, precept upon precept, ADDING Word upon Word as the faith was restored? He also prophesied the nominal church would "fall BACKWARD, and be broken, and snared and taken." At any of the so-called Holy Ghost meetings today you will see people falling backwards -- supposedly "slain in the Spirit." In Bible accounts, with the exception of John 18:6, men ALWAYS FELL ON THEIR FACE in reverence, and were uninjured. "Naked, and wretched, and blind, and miserable -- they're apostate AND THEY DON'T KNOW IT." Like Israel, they think they have It all but they've rejected the Word and don't know Laodicea is over and He's without the camp (Revelation 3:14-22.) ALL Seven Church Ages are over as spiritual moves of God, and there is no salvation in any denominational message today. Like Israel, they're impersonating a genuine move of God which is already fulfilled. After the seven Sabbaths or Church Ages, "when the Day of Pentecost was fully come," there was an Holy Convocation, A REST JUST LIKE THE FIRST DAY. But the Rest at the BEGINNING came from the unleavened Bread of Christ, the Word. If we are to

enter an identical Holy Convocation at the ENDING, the unleavened Perfect Word must be RESTORED. He is Alpha and Omega, the Word at the BEGINNING and the Word at the END, NOT the creeds and partial Word of the Church Ages in between. The angel to the last Church Age was to be a prophet whose ministry finishes "the mystery of God," and RESTORES the faith of the children to the faith of Paul and the Pentecostal fathers. This is the faith by which Christ and His Bride of all Ages will judge the world. During the Church Ages, when the Book was sealed, Christ was a Mediator on account of the saint's ignorance of the Word. But when Revelations 4 and 5 are fulfilled, Christ takes the Book, opens the Seals and reveals their secret through His prophet, to call a Bride out of every denomination, into the unity of the faith, for the manifestation of the sons of God. ANOTHER SHEAF WAVING -- for the resurrection and translation (I Corinthians 13:10; II Thessalonians 2:1; Revelations 10:1-7; 18:4.) Now the Bride has "the true sayings of God," she can't be deceived by creed and denominational leaven (Revelations 19:7-9; 22:10-21.) The Seventh Age is the last Church Age. It is the Age of apostasy, but also the Age in which Elijah's Message will restore a "little Flock" to perfect understanding of the Word. The man with the spirit of Elijah will also be the angel to the Seventh Church Age. As John the Baptist foreran the Lord's First Coming, his Message will introduce the Second Coming. His Message condemns the perverted religious systems, and calls God's people to repent and return to the Word, or perish with the world (Revelation 3:14-22; 10:1-7; 14:9-11; 18:1-4.) When the Pentecostal Feast or Gentile dispensation ends, God "thoroughly purges His footstool, and gathers the New Testament Wheat Bride into the Garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable Fire" (Matthew 3:12.) Daniel was told to "Shut up the words, and seal the Book, even to the time of the end" -"But in days of the Voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished as He hath declared to His servants the prophets" (Daniel 12:4; Revelation 10:7.) The vision revealed in symbols to Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah and John will be revealed in our day to the Seventh Church Age messenger "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret to His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7.) God always sends a prophet with warning before judgment. Before the Gentile dispensation ends and the Seventh Trumpet Angel calls Israel to the Atonement through the Message of the "two witnesses," the "mystery of God" must be revealed to perfect the Gentile Church. The Bride must be restored to the unity of the Pentecostal faith for the manifestation of the sons of God, glorification of the Church Age saints, and their body change without death (Hebrews, 11:40.) The last "angel" is also the prophet of Malachi 4. Bishop, pope, pastor, evangelist, deacon -- no matter who we are, or imagine ourselves to be -- unless we receive the Message of God's prophet, there is no way we can be restored to the Word in this day and accounted worthy for the translation. Jesus promised to send a prophet and there is no way one can be born again without receiving his Message -- the Word for the hour.

When the last saint predestinated to the Church Age part of the Body has been born again at the end of Laodicea, Christ's ministry of intercession is complete. Next, Revelation four and five are fulfilled. Christ takes the Book or Title Deed to His redeemed, breaks the Seals and reveals the mystery under the symbols to the messenger to Laodicea. He then gathers the threads of revelation, only partially understood through the ages, and by applying the revealed symbols, is able to unlock the mysteries hidden in the Bible through the centuries, and place them in the context of history. This is crucial to our faith at this time. Once the Church Ages have ended, Christ is no longer a Mediator. Scriptural ignorance is no longer excused for "the mystery of God is finished." The only way into the Body is by perfect faith (I Corinthians 13:10.) Jesus said that unless we are walking in the revealed Word AS He unfolds the revelation, we cannot be born again (I John 1:7.) So if we are relying on our denominational understanding and creeds there is no way we can be born again today: He is no longer interceding for ignorance. If we can place the history of the past 2,000 years in the Bible, we will know what part of the Word was fulfilled by the saints in each age. We will see the Age of Sardis and recognize Luther's Message of Justification by faith formed that part of the Body represented by the Anglican, Lutheran and Presbyterians of so long ago. John Wesley came along next and ADDED Sanctification: Methodist, Baptist, Nazarine, and Pilgrim Holiness saints were written epistles of this Message forming the Philadelphian Age part of the Body. In Laodicea, God ADDED the restoration of the Gifts and today we still have the Assemblies of God, Elim or Four Square, Church of God, and United Pentecostal churches as memorials of what the saints believed in that Age. According to Revelation 3:20, Laodicea reject their messenger and his Message. This puts God outside the denominational camp; it's time to call His Bride out, and bring judgment on the Christ-rejecting Gentiles. The Seventh Seal brings Christ back to earth. The Message of the Seventh Angel IS the Coming of Christ, for It's the Fullness of the Word. We must recognize OUR day and it's Message. God is only writing epistles of the Word He is fulfilling NOW, not impersonating an age gone by. How can we be in the rapture if we are STILL trying to fulfill the Commission Christ gave the Church in the BEGINNING? "Go and make disciples in all the world, baptizing them in the Name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST which is the NAME (singular) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19.) The days of great revivals and missionary moves are OVER. Christ said the END TIME evangelism and final shout is: "Come out of Babylon and be filled with the Spirit" (Matthew 25:1-13; I Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 18:4.) Jesus said, "ALL those virgins -- wise AND foolish -- heard the midnight cry, "trimmed" their revelation, and separated from Babylon and her Protestant daughters. These apostate churches are called denominational harlots because they believe not the truth but have pleasure in unrighteousness and will be stoned and burned with Fire at the

end of the Age." Strong words, you say. Yes! But they're His Words, not mine (Matthew 25:1-13; Revelation 2:21-24; 17:5; 19:20.) That's the mystery of iniquity working in the children of disobedience. Iniquity is doing what you KNOW to be wrong. After the faith was lost, Christ "winked" at the ignorance of the saints, but to continue following error after Truth had been revealed became iniquity. We must walk in the Light AS Christ reveals It. Organized religion is NOT of God and cannot follow the Spirit, because it's led by man-made statements of `faith' which compromise the Word and limit God to the Light of a previous day. Jesus acknowledged the genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit in their ministry. They spoke with other tongues, raised the dead, healed the sick and prophesied things which actually came to pass. But when they REFUSED further Light, their folly was made manifest: they were NOT children Light but "workers of iniquity" (Matthew; 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-2; II Thessalonians 2:7-12; Revelations 22:18-19.) But what about "the mystery of God?" Christ is the mystery of God revealed in the flesh of one Man -- born of a virgin less than two thousand years ago -- "the beginning of the creation of God" (Revelation 3:14.) In God's foreknowledge, "crucified before the foundation of the world." His Bride, the Elect or true Church, always "in" Him -- was crucified in Him on Calvary. Resurrected in Him, raised up together with Him, and is now seated together in heavenly places "in" Him (Ephesians 2:6.) The Church is the mystery of Christ revealed in the CONTINUATION of the creation of God -- the many membered Body -- Jesus Christ, His Brothers and Sisters (Ephesians 1.) When glorified at the first Resurrection, It is ALL God. In the new heavens and new earth, the various groups of "the saved" -- the foolish virgin, those who have been good and kind to the Bride, those who don't worship the beast or his image, the Fifth Seal Jews, and so-on -- will worship God through Eternity in the Form of His Family: Jesus Christ and the New Testament Church. The Book of Redemption contains the NAMES of the redeemed. And the Seven Seals reveal HOW they were redeemed, and WHO is written in the Book. If we know what part of the Word was revealed to each Age, then those who manifested it in their Age are the ones whose names are recorded. The messengers to each Age were the men whose ministry matched the pattern God established in Paul's ministry. The keystone of the Bible is the revelation "that God never changes," and His ways are as unchangeable as He is. Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever." "I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever, nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past" (Ecclesiates 3:14-15.) Here it is: an unchanging God with unchanging ways. What He did at the FIRST He will have to keep on doing until it is done for the LAST time. There will never be a change. Apply that to the Church Ages. The kind of man that God chose for the first Age, and how God manifested in that man's ministry would be the example for all other Ages. What God did in the first Church Age is what He wants to do in all other Ages.

The Bible is the story of God unfolding HIMSELF. Let me repeat that, the Bible is the story of God unfolding HIMSELF from a Spirit alone with His thoughts, through the Word, (and a Word is a thought expressed,) to the manifestation of those thoughts in the glorified Flesh of His Family. God is perfect, there is no shadow of change in Him and the attributes of His nature and character are perfect. But character is a VICTORY, not a gift. No one is born with character, not even in the new birth. The very character of Jesus was perfected by suffering. And according to Paul, He has left His Church a measure of suffering that they, too, by their faith in God while suffering for Him, would come to a place of perfection. Why did He want this? "My Brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:24.) Why does He stand by? The reason is in Romans 8:17-18, "And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Unless we suffer with Him we cannot reign with Him. You have to suffer to reign. The reason for this is that character simply is never made without suffering. Character is a VICTORY, not a gift. A man without character can't reign because power apart from character is Satanic. But power with character is fit to rule. And since He wants us to share even His throne on the same basis that He overcame and is set down in His Father's throne, then we have to overcome to sit with Him. And the little temporary suffering we go through now is not worthy to be compared to the tremendous glory that will be revealed in us when He comes. God wants us to develop a Christlike character that comes through suffering. "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trials that are to try you" (I Peter 1:7; 4:12.) We are all tried and chastened as sons. Not one but goes through that. The church that is not suffering, and is not being tried, hasn't got it -- it isn't of God. "For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. But if ye be without chastisement, whereof we are all partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons" (Hebrews 12:6.) That is HOW God imparts His character in His children, the New Testament Church as foretold in the first three chapters of Revelation, Matthew twenty four and so-on. In revealing the "mystery of God" -- WHO made up the Body in each Age and HOW they were baptized into the Body or born-again, the work of the Adversary and antiChrist is also exposed. The Devil seeks to be worshipped as God. Christ is building His "little Flock" by faith in the Word; Satan is building a massive church by Bible learning WITHOUT faith -- the mark of the beast (Isaiah 14; II Thessalonians 2:1-7.) One is worshipping God in spirit and truth, the other is worshipping Satan AS God "for to be carnally minded is enmity against God" (Romans 8:7.)

Some of the mysteries revealed by this Elijah are: original sin -- the seed of the Serpent and the Seed of God; the separate covenants God established between men and women (Genesis 3:1-21,) the Godhead (I Timothy 3:16,) Redemption (Ruth,) Mystery Babylon and her daughters (Revelation 17,) iniquity (II Thessalonians 2,) and the translation of the living saints (I Corinthians 15:51-54.) Jesus promised REST unto our souls, "the peace of God which is beyond the understanding of the natural man keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Matthew 11:25-30; Philippians 4:7.) We can only possess this peace through the assurance of faith which forewarns and forearms the saints by a clear understanding of future events which will come to pass in their generation (John 16:13.) The new birth casts out fear (Romans 8:28-39; I John 4:18.) KNOWING THE FUTURE we have no fear but peace, and can prepare ourselves for the challenges of Satan. Terrible events are about to shake this earth and also the heavens. Great catastrophes of nature -- earthquakes, tidal waves and political upheaval. At that SEASON "they shall say, 'Peace and safety;' THEN sudden destruction cometh upon them" but fear not little Flock, you are not in darkness like the worldly church, for I have chosen you and I will show you things that are to come. Just when the Antichrist church is about to accomplish her cowardly plot, the Wheat Bride is gathered into the garner. No longer will the wheat and tares grow side by side. No longer will the tares receive of the blessing of God because of the presence of the wheat for the wheat will be gone, and the wrath of God will be poured out in the Sixth Seal, which will end in the utter destruction of the wicked. Can you begin to see the NECESSITY of receiving this end time Elijah and His Message? "He that receiveth a prophet in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall receive a prophet's reward" -- to be a friend of God. And again, "He that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth Me" (Matthew 10:4; John 13:20.) How can we say we love Jesus, then reject a prophet whom Jesus sends? We're standing on shaky ground. Be careful, lest we have a religious spirit like the Pharisees, who believed what God did IN THE PAST, but couldn't accept what God was doing RIGHT BEFORE THEIR EYES! They reviled the blind man whom Jesus had healed, saying, "Thou art his disciple, but we are Moses' disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not whence he is" -- John 9:28-29. Jesus said of these hypocrites, "For had you believed Moses (by faith) you would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me" -- John 5:46. Likewise, if we really believe Jesus, we will believe His end-time Elijah, for Jesus spoke of him. Christ also said to the Pharisees, "You have not the Father's Word abiding in you: for whom He hath sent, Him ye believe not" (John 5:38.) Do not you reject your Message! Jesus warned us, "As it was in the days of Noah." All who rejected Noah's message perished. To reject God's prophet is to reject God, (Exodus 16:2; I Samuel 8:4-7.) However, most people WILL reject our prophet-messenger. It's always been that way.

Few prophets were received by the majority of people in their day (Matthew 5:11-12; Acts 7:51.) Out of many billions, only seven listened to Noah. The children of IsraeI continually murmured and rebelled against Moses; they rejected Samuel; Elijah was so hated he thought he was the only one left who loved God; the people scoffed at Jeremiah. Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee . . ." (Matthew 23:34-37.) All the Scriptures concerning this end time Elijah must be fulfilled, yet simply and humbly, as Isaiah's spectacular prophecy concerning John the Baptist was fulfilled; most will miss it (Isaiah 40:4-5; Matthew 3:1-12.) But how can we find this true prophet messenger amidst the multitude of false prophets that abound today? Jesus said, "by their fruit you shall know them," NOT the fruit of the Spirit, the teaching promised for the hour (Psalms 1:1-3; Matthew 7:15-20.) Not their gifts and miracles, for many will do signs and wonders in the Name of Jesus Christ, and be workers of iniquity. False prophets will look like the sheep, and be WIDELY ACCEPTED MEN, LIKED, ADMIRED AND WELL SPOKEN OF BY ALL (Matthew 7:2223; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26.) False prophets will mislead many because much of what they speak is true, yet they will really be after your money (II Peter 2:1-3.) False Prophets will make people trust in a lie, speaking comfortable words like, "Be at peace, you'll be in the Rapture, whether your life lines up with the Word or not." False prophets will look and act so close to the real prophet, only the elect will not be deceived (Jeremiah 23:16-17; 28:15; Matthew 24:24.) But there is one final test. God said, "And if thou say, in thine heart, How shall we know the Word Which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the Name of the LORD, and the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously . . . thou shalt not be afraid of him. "That is how to tell a true prophet, what he speaks in the Name of the Lord comes to pass" (Deuteronomy l8:21-22; Jeremiah 28:9.) This end time Elijah will have "THUS SAITH THE LORD." When he says "THUS SAITH THE LORD" on doctrine, it will be in perfect accord with scripture. When he says, "THUS SAITH THE LORD, such and such will happen," the thing will come to pass exactly as spoken. If ever it failed to be perfect, he would prove not to be a prophet, for a prophet's words under the Anointing are not his own, they are God's Words and cannot fail (II Peter 1:20-21.) Concerning John the Baptist Jesus said, "But I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they KNEW HIM NOT, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed" (Matthew 17:12-13.) All Israel were looking for Elijah yet he came and went and THEY MlSSED HIM! Would it come as any surprise if the end-time Elijah would come and go . . . and

the majority of people miss him too? That ought to make us desperate before God in fervent prayer, for we know the hour is late and our Lord's Coming nigh. Simply recognizing this prophet messenger won't save anyone; salvation comes only through faith: we must heed his MESSAGE. His MESSAGE restores perfect faith in Jesus Christ the pure Word -- free from man-made creed and tradition, philosophy, psychology, program and form. The Bride of Christ will have the mind of Christ, or She will remain silent (Revelation 22:17a.) For "Christ so loved the Church and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing but that it should be holy and without creed or dogma" (Ephesians 5:25:27.) Through this Elijah's message we will know exactly what does and what does not please our Lord Jesus. We will be restored. One more thought. John the Baptist prepared a people for the Lord, even as the angel said he would. But did he prepare everyone? Though many heard him, but FEW received his MESSAGE by faith and were prepared for the Lord. Likewise this end time Elijah will "restore all things" but not all people. FEW will heed his MESSAGE, come into the fullness of Christ, and be ready for the translation. FEW? "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto Life, and FEW there be that find It." Though many are called, FEW are chosen (Matthew 7:13-14; 20:16; 22:14; Luke 13:23-24; l Corinthians 9:24.) Of the billions on earth in the days of Noah, only ONE (1) man was taken -- Enoch; Noah typed the foolish virgin who go into the tribulation, of eight souls saved by water, three were later lost. In the days of Lot, Abraham and Sarah typed the Bride; Lot and his family the foolish virgin, and one of them was lost. Jesus instructed us these typed the days when the son of Man would be revealed before the end of the Gentile dispensation (Luke 17:26-30.) Paul said the two and a half million delivered out of Egypt in the exodus, type the New Testament Church -- ALL were justified and sanctified but the vast majority were ultimately LOST, only two entered the promised land which symbolized the new birth. After the translation "there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation" (Daniel 12:1.) "For, behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven: and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD" (Malachi 4:1.) "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and so stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36; I Peter 4:7.) For what if you should miss that prophet? Or worse, what if you should find him and reject him because his teaching is contrary to what you have been taught as truth, like the Pharisees rejected John the Baptist? (Matthew 17:12-13; 21-23- 25). What if he has already come and gone?

"Beware therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken of in the prophets; Behold, you despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you" (Acts 13:40-41.) In other words, we must be careful lest we be so high-minded and set in our ways, we can't receive the prophet and his Message when it is presented (Romans 11:20-21.) If the rapture should take place at this particular moment, ignorance would be no court of appeal from the judgment of God. It is a serious hour, and this is no trifling subject. Bible Believers should heed the example of those in Thessolonica and receive the Word with all readiness of mind, then search the Scripture daily, whether those things are so" (Acts 17:10-11; I Thessalonians 5:17-21.) Jesus said, the generation that witnessed the restoration of Israel would not pass away until "the sign of His parousia Coming, and of the end of the age," are fulfilled, so "Look up for the first resurrection draweth nigh" (Matthew 24; Luke 21.) God Bless you, Brethren. I've given you much to pray about and confirm in your Bibles. But it's worth it all just to be His child, and to feel the strength coming into your soul as He makes the revelation plain. When you have "the faith," pass It on. bb920219.htm .../Back to Index to Sermons

The testimony of Yeshua (Jesus) is the spirit of prophecy. The world has almost always held true prophets to be insane. Church leaders will generally find true prophets about as welcome as ants at a picnic. One of the main problems with the church today is a misunderstanding of what a true prophet is and how great is the need for true prophets in the church in these today. Every true church of Jesus Christ will welcome the gift of true prophesy. Everyone knows that there are true prophets and false prophets. How to tell the difference between true and false prophets will be given toward the end of this section. Just because we are warned to beware of the many false prophets of the last days, be careful not to conclude the ministry of true prophets ended when John said Amen at the conclusion of Revelation. The Hebrew word naba not only signifies to foretell events, but also to pray and make supplication; and nabi, the prophet, was not by office a declarer of future events, but primarily a preacher of righteousness for his day. That is why the world views true prophets as crazy. That is why the church has even called them crazy and even killed them. That is why the church today so disparately needs true prophets. That is why we are all called to seek to be true prophets. The prophet is called to see future events in the light of the righteousness or wickedness of the people to whom God made everlasting covenants. His main work is to urge men to live righteously and godly according biblical principles. His secondary work was to warn of events to come in view of the attitude of the people concerning the will of God, and to pray and make

supplication for the people and for God to be merciful. Do you see that we are all called to be prophets? Will you help me see my blind spots and help me see my sins? Will you pray for God to be merciful to me? Will you be a prophet to me?

Characteristics of True Prophets:

True Prophets 1) Few in Number; trusts only in God Jer 17:5 Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. 2) Generally disliked and not trusted Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. James 5:10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 3) Speaks what God says - "God says..." Deut 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 4) Gives warning of God's judgment of all Ezek 33:7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 5) Works in the Holy Spirit and wields the sword of truth 2 Pet 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 6) Demonstrates the Power of God and shows the Glory of God 1 Cor 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 7) Socially unacceptable to the proud; does not conform to people's expectations: 1 Cor 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. 8) Speaks a compelling message: 1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

9) Seeks God's will in your life: Prov 3:13-14 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 10) Seeks God for His counsel: Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. 11) Calls for the testing of prophets 1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 12) Shares that we too are subject to God's judgment, to fear God: Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 13) Shares Scripture to show the truth: 1 Cor 14:37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

Characteristics of False Prophets:

False Prophets 1) Many of them; trusts the majority opinion

1 Ki 18:19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat at Jezebel's table. 2) Generally liked and trusted by the people Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. 3) Speaks presumptuously of God; "I think ..."

Deu 18:22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. 4) Speaks of peace and prosperity Jer 23:16-17 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you. 5) Uses power of suggestion or illusion; calls it signs & wonders Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 6) Demonstrates the wisdom of men and enjoys men's praise Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. 7) Socially acceptable and conforms to people's expectations 2 Tim 4:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 8) Promotes self-interest: Phil 2:21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. Seeks your money in his life: Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 9) Gives counsel to God: 1 Cor 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

10) Demands belief in his position: 2 Pet 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 11) Shares that God will not judge you, do not fear God: 2 Pet 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 12) Shares opinion to explain Scripture: 2 Pet 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Criteria of False Prophets

Notes on Deuteronomy 18:22

Dennis Bratcher
A biblical passage that some present as "proof" of a purely predictive role for prophecy is Deuteronomy 18:22:
If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it.

The focus here is usually on the phrase "does not take place," as if correspondence between the prediction of a specific historical event and its happening in that precise way in history is the primary, only, and absolute validation of a prophet. But as is usually the case, this passage needs to be read carefully in context to see what it is addressing, and therefore what it is really saying in this context. In using this as a proof text for predictive prophecy as the norm for Old Testament prophets, the assumption is made that this is a blanket statement of the validity of all prophetic writings within the specific confines of historical event. In other words, it takes that statement as an absolute statement of fact but applies it only in the specific historical context of a direct correspondence

between a historical prediction and a historical event. And yet a closer examination of the context in which this verse occurs reveals that the issue is not about prediction of the future. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 begins dealing with the problem of syncretism of worship, a major concern throughout Deuteronomy (see The Book of Deuteronomy). That syncretism had been encouraged by both "prophets" and "those who divine by dreams."
13:1 If prophets or those who divine by dreams appear among you and promise you omens or portents, 13:2 and the omens or the portents declared by them take place, and they say, "Let us follow other gods" (whom you have not known) "and let us serve them," 13:3 you must not heed the words of those prophets or those who divine by dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you, to know whether you indeed love the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.

We are used to reading about prophets in Israel, but diviners were consistently outlawed in Israel (for example, Deut 13:5). And yet, in that historical context, diviners were often linked with prophets as part of the cultural context of the day, as in Jeremiah (cf. Zech 10:2):
27:9 You, therefore, must not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your dreamers, your soothsayers, or your sorcerers, who are saying to you, 'You shall not serve the king of Babylon.'

Here, the message brought to the people by the prophets and diviners was not the message from God for the people. Rather, it was in conflict with what the prophets of God were saying. This problem worked out more obviously in Jeremiahs conflict with prophet Hananiah. He presented himself as a prophet of God, yet his message was exactly the opposite of Jeremiahs (Jer 28). The question then, for the people, was how to distinguish a diviner/prophet from an authentic prophet of God. Note two things in the warning in Deuteronomy 13:1-3 that continue throughout the entire chapter. First, the prophets and diviners mentioned promise the people things that will take place in the future that do indeed "take place." Only here, this is not prediction of the future but the promise of "signs and portents." In other words, this is the use of magic in some form to convince people to believe what they say. This idea of magic associated with prediction of the future is a strand throughout the Old Testament. It is used in more positive ways in Isaiah, although it remains partly in the realm of magic in most cases. Second, what they say is "Let us follow other gods . . . and let us serve them." That is, these diviner prophets are not prophets of God but are advocating a syncretistic worship that is in conflict with the covenant provisions of the torah. They are encouraging the people to follow other gods. This emerges as the primary concern in this entire section of Deuteronomy, expressed most strongly in Deuteronomy 13.6-8:
13:6 If anyone secretly entices you--even if it is your brother, your father's son or your mother's son, or your own son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your most intimate friend--saying, "Let us go worship other gods," whom neither you nor your ancestors have known, 13:7 any of the gods of the peoples that are around you, whether near you or far away from you, from one end of the earth to the other, 13:8 you must not yield to or heed any such persons.

This same concern again comes to the foreground in Deuteronomy 17.

17:2 If there is found among you, in one of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, a man or woman who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD your God, and transgresses his covenant 17:3 by going to serve other gods and worshiping them--whether the sun or the moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have forbidden-- . . . 17:5 then you shall bring out to your gates that man or that woman who has committed this crime and you shall stone the man or woman to death.

This likely reflects a concern with eliminating polytheism and syncretism from the post-exilic community. Yet, it serves to demonstrate that this is a central concern in this section of Deuteronomy. Again, this concern with syncretism and the worship of other gods is addressed directly in Deuteronomy 18.
18:10 No one shall be found among you who makes a son or daughter pass through fire, or who practices divination, or is a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, 18:11 or one who casts spells, or who consults ghosts or spirits, or who seeks oracles from the dead. 18:12 For whoever does these things is abhorrent to the LORD; it is because of such abhorrent practices that the LORD your God is driving them out before you. 18:13 You must remain completely loyal to the LORD your God. 18:14 Although these nations that you are about to dispossess do give heed to soothsayers and diviners, as for you, the LORD your God does not permit you to do so.

Here, this syncretism is connected with diviners. In fact, there are a variety of ways listed here by which the people could try to discern and therefore control the future by magical means: child sacrifice, divination, soothsaying, the use of omens (augur), sorcery, spells, mediums, and necromancy. The emphasis here is on human initiative in trying to control the world or the gods. That strikes at the very heart of what syncretistic worship entailed: the rejection of Faith in God, his grace, and his providence for the human-controlled world of manipulation of God and the gods by magic. Note also that the following verses turn to the idea of prophets of God.
18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. . . . 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. 18:19 Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. 18:20 But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak-that prophet shall die."

The contrast here is clearly between diviner prophets who tempt the people to follow other gods and the world of magic, and the prophets of God who call the people to faithfulness to the covenant with God and the proper response to God apart from magic. The emphasis is clearly on a prophet that God will raise up. In other words, it is not something that the people can do. God is the one who initiates the work of a prophet and who gives the prophet a message to speak. It cannot be controlled by the people, or even by the prophet. This raises the question of how to tell the difference between diviner prophets and genuine prophets of God:
18:21 You may say to yourself, "How can we recognize a word that the LORD has not spoken?"

Here, this is presented in negative terms, how to recognize a false word. It is in this context that Deuteronomy 18:22 gives the guidelines for recognizing, not just any kind of prophet, but the kind of diviner prophets that lead the people into syncretistic magical worship. In other words, these criteria are not generalized or absolute rules for all prophets, nor are they guidelines for determining a true prophet, but are negative criteria for recognizing a diviner prophet.
18:22 If a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD but the thing does not take place or prove true, it is a word that the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be frightened by it.

In this context, the validity of prophets is connected to their role as covenant mediators and what they proclaimed about God rather than what they proclaimed about specific historical events. Here, "does not take place" is accompanied by "or prove true." While it is easy to read into that the idea of specific historical event, if we do not assume that the prophets are concerned only about specific historical event, it is more likely in this context that something much broader than specific historical event is in view. The emphasis here is on the "word" of God spoken through the prophet. In Deuteronomy especially, but in other places in the OT as well, the "word" of God is a way to talk about the purposes of God for his people (for example, 4:10, 6:6). These words of God are the torah, the instructions from God for living in the world as his people. The criterion for an authentic word of God is that it proves itself to be true in history. That is not specific historical events, which reading only "take place" might imply, but includes the idea of "prove true." In other words, a diviner prophet cannot bring a word of God that will prove true in the outworking of the life of the people of God, because the diviner prophet is not bringing the instruction of God for how to live in Gods world. There is a conviction throughout Scripture that false words about God cannot prove true in human experience, that is, in human history. Because they are inherently false pictures of God, they will of necessity fail (we might connect John Wesleys dimension of Experience here as a criteria of theological doctrine, that it must prove true in life to have validity). As one writer has said, "The criterion of true prophecy is what it should betruth, the correspondence between the prophetic word and the realities of history." (Patrick Miller, Deuteronomy, Interpretation Commentary, p. 153). This suggests that even when a diviner prophet gives a specific prediction that does come to pass within history (Deut 13:2), he is not a prophet of God if his overall message about God does not prove true. No matter what the diviner does or says, if his message does not enable the people to live in the world as Gods people, if his message does not prove true in the course of human history as the people live out their covenant with God, that prophet is not a true prophet of God. And while it is not directly addressed in this passage, the converse would also be true. That is, even though a genuine prophet of God makes specific historical predictions that do not come true, that does not necessarily mean he is a false prophet if his larger message from God proves true in the flow of history (see Ezekiel and the Oracles against Tyre). This was the situation in the conflict between Hananiah and Jeremiah (Jer 28). During the conflict, there was no easy way to decide who was telling the truth. Hananiah promised a short and easy two year struggle with the Babylonians. Jeremiah promised a much longer, more

difficult, and eventually catastrophic course of events. It is not that those events must have happened just as Jeremiah had said. He had early held out hope that the people would respond and that history could take a different course, although he was finally convinced that they would not. Yet eventually, the course of history proved that Jeremiahs interpretation of the peoples predicament was accurate, because he had stood in the council of God and proclaimed the word of God (Jer 23:18-22). And that word was vindicated, proven true, by the course of events across a 40 year span. This is the thrust of Deuteronomy 22:18. The criteria set here are not the correspondence of specific predicted historical event to a specific outcome in history. The criteria are whether or not the prophet calls the people to faithfulness to God, and whether their prophetic word proves true in history. That suggests on the one hand that there is no immediate way to tell a magical prophet from a genuine prophet, because it may take some time for his words to be proven to be the true word of God, or that they are his own ideas presented as the word of God, as in the case of Hananiah. That may mean that without caution some may be deceived into following the words of a false prophet for a time. But it also suggests that eventually false prophets will be proven false. It is also a declaration that a sure sign of a false prophet is if he or she advocates any syncretistic form of worship of God that does not call the people to accountability to covenant relationship with God and a life of torah (see Torah as Holiness). Any prophet who advocates any "other gods" must of necessity be a false prophet, no matter how many signs s/he can perform, or no matter how accurate their predictions might be.

True Prophets of God

What is a True Prophet ?
The finest example of a true prophet is our Lord Jesus Christ who was specially chosen by God to speak for Him. (Heb. 1:1-3) He utters the actual words that God has given him, without any modification or interpretation on his part (Jn. 12:49-50). The Bible itself gives an accurate description of the function of the true prophet: And the LORD said to me: What they have spoken is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. (Deut. 18:18)God placed the words in the prophets mouth. They were revealed to him and then he spoke precisely what God had commanded him.

A True Prophet is a Holy Man of God

God speaks by the mouth of His holy prophets. (Lk. 1:70) The apostle Peter wrote: knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

(2 Pet. 1:20-21)A true prophet is a holy man of God who is Spirit-filled. God demands holiness of those whom He calls. But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy. (1 Pet. 1:15-16) When Isaiah saw the vision of the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up he also heard an angel said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory! (Isa. 6:13) Isaiah was frightened and confessed his inadequacy: So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The Lord of hosts." Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged." Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us? Then I said, Here am I! Send me. (Isa. 6:5-8) God sends His servants as prophets when they have become holy (Rom. 12:1; 2 Tim. 2:20-21)

A True Prophet is a Servant of God

A true prophet is a servant of God (Zec. 1:6). God spoke to Aaron and Miriam when they discredited the ministry of Moses: Then He said, "Hear now My words: "If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?" (Num. 12:6-8) God has acknowledged Moses as a prophet and also as His servant. He has promised to protect all His faithful servants. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," Says the Lord. (Isa. 54:17)God warns all of us: Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm. (1 Chron. 16:22; Psm 105:15)

A True Prophet is a Messenger of God

When God saw His people transgressed against His commandments and did wicked things He did not punish them immediately but sent His prophets to give them warnings because He had compassion on them.

And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy. (2 Chron. 36:15-16) God warned Judah about its sins and continually restored the people to His favor only to have them turn away. Eventually the situation is beyond remedy. The nation that claims to be under God (America); the church denomination, congregation or ministry that claims to be the only true one (you name it), needs to examine and humble themselves and heed Gods warnings to repent of their errors and return to Him before it is too late. If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14)

A True Prophet is a Watchman of God

Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, "Son of man, speak to the children of your people, and say to them: 'When I bring the sword upon a land, and the people of the land take a man from their territory and make him their watchman, when he sees the sword coming upon the land, if he blows the trumpet and warns the people, then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, but did not take warning; his blood shall be upon himself. But he who takes warning will save his life. But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand.' "So you, son of man: I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me. (Ezek. 33:1-7) The prophet of God has a tremendous responsibility of warning Gods people of any impending danger that would befall on them. If the prophet did not perform his task God would hold him accountable for his negligence. He is not a true prophet.

The Test of True Prophets

As for the prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be known as one whom the LORD has truly sent. (Jer. 28:9) But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And if you say

in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?'-- when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deut. 18:20-22) False prophets do not speak for God. They pretend to be true prophets but they are only deceiving themselves and others. When they speak in the name of false gods they will die. One of the tests of a true prophet is in the fulfillment of the prophecy. There is zero tolerance in the margin of error in a true prophecy. "If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, "Let us go after other gods 'which you have not known" and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken in order to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of bondage, to entice you from the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall put away the evil from your midst. True prophets of God shall walk after the LORD your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. They keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 12:17; 14:12;19:10) Those that teach one needs to keep only nine of the Ten Commandments are false prophets and false teachers (Mt. 5:17-19; 7:21-23; 19:16-19; Jas. 2:8-13). Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. (Rev.22:14 NKJV)

Are there True Prophets in the End Time?

Some teach the prophets of God exist only in the Old Testament time and not in the New Testament. This is an erroneous teaching. It can be easily proven that the Early Apostolic Church had prophets. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. (Acts 11:2728) Not only were there prophets but there were also prophetesses. Philip the evangelist had four virgin daughters who prophesied. (Acts 21:8-9)

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18) The last days began when our Lord Jesus Christ came to this earth (Heb. 1:1-2) We are indeed living in the last days. The Bible shows during the End time there will be true prophets who are sent by God. Our Lord Jesus Christ had given us a warning there would also be many false prophets during the End Time. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. (Mt. 24:21-25) Our Lord Jesus had prophesied that in the End Time during the Great Tribulation false christs and false prophets would rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. If you believe we are living in the End Time and the Great Tribulation then you know there are false christs and false prophets in the world today. Our Lord has given us some clues how to identify the false prophets. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Mt. 7:15-20) There is no need to point out who are the true and false prophets in the End Time. Just check out whether or not their prophecies are fulfilled and look at their lifestyles, characters and behaviors. True prophets are Spirit-filled. They keep Gods Commandments, love the brethren and will fellowship with them. (1 Jn. 1:7; 2:3-11) Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

How to Indentify a True Prophet: Jesus warned His followers, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. . . . Not everyone who says to me, ?Lord,

Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ?Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, ?I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' " (Matthew 7:15, 21-23, italics mine) "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time." (Matthew 24:24,25) These few verses tell us that false prophets can (a) be gifted and talented people who deceitfully use the name and gospel of Jesus for recognition, power, and/or money, (b) perform great signs and miracles because they are associated with demons, (c) have no affiliation with Christ and His gospel even though they may speak volumes about Jesus and salvation, and (d) will exist until the end of time. (In fact, the last "false prophet" mentioned in the Bible is the devil himself. Revelation 19:20) Yes, God has true prophets! The Bible indicates that Jesus bestowed spiritual gifts on the early church. (The word "church" as it is used in this study should not be confused with a particular denomination.) Paul wrote, "It was he [Jesus] who gave some [gifts to ordinary people so that they could serve as] to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [so that all of these should work together] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13, insertions mine) These verses reveal that Jesus equips ordinary people with extraordinary gifts for the benefit of building up His church. Please notice that Paul identifies their order of importance: "And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and [last] those speaking in different kinds of tongues." (1 Corinthians 12:28, insertion mine) The Bible is clear that genuine and false prophets will exist until the end. I believe the first step in identifying a true prophet is found in the book of Ezekiel: "The word of the Lord came to me [Ezekiel]: ?Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: [They deceitfully say] ?Hear the word of the Lord! [But,] This is what the Sovereign Lord says [to them]: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! Your prophets, O Israel, are like [noisy] jackals [roaming aimlessly] among ruins. You [claim to speak on My behalf, but you] have not gone up to the breaks in the wall to repair it for the house of Israel [that is, you have not turned My people away from their decadent sins] so that it [My house] will stand firm [in righteousness] in the battle on the day of the Lord. Their visions are false and their divinations a lie.' They say, ?The Lord declares,' when the Lord has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, ?The Lord declares,' though I have not spoken?' " (Ezekiel 13:1-7, insertions and italics mine) As you can see, Sandy, false prophets are not a recent problem. In fact, it appears that every time God appointed a true prophet for Israel, many false prophets also sprang up! (See 1 Kings 18:19

and Jeremiah 28.) As you might expect, there are several issues involved in the process of identifying a true prophet. Here are five issues which I hope you will prayerfully consider: 1. God foreknew that His people would have trouble identifying true and false prophets. To reduce this problem, God said to Israel, ". . . Listen to my words: ?When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.' " (Numbers 12:6) This text reveals how God gives information to a prophet. When a prophet speaks, people do not know whether the prophet is lying (speaking out of his own imagination) or if the prophet has actually received a dream or a vision from God. God told Israel to listen to everyone who claims to have received a vision from Him because such persons must either be exonerated or destroyed! " ?But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death.' You may say to yourselves, ?How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?' If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him [or his lies, so put him to death]." (Deuteronomy 18:20-22, insertion mine) 2. Jesus said that false prophets can perform great signs and miracles, so we know that displays or manifestations of supernatural power do not necessarily mean that God has sent a prophet. In fact, the book of Revelation reveals that a time is coming when the devil himself will call fire down out of the sky to prove that he is God, and this overwhelming miracle will deceive most of the inhabitants of Earth. "And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. . . ." (Revelation 13:13,14) So, the ability to perform miracles does not prove that a prophet is sent from God. 3. The Bible also indicates that a prophet cannot validate himself. In other words, no person becomes a prophet because he decides to be a prophet and neither can men appoint a prophet. God Himself decides who will speak for Him - and that person may prophesy once during his entire life or he may prophesy many times. (1 Samuel 19) Paul wrote, "All these [gifts, including the gift of prophecy] are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he [the Spirit] gives them to each one, just as he determines." (1 Corinthians 12:11, insertions and emphasis mine) Jesus said, "If I testify about myself [claiming that I am the Messiah], my testimony is not valid. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid. You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth [that I am the Messiah]." (John 5:31-33, insertions mine) If a person is "gifted" with visions from God, this gift will become evident over time. Spiritually mature people will test and validate the gift and of course, time will prove whether the prophet spoke for God or out of his own imagination. True prophets are not popular during their lifetime because Almighty God does not trifle with man nor does God send trivial messages through His prophets. When God sends a message, His words cut like a double-edged sword. God condemns sin and exposes error. So, the message of a true prophet is usually hated, and historically, the life span of a true prophet is short and painful. Jesus acknowledged Israel's customary treatment of the prophets saying, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather

your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." (Matthew 23:37) 4. During the early days of the Christian church, the Spirit of prophecy was actively working through the apostles because Jesus used the gifts of the Spirit to separate fact from fiction. The early Christian church became filled with self-appointed prophets (liars) and false teachers with disastrous results. Consider the contrast between these two texts: "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there [in Iconium], speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders." (Acts 14:3, italics and insertion mine) On the other hand, the churches in Pergamum and Thyatira soon fell into apostasy because false prophets and teachers had infiltrated them. Jesus said to the church at Pergamum, "Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." (Revelation 2:14-16) Jesus also said to the church at Thyatira, "Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling." (Revelation 2:20, 21) True prophets (a) will promote ideals and doctrines that conform to God's Word, and (b) can do miracles as God deems necessary to affirm the validity of their testimony. 5. Sandy, since this is a brief response to a rather large subject, please pay close attention to these closing remarks. In terms of authority, the Bible is a closed book. When the apostolic age ended, the Bible was completed. God has not given subsequent prophets any information that extends Scripture. Everything that God wanted said in the Bible has been said in the Bible and the Canon was closed. This means that all prophetic utterances since the apostolic age must be tested by Scripture. The words of prophets today are not authoritative (that is, their words are not to be regarded as an extension to Scripture). True prophets always direct people to the Bible because every true prophet knows that the Bible is man's sole authority in matters pertaining to God. Yes, we should consider the claims of people who say that God has told them something, but we have to test their claims by the Bible. Paul wrote, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22) Those claiming to receive dreams or visions from God are not to be revered, quoted as an authority, or worshiped. Instead their words are to be thoroughly challenged by the Word of God and if they bear up after close investigation, the Word of God is to be exalted - not the prophet! The lives of prophets should also be examined. Speaking of prophets, Jesus said, "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." (Matthew 7:19, 20) In closing, true prophets are ordinary people having an extraordinary (and usually, an unpleasant) job to do. Each time a prophet claims to reveal something from God, that claim has to be verified. If the claim is found to be in harmony with Scripture, then a clearer understanding of Scripture will unfold and the body of Christ will be blessed! Otherwise, I hope you will have nothing to do with the subtle lies of a false prophet!

by Larry Wilson

Now I want to show you why, and how, she fulfills the "12 biblical bests of a true prophet." Friend, I have yet to find any of these prophets in other churches who can pass even three or four of these tests, let alone all twelve. Here are the twelve tests of a prophet. Test Number One: Deuteronomy 18:21-22: "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." In other words, if a prediction a prophet makes does not come to pass, he is a false prophet. That's pretty straightforward, isn't it? Not some predictions, but every prediction must come just as prophesied. This one just blows all these other guys out of the water! No excuses! Some may say, "But what about Jonah? He prophesied that Nineveh would be destroyed. He was God's prophet, but it never happened. What about that?" Yes, friend, God told Jonah that if Nineveh didn't repent, He would destroy it, but they heeded Jonah's word and they repented, so God didn't destroy it. If a person is God's prophet, that prophecy comes to pass according to the conditions given, period! Test Number Two: Numbers 12:6 "And he said, hear now my words: if there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." According to the Bible, a true prophet of God receives his communications from God by two distinct methods: dreams and visions. That's what the Bible says and no further comment should really be necessary. Test Number Three: Numbers 24:4 and 16 "He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open...He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:"

Therefore, test number three of these divine manifestations that God gives to identify a true prophet while in vision, is that their eyes remain open. Very interesting, because this perfectly describes what would happen to Ellen White while she was in vision. People in her day would wave their hands in front of her face trying to make her blink. On several occasions men would take their fists and act as if they were going to hit her, then would stop just a couple of inches from her nose! Never once would she blink while in vision. She was oblivious to what was happening around her! Test Number Four: Daniel 10:17 "For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me." Another test of a true prophet is that they have no breath while in vision. In other words, they don't breathe. According to scripture, this is one of the miracles God performs to identify a genuine prophet. While in vision, they don't breathe. During some of Ellen White's first visions, people would hold a mirror in front of her mouth to see if there was any condensation on it. Why, one man even came up and put his hand over her nose and mouth to see if she was breathing. In one instance, there was a spiritualist physician in Parkville, Maryland, who bragged, "Ellen White just hypnotizes herself. If she ever 'went into vision' when I was around, I'd snap her out of it. She wouldn't pull that kind of stuff around me." You know, God vindicated His servant, because she went into vision one day when this man was in the room. Now was his chance to "snap her out" of her "mesmerized" state. So he went up to her and began doing the things he believed would bring her out of her hypnotized state. Suddenly, he turned and ran for the door. Just as he got out the side door, the deacon grabbed him by the arm and said, "Where are you going, doctor?" He turned around and in a strangled voice said, "My God! She doesn't breathe!" Test Number Five: Daniel 10:18 "Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me." Before a vision, a prophet may be very weak in physical strength. But when taken in vision, a true prophet will suddenly receive supernatural strength. On one occasion, Sister White lifted a Bible that weighed approximately 18 pounds, and held it out at arm's length for over 30 minutes! You should know that she was a frail woman who weighed less than 100 pounds. Here's a picture of that 18 pound Bible. That's a regular Bible laying on top of it. Notice the difference. Also, while holding the Bible, Ellen also quoted the scripture on the pages exposed at that moment, without looking at them.

I've had that very Bible in my hand. And with veins bulging on my neck, I held it at arm's length for 53 seconds! (My arm was shaking for two minutes after that.) Why, the one-time "strongest man in the world," Mr. Universe, held that Bible out at arm's length for four minutes. And friend, let me assure you, all the things I'm telling you today are documented, I'm not just talking off the cuff here. Test Number Six: Jeremiah 28:9 "The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him." A true prophet absolutely does not lie. His predictions will be one hundred percent fulfilled. Test Number Seven: 2 Peter 1:20 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." A true prophet does not give his own interpretation of scripture. Every prophecy he or she proclaims will agree with already established truth. If they receive new light, it must agree with the old light God has already given. Test Number Eight: 2 Peter 1:21 "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

So, a true prophet prophesies in the name of the Lord, not in his own name. A true prophet will manifest the fruits of that same spirit because he or she speaks through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Test Number Nine: 1 Corinthians 14:3 "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." In other words, a true prophet gives direction to God's true church. And a true prophet's messages will cover all of these three areas: Edification -- to instruct morally; Exhortation -- this means to strongly advise; and Comfort -- to soothe in distress or sorrow, to console. All of these three things will be exemplified by a true prophet. Test Number Ten: Isaiah 8:19-20 "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." God gives a clear distinction between false prophets and true prophets here -- between the works of hellish darkness, and the works of heavenly light. How could it be any plainer? God says, "To the law," what's the law? It is the ten commandment law of God, " . . . and to the testimony . . ." What's the testimony? The "testimony" is the rest of scripture. " . . . If they speak not according to this word [the 10 commandments and the Bible], it is because they have no light in them." Friend, that's not what I say, it's what God says. That means a true messenger of God will keep all of God's ten commandments. In other words, a true prophet of God is going to be a seventh-day Sabbathkeeper.

Was Ellen White a seventh-day Sabbath-keeper? You better believe she was. God showed her in vision how this commandment was being desecrated, ignored, and forgotten by almost the entire world. And through the prophetic gift of this little lady, God raised up a people who would honor all of His commandments. Test Number Eleven: 1 John 4:1-3 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they, are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world." A true prophet believes in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and will never question the fact that Jesus came in man's fallen nature, in our fallen flesh. The Bible says any person, or church,

claiming that Jesus Christ came to this earth in any other way, than in the fallen flesh that you and I have, is the spirit of antichrist. In other words, it's imperative that you and I understand correctly Christ's human nature while on this earth. Ellen White believed and taught the correct biblical definition of Christ's human nature: He came to this earth in our nature, in our fallen, human flesh. But in spite of that, He never yielded to temptation; He was sinless, and you and I can be victorious over all sin in our life through the power, and the blood, and the strength of our Lord, Jesus Christ, our perfect Example. Hebrews 4:15: "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities [not Adam's - the infirmities before he fell - he didn't have any - our infirmities]; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Don't you see, Jesus' perfect life on this earth was an example for us to follow. 1 Peter 2:21, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye [we] should follow his steps." This test, Number 11 plainly states that God's true messengers on this earth will be teaching victory over sin, and that Jesus' perfect life is not our substitute, but our example! Very important: Christ was our substitute only on Calvary. His perfect life is our example! Through the power and strength of Jesus Christ, can we stop sinning? Yes! Jude 24: "Unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy." There is not one sin in our life that Jesus cannot give us victory over, if we will just let Him do so. Test Number Twelve: Matthew 7:15-16 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. . ." In other words, look at what their ministry produces. If all they produce is a good time, with theme parks and water slides, and all they spend their time doing, is telling people to send them money, on the authority of the Word of God, that person is a false prophet. Answer one question: why do all these false prophets today, insist you send them your money? If they're truly of God, they should be happy for it going anywhere in God's work. But no, they tell you that you must send it to them before God will bless you. Well, "by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20). This is exactly what God showed Ellen White about false prophets in the last days. Look at the fruits of a ministry, look at the fruits of a messenger. Are they preaching the truth, or lining their own pockets? Very important!

Now friend, we just looked at the twelve biblical tests of a true prophet. You can examine the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you can apply these twelve tests to any person who has ever lived since the time of John the Revelator, which was around 100 A.D. You can take these twelve tests of Scripture and line them up with anyone who has lived in the past 1800 years.

Please Note: You may find in this and other pages at this site a "critical analysis" of manmade religion. Sometimes we may even make mention of Church names, etc. But PLEASE understand that WE ARE NOT criticizing the People who hold to these Churches or Groups as their absolute - but rather we are offering a "critical analysis" by the Word of God, of the "SYSTEM(S)" of man-made, man-controlled religion.

Dr. Billy Graham once made a critical analysis of the Church systems and came to the
conclusion that "The Holy Spirit could leave the church and it would go right on doing 90% of what it was doing; and NOT KNOW that the Holy Spirit had left." We believe that according to Revelation 3:14-22, the Holy Spirit is on the "outside" of the Church, knocking, calling, NOT to the church BUT to the individual in the church. He has been pushed out by tradition, manmade programs, and worldliness. His leadership has been usurped by man. MAY YOU HEAR HIS VOICE CALLING YOU, THROUGH THE REVEALED WORD FOR THIS AGE.

Prophets have always played a very important part in the unfolding of the plan and purpose of
God. The Bible has MUCH to say about prophets. In Genesis 20:7 we find the first reference to "a prophet".....

Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.

These words were spoken to Abimelech, King of Gerar. Abraham had dealt deceitfully with
Abimelech. In an attempt to hide the fact that Sarah was his wife, Abraham, fearing for his life, told Abimelech that she was his sister. Therefore, Abimelech, took Sarah and would have made her 'his' wife if God did not warn the King in a dream, instructing Abimelech to "...restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, AND HE SHALL PRAY FOR THEE, and thou shalt live...

From this portion of Scripture we see two things - first: Prophets are humble and sincere but in
themselves, they are NOT infallible; but they serve an infallible God who allows His servants to sometimes stumble to teach us that "Without Him we can do nothing." (John 15:5). Secondly: In spite of their weaknesses and failures, God still demands 'respect' for His prophets. "...do my prophets no harm." (Psalms 105:15).

The Lord instructed King Abimelech to "give Sarah back and Abraham would pray for him".
The King not only gave Sarah back to Abraham but also gave him, sheep oxen and servants; and the very one who had gotten him into trouble with God in the first place was the only one who could pray and ask God to heal Abimelech and all his household and his nation. This shows the "high esteem" in which God held His prophets.

In this age, considering what Abraham had done, he would have been the last one that most
professing Christians would call on to pray for them. Yet, Abraham was God's choice. It is a self-righteous generation which looks for fault, weaknesses, and/or mistakes in the lives of others in order to justify their negative opinion of that individual's belief and teachings. Moses, Job, Samson, King David, King Solomon and other Bible Characters would be rejected by this selfrighteous generation. But each one was "God's choice".

In 2nd Chron. 20:20 the importance of the office of a prophet is further established:
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

God, in His Word, the Bible, has Promised, to send a Prophet, first to the Gentiles and then the
Jews, in the spirit and power of Elijah, just before the "Great and Dreadful day" of the Lord. That Prophet is to "restore ALL things" (Matthew 17:11) and "finish the Mystery of God" (Revelation 10:7) and "Forerun the Second Coming" of the Lord Jesus Christ (Malachi 4:56). You will find numerous references to this throughout this Home Page. BUT God also warns us that the last days will witness the rise of MANY False Prophets. One TRUE Prophet is promised to the Gentiles, But MANY false ones will arise to "Deceive MANY".

Bible history bears witness to the fact that True Prophets, at the beginning of their ministries
attracted much attention. MANY followed them when they FIRST started out with signs and

wonders, But when they begin to lay in the Word, asking people to line up with the Truth, Most of the people followed him no more. Our Lord Jesus had the same experience in the days of His flesh. He was a great Prophet when He just went forth with Signs and wonders, healing the sick and raising the dead, BUT one day He gave them "The WORD TEST" (John 6:53-67). Jesus "tested" their discipleship with "Doctrine" - A strange Doctrine indeed. MANY of His disciples cut Him off right there and then. The went back and walked NO MORE with Him. Every TRUE PROPHET of God experiences the same thing.

In the last day NOT Many will be following the TRUE Prophet but Millions will be following
the False prophets. So many would be following the FALSE WAY that Jesus said, "WHEN the Son of Man comes, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON THE EARTH?" (Luke 18:8). The vast majority of what is called 'Christian' DOES NOT have the faith which Jesus requires of them in this hour - Belief in the WHOLE BODY of Revealed Truth. WHY is the church in this conditon? BECAUSE of the MANY False Prophets, who, from the pulpits are Crucifying the True Word and making it of non-effect to the people by calling it error. All they're giving the people is "traditional Christianity" void of Faith.

It is written in Matthew 7...

7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
revening wolves. 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.....

Speaking specifically of the "Last Days" Matthew in chapter 24 warns...

24:11 And MANY false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive MANY. 24:24 For there shall arise false 'Christs', and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and
wonders; insomuch that if (it were) possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

If indeed the "True" and the "False" prophet would be so close so as to deceive the very
elected (if it were possible), then HOW are we to distinguish the "True" from the "False"? Since These things are a matter of Life and death, we must be able to separate the two. How are we going to determine which is True and which is False? Does God expect us to judge "that prophet" according to the "traditions" of the church - if so, WHICH church?

If we were to judge our Lord Jesus according to the traditions of the Jewish church, He would
be judged a "false Prophet" - and by the 'religious leaders' of His day He was declared to be 'false', even Beelzebub, the prince of devils. If HE were to appear among us today, dressed in a two or three piece suit, doing the same things He did back then, perform the same signs and wonders, THE DENOMINATIONALS AND NON-DENOMINATIONAL RELIGOUS

PEOPLE WOULD CRUCIFY HIM AGAIN. why??? Because He would scream out against the "traditions, false doctrines, and worldliness" pervading the church World today.

COME ON! LET"S BE HONEST! "NOT ONE" denomination or non-denominational

group is maintaining the "standard" they started out with. WHY??? Because they put a PERIOD, even an Exclamation Mark behind the Truth which God had given them in their day. Their "CREED" was forever settled (not in Heaven) but in the Church, and they aren't going to allow anyone to add to it or take away from it - not even God. Jesus found the same opposition 2000 years ago. They weren't going to allow Jesus to change anything They crucified Him.

The Bible says, "There, They, Crucified Him." THERE - in the most holy city; THEY - the
most holy people; CRUCIFIED - the most shameful death; HIM - the most Precious Person. Let God send His Servant and Messenger today (as He has) to call the churches to repentance, rebuke their worldliness, condemn their "Traditions, Creeds and Dogmas" and correct them in their teachings, they condemn him and brand him a false prophet. In their pulpits (the most holy place) and internet pages, THEY (the so-called holy people), CRUCIFY (by calling it false) the WORD Revealed in This Age.

WHY WOULD the churches do such a thing? Revelation 3:14-22 holds the answer. In verse
15, our Lord Jesus informs the Church systems in this Age (NONE are exempt), "I KNOW THY WORKS!" Then in verse 16 He passes His judgement on the Church - they are SPIT OUT of the mouth of God. OF COURSE, in verse 17, the Church doesn't agree with God's judgement. God looks down and sees the Church (in general) wallowing in self-righteousness, saying, "I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing..." BUT GOD SAID, (verse 17), the Church "DOESN'T KNOW that it is "Wretched, and miserable, and BLIND, and NAKED."

Now, I'm only telling you what the Bible says. Make no wonder it says in Revelation 18:4:
18:4 "And I heard another Voice from Heaven, saying, COME OUT OF HER, my people, that
ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues;"

Surely we can't look to the Church Systems of this day to Vindicate or Sanction any Prophet
that God might send our way. No Church will Vindicate any Messenger unless he identifies completely with their way of teaching things. Therefore, amidst all the false prophets that swarm the earth today, promoting their favorite denomination, non-denominational group, doctrine or tradition, HOW are we going to find and identify the TRUE PROPHET of God?

As we consider "God's Way" of identifying a True Prophet let's remember.....

Just because the Prophet teaches something different from the church's 'traditional teaching' - that doesn't mean that the Prophet is false or wrong. THERE IS AN ABSOLUTE POSSIBILITY in the Light of "Revelation 3:15-18" that the Church IS WRONG in HOW it has taught "certain" doctrines over the years.

Indeed, the scientists have taken the world further with their scientific knowledge than the
Church has with the Word of God. In fact the churches have not progressed in revelation beyond the foundation revelation(s) which iniatiated the Revival that each church or group came out of. It's a sad epitaph for the church - That's why God judges her thus in Revelation 3:15-17. He 'winked' at their ignorance for a season (Acts 17:30), but now, IN THE LIGHT OF THE REVEALED WORD, by the Prophet He has sent in this AGE, He commands ALL men everywhere to repent. (Revelation 3:19).

Therefore, you know and I know that NO CHURCH is in any position to judge or pass
judgement on "God's Chosen Vessel". By what authority does any church that has been "spit" out of the mouth of God (Revelation 3:16), stand in judgement on "That Prophet" whom God has sent into the world. WHO judged MOses? WHO was ordained to sit in judgement on Elijah, Elisha, or John The Baptist? The WORD Itself Testifies of the Prophets and they testify of the Truth of the Word, even when it is directly opposite to what the people and the church teaches.

If indeed we are to judge a Prophet by the church - then tell me, WHICH CHURCH???
Pentecostal (oneness or Trinity)? WHICH Pentecostal denomination? Methodist? WHICH Methodist denomination? Baptist? WHICH Baptist denomination. One of the NonDenominational churches? WHICH ONE? Common sense will tell you that you can't take the judgement of one above the other.

A TRUE Prophet Versus A FALSE Prophet It Is Written in 2nd. Chronicles 20:20...

20:20b Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS,
So shall ye prosper."

Again we have "Thus Saith The Lord!" in Psalms 105:15...

105:15 ...Saying, touch not mine anointed, and DO MY PROPHETS NO HARM.

To distinguish between the True and the False is becoming increasingly more difficult for the
people of the Twentieth Century to do. WHY??? Because they have, and are becoming more and more complex in their thinking. The people have become so set in their own ideas as to HOW a prophet should come, and WHAT he will be like, and WHAT he will say and HOW he will act. But according to Scripture God always does it contrary to the human way of thinking.

He always does things according to His Word BUT Contrary to man's interpretation of that Word.

The human being tends to 'take pride' in his seeming knowledge and understanding of the
Bible. They have it all figured out (based on traditional teaching of the churches). Yet when God comes on the scene and fulfills His Word, man fails to recognize it. It's happened in every age. It happened when Jesus came the first time and according to Scripture, it will happen at the time of His Second Coming. The Bible says, "When a man 'thinks he knows' something, he knows nothing as yet as he ought to know it." (1st. Corinthians 8:2).

Ask yourself this question: If YOU were living in the days of John the Baptist, WOULD
YOU have recognized him as a TRUE Prophet of God? John came apart from EVERY school of religious thought. He was not a priest, though he was entitled by birth to be one. He was not a Pharisee, nor was he a sadducee. There is no record that he belonged to the Essenes. He was not educated either formally or religiously by men. he was however, filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's Womb, and that same Spirit that filled him taught him.

His aims were so different from those around him that he was NOT ONLY misunderstood
but VIOLENTLY repudiated. He was not truly understood by his own disciples, and much less understood by the groups who came to question him. His coming, his actions, his preaching - all seemed to cause more confusion than illumination. He seemed more against men than for men. In all realms, except that of the Spirit, he was a non-conformist. EXCEPT for the Very Elect of that day he was either repudiated or held in doubt.

Surely we must credit Bible History when it shows profusely that EVERY MAJOR PROPHET and Messenger of God was both MISUNDERSTOOD and finally REJECTED by ALL except a bare minority in whom was the Spirit of the Living God.

Regarding the True Prophet versus the False Prophet, Jesus said, "By their fruits ye shall know
them" (Matthew 7:15-20). BUT then the Question can be asked, "WHAT fruit?" The Same Bible which warns of false prophets and how to identify them, also tells us how to recognize a True Prophet sent from God. Many times people will focus in on the gifts and miracles produced in the different ministries. BUT according to the Bible a "TRUE Prophet" is not to be vindicated by his gifts and miracles alone. He can have these things and still be a "False Prophet". Remember! The Gift and the Miracle aren't false, yet there is an aspect of the man's ministry that is false.

It is written in Matthew 7:22-23...

7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy Name? And in
the Thy Name have cast out Devils? And in thy Name done many wonderful works? 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Mark in his Gospels says:

13:22 For false christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to
seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

Moses in Deuteronomy also warns about, NOT the signs and wonders, but the "teaching" of
false prophets. There's always a Voice or Message that follows every sign God sends. Here, Moses is warning about the "Voice" or "Message - Teaching" which follows the Sign shown by the prophet.

13:1 If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a
wonder, 13:2 And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 13:3 Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

False Prophets will prevent the people from following on to know the Lord in the higher
heights and deeper depths of His Word. They will teach the People to follow after the 'gods' of denominations, non-denominationals and independant groups. A TRUE Prophet will always point to GOD and the Absolute Authority of the Word of God, NOT to a church creed (written or unwritten), and not to any ism or cult.

False prophets will look like sheep (Matthew 7:15). False prophets will be WIDELY
ACCEPTED MEN, LIKED, ADMIRED AND WELL SPOKEN OF BY ALL! Luke says: "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets" (Luke 6:26).

False prophets make the people to trust in a lie:

"Then said the Prophet Jeremiah, unto Hananiah, the Prophet, 'Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord hath not sent thee, but thou makest this people to trust in a lie" (Jeremiah 28:15) Here we have "two" prophets - one True and one false. Hananiah, the FALSE Prophet was wide accepted and recognized by the King, the Church and the people. Jeremiah, the TRUE Prophet was considered odd and fanatical - according to the Jewish Church of the day, he wasn't to be taken serious in his teachings.

In the end it was discovered that Hananiah and four hundred Jewish Church leaders of that
day, had a "lying spirit" on them. Even so today - according to the Bible (2nd. Thess. 7-12), God has sent a strong delusion upon the religious people of the Gentile world, to cause them to believe "the lie" and be damned, because they receive not the love of the Truth revealed in their day, by His vindicated Prophet. Rather than accept Truth the vast majority will believe the lie of church tradition, thinking that they'll be saved without lining up with ALL of the Word of God (Matthew 4:4). See also Jeremiah 23:16-17; Ezekiel 13:10a. Jesus said: "IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, then are ye my disciples indeed..." (John 8:31). "AWAKE! Thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee LIGHT" (Ephesians 5:14).

False Prophets will pervert the ways of the Lord for their own purposes, as shown in Acts
13:6-12 and Exodus 7:8-12. They will have power BUT it will be nothing compared to the power manifested in God's True Prophet. Yet the ways of the False prophet are extremely deceptive as revealed in Jeremiah 23:9-32 and Exodus 13. It is the thousands of false prophets standing behind church pulpits today who are leading the people astray - to believe a lie and think that they can live in sin, adultery and fornication; fashion themselves after the rest of the world and still be saved. IN ALL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL MESS IN THE WORLD TODAY, ONLY THE ELECTED SEED OF GOD WILL NOT BE DECEIVED ( Matthew 24:24, 2nd Chronicles 18 and Jeremiah 28). And they won't be indentifying with any denomination or non-denominational group(s), they will be identifying with the WORD FOR THEIR DAY. Praise the Lord!

One Final Test God said: "And if thou say in thine heart, how shall we know the word which the LORD hath
NOT spoken? When a PROPHET SPEAKETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, if the thing

follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath NOT spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptyously: thou shalt no be afraid of him," (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

That is how to tell a True Prophet - When he prophesies in the Name of the Lord and the thing
comes to pass. Jeremiah 28:9 says: "The prophet who prophesieth of peace, WHEN THE WORD OF THE PROPHET SHALL COME TO PASS, THEN SHALL THE PROPHET BE KNOWN, THAT THE LORD HATH TRULY SENT HIM." To deliberately reject and/or mis-represent what the prophet says, is to be found guilty of "rejecting the counsel of God" against yourself, as did the Pharisees when they rejected John's Message (Luke 7:30).

A TRUE PROPHET will not take the people away from the WORD of God. He will always
be pointing the people, not to a church, but to the WORD, even when it is contrary to the 'traditional teachings' of the Churches of the day. Every AGE has had it's Messenger. This Age has had a Messenger-Prophet. But in every Age when the Messenger came on the scene, there was always something in their teaching which was contrary to the accepted teachings of the church of that Age.

Aside from the fact that William Branham's ministry was accompanied by the "Pillar of Fire",
an Angel from the Presence of God, a Cloud of Seven Angels in 1963, he came with an "Open Vision" ministry, manifesting the "sign" of the Son of Man and NOT ONE TIME did his visions fail. When discerning the thoughts and intents (pass, present and future) of the hearts of the people, NOT ONE TIME did it fail. Surely, the same God that was so able to control a man to do these things, was also able to control what he was teaching. William Branham himself confessed saying that the "same God" who does these things through him is the "same One" who tells Him what to teach. BUT of course, man being the nature that he is, wishes to acknowledge God in the Signs and Wonders BUT deny Him in the teaching.

SURELY, we see now, that if we were to reject this ministry and call William Branham a
false prophet, then without a doubt we would have judged the Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ the same way if we were living in the days when He walked among us in flesh, doing the SAME signs and wonders as was manifested in the ministry we present in this Home Page. Remember - Your attitude today would have been your attitude in Jesus' day.

Any SERIOUS investigator, looking into this Home Page will have no recourse (unless
he/she be BLINDED by tradition) , but to acknowledge that God has indeed visited this Age in the Life and Ministry of a Mighty Prophet. The William Branham Home Page will show that William Branham was VINDICATED by God, RECOGNIZED by his contemporaries as a major prophet, THEN REJECTED by a wayward and arrogant Laodicean generation.

Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments

[and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets. (2nd Kings 17:13). False Prophets
undermine the authority of God; draws the people to himself; makes the Word of God of no effect in the people's lives and teaches for doctrine the commandments of men. Such was not the case with God's prophet to the twentieth century.

Don't take what someone else is saying about it. "Come and See." Study it for yourself and may the God of ALL Grace enlighten your willing heart and eyes to see WHAT He HAS done in this Age to prepare us for the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus, the Resurrection and Rapture.

To God Be The Glory Great Things He Hath Done

Prophet: True or False?

Written by Gil Student [The Lord said to Moses: "] I will raise up a prophet for them from among their own people, like yourself: I will put My words in his mouth and if he fails to heed the words he speaks in My name, I Myself will call him to account. But any prophet who presumes to speak in My name an oracle which I did not command him to utter, or who speaks in the name of other gods -- that prophet shall die." And should you ask yourselves, "How can we know that the oracle was not spoken by the Lord?" -- if the prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and the oracle does not come true, that oracle was not spoken by the Lord; the prophet has uttered it presumptuously: do not stand in dread of him. Deut. 18:18-22 (NJPS translation)

Defining A True And False Prophet A simple reading of the passage tells us that we know how to discover a false prophet -- if his prophecy does not come true. However, we do not know how distinguish between a false and true prophet until one of his prophecies is proven false. Until that time we can never be certain that he is a true prophet. 1. Maimonides [Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 10:1-2; Introduction to Mishnah, Vilna Shas, sec. 2 p. 106] explains that this verse tells us how to discern whether a prophet is true or false. Since false prophets are never totally correct, even when they are correct in predicting the future they make mistakes on the details, and true prophets are always totally correct, even regarding the details, after a number of tests it can be accurately determined whether a prophet is truly relaying the word of G-d. If his prophecies consistently come true, we know that he is

true. Otherwise he is false. [The Turei Even quoted by R. Yosef Kaffih in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah ch. 10 n. 5 puts the number of required tests at three.] The R. Nissim ben Reuven (Ran) [Derashot HaRan (ed. Feldman) p. 206 ff.] objects to Maimonides' logic. The biblical passage tells us that a prophet whose prophecies do not come true is a false prophet. It does not tell us the converse -- that a prophet whose prophecies come true is a true prophet. Consider the following -- one who does not observe the Sabbath is not righteous. Does that imply that one who observes the Sabbath is definitely righteous? Not necessarily. Similarly, just because the prophet has not yet been proven false does not mean that he is a true prophet. [To the Ran's objection, Maimonides could counter that the example is not the same. No one but a true prophet is capable of predicting the future consistently and accurately. However, many people who are not righteous can observe the Sabbath. Therefore, anyone who prophesies the future correctly a number of times must be a true prophet while one who observes the Sabbath is not necessarily righteous.] 2. The above passage, the Ran explains, is speaking solely about a false prophet. Since a false prophet is executed we need to know how to determine if he is false. A true prophet is not discussed in this passage. However, the Ran suggests, based on a tradition relayed in the Talmud [Sanhedrin 89a-b], that if someone produces a miraculous sign, an action that goes against nature, he is believed to be a true prophet until proven false. Granted, it is known that signs can be produced falsely, whether through trickery or black magic. However, a sign alone is sufficient to give one the presumption of prophecy. R. Yitzchak Abarbanel [Commentary to the Torah (Jerusalem:1964), vol. 3 pp. 177-178], however, objects to the Ran's suggestion that the passage does not discuss the determination of a true prophet since only a false prophet is punished. The passage specifically says that a true prophet who does not follow his own word will be punished -"if he fails to heed the words he speaks in My name, I Myself will call him to account". Since the passage discusses the punishment of both a true and false prophet, it must also discuss the definition of a true and false prophet. [To this objection, the Ran could reply that since a true prophet will be punished by G-d, not man, we do not have to know how to determine who is a true prophet. G-d will know and will punish accordingly. Only a false prophet is punished by man and therefore requires identification by man.] 3. Abarbanel agrees with Maimonides that both a true and false prophet can be identified by their initial prophecy. If it comes true, the prophet is true, otherwise the prophet is false. However, while the Rambam requires a number of prophecies to determine the status of the prophet, the Abarbanel claims that only one prophecy is sufficient. Both the moral character of the prophet and the divine assistance in performing this test will demonstrate the truth in one trial. It seems fundamental that a prophet must be moral and righteous. The passage above begins "I will raise up a prophet for them from among their own people, like yourself". Like Moses, the prophet will be righteous. In addition to that, when the test occurs, G-d will ensure that a false prophet will fail. Testing A Prophet 4. A further disagreement revolves around exactly what type of prophecy will be the basis of this test. Maimonides [Introduction to Mishnah, ibid.] explains that there are three types of prophecy about the future -- a public prophecy of bad things, a public prophecy of good things, and a private prophecy. The definition here of public and private regards whether this prophecy is given to the prophet with the intention that he publicize it or for his own private benefit. If the prophecy is public, then a bad prophecy may not come true if those intended to be punished repent. G-d will relent from the punishment due to their change. If the public prophecy is of a good future event, then it will definitely come true. A private prophecy may or may not come true. If the person intended to be punished repents or the person intended to be rewarded sins then G-d may relent. However, a public good prophecy must always come true. Maimonides says this based on the passage in the Talmud [Berachot 7a] that any prophecy that emitted from G-d, even on condition, will not be changed. This, the Rambam claims, is referring to a public good prophecy.

Since this is the only type of prophecy that will always come true, this must be the basis for a test of a prophet's truth. If a prophet makes a public prophecy of a good future event and it does not come true in all its details then we know the prophet is false. R. Chasdai Crescas [Or Hashem 2:4:2] disagrees with Maimonides' claim that a public good prophecy must always come true based on the following passage in Jeremiah. Jeremiah 18:7-10 (NJPS translation) At one moment I may decree that a nation or a kingdom shall be uprooted and pulled down and destroyed; but if that nation against which I made the decree turns back from its wickedness, I change My mind concerning the punishment I planned to bring on it. At another moment I may decree that a nation or a kingdom shall be built and planted; but if it does what is displeasing to Me and does not obey Me, then I change My mind concerning the good I planned to bestow upon it. Here we see Jeremiah clearly stating that a public good prophecy, "that a nation or a kingdom shall be built and planted", can be revoked if the intended recipient of the reward sins. Abarbanel [ibid.] also objects that it seems unjust for G-d to reward someone who no longer deserves it. It seems to undermine the process of reward and punishment to reward someone undeserving. [One could answer this objection with the general concept that while G-d is generally exactly fair, He is sometimes overly generous, even to those undeserving.] Additionally, Maimonides' claim that G-d can relent on a private good prophecy and not a public good prophecy bothers Abarbanel. Does G-d really have differing standards between a private and public communication? Is G-d really that inconsistent? [Maimonides could respond that regarding the prophecies, G-d is consistent. However, for the sake of public confidence in true prophets, G-d is willing to reward those undeserving. However, public confidence has no place in a private prophecy.] 5. R. Chasdai Crescas [ibid.] posits that the passage in Jeremiah is the general rule. Any prophecy is subject to repeal based on a change in behavior, since the general equation of reward and punishment is an underlying albeit unstated condition to the prophecy. The condition that a good prophecy will only come true if the intended recipient does not sin and a bad prophecy if the intended recipient does not repent is a given. However, when a prophet specifically prophesies as part of a test of his status, the condition is inapplicable and the prophecy can not be revoked. Since the prophecy is not part of reward and punishment but part of testing a prophet, there is no underlying condition. Therefore, while Maimonides would insist that a prophet can only be tested on a good prophecy, Crescas would allow him to be tested on a bad prophecy as well since any prophecy by which he is tested is guaranteed to come true. However, Crescas has trouble with the above passage from the Talmud that good prophecies must come true. Crescas explains that this passage must be referring to a prophecy that does not discuss reward and punishment and therefore does not have this underlying condition. Understandably, this is a difficult reading. 6. Crescas also offers another solution. He suggests that the passage in Jeremiah is not discussing prophecies at all. It is discussing decisions by G-d that are not relayed via prophecy. If G-d decides to punish a nation who then

repents, G-d will not punish them. And if He decides to reward a nation who then sins, He will no longer reward them. Therefore, the passage in Jeremiah refers to heavenly decisions and the talmudic passage refers to good prophecies, whether public or private. Since, by definition, a private prophecy is unknown to others, a prophet can only be tested on public good prophecies, similar to the Rambam's opinion. Abarbanel [ibid.] argues that it is possible for a prophecy to be both a test for the prophet and for reward and punishment. Who said that a prophet must give a meaningless prophecy for his test? G-d can use the opportunity to prophesy the reward of someone righteous. In that case, the condition is understood and the prophecy can be revoked if the intended recipient sins. Also, if justice demands that a decision to reward be revoked, it should be irrelevant whether the decision was publicized via prophecy or kept in the heavenly domain. Either way, justice should be consistent. Additionally, the word used in Jeremiah for "decree" literally means "speak". It is a bit difficult to attribute that to Divine thought. 7. Abarbanel distinguishes between three types of prophecies -- the miraculous, which is an action that goes contrary to nature, telling of the past or future with neither good nor bad implications (e.g. 1 Samuel 9:19-20, 10:2-8), and telling of good and bad events to come. The first two are not affected by repentance and sin and will therefore always be true. The last, however, is the subject of the passage in Jeremiah and is subject to change if the intended recipient repents or sins. A prophet is tested by either of the first two types of prophecies -- either producing a miraculous sign or predicting a future that is not dependent on reward or punishment. As to the talmudic passage, Abarbanel suggests that this is a minority opinion among talmudic sages with which we need not agree. 8. The Abarbanel offers another explanation of the testing of prophets. He suggests that normally a prophet is not tested, as we don't see Isaiah, Jeremiah, or any other prophets being tested. If a prophet is a moral and righteous person and prophesies according to the Torah as would be expected, then he is believed and presumed to be a true prophet. Only when there are two conflicting prophets, neither of them who have gained a presumption of being a true prophet, do we need to test them. And in that case, when we have two prophets who prophesy opposite occurrences, whomever's prophecy comes true is the true prophet and the other is executed. 9. Nachmanides [Commentary to Genesis 12:6] suggests that, like Jeremiah states, any prophecy, whether for good or for bad, can be revoked based on a change in behavior. However, a prophecy that is accompanied by a po'el dimyon, a symbolic act that serves to represent the prophesied occurence, must always come true [cf. R. Yechezkel Landau, Tzelach, Berachot 7a sv. vamr"y]. Presumably, Nachmanides would say that prophets must be tested based on prophecies that have a po'el dimyon. In summary, according to Maimonides [sections 1 & 4] a prophet is initially tested on a number of public good prophecies. If they all come totally true then he is considered a true prophet. According to the Ran [section 2], a prophet is challenged to produce a miraculous sign. If he does, he is considered a true prophet. According to the Abarbanel's first opinion [sections 3 & 7], a prophet is tested once to either produce a miraculous sign or predict a future event that is unrelated to reward or punishment. According to his second opinion [section 8], a prophet is only tested in the above manner if during his initial period as a prophet he is contradicted by another novice prophet. According to Crescas's first opinion [section 5], a prophet is tested once with any type of prophecy and according to his second opinion [section 6], it must be a public good prophecy. Finally, according to Nachmanides, a prophet is tested based on a prophecy that includes a po'el dimyon.

Rigid Bible test of a true prophet

10 Tests of a Prophet The Bible provides 10 key indicators that determine whether a person is truly receiving visions from God. They are

A true prophets predictions will come to pass (Jeremiah 28:9) He will glorify God rather than himself (John 16:13) He does not give his own private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20, 21) He points out sin (Micah 3:5-8) He warns of coming judgment (Isaiah 24:20, 21) He edifies the church (1 Corinthians 14:3, 4) His message harmonizes with the Bible (Isaiah 8:20) He teaches that Jesus came in the flesh (1 John 4:1-3) He has a Christian character (Matthew 7:16-20). He is obedient to the will of God (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Modern psychics simply dont measure up!. Their predictions fail often. They sometimes seem more interested in acquiring fame than in glorifying God. They rarely point out sin or warn of judgment. They often espouse astrology, palm reading, reincarnation, and spirit communication all of which are condemned in the Word of God. Whats worse, they dont adhere to biblical teaching, nor do they generally teach the Christian doctrine of the incarnation of Christ. And the fruits of their teachings, as well as their lives, are often out of harmony with the Bible. Jesus says of them, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16). Would There Be Prophets After Jesus? Its valid to ask if we should expect new prophets after Jesus, since He is the Lord and the ultimate messenger and revealer of the Father. However, notice Jesus warning about knowing false prophets by their fruit. He is speaking to what will soon become the New Testament Church. Why should He warn us of false prophets if there would be no prophets after Him? On the same point, in Ephesians 4:813 (also 1 Corinthians 12:28), Paul said that the gifts of the Spirit would be present till we all come in the unity of the faith. He details those gifts, listing prophets second only to apostles. Even more explicitly, Paul wrote that the Christian church waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ would come short in no gift. Apparently, the gift of prophecy is as essential to the present-day church as it was in the Old Testament. And according to the prophet Joel, the gift of prophecy will continue to be manifest until the end of time. He predicted that sons and daughters would prophesy when Gods Spirit was poured out prior to the second advent of Jesus, which he called the great and terrible day of the Lord (Joel 2:28, 29).

If indeed the prophetic gift is alive and well, is there anyone in recent history who manifested this gift, whose ministry bears the marks of a true prophet of God? It is our purpose to examine the ministry of Ellen White in this fashion, to determine whether she truly did receive visions from the Lord. A true prophets predictions will come to pass (Jeremiah 28:9). The fulfillments of this test in the ministry of Ellen are many, but one of the most startling may be the 1906 San Francisco/Oakland earthquake. Having received warnings of impending judgment upon the city for many years prior, she had her final and most detailed vision regarding its destruction on April 16, 1906. She saw houses shaken like a reed in the wind and buildings falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted, and the judgment day had come. Historical accounts reveal that two days later there was no sign of impending doom until 5:12 a.m., when the San Andreas fault slipped over nearly 270 miles, crumbling the very foundations of the city. In its wake, the quake left 490 city blocks in a state of total devastation and more than 225,000 homeless people, along with over 800 dead and 1,500 injured. Several insurance companies went bankrupt trying to meet the claims. If this was the only example of a prediction fulfilled, we could chalk it up to a lucky guess. But consistently, Ellens predictions concerning political, religious, and personal affairs were fulfilled. The exception to this are conditional prophecies, which we will discuss a little later. Well also share many more of her incredible visions later too.

Biblical Tests of a True Prophet:

1. Do they speak in agreement with the Scriptures? ( Isaiah 8:20 ) 2. All prophecies fulfilled-- 100% (Deut.18:22) 3. Does not lead followers to worship of any other than the one True and Living God. ( Deut. 13:1-3 ) 4. Has fruits of holiness-- Meekness, blameless, faithful, self denying, honest.( Peter 1:21 2 Peter 1:21 , Numbers 12:3 , Daniel 6:4 ) 5. Bears the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy ,peace, longsuffering gentleness, goodness, faith, self-control. ( Galatian 5:22 ) 6. Faithful to reprove sin, despite consequences-- not regarding position or class. (I Kings 22:8 ) 7. Speaks to, rebuke, comfort, instruct and encourage. ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ) 8. Spoken to by God through visions or dreams. ( Numbers 12:6 ) 9. Does not aspire to the attainment of the status of a Prophet, but is chosen by God. (2 Peter 1:21 ) 10.While in vision will become very weak then strengthened. ( Daniel 10:18 ) 11.While in vision, eyes are open and does not breathe. ( Numbers 24:4 ) 12.Does not go into vision at will, but only when God chooses. (2 Peter 1:21 ) 13.Often unpopular ( Luke 6:26 , I Kings 22:8 , Isa. 30:9,10 )

12 Biblical Tests of a True Prophet of God

1) All the predictions of a true prophet come to pass. If a prophet's predictions do not come to pass, the prophet and the predictions are not of God. "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." Deuteronomy 18:21,22 2) A true prophet's predictions will be 100% correct. There is no margin for human error. "The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him." Jeremiah 28:9 3) A true prophet keeps God's law and abides by the testimony of the prophets in God's Word. If a person claims to be a prophet of God, but does not keep God's commandments and does not follow all the testimony of the scriptures, he/she is a false prophet. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20 "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4 4) A true prophet believes in the incarnation of Jesus Christ: that Jesus is God, but that He came to this earth and took on humanity in order to redeem this lost race. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." 1 John 4:1-3 5) A true prophet does not give his own private interpretation. He only interprets what the Lord reveals to him.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." 2 Peter 1:20 6) A true prophet only prophesies in the name of the Lord. He is not concerned about glorifying himself, only the name of the Lord. "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21 7) A true prophet helps and strengthens the body of Christ, his church, and works to uplift it. "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church." 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 8) A true prophet of God will manifest good works; his ministry will produce abundant spiritual fruit. "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:15-20 9) They receive their messages from God in the form of visions or dreams. "And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." Numbers 12:6 10) When they are in vision, their eyes are open and they do not blink. "He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:" Numbers 24:4,16

11) When a true prophet is in vision he/she does not breathe. "For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me." Daniel 10:17 12) A true prophet receives supernatural strength while in vision. "Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, " Daniel 10:18 Additional references: "And the dragon [Satan, see Revelation 12:9] was wroth with the woman [Church, see Revelation 12:6], and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12:17 "...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 19:10 "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7

How to Know if a Person is a True Prophet

How you know if a person is a real prophet? I do not believe we should be looking for prophets today. However, for the sake of discussion, I will give three biblical tests of a true prophet. They are a good way to test prophets for any age or time. A true prophet never turns people away from the true God, even if their signs and wonders come true. This kind of a prophet is sent to see how much people really love the Lord. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 [1] If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, [2] And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; [3] Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to

know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. See All... If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. A true prophet never prophesies something that does not happen. What he says always comes to pass. Otherwise, he is a false prophet. Anybody can be right part of the time. A prophet is always right when he gives a prophesy from God. Deuteronomy 18:20But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. See All... But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. The prophesy of a true prophet always agrees with the written word of God. If their words are not according to God's word, then it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:18Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. See All... Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. 19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. There may be other requirements of a true prophet. However, these three requirements will single out the false prophets in almost every case. David Reagan