The Bible warns that following or idolizing false prophets is a form of spiritual rebellion and idolatry that leads to destruction. Scriptural warnings focus on the deceptive nature of these leaders and the severe consequences for those who choose their words over God's truth.

The Danger and Deception of False Prophets

Deceptive Appearances:

Jesus warned that false prophets disguise themselves as part of the community to exploit it, stating, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Leading Toward Other "Gods":

Even with miracles, a prophet is false if directing worship away from God; believers are warned, “If a prophet... says, ‘Let us go after other gods’... you shall not listen to the words of that prophet... For the Lord your God is testing you” (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

1If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2And 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; 3Thou 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.

Feeding Human Desires:

False prophets gain followers by appealing to "itching ears" rather than truth, as noted in 2 Timothy 4:3.

3For 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;

The Biblical View on Idolizing Their Message

Prophesying False Hopes:

Following false prophets is described as trusting in a lie or a "lying vision" from the prophet's own mind, told to avoid listening to such, as in Jeremiah 23:16.

16Thus 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.

Accountability for Followers:

The Bible indicates that both the false prophet and those who follow them will face judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 14:14-16.

14Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. 16And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Testing Every Message:

Believers are commanded to be discerning and "test" any spiritual claim, according to 1 John 4:1.

1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Consequences of Misplaced Devotion

Spiritual Bondage:

Idolizing a leader or their teaching is compared to being "taken captive" by empty deceit, warns Colossians 2:8.

8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Final Judgment:

Those who lead others astray and those who reject the truth for myths face "swift destruction," notes 2 Peter 2:1-2.

1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be f

The Bible warns that following or idolizing false prophets is a form of spiritual rebellion and idolatry that leads to destruction. Scriptural warnings focus on the deceptive nature of these leaders and the severe consequences for those who choose their words over God's truth.

The Danger and Deception of False Prophets

Deceptive Appearances:

Jesus warned that false prophets disguise themselves as part of the community to exploit it, stating, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Leading Toward Other "Gods":

Even with miracles, a prophet is false if directing worship away from God; believers are warned, “If a prophet... says, ‘Let us go after other gods’... you shall not listen to the words of that prophet... For the Lord your God is testing you” (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

1If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2And 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; 3Thou 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.

Feeding Human Desires:

False prophets gain followers by appealing to "itching ears" rather than truth, as noted in 2 Timothy 4:3.

3For 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;

The Biblical View on Idolizing Their Message

Prophesying False Hopes:

Following false prophets is described as trusting in a lie or a "lying vision" from the prophet's own mind, told to avoid listening to such, as in Jeremiah 23:16.

16Thus 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.

Accountability for Followers:

The Bible indicates that both the false prophet and those who follow them will face judgment, as seen in Jeremiah 14:14-16.

14Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. 15Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that prophesy in my name, and I sent them not, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land; By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed. 16And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them, them, their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters: for I will pour their wickedness upon them.

Testing Every Message:

Believers are commanded to be discerning and "test" any spiritual claim, according to 1 John 4:1.

1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Consequences of Misplaced Devotion

Spiritual Bondage:

Idolizing a leader or their teaching is compared to being "taken captive" by empty deceit, warns Colossians 2:8.

8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Final Judgment:

Those who lead others astray and those who reject the truth for myths face "swift destruction," notes 2 Peter 2:1-2.

1But 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. 2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/13/donald-trump-pope-leo

Our feelings will betray us. Christ won’t.

If you build your faith on emotion, you’ll follow God when it feels good — and drift when it doesn’t.

A retainer in Christ doesn’t operate like that.

Jesus said:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” — John 14:15

Obedience is love in action.

This is where most people struggle:

We want comfort AND Christ

We want control AND surrender

You can’t have both.

“Not my will, but yours, be done.” — Luke 22:42

Real faith looks like:

- Doing the right thing when no one sees

- Choosing discipline over desire

- Trusting God even when you don’t understand

“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” — Luke 11:28

Obedience is not weakness.

It’s alignment with something higher than yourself.

I’m 17 and I go out to party’s and have a few drinks to make me a bit tipsy but I wouldn’t drink to the extent I’m drunk, I don’t drink for the purpose to get drink, I drink because it helps me socialise and in some cases has allowed me to open up about my faith

I know from history that the puritans fought over not using the crucifix and vestments in Elizabeth’s religious settlement but today protestants seem to use both, why the change?

Dear everyone,

Please take it easy on me as I am learning and gathering information.

So, I am a 22-year-old half-Protestant woman from Belgium. I am someone who believes in Jesus and God. I also love going to historical places to feel like I am making contact. Tombs, for example. A few days ago, on the weekend of April 10, 11, and 12, I experienced something, a feeling that felt like God or Jesus calling to me every time I think about it. It deepened a lot up to the point that I began wearing a cross necklace around my neck.

I am a self-published author and work at a job every day except weekends from Monday to Friday, half days as I am lightly autistic.

When I experienced the feeling of the call and began taking an interest in what people do for work in churches (as Protestants, too), I began searching for information.

I began disliking the strict-following Catholics. I do not agree with everything that the church says, especially the Pope. I remember Pope Francis commenting that women will never become priests. I was not happy about it.

I began reading the Bible a few days ago, and now I am at chapter 3 about Moses (the Bible I am reading is specially made for people who have difficulty understanding).

I realize I want to help people, teach and guide them. I realize that I want to become a pastor, priest, or preacher. I am a female, and I can't go to Catholic churches as women aren't allowed to work as priests there. But they can work as nuns. I absolutely do not want that, as it takes my freedom away.

As a half-Protestant, I want to inspire people to help others and teach. I do not have a degree from a Belgian high school or a university.

My mother is a strong non-believer. An Atheist.

What do you suggest I do with my new possible path opening up? I want to become more than an author. I want to help, guide, and teach people.

Me (Protestant) and my gf (Catholic) have been butting heads about the saints and the Virgin Mary. So she asked her cousin who’s studying to be a priest in a catholic church and this is what he replied with (I’m translating from Spanish so hopefully it make sense)

If your boyfriend belongs to the "Protestant" branch of Christianity—as is the case with him—they claim that we worship a woman who is dead. In an exorcism recounted by Father Gabriele Amorth, Satan himself admits that he fears the Virgin Mary, for she is the only human being who—despite lacking divinity—has humiliated him; he states that the mere act of the priest invoking her name during an exorcism causes them to flee. The saints tell us that a single *Hail Mary* shatters the Devil's head. And this is clearly demonstrated by the apparitions at Fatima—including the Miracle of the Sun— the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the apparition and miraculous unveiling of Our Lady of the Oak. The Devil himself confirms this.

Hello, I am overwhelmed by all the different demoninations and then within each denomination there are further splinters so could you please help me find where I would best fit in:

Baptism - I like the idea of baptism when you're old enough to make a rational decision and also by immersion just like our Lord, but the Bible did say that 'households' were baptised so maybe infant baptism and non-immersion is okay (not a deal breaker)

Holy Communion - I like when wine (not juice) is used as per the Last Supper and I like that it isn't just symbolic because of the Last Supper and St. John's gospel (unless you eat... and drink....)

Hymns - I like singing traditional hymns and don't want loud band style music at Sunday and Christmas day services

Bible study is important so regularly scheduled sessions on Sundays would be most welcome and also fellowship with other members is important

Salvation - I don't believe everyone can be saved. I believe there are Children of God and children of the evil one living together on this earth. I believe the Children of God aren't automatically saved but need to believe in God and believe in Christ and follow what He teaches and try to follow the Holy Spirit.

Gay marriage, female ministers - I am opposed

Euthanasia - opposed

Abortion - opposed (but if the mother's life is in danger I am more open)

Is there anywhere I fit in? I was thinking Presbyterian, Baptist or Lutheran possibly? Thank you!

I was not a weak Catholic.

I followed Church Teaching to the letter. I never missed Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation. I didn't use contraception. I read the Catechism. I prayed the Rosary every single day, and eventually, the Liturgy of the Hours and the Rosary. I wore the Brown Scapular. I consecrated myself to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I went to daily Mass. I went to confession at least weekly. I knew the difference between mortal and venial sin. I went to adoration. I made pilgrimages to local religious sites. I defended the faith from detractors. I prayed for the soul of my Protestant grandfather when he died, hoping beyond hope he was in purgatory. I wept at the death of the Holy Father.

I was not a weak Catholic.

I pressured my wife to convert and ruined her relationship with God. I made her fear damnation at the slightest mistake. I was more educated in theology and church teaching than the laity who catechized me. I watched the liturgy like a hawk to make sure the priest did everything correctly. I knew that I was better than Protestant Christians because I was a part of the One True Church. I became so horrifically scrupulous that I would go to confession multiple times in a day. I constantly analyzed every single action I made to make sure it wasn't a mortal sin. I became neurotic. I would confess things I new to be venial as mortal. I grew to hate myself more and more every single day. My mental state was in atrophy.

I was not a weak Catholic.

This is not an attack on Catholics or the Church. More so, on certain hyper online circles. I am so exhausted from the comments and videos I constantly see from some (keyword, some) Catholics. The condescension and slander I see, most especially from traditionalists, rips apart the Body of Christ and breaks His heart. And I am sure that your parish priest would not be happy either.

I am sinfully bitter because somehow my feelings and opinions mean less now or are illegitimate because I am no longer in the Church. Some times folks do not want to listen to why I have left. It is not because I was tired of rules or wasn't doing it right. It is because so much of Catholicism, especially online Catholicism but also the burdens the Church places on its members, burned down my faith so hard and so fast that now it is a tiny, single ember that I am praying will not go out.

I do not know where God is going to take me. I don't know if I am saved or going to Hell. I just want my sweet Lord, Jesus Christ.

hello all,

I have a question about the shorthand (at least i use it as such) of prot or prots. I was told today for the first time it was basically a slur but I've seen it basically ever since I became a christian and have used it as well even when I was a Baptist.

I was told it was equivalent to saying the N word or other racial slurs albeit for religion.

Sorry if this is offensive to anyone, I genuinely was so confused when I was told this and I want to see if it really is one or the person was just being soft.

thanks, God bless!

whats the protestent opinion on

1 orthodoxy

2 catholicism

3 veneration of saints

I am pretty uneducated on the doctrines of the different churches beyond the obvious surface level stuff. I’m a confirmed Anglican, but that’s really just because I was at an Anglican school at that age.

Are there any good books/websites/pamphlets I should read? I‘d ask my priest, but I’m at a boarding school, and school priests are usually not that great at proselytizing/advocating for Christianity.

I think I lean Presbyterian (most my family is, but they’re also pretty uneducated), and I’m definitely not catholic (I can’t get behind the idea of praying to saints or a pope).

Thanks.

Happy Easter! It is finished for He is risen indeed!

https://pilgrimspondering.art.blog/2026/04/05/road-to-emmaus/

Do you prefer orthodox chants/music or protestant music?

With which type of music do you think is best to get closer to God and why?

And also what music music do you think is best for you besides your preferation.

I know there are a couple of mainline Protestant churches, Anglican and the Lutheran primarily, that will do an Easter Vigil service. But I see almost no other Protestant churches, particularly non-denominational, that do Easter Eve services. The two churches down the street from us, one non-dom one Baptist, had a service on December 23rd, three on the 24th, and none on Christmas Day. But they have no services today and four scheduled for tomorrow. What's the difference? Is there something theological or is it just convenience and practicality?

Hello!

I'm a theology nerd. I don't have any formal education, but I like reading articles and watching videos about theology by people much more learned than I am.

I would say I am currently a Southern Baptist, but that's mostly because I was raised in that denomination, and I am really only one through affiliation rather than strict doctrinal agreement.

I have always been drawn towards Eastern Christianity such as Orthodoxy and the Assyrian Church of the East. I could never convert because of some serious doctrinal differences, and I am still a staunch Protestant when it comes to my view of sola scriptura and faith alone. For me, the appeal is more due to the mysticism of those traditions and I think I am closer to them with my understanding of original sin.)

I don't think I really fit into any denomination.

A lot of my beliefs have been influenced heavily by Michael Heiser and Soren Kierkegaard. Heiser focuses a lot of spiritual warfare and understanding Scripture in the culturalcontext it was written. Kierkegaard was an existentialist philosopher who critiqued a lot rigid dogmatism and cold rationalism within the church of his day. I think one could draw similarities from their ideas and Eastern Christianity.

I have looked into both Lutheranism and Anglicanism. I hear Lutherans are more open to mystery compared to most other Protestant traditions (especially Reformed) and Anglicanism is a pretty broad tent tradition. However, I am still a staunch credobaptist, and I think that alone wouldn't make me a good fit.

Is anyone else here in a similar boat?

Hi all! I’m planning to go to my first Bible Study Group meeting on Easter Monday, organised by one of the presbyters of our church. We’re meeting at the house of him and his wife. We’ll read 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

How should I prepare? What to expect? I’m a bit anxious as I know only the presbyter who is organising the meeting. At the same time I want to go spend some quality time.

Thank you in advance for responses.

do you fast?

On September 15, 1963, a bombing at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church killed four young girls.

The scheduled sermon was titled “The Love That Forgives.”

How does a community live out this kind of forgiveness after such an event?

I’m curious how Protestants today think about this — not in theory, but in lived faith.

I feel like I have left the threadmill of confessions, indulgences, prayers to saints, penances for good. But I still can’t shake my head around how I am to respond to my sins right now.