...and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. (Matthew 24:11)

For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. (Matthew 24:24)

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. (1 John 4:1)

So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you (Jeremiah 27:9)

'Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:31)

There are some really disturbing things in the news lately about "false prophets." I think the very first one (and most disturbing one) is Barack Obama. For some reason I can't fathom, I'm starting to hear things -- from real people, mind you -- like, "He'll bring peace to our world." Or, "He'll unite Americans." Or I even heard this the other day from a friend, "He's just so calm and reassuring. He gives me faith that things will get better." Uh, yeah... sorry folks. Not true. Only God can do that. It amazes me just how blinded people are by this man. The man who insists that he was never a Muslim. The man who spent 20 years in a church with a pastor who was Anti-American. A man whose brother came forth recently and said, "Uh, yeah. We were definitely raised Muslim. Here, I even have a picture of us together wearing Muslim garb..." (Read that one HERE) This man of "change and unity" forbid two Muslim women from sitting behind a camera during a gathering here in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena last week (you can read about that HERE). I'm not saying that the dude is the Anti-Christ or anything, but he is definitely bad news. Definitely a false prophet. Why has he decided to be the first presidential candidate ever to refuse public campaign funds and instead opt to accept private donations? Does that scare anyone else but me?? "Hello? Yes. This is Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. I am willing to donate 2.4 billion dollars to your campaign, Senator Obama, in exchange for a few things once you become president..." (Rolling my eyes...)

Anyway, what gets me are these women who treat the man like he's one of the Beatles or something. They scream, cry, try to touch him, ask for his autograph. Did you see some of the footage of women at these high-energy pep rallies? What in the heck???? I don't get it. Again, he's bad, bad news. I've said before that I don't like McCain much, either. But I guess I'll vote for him because he's the lesser of the two evils.

A second false prophet popping up is Oprah and Eckhart Tolle. This man, who was a recluse before writing his books, has no Christian fundamentals whatsoever. He is teaching millions across the world that happiness and joy can be achieved by a state of higher consciousness. That may or may not be true, but true happiness and joy are not what we're here on earth to achieve. It could be (and should be) the proper "side-effect" if you will. But this guy is teaching that there is no sin. So by this man's teachings, a mass-murder or child molester who is happy and joyful is living the perfect life. Oprah has poured tons of money into this program, advertising it to the nines on her show and website, as well as offering webinars and podcasts. This is just another form of New Age teaching. It's not any different than Sylvia Brown, or those who believe in Indigo Children, etc. Oprah has insisted that this does not conflict with Christianity at all, but when Eckhart Tolle states in an interview that "We are all God," that's an obvious, direct opposition to the teachings of Christ.

I can appreciate that Tolle wants people to ease their suffering and find joy. Yet Christ teaches us that sometimes suffering happens. Christians will get their reward -- and it will be great -- in the Kingdom of Heaven. I, personally, would much rather suffer here on earth and have an eternity of happiness with the Lord than have these few short years here on earth be full of bliss, and spend eternity in Hell. Tolle says that Christian history is "a prime example of how the belief that you are in sole possession of the truth, that is to say, right, can corrupt your actions and behavior to the point of insanity."

Sick! No where does he mention the millions and millions of dollars he's made by partnering up with Oprah. He hardly ever mentions that he was suicidal before writing his first book. I think it's quite sad and pitiful that Oprah seems to fall so hard for every New Age teacher with a unique spin on the same old anti-Christian message. It's NOT about us. It's never about us. Tolle teaches that our ego is the center, and we can find a higher consciousness by tapping into that ego. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 4:6)

Beware of false prophets. Do not be swayed by anyone or anything. Keep Jesus as your fundamental teaching and platform for living, not every New Age thinker who comes along with ideas that sound cool. Jesus also said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."(Matthew 7:12-14) Do you know why Jesus said this? Because he knows how people are. They are easily swayed. They are easily bought. They run after the newest thing that is cool or unique. They aren't fond of giving up control and power to a higher, almighty God -- men and women prefer to think that they are in control, and that they are capable of the power. Humans aren't good at comprehending long-term and beyond this time. They are mostly concerned with the here and now. So many just seem to shrug when the mention of eternity and the possibility of losing it is mentioned. It's so, so sad. Beware of false prophets, and you'll stay on track.

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36)