Contrarian False Prophets, Teachers, and Preachers

There are many deceitful devices out there, created to draw in those who were not made to receive the promises of God.

Yes, I said “made to receive.” I believe that God is in total control. I believe that all things and individuals were created to serve His purposes – some to serve Him for all eternity, and some are given the gift of this life alone while serving various purposes, usually for the sharpening of God’s children. This idea always raises a lot of questions. For more on this, read: Predestination vs Free Will.

That’s not the point of this article though, but some background on that is important for understanding what I’m writing about here.

When I was first given the ability to receive the truth, I became very passionately effected against false churches and the man-made traditions in mainstream Christianity that manipulate the truth. Since, I’ve been led on a path of encountering something that I feel, at the very least, is equally dangerous.

I’ve written some about this, but I’ve tried to steer away from it to a large degree because I don’t want to perpetuate the false ideas. But, there is still some measure of duty to point these things out. We are told to make these false teachers, preachers, and prophets known.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. – Romans 16: 17-18

These who I am referring to are not within traditional Christianity.  What I’m coming to know them as, and will refer them to as from here on is: Contrarian false prophets, teachers, and preachers.

In a way, I’m even more opposed to these than mainstream false traditions. Maybe part of this is because the newness hasn’t worn off or something like that, but more than that, I think it’s because these Contrarian false prophets also speak of the corruptions within traditional Christianity, even talking about the importance of living righteously.

Another reason is I’m continually on the look-out against being some form of this myself. I know how easy it can be to mix in things that are of our own imaginations at times, and with all the vanities out there, if we are not on guard and seek the Lord in all things, we might find ourselves caught up at times too, but that’s a topic for another time.

These Contrarian prophets, teachers, etc. take some very important truths – truths that the saints would be looking for – and mix in their own brand of corruption. From pulling Christians into legalistic obedience, to old covenant observances, to misrepresenting the nature of Christ and the Holy Spirit, to placing themselves or others as some important figurehead — the ways in which these wolves lead the Lord’s sheep astray are astounding – and very convincing for the young-lings who might not know better.

I know that the true children of God cannot continue on a path of being deceived by these people, and I know these too have a purpose, but those of us who see these things still have some responsibility to point it out, as I said before. There is wisdom in this, but again, another discussion for another time.

Why would God allow this to happen? Why are there so many false teachers, preachers, prophets, etc out there? I think of it this way:

I know nothing about fishing, but imagine that God wanted to catch a very particular fish. A rare breed of fish that was swimming among many other fish, sharks, whales, etc. The fisherman (God) places a multitude of traps and nets (Christian denominations, other religions, various ideologies or lack of, etc) each designed to capture a particular breed of sea creature. Once all creatures are gathered into their respective nets/traps, He can discard those who He no longer needs – fish, sharks, whales, and the like who served a purpose for raising up His rare chosen fish, then gathers the ones He loves to himself.

These Contrarian false prophets, etc, are meant to trap certain kinds of people. Many who follow them don’t really love the truth, they just love that what they are taught is against the grain, or contrarian. They enjoy tearing down the churches. It gives them pleasure to be part of some exclusive club of high and mighty people who are better than those who are “blind.” They often show a lack of compassion and empathy, forgetting the Lord’s patience. They are proud, obnoxiously zealous about fighting other false churches and teachers – while they place themselves on a pedestal – that is a key indicator. Pride (often hidden under false humility, but it has a way of showing).

So, there is a purpose. But, that does not mean there might be some chosen fish attracted to the truth they do teach. Do not be fooled.

There are some related things I will write about concerning this. I might even go so far as to point out some of these Contrarian false prophets, but then maybe not. I don’t think I’m ready for that fight. For now, I just want to encourage anyone who reads this to show caution. Pray often, asking the Lord to remove you from any false teacher, preacher or prophet, redirecting you to the light of His straight and narrow path.