❗ Caution

“A “prophet” in the NT is one who speaks on God’s behalf. While all preachers are God’s spokespersons, some have a special ministry of speaking for God in certain situations, speaking to God’s people and fellow leaders to give encouragement, warning, and guidance.” - General Superintendent of the UPCI quote: Source

Thank you Dr. for this eloquent quote. It encapsulates the false notion of “special levels” in Christ—a super-exclusive club reserved for VIP Christians. I’m certain that the author is referring to himself as one of these “super, prophetic leaders”. This mindset originates at the top of the organization and spreads like gangrene through every layer of leadership. Also, we must point out the fact that God does not need a “spokesperson”!

Matthew 7:15-20

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Jesus explicitly warns us about false prophets, explaining that these MOGs (Man Of God) come in sheep’s clothing while inwardly resembling ravenous wolves. By disguising themselves as sheep, they blend in seamlessly with the flock; however, make no mistake—a ravenous wolf cannot help but to prey on the weak. Their tactic relies entirely on fear, for a sheep will not leave the fold if it is deceived by fear.

This is why the MOG conditions us to fear our doubts, our questions, God’s punishment, Satan’s ‘grasp’, self-destruction, saying no, and even speaking up for what you know is wrong. If you even think of looking outside the four walls of your safe “church”—“destruction is imminent”. This pervasive fear holds you captive and enables the wolf to continue his rampant feeding frenzy.

Jesus states we WILL recognize these false prophets by their fruits. Every healthy tree bears good fruit; but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. It is impossible for a healthy tree to bear bad fruit.

Take a moment to step back and examine the MOG in light of Jesus’ instruction. Ask yourself: What kind of fruit are they bearing?

I’m not referring to the “false fruit” that MOGs often display at the surface—things like the intensity of their altar calls, fibromyalgia healings (why is it always fibromyalgia?), the latest “report” from the missions field, a tale of a witch confronting them, or a tongues interpretation ‘straight from God’ that doesn’t actually edify the body. I urge you to not interpret this as a doubting of God’s absolute power—rather, it is to identify the ‘shallow’ fruit that is fabricated as a “sign of anointing”.

Contrary to any false fruit the MOG might claim to bear, upon closer look he inevitably exhibits the very traits he preaches against: lover of self, lover of money, pride, arrogance, abusiveness, unappeasability, ungratefulness, unholiness, heartlessness and slander (ever hear stories of “back-slidden” saints from the MOG?). They are often swollen with conceit, without self control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, lovers of pleasure, displaying the appearance of godliness while ultimately denying its power ("Those fog machines down the road are the real thing you should fear!").

2 Timothy 3:1-7

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

ℹ️ Info

Always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth!

Galatians 5:19-21

Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

A clever wolf excels at appearing as if he preaches against these very behaviors every week. But we must remember how the MOG views himself—he has conquered these “lowly” struggles of regular Christians. He rules in authority over the church body, crushing any form of bad fruit that rises against him.

And yet, at the same time, he actively sows these very same seeds within the congregation—whether directly (“counseling”) or indirectly (“preaching”).

The actual fruit we should consistently be seeing is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. These fruits are born from true love!

Galatians 5:22-26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

The next time the MOG is swallowing the microphone, screaming at the top of his lungs—ask yourself: Is this gentle? Patient? Loving? Full of self-control?

How about the next time he brings out his ‘mocking voice’ to belittle any opinion that dares to challenge his own? When he talks down to the very congregation under his voice, condemning them for ‘being lukewarm’—is this the fruit of the Spirit?

ℹ️ Warning

A MOG may say in rebuttal to this: “When did being ‘on fire for God’ become wrong?, When did the bar get set so low?”

Jesus has given us the handbook to identify false prophets clearly and with certainty. The beauty of these warnings is that it is impossible for these MOGs to bear good fruit. They simply cannot help but expose themselves if you are keeping both your eyes and ears open with a sound mind.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

This post is part of the “Law To Grace” series, a multi-part exploration of how man-made authority and false doctrine has shaped our faith—and how God’s grace and truth can overcome these man-made shackles. Whether you’re reading in order or joining the conversation midway, each article provides insights to help you discern truth from deception and embrace the unconditional love of Christ.

This work represents my personal views and interpretations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any organization, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) or any other religious institution. The content is intended for discussion and personal reflection. Any references to organizations, doctrines, or teachings are made for informational and analytical purposes.