false teachers - then and now

The Bible mentions false prophets almost a dozen times, mostly in the New Testament. Jesus himself warned of false prophets numerous times. He warned us that the false ones would appear to be true:

But beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inside they are plundering wolves.

(Matthew 7:15)

The worshippers of YHWH have always had a duty to examine those who would speak to them about matters concerning YHWH - whether we call them prophets or teachers or even apostles. We see why this is true from the Original Testament:

Then YHWH said to me, "Those prophets are prophesying lies while claiming my authority! I did not send them. I did not commission them. I did not speak to them. They are prophesying to these people false visions, worthless predictions, and the delusions of their own mind.

(Jeremiah 14:14) (Also see Jeremiah 23:32, etc.)

          The Apostle John reminded us of this duty to test those that speak concerning YHWH:

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.

(1 John 4:1)

We see, in Scripture, this duty being carried out:

And these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the Word with all readiness, daily examining the Scriptures if these things are so.

(Acts 17:11)

We even see Jesus himself complementing the church at Ephesus for testing those calling themselves apostles that were not:

I know your works as well as your labor and steadfast endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have even put to the test those who refer to themselves as apostles (but are not), and have discovered that they are false.

(Revelation 2:2)

          Can you think of anyone, past or present, that has called themselves an Apostle that were not part of the 12 Apostles? Do you, like so many today, follow a thirteenth Apostle? Have you “tested” this so called Apostle? Do you “test” those today that speak of YHWH? Test all who speak concerning YHWH - even my words brothers and sisters.