Watchout for False Prophets! They are everywhere according to Jesus, and they vie for our attention and affection by sounding A LOT LIKE JESUS, but not quite right. The only way we can guard against this kind of deception isn't through legalistic rule following, but by MEETING, KNOWING and FOLLOWING JESUS.

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

- Matthew 7:15-20

For these are rebellious people, deceitful children,

    children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.

10 They say to the seers,

    “See no more visions!”

and to the prophets,

    “Give us no more visions of what is right!

Tell us pleasant things,

    prophesy illusions.

11 Leave this way,

    get off this path,

and stop confronting us

    with the Holy One of Israel!”

§ Isaiah 30:9-11

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves…

6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

- 2 Timothy 3:1-9