One must always be careful at pointing fingers of accusation at others they may believe are false teachers, false prophets or heretics.  Just because someone makes a comment or states a belief that is different than what you may believe does not necessarily label them any of the above.  And, everyone has the right to reexamine their beliefs with in-depth studies coupled with the opportunity to change their minds. However, when one has a history of aberrant teaching when no sign that they will realign with scripture then that makes it all the difference in biblical reproof and correction.

 

The plumb-line for doctrinal beliefs should always be the Bible.  Too often people will also depend upon or base the beliefs on their denominations view of scriptural interpretation.  And some denominations are scriptural sound.  Sadly, some denominations may have a historical view of the Bible written in their Statement of Faith but teach a contemporary view from popular preachers.  But, popularity is no guarantee of true Bible interpretation.  And, it has been seen first-hand that some people’s denomination is their idol.

 

Though often criticized, scripture not only supports exposing false teachers but has even named some.

 

Jesus Christ called out the false teachers in Matthew 23 and Luke 11.

 

In Ephesians 5:11 Paul writes, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”  Reprove means to admonish, convict, tell a fault, rebuke.

 

I Timothy 6:5 says, “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

 

Jude 3-4 states, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

II Timothy 1:15 – Phygellus and Hermogenes turned away from Paul’s teachings

 

II Timothy 2:17, 18 – Hymenaeus and Philetus who concerning the truth have erred

 

II Timothy 3:8 – Jannes and Jambress resisted the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning their faith (reprobate means worthless or castaway)

 

II Timothy 4:10 – Demas forsook Paul, having loved this present world

 

II Timothy 4:14 – Alexander the coppersmith did Paul much evil

 

III John – Diotrephes loved having the preeminence and prated against John with malicious words

 

You decide:

(In no particular order of relevance)

Rick Warren                                                     Bill Hybels

Beth Moore                                                     Ophra Winfey

Joyce Meyer                                                     Jesse Duplantis

Rick McLaren                                                   Desmond Tutu

Rob Bell                                                            Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland                      John Shelby Spong

Joel Osteen                                                      T.D. Jakes

Billy Graham                                                    Paula White

John Piper                                                        Katharine Jefferts Schorri

The Pope (choose one!)                                 Mark Driscoll

Benny Hinn                                                      Robert Schuller                                              

Rod Parsley                                                      Greg Laurie

Paul and Jan Crouch                                       Ernest Angley

Rodney Howard Browne                                John Hagee

Tony Jones                                                        Dallas Willard