It Will Get a Crowd—But At What Cost?

A friend recently made a thoughtful comment, and it stirred something deeper in me—something I’ve been watching unfold for years within the body of Messiah.

The issue isn’t just a few misguided statements or overzealous expressions. It’s a system. A culture. And at its core, it’s often tied to something far less spiritual than it appears: fame and fortune.

If I introduce myself as a “national prophet,” that title alone creates intrigue. Then I stand up and declare bold, sweeping statements—phrases that sound prophetic but lack substance or accountability:

“Prepare for the new wine.”

“A fresh move of God is coming to the campuses.”

“We are entering a season of…[fill in the blank]”

These declarations are vague enough to avoid being tested, yet powerful enough to stir emotion. And they work. They draw crowds—and offerings.

But Scripture gives us a very different standard:

“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” (1 Corinthians 14:29)

If it cannot be tested, it should not be trusted. And if you read the context of 1 Corinthians 14, it seems that prophecy is primarily in the local congregation, not on the national stage.

Fake Prophecy with Fiery Proclamation

I recently listened to a well-known prophetic voice defend a minister who was being credibly accused of serious sin. Rather than calling for repentance, she framed it as “warfare” because of his “great calling.”

She even compared him to King David and cited:

“Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.” (2 Samuel 21:17)

In other words: He is too important to be exposed. Protect him.

But this is a dangerous misuse of Scripture. David was accountable. When he sinned, Nathan confronted him directly (2 Samuel 12:7). No one insulated him from correction. She was telling his team that they needed to cover him in day and night prayer, as David’s warriors did on his behalf. 

I don’t think she believed that he was in sin, but if you’re going to call yourself a national prophet…

And here’s the irony: the leader in question was later exposed—for deception, manipulation, and abusive control over people’s lives. Instead of the “greater glory” she prophesied, his church is collapsing.

This is what happens when prophetic authority replaces biblical accountability.

When Prophecy Becomes Performance

There is a reason it’s hard to challenge these voices: they speak with confidence, intensity, and spiritual language. But fervor is not the same as truth.

Jeremiah warned about this long ago:

“I did not send these prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.” (Jeremiah 23:21)

We’ve seen modern examples of this.

Predictions about 2020 being a year of blessing and accumulation—just before a global pandemic. At the time, America’s foremost prophet, Shawn Bolz, spoke for God in the first person, “I am removing the threat of [COVID-19].” He was wrong.

Only months later, hundreds of supposed prophets were stumbling over each other to make sure they got credit for saying that Trump was going to win reelection. Kevin Zadai claimed Jesus appeared to him and told him that Trump would win. Hank Kunneman prophesied a December to remember, hinting at a reversal in the election and then prophesying a January of justice, leading his hearers to believe that Biden and those who allegedly rigged the election would be going to jail. 

Johnny Enlow claimed that because number 45 for Tampa Bay intercepted a pass in the Super Bowl and returned it for a touchdown, God was about to reinstate 45, Trump, into the White House. 

None of these things happened, and yet most of these people have become even more popular. The platforms grew. The crowds stayed. The revenue increased. 

And that is on the Church. Jeremiah spoke of those who didn’t care that the prophets prophesied lies and the priesthood was corrupt—“my people love it this way.” (Jer. 5:30-31)

Because boldness is often mistaken for accuracy. But Deuteronomy gives a clear test:

“If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place… that is a message the Lord has not spoken.” (Deuteronomy 18:22)

That standard hasn’t changed.

“I Saw an Angel” — The Power of Spiritual Claims

Let’s be honest.

If I tell people I saw an angel, it will get attention.

If I describe a heavenly encounter, people will lean in.

If I teach that giving unlocks supernatural blessing—and subtly position myself as the recipient—people will give.

This is not always faith. Sometimes, it’s manipulation.

Peter warned about leaders like this:

“In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” (2 Peter 2:3)

Even testimonies can become tools of influence rather than expressions of truth.

The Culture of Protection

When leaders who build ministries this way fall into sin, something predictable often happens:

They are protected. Networks rally. Peers defend. And those calling for righteousness are labeled “accusers.”

But Scripture is clear:

“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)

Calling for accountability is not rebellion. It is obedience.

Paul’s Example: Restraint, Not Self-Promotion

Contrast all of this with the apostle Paul. He had a legitimate, profound heavenly encounter—and yet:

“I know a man in Messiah… caught up to the third heaven… he heard inexpressible things.” (2 Corinthians 12:2–4)

And then… he stops. No book deal. No interview with Oprah. No detailed account. No platform built on the experience.

In fact, he deliberately downplays it. That should tell us something.

Something Is Changing

Here’s the good news:

The body of Messiah is waking up. There is a growing discernment. A willingness to ask questions. A refusal to accept every spiritual claim at face value.

And that’s not cynicism—it’s maturity.

“Test everything; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

You are allowed to question.

You are allowed to weigh prophetic words.

You are allowed to expect accountability.

A New Day

We are entering a new day.

Not marked by hype—but by hunger for truth.

Not by spectacle—but by substance.

Not by unchecked platforms—but by accountable leadership.

And yes… I actually believe that is prophetic 🙂