Tragically, Christians can be some of the most gullible people. We are commanded in Scripture to be discerning and test the spirits (1 John 4:1; Heb 5:14; Phil 1:9-10). Discernment in the church is often lacking, resulting in great harm. Here is an article on prophetic deception, sexual abuse and outright fraud in the charismatic church. Worst of all, it can cause people to walk away from their faith.

A nearly six-hour investigation released by Christian apologist Mike Winger sent shockwaves through charismatic Christian circles, raising allegations of deception, sexual misconduct and institutional failure centered on prophetic minister Shawn Bolz . . . Winger details what he describes as a decade-long pattern of fraudulent prophetic practices and sexually inappropriate behavior by Bolz, claims of which he said are backed up by interviews with former employees, ministry associates and insiders.Winger also accused prominent church leaders of failing to warn congregants and the global Christian community after learning of allegations years earlier. “This is cover-up culture,” he said. “The elites all knew about it. … I’m doing [this video] for the benefit and blessings of the Charismatic Church. I’m exposing a whole bunch of corruption inside the Charismatic Church. It has to be done.”

(BTW – I fully concur with Greg Allison of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Wayne Grudem in their theological continuationist perspective on spiritual gifts. But I also reject and condemn the insanity that is manifesting in much of the charismatic church.)

If you are part of a local congregation that discourages discernment and encourages you to simply “trust and obey” the leadership . . . run as far away and as fast as you can. Remember 1 Thess 5:21 – “But test everything; hold fast what is good.” Be like the Bereans and test everything with Scripture (Acts 17:10-11). Unfortunately, there are wolves in sheep’s clothing waiting to pounce on you (Matt 7:15-20).