At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:23
Brethren, we have entered a period of great deception and spiritual discernment is an imperative. False Messiahs and false teachers are among us. Matthew warns that many will come saying ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ Others will perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, ‘even the elect.’
No one is immune to deception. No one is safe. Read the word. Study the word. Show yourself a workman approved. Remember, Santa was real until he wasn’t. What you believe may be so, until it isn’t. Test everything; hold fast to what is good.
God’s standard has never changed. We judge truth not by words or declarations but by fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit. So let us ask ourselves, “Do the so-called messiahs of our day demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit?” Are they loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled? Or are they exactly the opposite of these?
Do not be fooled. Stay alert. Watch and pray, for the days are evil.