Identifying True Servants & False Servants for Yourself

It’s nobody’s job but our own to discern between true servants who serve Christ and those who may “build up churches unto themselves.” Moroni and many others taught us clearly how to “judge righteous judgement” in knowing good from evil. Seeking and laboring to bring souls to Christ (and none else) is perhaps the ideal measuring stick. This serves as a sturdy framework to measuring fruits that are good, and fruits that are strange.

Prophets: Questions to Consider

How Does God Use Servants to Deliver “Good” to Men?

• Moroni 7:24 – God manifests himself to men, (which is Good) and in Verse 25: laying hold on every Good thing, the exercise faith (do Good things and obey God’s manifestations unto them) that they may qualify for the ministering of angels.
• Moroni 7:26 – That through the ministering of Angels they can qualify to become sons of God (ascend through the Doctrine of Christ).
• Moroni 7:30 – Requires strong faith (obedience to God’s personal commandments), firm mind (resolute with real intent) and show every form of Godliness (obtain Godly attributes). This is Second Comforter language.
• Moroni 7:31 – They declare the “word of Christ” unto those listed above who have shown sufficient faith and therefore have qualified as vessels of the Lord (they are almost always COUNTED for Good)
• Moroni 7:32,34 – And these vessels of the Lord teach the “residue” of men who do not have the same faith to believe in Christ and repent, baptized, and be saved.
• Moroni 7:33 – They have faith sufficient to do whatever the Lord asks (They qualify for God’s Holy Order or Melchizedek Priesthood).

Summary: Certain men who follow the light of Christ, take hold upon every Good thing, and exercise faith in that Goodness, in order that they can qualify to be ministered by angels, who will help these certain men ascend to a Second Comforter level (audience with Christ) to receive the Holy Order and teach men faith unto repentance and baptism (or… the Doctrine of Christ).

What is Good?

How do you determine what is Good? Who is Good? Can a man ever be Good? How does God use servants to deliver “good” unto the children of men? What is Good, and how can you determine Good? How can you know if something is of God?

• Moroni 7:13 – “Enticeth to do good, to love God, and to serve Him” (meaning obeying His commandments, meaning His commandments to YOU)
• Moroni 7:16 – Comes through the Spirit of Christ, given unto every man, and persuades you to believe in Christ, and comes through POWER and through Christ’s effort, not yours.
• If it comes THIS way, and you can have a perfect knowledge it is of God.

Who is Good?

Can a man ever be Good?

• Moroni 7:5 – “By their works ye shall know them.” What are works? Do they not related to things that men teach model goodness as defined above?

Does a man always teach or model Good?

• Moses at the Rock of Horeb
• Samson letting Delilah steal his heart
• Jonah and the whale
• Peter denying Christ
• Joseph Smith and the lost 110 pages

Summary: When is a man considered Good? ONLY when he is doing a Good thing or modeling a Good thing. Good in men is always temporary. Christ and God are the ONLY ones who are permanently Good. They give good “things” unto men who make themselves Good fountains at a point in time: Verse 11 – “Things” are defined as Good. Never people. Good and evil are COUNTED unto men, not descriptors of men.

In this next session we will consider what kinds of prophets and servants the Lord calls.

What is a Prophet?

Scriptures that tell us about Prophets or Servants of the Lord. Let us consider that the term “prophet” or “servant” is the baseline for being a prophet.

• Numbers 11:29 – “And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” – God wants all of his children to become prophets and will not limit the number of those who qualify.
• Numbers 12:6 – “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”
• 1 Kings 13 – Old Man, Prophet, and the Lion story. A prophet was tested whether he would listen to the Lord or another prophet sent by the Lord. Moral of the story: Listen to the Lord.
• 2 Kings 17:13 – “Yet the Lord testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.”
• Jeremiah 7:25 – “Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them”
• Jeremiah 26:4-5 – “And thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord; If ye will not hearken to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you, To hearken to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I sent unto you, both rising up early, and sending them, but ye have not hearkened;”
• Joel 2:28-32 – “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.” – Lots of prophets will prophecy in the last days.
• Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” – This relates to prophecy and judgements
• Amos 7:14-15 – “Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.” – Anyone can be a prophet
• Matthew 7:12 – “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” – Prophets command the golden rule
• Luke 1:67-70 – “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:” – All prophets prophecy of Christ
• Luke 4:23-24 – “And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.” – Prophets aren’t accepted in their own lands.
• Acts 16:16-18 – “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.”
• 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 – “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” – Law of prophetic witnesses
• Ephesians 2:19-22 – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” – Prophets and apostles are the GIFTS the Church is built upon. Note: A Prophet and Apostle interpreted here is a gift of the Spirit and calling of the Spirit, NOT an office nor a Priesthood.
• Ephesians 4:11-16 – “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” – The distribution of gifts among the Saints can help perfect them both in doctrine and in spirit.
• 2 Timothy 2:24-26 – “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
• Revelation 22:6 – “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.”
• 2 Nephi 25:9 – “And as one generation hath been destroyed among the Jews because of iniquity, even so have they been destroyed from generation to generation according to their iniquities; and never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets of the Lord.” – Prophets always foretell destruction.
• Jacob 7:11-12 – “And I said unto him: Then ye do not understand them; for they truly testify of Christ. Behold, I say unto you that none of the prophets have written, nor prophesied, save they have spoken concerning this Christ. And this is not all—it has been made manifest unto me, for I have heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto me by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost.”
• Mosiah 15: 12-13 – “For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed? Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed.” – Prophets can fall into transgression.
• Alma 40:21-26 – “Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets. The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame. And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.”
• Ether 11:13 – “And it came to pass that the people hardened their hearts, and would not hearken unto their words; and the prophets mourned and withdrew from among the people.”
• Moses 6:31-32 – “And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant? And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.”

Summary: Angels and prophets are servants. Prophets testify of Christ. They are humble, poor in spirit, labor with their hands, are weak and simple, are no greater than those who listen. God wants all people to be prophets and he will call many who are prophets and servants. In the last days there will be many. They are often given dreams and visions. They will prophecy of what is to come as watchmen and will foretell destruction. They speak of salvation and teaching the law of the Lord. God reveals his secrets to them. They often rejected in their own county, are commanded to cease speaking when people don’t listen. The gift of prophecy among the people is the foundation of the church to perfect the church. They can fall into transgression if they do not repent.

What Kinds of Prophets are There?

While the scriptures detail lots of information about prophets and servant, there any may types, some greater and some lesser. We will run through the descriptions and attempt to line out a list from greater to lesser, the idea being that, with scarce resources, and lots of prophets proclaiming messages out there, how can we prioritize importance, depending on the type of prophet we run across. I have created a chart to detail the differences.

Seers & Revelators

• 1 Samuel 9:7-10 – “(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) Then said Saul to his servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went unto the city where the man of God was.”
• Isaiah 30:8-17 – Seers “see”
• Matthew 11:25-27 – “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.” – God chooses the simple and “babes” to be revelators, not the learned and wise.
• John 1:42 – Peter called a “stone,” which is associated with seership.
• 2 Nephi 3:6-9 – “For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers. And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work. And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel.” – Seers bring forth knowledge of covenants, often through a the efforts of translating, or bringing to light that which was hidden.
• 2 Nephi 30:16-17 – “Wherefore, the things of all nations shall be made known; yea, all things shall be made known unto the children of men. There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed.” – All things shall be revealed unto men even the works of darkness.
• Mosiah 8:13-18 – “Now Ammon said unto him: I can assuredly tell thee, O king, of a man that can translate the records; for he has wherewith that he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And the things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called seer. And behold, the king of the people who are in the land of Zarahemla is the man that is commanded to do these things, and who has this high gift from God. And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet. And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power given him from God. But a seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known. Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings.” – Being a seer is the greatest of all gifts of a prophet. Being a seer is greater than a prophet. Being a seer is a revelator
• Mosiah 28:13-16 – “And now he translated them by the means of those two stones which were fastened into the two rims of a bow. Now these things were prepared from the beginning, and were handed down from generation to generation, for the purpose of interpreting languages; And they have been kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord, that he should discover to every creature who should possess the land the iniquities and abominations of his people; And whosoever has these things is called seer, after the manner of old times.” – Seers use Urim and Thumim or Seer Stones to translate languages, to uncover the secret combinations of the people perhaps both in old times and new.
• D&C 100:11-12 – Sydney Rigdon is named as a revelator.
• D&C 107:91-92 – “And again, the duty of the President of the office of the High Priesthood is to preside over the whole church, and to be like unto Moses—Behold, here is wisdom; yea, to be a seer, a revelator, a translator, and a prophet, having all the gifts of God which he bestows upon the head of the church.” – It’s a gift that SHOULD be given to the head of the presidency of the high priesthood.
• D&C 121:26-32 – “God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now; Which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as held in reserve for the fulness of their glory; A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest. All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars— All the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fulness of times— According to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods before this world was, that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into his eternal presence and into his immortal rest.” – Proper economy of heaven, times, stars, etc. are part of gift of revelation
• D&C 124:40-46 – Ordinances are “revealed” through revelators
• D&C 124:125-126 – Joseph had the gift of seership
• T&C 140:2 (RE) – Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of the revelation of all things.

Summary: Seership and revelation is the greatest of all gifts of prophecy. Seers use seer stones to reveal lost information, deliver the covenants God has made with his children, translate languages, and uncover secret combinations. It is the gift of Moses. Joseph Smith is said to have had it and is named as the choice seer who would rise up to make covenants known to the House of Israel in the last days. The president of the High Priesthood SHOULD retrieve the gift of seership and revelation. It reveals ordinances and the proper economy of heaven. A seer must demonstrate the gift or can be removed from his office (D&C 107).

Apostles

• Acts 2:42-43 – “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.”
• Acts 4:33 – “And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
• Acts 8:14-20 – “Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.” – Apostles can give the Gift of the Holy Ghost
• Acts 9:26-31 – “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” – Apostles see the Lord
• 1 Corinthians 12:28 – “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”
• Ephesians 4:19-20 – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;”
• Mormon 9:15-20 – Nephite apostles also performed mighty miracles
• Moroni 2:1-3 – Nephite apostles can also give the Holy Ghost
• D&C 19:8 – “Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles.”
• D&C 35:3-6 – Early LDS Apostles also commended to give the Holy Ghost
• D&C 74:5-7 – “Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done away among them, That their children might remain without circumcision; and that the tradition might be done away, which saith that little children are unholy; for it was had among the Jews; But little children are holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ; and this is what the scriptures mean.” – Apostles can give commandments of men to support the gospel
• D&C 84:60-64 – Apostles are called God’s high priests according to the Holy Order of the Son of God.
• D&C 86:1-3 – Some apostles sow
• D&C 95:1-4 – Some apostles reap

Summary: Apostles are a type of prophet that are commissioned to be a witness of Christ’s life. They go out and testify of Christ to call to repentance and can give the gift of the Holy Ghost. They can perform mighty miracles. Some sow and some reap. They can give commandments of men, which aren’t binding but can be tools to lead one to Christ. They are associated with the Holy Order of the Son of God (Melchizedek).

Watchmen

• Isaiah 21:1-10 – Watchmen of Israel are called to stand on the watchtower and warn Israel.
• Isaiah 56:9-12 – “All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” – In the Last Days many of Israel’s watchmen will be drunk and blind.
• Jeremiah 31:6-9 – “For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God. For thus saith the Lord; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save thy people, the remnant of Israel. Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither. They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.”
• Ezekiel 3:17-18 – “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.” – If a watchman won’t do their job, God will require the blood at the watchman’s hands.
• Ezekiel 33:1-5 – “Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.” – When the watchmen see the sword, they blow the horn.
• D&C 101 – Watchmen set up to warn atop the tower. In the Last Days, the watchmen are asleep and let the tower fall into enemy hands.

Summary: Watchmen are set up to warn what is coming, and to tell of the glad tidings of Zion which is to come. Many watchmen fall from their callings, are called drunk and blind. In the Last Days they are asleep allow the enemy to break down the hedge and the wall. To be able to see what is coming may involved a prophet gift of the spirit, seeing in vision or dreams, or it may simply be having discernment or education in reading the lay of the land and raising your voice to warn others.

Teacher or Preacher

• 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 – “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”
• Jarom 1:11 – “Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently, exhorting with all long-suffering the people to diligence; teaching the law of Moses, and the intent for which it was given; persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was. And after this manner did they teach them.”
• Alma 1:26 – “And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength.” – Teachers, priests, and preachers are alike, and no better than the learner or hearer.
• Section 102 (Letter from Joseph Smith send to elders abroad in 1833) – “On the subject of ordination, a few words are necessary. In many instances there has been too much haste in this thing, and the admonition of Paul has been too slightingly passed over, which says, Lay hands suddenly upon no man. Some have been ordained to the ministry, and have never acted in that capacity or magnified their calling at all. Such may expect to lose their calling, except they awake and magnify their office. Let the elders abroad be exceedingly careful upon this subject, and when they ordain a man to the holy ministry, let it be a faithful man who is able to teach others also, that the cause of Christ suffer not. It is not the multitude of preachers that is to bring about the glorious millennium, but it is those who are called, and chosen, and faithful.” – Teachers can be ordained but should be faithful and then they can magnify their callings.

Summary: Teachers and preachers are called or ordained to teach the gospel. They are associated with being a priest in priesthood. They are no better than the hearers of the word. They are third in line from apostles, prophets, and teachers. Quality is more important than quantity.

Shepherds or Leaders

• Genesis 49:22-26 – “But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)”
• Numbers 27:15-19 – “And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.”
• Isaiah 31:4 – “For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the Lord of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.” – The Lord is the true Shepherd
• Isaiah 56:11 – “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.” – In the Last Days, many of the shepherds do their own thing for the gain of themselves or their system.
• Jeremiah 23:1-4 – “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.” – Another last days prophecy about the shepherds of Israel. He will draw out a remnant from among them.
• Ezekiel 34:1-6 – “And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.”
• Amos 1:2 – “And he said, The Lord will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.”
• Zechariah 11:15-17 – “And the Lord said unto me, Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd. For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces. Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.”
• John 10 – Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The hirelings will not give their life for the sheep. The sheep come in through the door and Jesus is the only one who is at the door.
• Alma 5:37-60 – Alma’s discourse on the Good Shepherd

Hired Servant, Hireling

• Leviticus: 19:13 – “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.”
• Leviticus 22:10 – “There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.”
• Jeremiah 46:20-21 – “Egypt is like a very fair heifer, but destruction cometh; it cometh out of the north.Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fatted bullocks; for they also are turned back, and are fled away together: they did not stand, because the day of their calamity was come upon them, and the time of their visitation.”
• Hosea 8:8-11 – “Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure. For they are gone up to Assyria, a wild ass alone by himself: Ephraim hath hired lovers. Yea, though they have hired among the nations, now will I gather them, and they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.” – In the Last Days, Ephraim hires those who will love them and not ask them to repent.
• John 10 – Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The hirelings will not give their life for the sheep. The sheep come in through the door and Jesus is the only one who is at the door.
• 2 Nephi 26:29-31 – “He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish. But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.” – Priestcrafts seek the approval of the world but not Zion
• 3 Nephi 16:10-11 – “And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them. And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.” – In the Last Days, the Church will be filled with wickedness, including Priestcrafts, and the Lord will bring the gospel from among them.
• 3 Nephi 21:19 – “And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away.”
• D&C 33:3-4 – “For behold, the field is white already to harvest; and it is the eleventh hour, and the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard. And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds.” – Priestcrafts cause people to err.

Summary: Hired servants are those who practice priestcrafts. They lead the flock for their own purposes and reasons, often for money. They don’t receive holy endowments, priesthood, or anything holy from the Lord. The Lord is unhappy with those in the last days who practice priestcrafts. He will bring out a remnant of righteous from among those who are hired to lead the flock. They cause the people to err.

False Prophets

• Isaiah 9:13-16 – “For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts. Therefore the Lord will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day. The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” – In the Last Days false prophets (the head) teach lies and cause the people to err unto their destruction.
• Isaiah 28:5-8 – “In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.” – False prophets in the Last Days err in their drunkenness (meaning they have a false feeling of assurance and are drunk on those lies) and err in their leadership. Vomit is likened unto regurgitated teachings based on philosophies of men, not original ones from the heavens.
• Isaiah 30:10 – “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:”
• Jeremiah 5:30-31 – “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?”
• Lamentations 2:14-16 – “Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish things for thee: and they have not discovered thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment. All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?”
• Matthew 7:15-23 – “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? …then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” – Judge a false prophet by the fruits they harvest.
• Joseph Smith Matthew 1:5-9 – “And Jesus answered, and said unto them: Take heed that no man deceive you; For many shall come in my name, saying—I am Christ—and shall deceive many; Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you, and ye shall be hated of all nations, for my name’s sake; And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another; And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many;” – In the Last Days there will many false prophets and christs.
• Mark 13:21-23 – “And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.” – False prophets can even show signs and wonders, and deceive many.
• Luke 6:26 – “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” – False prophets will speak well of you.
• 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 – “But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” – False prophets and apostles will be very convincing. They will appear as true apostles, and appear to be ministers of righteousness.
• 2 Peter 2:1-3 – “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” – False prophets and teachers introduce damnable heresies that use men as merchandise.
• 1 John 4:1-6 – “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” – False prophets will not use spirits that come from God, but will utilize antichrist spirits. They speak of the world. Compare Moroni 7.
• Revelations 16 – There will a great false prophet in the Last Days
• 4 Nephi 1:34 – “Nevertheless, the people did harden their hearts, for they were led by many priests and false prophets to build up many churches, and to do all manner of iniquity. And they did smite upon the people of Jesus; but the people of Jesus did not smite again. And thus they did dwindle in unbelief and wickedness, from year to year, even until two hundred and thirty years had passed away.” – False prophets build up churches and cause iniquity.
• An editorial by Joseph Smith Jr. published in the Times and Seasons, 1 April 1842, entitled “Try the Spirits”. – Prophets of the Lord can detect false prophets
• Heleman 13:25-28 – “And now when ye talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets; we would not have stoned them, and cast them out. Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil. But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him.”

Summary: False prophets feed on the flock. This can be in the form of money, praise, sex, or power. It can be directed to themselves or to institutions they uphold and support. This can be very rewarding as well. They aim to set up many churches unto themselves. They often look and sound like true prophets. They have a form a godliness and righteousness but produce little or no real fruit, but can produce the appearance of fruit. They are so effective they can deceive even the elect, if the elect allow it to happen. These false prophets will be common in the last days. They cause the people to err in doctrine to the point of damnation (no fruit). They often point to false christs or a false christ spirit. They will teach things that are regurgitated truths or philosophies that have no nutrition. Often they will quote each other (called vomit) instead of bear a message from God. The people like their false prophets because they prophecy comforting lies to them and tell them “all is well.” Sometimes they an even perform false miracles. Servants and prophets of the Lord can detect false prophets. So can people who judge them by their fruits.

But What is Fruit?

The final question will we ask circles back to Moroni 7. What is “good” fruit? Let examine what fruit may be and then consider the best definition.

• Fruit can be good works of the prophet – This can be an effective measure. How do they carry themselves among others? How do they treat others? Do they work to labor alongside the flock or are they only seen when they lead? While this can be an effective measure, prophets are not perfect, and they will inevitably perform some work or deed that is not good or goes not serve the good. Good works are always a temporary measurement and they can also be done for the wrong reason (charity work as a marketing tool).
• Fruit can be messages of the prophet – What the prophet teaches is better metric to add to the first. Does it preach of Christ? Does it prophecy of Him? Does it teach the law and the commandments? Are people taught to Know Christ? Sometimes false prophets will teach what it appears to be righteousness in order to teach heresies that damn souls. Good teachings the prophecy of Christ are those that lead people to Christ. A good message from a prophet can be given by someone who has major flaws (violates level one). Every message must be judged on its own merits.
• Fruit can be you – This is the best method for evaluation. When you apply a teaching of a prophet to yourself, and give heed to that teaching, what does it do for you? Does it make you feel better about yourself as if you are all set with your salvation in place? Or does it call you to repent? And is that repentance godly repentance or merely an imitative one that deals with managing shame? If you are the fruit, what should the fruit taste like? What should be the result?

Conclusion

The Fruit is nothing less than the Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost. It is the First Comforter. It is showcased in Lehi’s dream as the tree of the fruit of life. It is also showcased in the parable of the Olive Trees in Jacob with good fruit. YOU are the good fruit when you partake of the good fruit. When you do, and you feel the mighty change, you can have a perfect knowledge in that fruit (Alma) whether it be good or whether it be evil. If a prophet’s messages, deeds, example, and life do not lead you to partake of the Tree of Life, that prophet is false, because it produces only leaves, with no fruit. Those leaves may provide greenery and shade, but it is imitative. Only fruit saves.

Judge wisely as there are many crying lo here and lo there, from shepherd-prophets who stand behind pulpits and are compensated as hired servants but have loud broadcasting capabilities, to internet bloggers who cry repentance but only from the comfort of their keyboards, to those that lead into strange paths, to false Christs that promise universal salvation and love, and to themselves, their books, and their blogs. True prophets will only point to Christ and they will not compel a following. They will labor in a community of believers that demonstrate good works. They will not always be right or correct in what they teach, or in their behavior, so judge wisely. That which leads unto Christ is of God. That which doesn’t, is not. This does not make them a false prophet. It makes them human, and we are not to trust in the arm of flesh.

Prophets who exhibit powers of seer-ship and revelation should be our first priority, followed by those who teach and prophecy of Christ. Teachers of truth and watchmen should also be heeded as they are given messages from angels and heaven. Finally, you should seek to become a prophet yourself, to claim your own messages from angels.