Prophets of Baal – Mammon on the Altar

 

By Oladipo Oluwatosin 

Text: 1 Kings 18:19-21; Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 2:1-3

Introduction

• The rise of false prophets in the present age mirrors the biblical Prophets of Baal.
• These false prophets have turned the altar of God into a marketplace, a brothel, and a hotel for greed and immorality.
• Jesus and the apostles warned against them (Matthew 24:11, 2 Timothy 3:13).

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1. The Characteristics of False Prophets (Then & Now)

Biblical Examples:

• Prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-40) – Misled Israel into idol worship and wickedness.
• Balaam (Numbers 22-24, 2 Peter 2:15) – A prophet who loved money more than God’s truth.
• Hananiah (Jeremiah 28:1-17) – Preached false hope and rebellion against God.
• Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24) – Wanted to buy spiritual gifts with money.

Present-Day Corruption

1. Selling of Miracles and Prophecies – The Altar Becomes a Business

   • Many so-called prophets commercialize the anointing, selling oil, holy water, and prophetic prayers at a price.
   • Biblical Warning: “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
   • Example: Some false prophets claim they can "activate destiny" for a fee.

2. Immorality on the Altar – The Brothel of Doom

   • Some so-called prophets engage in sexual relationships with female members, justifying it as "spiritual cleansing."
   • Many exchange anointing for immorality, claiming sex with them imparts blessings.
   • Biblical Warning: “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.” (2 Timothy 3:6)

3. Manipulation Through Fear – False Doctrines for Control

• False prophets use dreams, visions, and fake revelations to manipulate people into dependence.
• They claim they alone can "see into the spirit realm" and anyone who questions them is cursed.
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• Biblical Warning: “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 5:6)

4. Materialism and Mammon Worship – The God of Money on the Altar

   • Many false prophets live in luxury while their members remain in poverty.
   • They prioritize wealth, buying private jets, mansions, and luxury cars at the expense of the poor.
   • Biblical Warning: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:10)

5. Exploiting the Weak and Desperate

   • They fake testimonies and miracles to deceive followers.
   • False healing services where actors pretend to be healed.
   • Biblical Warning: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)

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2. A Prophetic Conversation: The Altar of Doom

Two prophets sat in a luxury hotel, laughing over drinks.

Prophet A: "Can you imagine? These ladies are no longer running from the altar; they are now coming straight for it!"

Prophet B: "My brother, they are not just kneeling at the altar to pray anymore; they are claiming the anointing through seduction!"

Prophet A: "Yesterday, after service, one of them boldly told me that she has a 'revelation'—that God wants me to anoint her 'privately' in my chamber!"

Prophet B: "Hahaha! I receive them too! They don’t come as temptations anymore, they come as destiny helpers! They say they are 'sent' to assist the ministry, but what they want is to steal the oil!"

Prophet A: "They don’t flee from the altar like Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:12); they stay, watching for a chance to drain the anointing!"

Prophet B: "The worst part? Some prophets fall for it, and before they know it, their fire is gone. A polluted altar will always lose its glory!"

Biblical Warning: “A whorish woman will bring a man to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.” (Proverbs 6:26)

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3. How to Discern False Prophets

Jesus’ Warnings (Matthew 7:15-20, 24:24)

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

True and False Disciples

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

The Wise and Foolish Builders

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

• Fruits reveal their true nature – Does their life reflect Christ?
• They perform false signs – Miracles but no godly character.
• They distort the Word of God – Twisting scripture for personal gain.

Apostolic Warnings (2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1-3)

• Greedy and exploitative – They seek money, not souls.
• Deny the true Christ – Preach another gospel.
• Live in sin – No holiness, but justification of sin.

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4. Implications of Following False Prophets

1. Spiritual Bondage – They enslave people with fear-based doctrines. (Galatians 5:1)
2. Loss of True Salvation – Many follow them blindly to destruction. (Matthew 15:14)
3. Financial Exploitation – Members become victims of financial fraud. (Jeremiah 6:13)
4. Immorality and Corruption Spread – A polluted church leads to a corrupt society. (1 Corinthians 6:18)
5. Divine Judgment – God will judge them and those who follow (Jeremiah 14:14-16).

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5. Call to True Worship and Holiness

• Return to true faith – Elijah called Israel back to God (1 Kings 18:21).
• Test every spirit – Discern with Scripture and the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:1).
• Seek godly leadership – Follow men of integrity, not entertainers (Titus 1:7-9).
• Prioritize holiness over hype – A true man of God leads in righteousness (Hebrews 12:14).

Advice to the Real Called of God

As a genuine servant of God, you are called to holiness, truth, and unwavering faithfulness to the message of Christ. In this era of deception, corruption, and spiritual compromise, it is crucial to stand firm in your divine calling and not emulate the ways of false prophets.

1. Guard Your Calling with Fear and Trembling

The ministry is not a career but a divine assignment—you are accountable to God.

Biblical Warning: "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)

Advice: Stay humble and dependent on the Holy Spirit, not on human schemes.

2. Seek Holiness, Not Popularity

Many false prophets compromise holiness for fame and material gain.

Biblical Command: "Be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16)

Advice: Let purity, righteousness, and integrity be your foundation, even when it seems unpopular.

3. Preach the True Gospel, Not What People Want to Hear

Many twist the Word to attract followers and increase donations.

Biblical Warning: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." (2 Timothy 4:3)

Advice: Stand by the undiluted truth, even if it offends the world.

4. Resist the Temptation of Money and Sexual Sin

False prophets are driven by greed and immorality, turning God’s house into a den of thieves.

Biblical Warning: "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1 Timothy 6:11)

Advice: Run from financial and sexual temptations; discipline yourself in prayer and fasting.

5. Surround Yourself with Genuine Ministers of God

Many fall because they keep company with corrupt preachers.

Biblical Principle: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17)

Advice: Build a strong spiritual network of accountable, Bible-based mentors and colleagues.

6. Focus on Eternity, Not Earthly Rewards

False prophets enjoy the pleasures of the world, forgetting eternity.

Biblical Reminder: "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36)

Advice: Always keep eternity in view—your reward is in heaven, not in luxury cars and mansions.

Conclusion & Altar Call

• Will you serve God or modern-day Baal?
• Repent and turn to the truth of Jesus Christ.
• Pray for discernment, wisdom, and boldness to stand for the true gospel.

Prayer Points

1. Prayer for Discernment and Spiritual Alertness

"Lord, open my eyes to discern the false from the true, and keep me from the deception of this age." (1 John 4:1)

2. Prayer for Purity and Holiness in Ministry

"Father, keep me holy and consecrated for You alone. Let me never fall into immorality, greed, or corruption." (1 Peter 1:16)

3. Prayer for Boldness to Speak the Truth

"Lord, give me the courage to preach Your undiluted Word, no matter the cost." (2 Timothy 4:2)

4. Prayer for Strength to Overcome Temptations

"Jesus, deliver me from the spirit of mammon and sexual sin. Keep me on the path of righteousness." (1 Timothy 6:11)

5. Prayer for Divine Protection from Evil Associations

"Father, disconnect me from any relationship that will destroy my ministry. Lead me to genuine kingdom friendships." (Proverbs 27:17)

6. Prayer for Eternal Focus

"Lord, help me fix my eyes on eternal rewards and not be distracted by worldly riches and fame." (Colossians 3:2)