Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder of the Perez Chapel International, on Sunday, February 1, advised Ghanaians to be wary of prophecies motivated by financial gains or personal ambition.

False prophecies, he said, instilled fear, hopelessness, and unhealthy dependence on prophets rather than on God.

“Anytime prophecy leads to fear, hopelessness, or dependency on the prophet, something has gone wrong,” the Archbishop said during a joint church service at the Headquarters of the Perez Chapel International at Dzorwulu in Accra.

Preaching on the theme: “Prophets and Prophecy, Are They Important,” he said prophecies were important, but they ought to be grounded in scripture, governed by accountability, motivated by love, and centered on Christ.

He said true prophecies were meant to strengthen homes and build social cohesion and careers but not to destroy them.

Drawing an inference from Matthew 7:15-20, the Archbishop, who is also the President of the Agyinasare World Evangelism, reminded Christians to beware of false prophets, explaining that such people could be recognised “by their fruits”.

Prophecies that humiliated leaders or spread fear were not consistent with biblical teachings, he said, summing up that, “God does not frighten His people.”

He said prophets and prophecy in the life of the church could not be glossed over, describing them as part of God’s divine plan rather than human invention.

“They are meant for guidance and unity to strengthen Christendom,” Archbishop Agyinasare stated.

He affirmed his belief in the prophetic ministry as instituted by God but cautioned that not every prophecy should be accepted uncritically.