Jesus taught us quite clearly that we would know someone based on their fruit. Indeed, he commanded us to judge, to discern, to assess, to see where people are at. We are not to be gullible and undiscerning, but we are to “judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Here is what he said in Matthew 7:15-23:“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 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 perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
In this regard all true Christians need to be very careful of new religious trends and fashions that come on the scene, appealing to many, yet departing from clear biblical truth. One such faddish movement of late has been the emerging church movement.