Quote:
Originally Posted by Lafon
I believe it of significant importance to also note that which Christ Jesus stated concerning the revelation of His identity as being the "rock" (that is to say, the very foundation) upon which His church would exist. In other words, unless, and until one has been granted this revelation then they have no basis upon which they might gain entrance into and become an adopted citizen of the kingdom of heaven (IMO, of course).
I base this personal belief upon the words of Acts 8:36-37, for there we find that, in response to the eunuch's inquiry concerning what might prevent him from obeying the commandment to be immersed in the waters of baptism "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ," Phillip informed him that there was something which he MUST believe with his whole heart. And what was it that the eunuch was required to believe? None other than Christ Jesus was the Son of God (or, in other words, the human being "in" whom the eternal invisible Spirit of God dwelled).
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
We find it written in Luke 16:16 that Christ Jesus said:
"The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it."
I've heard it often stated that this statement of our Lord implies/infers that He was saying that one must "press" themselves into the kingdom of God (that is to say, exert some effort... I think the common phrase is "to pray through"). I do not subscribe to such an interpretation, and here is why.....
Through the writings of the OT we find that God's dealings with mankind was restricted to the teachings of the law through the inspired words of His chosen prophets. This relationship continued until the appearance of John the Baptist, whose teachings which served, in effect, as the introduction of God's "new" covenant relationship with mankind (see the words of Peter, as written in Acts 10:34-37)
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all
That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
Therefore, IMO, I believe that whenever Peter said that beginning with the preaching/teachings of John the Baptist, that "peace" (literal meaning "salvation") began "after" baptism "for the remission of sins," then "every man" that has heeded and obeyed the gospel, and therein become an "adopted" citizen of the kingdom of heaven, is "pressed" into the business of propagating that gospel. In effect, Peter's statement serves as a witness to our Lord's words of Luke 16:16.
Accordingly, each person who takes the writings of the sacred Scriptures and employs its contents in an effort to persuade another to embrace a particular belief, or through its use to influence the fundamental beliefs of another, is serving as a "prophet" of God (that is to say, they are acting as God's "mouthpiece").
Just some personal thoughts on what a "prophet" is today, and which by this understanding causes me, by publication of these words, to also be such a "prophet." |
I understand what you are saying.
Further, a NT prophet does not differ much from an OT one. When the OT prophets preached, prophecied, exhorted of a coming deliverer, judge, priest, King, Prophet, Branch, and Messiah, they were inspired by the Spirit of God.
This same Spirit of God provides inspiration for NT prophets to preach the bulls eye, big middle, and focal point of the entire Bible, the Lord Jesus Christ.
We have many prophetic "topics" today that imo, are way off the mark that Paul called the high calling of God in CHRIST JESUS. There are far too many people claiming the role of an apostolic prophet that use C.I. Scofield, John Maxwell, John McArthur, 7th Day Adventist power point presentations or Hagee for their eschatalogical references.
The role of a NT prophet is to preach the same Jesus that those in the OT did, imo. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He walked with Adam, spoke through the bush to Moses, provided a sacrifice for Abraham, anointed David and caused Zechariah to prophesy of that One who would enter Jerusalem on the foal of an ass.
We spend so much time chasing "signs" that we've forgotten that Jesus said the only sign that would be given would be the sign of the prophet Jonah, which was fulfilled completely in the death, burial and resurrection.
The gift of a prophet is not about preaching world events confirming
Matthew 24, imo, but about the seed of Judah,
Ge..49:10
The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be