So there are fakes, and there are true prophets, or at least there are people who, at least sometimes, operate in the gift of prophecy, if not hold the office of prophet.
Do I have it right? (So far? )
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Let me preface my thoughts on this by saying, I DO believe in the real ministry of the spirit and the operation of the gifts in the church....that said:
IMHO, much of the prophelying we see in Pentecost is the result of "hero" worship and pressure to perform.
Allow me for a moment.....a man/woman goes to preach in xyz church and while ministering in the anointing, he/she begins to operate in the gifts of the spirit. People are truly healed, others are legitimately prophesied to, etc. The pastor calls all of his friends and says "man, you have to have so & so to your church they operate in the gifts and they will really bless your church." This person goes to other churches and God uses them mightily and they build a "reputation" of being used in "the gifts." They start being lifted up and revered by those who have either seen first hand or have heard of their exploits.
Now at some point this person goes to a church and in the course of ministry they don't get a "word" they don't see a miracle....etc......but because the reason they were invited to this meeting was because everybody knows "they operate in the gifts" and if nothing happens......they may start losing meetings....they start giving words, and prophelying. But because of their reputation and our fascination and worship of "gifted" people keep following them.
If we could ever get to the place where if God doesn't say it....we don't say it, and if a miracle doesn't happen then God is still glorified and the people edified....we could have honesty in ministry. If we could get the people to quit following after signs.....and if we would educate the body that the gifts are for everyday operation in the life of the believer instead of just a handful of spiritual superstars, we would see a powerful release of the supernatural in our midst. Yes we need to TEACH on it and then release the people of God to operate. And then people would not have to follow after a "sign" because they would see signs and wonder all the time....not just when Bro/Sis so&so comes to town.
So there are fakes, and there are true prophets, or at least there are people who, at least sometimes, operate in the gift of prophecy, if not hold the office of prophet.
Do I have it right? (So far? )
oh good grief Timmy. Paul said as much.
i think the starting point for you is, there is a God. no?
__________________ If I do something stupid blame the Lortab!
Paul said as much because there was a Canon open in his day, which is not true now. You guys might consider the definition of a 'prophet' here for a second--even our def, the human one, will do for this. For brevity's sake, i'll simplify: "Someone who prophesies." fair enough? Ok, now, in order for there to be a prophet, there must be a Canon to record the prophecy in. Any objections so far?
Suppose someone gives you a genuine message from God: is it a sin to disbelieve it? If it is an instruction or command for you to follow, is it a sin to disobey it?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
This precedent, from 1 Kings 20, may help you answer my questions:
35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the Lord, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.
36 Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
If they have a website promoting their gifts or testimonials...
If they have an official ministry name (ie NDavid's Prophetic Utterance Ministry)...
Probably not a real prophet.
Just sayin.
Amen. Say it again.
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"Resolved: That all men should live to the glory of God. Resolved, secondly: That whether or not anyone else does, I will." ~Jonathan Edwards
"The only man who has the right to say he is justified by grace alone is the man who has left all to follow Christ." ~Dietrich Bonheoffer, The Cost of Discipleship
"Preachers who should be fishing for men are now too often fishing for compliments from men." ~Leonard Ravenhill
This precedent, from 1 Kings 20, may help you answer my questions:
35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the Lord, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.
36 Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.
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