Modern Day Prophets?
A MODERN DAY PROPHET?
Miracle blessings by special anointed oil! A special red prayer cloth anointed by a prophet of God! Anointed olive oil soap that washes away the sin of poverty!It would be apparent to most, that statements such as these, uttered by wild-eyed men and women claiming to have received a vision from God are clearly false and unbiblical. The truth is, this business is a prosperous one! There are people who DO give money with full belief and faith in these men and women! That is the most amazing aspect of these types of "ministries".
If there are people who give willingly, to what is transparently false, how much more are being mislead by those who are not quite as obvious? This begs the question, is there such a thing as a modern day prophet, a prophet that brings a message from God?
VOCATION -EDIFYING OF THE BODY
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues"
In Ephesians 4:1-11 Paul tells us to "walk worthy of the vocation of which we were called". The "vocations" which Paul speaks about are listed in verse 11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers".
What does the term prophet mean? The basic dictionary explanation is:
a person who speaks for God or a deity, or by divine inspiration (Dictionary.com Unabridged)
The Tyndale Bible Dictionary defines prophet/prophetess as: A man or woman chosen by God to speak for Him and to fortell events in the divine plan.
When a person declares themselves a prophet of God, then it is attributed to that person, the gift of prophecy.
The Tyndale Bible Dictionary defines prophecy as:
Term, along with its English cognates ("prophet", "to prophesy", "prophetism", and "prophetic"), derived from a group of Greek words that in secular Greek, mean "speak forth", "proclaim", "announce". In biblical Greek, however, these terms always carry the connotation of speaking, proclaiming, or announcing something under the influence of spiritual inspiration.
Upon reading Ephesians 4-11 we continue unto the next few verse for more clarity of how the "vocation" prophets and their ability to prophesy is incorporated into the Body of Christ.
Verses 12 -15
- For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
VANITY OF VANITIES
Any prophet who promotes, healing and wealth above "the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God" is false. Prophets such as these appeal to the vanities of the flesh, and we are all called to walk after the Spirit Romans 8:1.In my reading of the Word over time, I can't help but notice one characteristic that seems to be lacking in a lot of these televangelist prophets. Old Testament prophets and the apostles of the New Testament were despised, beaten, and murdered for their daring testimony for Christ and the Father. The opposite seems to be true of modern day "prophets". Not only do they seem to languish in wealth, but they are drenched with praise from their followers.
CHRIST, OUR PROPHET
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:1-2.
When a modern day prophet begins to fashion themselves as an "Old Testament" prophet, bringing something "new" or "different" to what has already been established by Christ, it becomes a deviation from His Word. Any prophet claiming to have a new "message" or "doctrine" is false. Hebrews 13:8-9 tells us "not to be carried about with divers and strange doctrines".
I am convinced that a "modern day prophet" is a slight variation of a minister, pastor or anyone who declares themselves men or women of God. This is purely my personal opinion formed upon my understanding of Scripture. The reason for my opinion lies in the words of Christ. In John 16:7, Christ emphasizes the necessity of His ascension for the purpose of the indwelling of the Comforter in those who believe on Him. Christ explained that the Spirit of Truth is to guide us into all truth and show us things to come. John 16:13-14 Someone who claims to have a new message from God, or a message from God towards a specific person, disturbs me and my understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in a anointed believer. I DO believe that the Holy Spirit nullifies any special "fortelling" claimed by a prophet. Take a look at these Scriptures:
But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 1John 2:20But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 John 2:27
CONFESSIONS
Modern day prophets should be on "fire" with the Holy Spirit. Confessing, teaching and preaching for the edification of believers towards the building of the Body of Christ. The Scriptures declare that anyone who denies Jesus as the Christ, is a liar. 1 John 2:22-23 I wonder, does one need to speak verbally to deny Christ? I daresay, any omission of His name is just as loud.Author's Note: All caps and italics in Scripture are mine.
Nicely written, Hannah. I strongly agree with your views on this topic. So many times we confuse secular charisma with prophetic. Being able to sway crowds in the name of the Lord isn't the same as swaying crowds to the Lord. We need to keep our eyes firmly on scripture so we can discern the Truth from the fiction.
ReplyDelete38If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
You said:
ReplyDelete"I am convinced that a "modern day prophet" is a slight variation of a minister, pastor or anyone who declares themselves men or women of God. This is purely my personal opinion formed upon my understanding of Scripture."
A prophet does not repeat what has been written. A true prophet, is who has been told future events through a dream of vision. Today there is not one single true Prophet of the Almighty Divine, on the face of this earth. The Prophets were here and gone. Even the Apostles never claimed to be a Prophet. Apostle means "to be sent fourth".
If you want to write about the Prophets maybe you should quote from the Prophets. Look up Acts 28:23. Thats what Paul was using, the writings of Moses and the Prophets.
The new testament wasn't even around during Paul's day.
So Prophets wrote about the a New Earth. How about write about that?
What did the Prophets teach about this New Earth.
Peter quoted Issiah.
Jesus was the last true Prophet to walk the earth. Paul, Peter, and John wrote upon what the Prophets already wrote. The problem Christians are not very versed in the writings of Moses and the Prophets.
Enlight, It's apparent you didn't read my post throughly. IF you read my post completely, you will have noticed Hebrews 1:1-2 and the Heading that states "Christ, Our Prophet" and you will see that under that heading I INDICATE CHRIST as our ultimate and final prophet.
ReplyDeleteIf you read the book of Ephesians 4:1-12. You will SEE the word PROPHET listed in verse 11 and in verse 12 explains all is for the edification of the Body of CHRIST. So the answer is no a prophet should NOT be a messenger of anything NEW as it states in Hebrews 13:8-9; Ephesians 4:14. All men and women claiming to be of God should be edifying the Body of Christ not leading them astray!
The whole point of my post is the question of a MODERN DAY PROPHET.. in which I express my opinion based on scripture....There are those who claim this day and age to be "prophets" of God who claim new truths and powers of Christ, this is what I'm addressing.
As for Acts 23:28... I'm not sure what your point is in sharing that with me??
My focus is and will always remain on Christ, who is the fulfillment of the law. Romans 13:8-10
In stating this, there is no need for me to quote from the prophets of the Old Testament as the prophecy of that time all were towards the fulfillment of Christ, God's plan of Salvation of mankind. This includes the LAW of MOSES. Acts 3:18
One can and may prophesy about the end times and the "new earth" as you apparently seem to do.
But, Paul tell us this: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing"
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Enlight, I wanted to add, I appreciate your "suggestions" of topics to write about. But there are 2 reasons why I cannot take your suggestions:
ReplyDelete1. It seems that you and I are NOT in agreement in the interpretation of scripture.
2. I am led of the Holy Spirit to write what He wills me to write.
"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things" 1 John 2:20
Will if your talking about Salvation, how does the New Earth play into the plan?
ReplyDeletePeople that are stuck on the new testament seem to never mention it?
I am just wondering what do you think.
Paul writings are based on the chosen. This is why Christianity cannot understand what he was talking about.
ReplyDeleteThe whole book of Ephesians, Paul is writing to the Chosen, not the other sheep.
Enlight,
ReplyDeleteI would hope that you would be “stuck” on the New Testament. To be “stuck” in the Old Testament would be a denial of the Son of God. For all things in the OT paves the way to all things that has been made new by Christ. In other words, salvation by works (law) has been replaced with salvation by faith (love). Romans 13:8-10 The law is weak through the flesh. “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh:” Romans 8:3
I’m not sure what your concept of biblical salvation is, or what exactly is meant by “new earth”, and why your focus seems more directed towards “new earth”. As opposed to the gospel of salvation for which true believers have been commissioned?
Having said all this, this begs the question; DO you believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, who came in the flesh to be a propitiation for our sins?
Now let me tell you what I BELIEVE
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16
I believe that salvation is just that simple. Its simplicity can be made complex when if one applies it in a physical sense. I believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, but I’m obviously going to die some day (unless the takes place rapture prior to my death) It makes more sense when I apply it in the spiritual connotation. When I do die, I will some day be resurrected into eternity with him. All things point towards the spiritual in the NT Romans 8:1 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”
How does the new earth play into the plan? Let me ask you this, if all things in the OT sets the stage for the Son of the Living God to be a propitiation for our sins, thus fulfills the Plan of restoration of man into a loving relationship with the Father, made possible through His death and our HEARTFELT belief/confession of Him Romans 9:10, what does the “new earth” matter, if we have been restored unto the Father? Will we not be with Him wherever He goes? Does he not dwell within us through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16
Should we not as true believers focus on the commission of Christ? To share the good news with love? To edify the Body of Christ?
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 1 Tim. 1:4
I don't know what you mean by "choosen". Jesus said that the Father desires those to worship Him in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24 Only God can discern the heart of a believer.
ReplyDeleteThey the term "law" is written in the new testament they were referring to the temple law. The temple law was done away with because Jesus entered heaven as high priest. He became the temple. Thus, through Jesus, we don't need a temple or have to give an animal sacrifice for be forgiven. Even a sacrifice was not even enough which King Saul is a fine example.
ReplyDeleteI realize the dogma of Christianity does not teach about the new earth.
Although Peter did mention it, which Issiah the Prophet foretold about it. So it does matter, the problem is that the knowledge of Christianity is shallow. It's because of the Idolatry.
I forgot to mention that the law was of the temple, then there were the commandments, I am not just speaking of the 10. Moses wrote down the commandments of human behavior which the apostles aways supported. The commandments will always exist.
ReplyDeleteSure it is faith and love. But most people don't even know the opposite of love which is selfishness and greed. This is what Moses taught.
He taught not to complain which is a commandment. It's sad how the wicked world rulers (Satan) has this whole world in deception. Every religion breaks the first two commandments. How? Idolatry!