Are there modern day prophets?

[Adullam]

Folks, I admit that my observations are limited to one Assemblies of God district in Mexico, but here goes:

We have people down here who have announced that they are prophets. They will tell people what to do, expose their sins, and amaze the crowd with their knowledge. Unfortunately, most of them make a mistake somewhere along the line. Fortunately, even the Assemblies of God people have learned to ignore them. Their correct prophecies are vaguely worded ("God is displeased because you are not reading the Bible enough!"), and when they get specific, they make mistakes.

They are not a reliable source of spiritual guidance. Being a prophet is not something to be taken on lightly. One mistake, and you're done. Period.

I don't think I agree with that prophetic statement. You are too fallible!

 

[Vince]

My friend Whirlwind writes: "
Take heed that no man deceive you. [Matthew 24:4]"


That's good advice. Uhm, are you agreeing with me or disagreeing with me.

 

[whirlwind]

My friend Whirlwind writes: "
Take heed that no man deceive you. [Matthew 24:4]"


That's good advice. Uhm, are you agreeing with me or disagreeing with me.

Agreeing...with my amigo.

However, not because some "prophets" may make mistakes....rather because I don't believe today's prophets speak of new things. The Holy Spirit guides them into a deeper understanding, revelation, of His Word...of the already written Word.

 

[Cornelius]

How do we know if somebody is a false prophet?

Which one is the correct verse ?:

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 By their false prophesies ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

 

[justvisiting]

Just thought I'd throw something else in. In the time near our redemption, there will be those that aren't saved that may even prophecy, perhaps correctly. We are still told to watch for false prophets and false Christs. I am sure they will have some measure of spiritual power. We also have to be careful to weigh things, even if they are correct in their prophecy.
Wasn't making any accusations at anyone here.
It's just a potentially dangerous thing to listen to...even when there may be some truth in it. I'm sure some Christians have ruined there lives because ie. some supposed prophet told them, they were supposed to sell their house, or be missionaries to Africa...etc. We are to weigh things much better than just gullible obedience. I'm not saying there aren't those that will prophecy correctly...it's just something to be very careful about.
Also, to me a prophet has to have a high measure of faith. I mean you literally have to hear God audibly. How many can do that? It's just something I shy away from. The scriptures and prayer are good enough for me. There are just too many dangerous novices out there.

 

[Cornelius]

Also, to me a prophet has to have a high measure of faith. I mean you literally have to hear God audibly. How many can do that?

The Bible tells us that the modern day prophets are prophesying according to the faith and not according to hearing the Lord audibly (although that happens many times, when people have visions and dreams, that the Lord indeed speak to the audibly )
Rom 12:6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

So a new Christian with less faith will speak a word that is less "perfect" than somebody with more faith. We then have to judge the prophecy and not the person. (Old Testament judges the person, not the New Testament. Do not confuse the two kinds of prophets ! )
Notice that people learn through modern prophecy and they are exhorted:

1Co 14:31 For ye all can prophesy one by one,

that all may learn,

and all may be exhorted;
1Co 14:32 and the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets;

Here is how are suppose to do it:
1Co 14:29 And let the prophets speak by two or three, and let the others discern.
Notice : discern, not STONE ! Discern and take from it what you can.

How do we know the prophecy is false: When it does not come to pass. People can get it wring these days, but one thing we forget: God can prophecy an event, and then postpone it . That does not make the prophet (like Jonah) false. It just makes God merciful. Nineveh WAS destroyed at a later date !

 

[Vince]

My friend Cornelius cites Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Does this passage teach that false prophets are ONLY known by their fruits, but they can make false prophesies all they want? Peter Ruckman, a false prophet who teaches that God has commanded us to reject His Word and replace it with the King James Version, has led a wicked enough life that it is clear that God did not send him. He has also prophesied future events (Janet Reno would have him assassinated) that did not come true.

 

[Adullam]

A prophet speaks from the heart of God on a matter. A prophet is concerned with the truth. This is why they are rejected. As Jesus said...men will always persecute that which is of the truth. There should be no surprise, here. The church has become a corporate entity that draws it's power from the principalities and powers. Is it a surprise that the first victims in this coup d'état are the prophets? The prophets rail against the system, the harlot and the idolatry. This will not be tolerated in a organization that stresses passivity, slumber and deception. These firebrands are branded as divisive and expelled or just ridiculed. But it is the devil who is doing the ridiculing. A lack of knowledge causes many believers to be the devil's fops. Unfortunately, it takes prophets to point this out....and they have already been written off. My people perish for lack of knowledge!

Prophets in the NT are to temper one another. The truth itself must be tempered with love. This is the new way in Christ. We are to speak the truth in love. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. The prophets must ensure that the truth is spoken in a way that it is life-giving and life-sustaining. In this way the truth remains IN Christ!


The biggest danger to the truth is a truth that is exalted so that it destroys the unity of truth. This is the reason for the plurality of prophets. Truth must be kept in it's proper perspective. :P

 

[justvisiting]

I'm a prophet Dave. I prophecy that your mind will get better. Course I had to say a little prayer at the same time.