A
LOOK BACK AT PROPHECIES
(Because
Prophetic Irresponsibility
May Provoke Over-all Despisement of Prophecy)
The following is an observation by someone who has noticed the unfortunate developments in both e-mail lists and churches here in America:
"I have what I have come to believe is a trend today. As I have talked with Christians and gone to many different services and watched many different religious programs on T.V. I cannot help but get the impression that there is no difference between going to church to get prophesied over then going across the street to the palm reader. It seems to me that the fear of the unknown is just as strong in the church and is being masked with spiritual dressing to calm the fears of unbelief by going to the prophet and getting a reading. What ever happened to asking the Holy Spirit for the answers to one's fears and the future? If we are a Royal Priesthood with the indwelling Holy Spirit then we should pray and meditate to find out about ourselves and any other future event..." (JD)
Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thess. 5:19-23 KJV)
Pretending a problem does not exist just gives error more time to spread unchallenged, which ultimately promotes a 'backlash' against the gift of prophecy as a whole. So what can we do? We can ask ourselves if a ministry truly represents God's heart and ways or if it is a "mixture". For instance, are those who claim they are prophets self-promoting? Boastful? Callous toward those they have hurt? Irresponsible? Overbearing and abusive? Money focused? Unable to admit when they are wrong? Elitist?
What about the
prophecies themselves? Are they based on
silly formulas, misinformation, and superstition? Were
they produced under 'duress' or peer-pressure?
(i.e. the so-called prophet is expected to
prophesy during a certain time or at a certain cue) What
language and 'teachings' are worked into a 'prophecy'?
All of us are responsible for asking these questions
for ourselves and for teaching others to do the same. That way, people won't blame God, or the
prophetic spiritual gift itself, for something that was
not of God in the first place.
The examples below are for instructional purposes as far as discernment issues. Not all prophecies noted contain obvious error. Indeed, a few 'high quality' prophecies might just as well be reproduced beside the ridiculous, just to give the reader a taste of the difference. Yearly
prophecies Clinton Prophecies Posted are all prophecies we came across regarding President Clinton, before and during his scandal. Especially
for the Youth: Some "Jesus Movement" prophecies
(approximately 1999-2001)
and where they came from |
SEE ALSO: New Wave?Apostles/Prophets page This discusses the differences in some prophecies, with an example of a non-ego 'promise' for new leaders, to compare See also, our conferences page, for our earlier thoughts on expensive conferences in general. |
NOTE: You will find that there are names attached to public quotes and public prophecies. If you are automatically offended by that prospect alone, you may be one of those who believe it is wrong to quote a person's public writings or releases (in context) unless it is done without even the mildest of scrutiny or concern. If this is the case, I urge you to take advantage the articles below. These should help you find your Scriptural bearings regarding the necessity of exposure or open, public rebuke, when appropriate.
brief
portion from Chapter
3 from a book called "Twisted Scriptures" |
Two
Kinds of Judging author unknown
(short introductory article.More teachings linked at bottom) |
The
Untouchables: Are "God's Anointed" Beyond Criticism? by Hendrik H. Hanegraaff | Are
Criticisms Appropriate? from
The Berean Inquirer |
|