– Source: This is an exact copy of the GotQuestions.org article: Are there prophets in the church today? Original found at: https://www.gotquestions.org/prophets-today.html Only the format has been edited by OMGjesus staff.
Laying of the foundation of the church
The gift of prophet (Ephesians 4:11) seems to have been a temporary gift given by Christ for the laying of the foundation of the church.
Prophets were foundational to the church (Ephesians 2:20). The prophet proclaimed a message from the Lord to the early believers. Sometimes a prophet’s message was revelatory (new revelation and truth from God) and sometimes a prophet’s message was predictive (see Acts 11:28 and 21:10).
The early Christians did not have the complete Bible. Some early Christians did not have access to any of the books of the New Testament. The New Testament prophets “filled the gap” by proclaiming God’s message to the people who would not have access to it otherwise.
The last book of the New Testament (Revelation) was not completed until late in the first century. So, the Lord sent prophets to proclaim God’s Word to His people.
Are there true prophets today?
If the purpose of a prophet was to reveal truth from God, why would we need prophets if we have the completed revelation from God in the Bible?
If prophets were the “foundation” of the early church, are we still building the “foundation” today?
Can God give someone a message to deliver to someone else? Absolutely!
Does God reveal truth to someone in a supernatural way and enable that person to deliver that message to others? Absolutely!
But is this the biblical gift of prophecy? No.
100% complete agreement
Whatever the case, whenever a person claims to be speaking for God (the essence of prophecy) the key is to compare what is said with what the Bible says.
If God were to speak through a person today, it would be in 100% complete agreement with what God has already said in the Bible. God does not contradict Himself.
1 John 4:1 instructs us, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 declares, “Do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good.”
So, whether it is a “word from the Lord” or a supposed prophecy, our response should be the same. Compare what is said to what the Word of God says.
If it contradicts the Bible, throw it out. If it agrees with the Bible, pray for wisdom and discernment as to how to apply the message (2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5).
Compare what is said to what the Word of God says.
FOR MORE:
This article is an exact copy of the GotQuestions.org article with the same name: “Are there prophets in the church today?” Only the format has been edited by OMGjesus staff for easy reading online.
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Signs of Deception | from fitl.co.za | by | March 22, 2023 | Excerpt:
Smooth talk’in – What come out of the mouths of deceivers: All in one link AMP version: Romans 16:17-18, 1 Thessalonians 2:5, Titus 1:10, 1 Timothy 4:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:5-7
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive” (Romans 16:17-18).
“For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness” (1 Thess 2:5).
“For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party” (Titus 1:10).
“I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments” (Colossians 2:4).
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).
“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions” (1 Timothy 1:5-7).
Bethel Church admits failures after Mike Winger’s Shawn Bolz exposé reveals prophetic deception, sexual abuse | By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Bethel admits failures after Mike Winger’s exposé on Shawn Bolz’s alleged prophetic deception and sexual abuse:
PIC: Shawn Bolz allegedly prophesying at Bethel CA_Screengrab-YouTube-Bethel
They in fact have seen nothing
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