The "God told me to tell you" Phenomenon
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Revelation 3:15-18
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
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I would suggest the book 'Thus Saith the Lord?' by John Bevere for anyone trying to discern whether or not God is talking to them through others. You can find the book on Amazon or on Abe Books (www.abebooks.com) for half the Amazon price or less.
The book is reader-friendly and really simplifies revelations about what God says as far back as the Old Testament about people giving false words, false prophecies/words coming to pass or defiling the person who received them, and knowing which so-called word from God is true and which is false.
I think the book is indispensable and possibly the best reader-friendly book on the subject and is important for anyone who is open to receiving (or who has received) 'words from the Lord' and who wants to know how to distinguish 1.) which words are indeed from God, 2.) which words are from evil spirits, and 3.) which are from the soul of the person giving the word.
The book is reader-friendly and really simplifies revelations about what God says as far back as the Old Testament about people giving false words, false prophecies/words coming to pass or defiling the person who received them, and knowing which so-called word from God is true and which is false.
I think the book is indispensable and possibly the best reader-friendly book on the subject and is important for anyone who is open to receiving (or who has received) 'words from the Lord' and who wants to know how to distinguish 1.) which words are indeed from God, 2.) which words are from evil spirits, and 3.) which are from the soul of the person giving the word.
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Yes, I see flesh people as wanting to be cookie cutters to others, and get them to be their puppets, and not be seen doing it.
I know of a story of a man that got saved in Church one day, went to the altar and wanted Jesus as his lord and savior. The person that was with him in awe, heard the pastor from the pulpit say
Wow, Bob we can use that person.
That person looked up at that pastor and said he needs Jesus, not a job!!!!!!!!!
Wow, woe came to Bob, in new thought hitting him from within him. seeing the error of people all over the world in religion. God wants and desires a personal relationship, is what I see and know God wanted for me at least, and everyone else too personally, For Jesus is the way the truth and new life offered to everyone to believe and be set free in Love to all, not the few that others only do love according to their expectations, not just religion
No thank you, I say to these keep your cookie cutters to you, and I either stay or walk away as I hear from God to do or not do, I hope we all come to see these things too and not let others control us as if others have the way, even in using Jesus along that way to get others under their thumb, no thanks and thanks to you to see this truth too
I know of a story of a man that got saved in Church one day, went to the altar and wanted Jesus as his lord and savior. The person that was with him in awe, heard the pastor from the pulpit say
Wow, Bob we can use that person.
That person looked up at that pastor and said he needs Jesus, not a job!!!!!!!!!
Wow, woe came to Bob, in new thought hitting him from within him. seeing the error of people all over the world in religion. God wants and desires a personal relationship, is what I see and know God wanted for me at least, and everyone else too personally, For Jesus is the way the truth and new life offered to everyone to believe and be set free in Love to all, not the few that others only do love according to their expectations, not just religion
No thank you, I say to these keep your cookie cutters to you, and I either stay or walk away as I hear from God to do or not do, I hope we all come to see these things too and not let others control us as if others have the way, even in using Jesus along that way to get others under their thumb, no thanks and thanks to you to see this truth too
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There goes that broad brush again. There are a good number of valid ministries online. And yeah, here you are on the internet. Guess we should not trust you either. 
You can always haul out the Bible to verify what someone online is saying. Personally, I find the internet a valuable source for research, verification, inspiration and various other things. I also have a hoard of books including several versions of scripture. I don't think Jesus ever meant for things to get so complicated, but He knows they are.
If a person is a young Christian, that is not saved for a long time, they can source some very good info online. And of course life is fraught with dangers these days, especially spiritual so discernment is probably one of the most important thing to pray for. I just don't know why you seem to keep being so discouraging. You do realize that you and whatever church you go to, do not have all the answers anymore than anyone else does.
That, is why we discuss rather that flat out dismiss what others say. It is allowed. We are also allowed to question. I know how much I have grown in my Christian life and I expect God is willing an able to lead those who thirst after Him.
You can always haul out the Bible to verify what someone online is saying. Personally, I find the internet a valuable source for research, verification, inspiration and various other things. I also have a hoard of books including several versions of scripture. I don't think Jesus ever meant for things to get so complicated, but He knows they are.
If a person is a young Christian, that is not saved for a long time, they can source some very good info online. And of course life is fraught with dangers these days, especially spiritual so discernment is probably one of the most important thing to pray for. I just don't know why you seem to keep being so discouraging. You do realize that you and whatever church you go to, do not have all the answers anymore than anyone else does.
That, is why we discuss rather that flat out dismiss what others say. It is allowed. We are also allowed to question. I know how much I have grown in my Christian life and I expect God is willing an able to lead those who thirst after Him.
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While I certainly believe that God still speaks to us today, whatever He tells us is not "new revelation" or any other departure from what Scripture already says.
If anything is "new", it would have to be counted as divinely inspired and thus on par with the rest of Scripture. However, the Scriptural canon is closed and God is not saying anything "new" to us.
The Spirit is not giving "new revelation", but He is constantly reminding us of what has already been written.
Some good Scripture references on this subject are: Deuteronomy 13 & 18, 1 Kings 18, Isaiah 30, Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13, Matthew 24, John 14, Galatians 1, Hebrews 1, 2 Peter 2 and Jude.
If anything is "new", it would have to be counted as divinely inspired and thus on par with the rest of Scripture. However, the Scriptural canon is closed and God is not saying anything "new" to us.
The Spirit is not giving "new revelation", but He is constantly reminding us of what has already been written.
Some good Scripture references on this subject are: Deuteronomy 13 & 18, 1 Kings 18, Isaiah 30, Jeremiah 23, Ezekiel 13, Matthew 24, John 14, Galatians 1, Hebrews 1, 2 Peter 2 and Jude.
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I was reading in another thread and was kind of surprised at how some of the posts read like instructions from God and how everyone else had better listen to the instructions or suffer the consequences. I'm not trying to single anyone out, or discuss another poster, but I would like to discuss what others think about this 'God told me to tell you' business.
In case anyone is not familiar with what I mean, I am referring to the apparent blossoming practice of supposedly receiving direct communication from God with the instructions that everyone else should benefit and be instructed by the 'word' a person has received. You will find all kinds of self proclaimed 'prophets' in certain church circles these days and of course it's easy to find on the web.
I think it's not from God in most cases but I would like to find out what others have to say about it. Thanks
I'll add that I do believe the spiritual gifts listed in Ephesians are still valid but have become misused in many churches and people try to gain importance in the eyes of others by operating either from their own flesh or worse.
In case anyone is not familiar with what I mean, I am referring to the apparent blossoming practice of supposedly receiving direct communication from God with the instructions that everyone else should benefit and be instructed by the 'word' a person has received. You will find all kinds of self proclaimed 'prophets' in certain church circles these days and of course it's easy to find on the web.
I think it's not from God in most cases but I would like to find out what others have to say about it. Thanks
I'll add that I do believe the spiritual gifts listed in Ephesians are still valid but have become misused in many churches and people try to gain importance in the eyes of others by operating either from their own flesh or worse.
I posted this before but it is applicable here also;
In the Old Testament , God provides His people with a clear mandate to test what they hear and read, ensuring that it aligns with His truth and not with deception. This principle is not only important for maintaining the integrity of faith but also for discerning the voice of God in a world full of false teachings. Testing Scripture and prophets is a vital practice that maintains the purity of God’s Word and affirms His truth.
The Importance of Testing in the Bible
God, in His wisdom, commands His people to test and examine what they hear and believe. This is not just about testing the accuracy of prophecy, but also ensuring that any teaching aligns with His established truth, which He has already revealed in the Scriptures. This calls for discernment, wisdom, and a heart committed to the truth.
Testing Prophets
In Deuteronomy 18:20-22, God gives a clear guideline on how to discern whether a prophet is genuinely speaking on His behalf or is a false prophet:
But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’—when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:20-22, NKJV)
In this passage, the test for a true prophet is whether their prophecies come to pass. If a prophet speaks words that do not come to pass, they are not speaking from God, and the people are not to fear them or follow their message.
The Role of the Law and Scriptures in Testing
The Old Testament stresses that all teachings must be measured against the law and the Word of God.
"You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." (Deuteronomy 4:2, NKJV) In the case of any prophet or teacher, if their message contradicts the Scriptures already revealed, they should not be followed.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns against false prophets who may perform signs and wonders but still lead people away from the commandments of God:
If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods'—which you have not known—and let us serve them, you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is testing you to know whether you love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 13:1-3, NKJV)
This passage emphasizes that even miraculous signs cannot be the final test of truth. The message must align with God’s Word. The test of loyalty to God’s commandments is paramount. Any prophet who leads you to worship other gods is false, regardless of whether their predictions come true.
Testing Scripture: The Integrity of God's Word
The Bible is the foundation for truth, and the Old Testament shows its importance as a standard for all doctrine and teaching. This is why it is so critical that we test all teachings, whether from prophets or others, by the Scriptures themselves.
The psalmist in Psalm 119:160 writes:
"The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever." (Psalm 119:160, NKJV)
This verse reminds us that God's Word is entirely truthful and that it will endure forever. No prophecy or teaching can contradict or invalidate the written Word of God. The truth of the Scriptures stands as the ultimate test for what is authentic and righteous.
The Bereans: A Model for Testing
In the New Testament, the Bereans are commended for their willingness to test even the teachings of the apostle Paul. In Acts 17:11, we read:
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11, NKJV)
The Bereans set an example for us in how to test teachings. They did not blindly accept what they heard but diligently searched the Scriptures to confirm the truth of the message. This was their standard: God's Word, not the words of men. By comparing everything they heard to the Scriptures, they ensured that they were not deceived.
The Role of Witnessing in Testing
The concept of witnessing in the Bible is closely related to the idea of testing truth. Witnessing provides evidence that affirms or disproves the truth of a message. Jesus Himself speaks of the importance of multiple witnesses to verify truth. In John 8:17-18, He says:
"It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me." (John 8:17-18, NKJV)
Jesus uses the principle of multiple witnesses to affirm His own divine authority. In the same way, when we test prophecies, teachings, or Scripture, it is beneficial to have multiple, credible witnesses—be they the teachings of the apostles, the testimony of the saints, or the evidence of Scripture itself. The truth of God’s Word is established not by one isolated testimony but by a consistent witness throughout the Scriptures.
The Necessity of Discernment
Discernment is a spiritual gift that allows believers to test and judge between truth and error. It is important to cultivate this gift by prayerfully studying Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In 1 John 4:1, the apostle John exhorts believers to exercise discernment:
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1, NKJV)
John acknowledges the presence of false prophets in the world and calls on believers to test them. This test is not just based on signs and wonders but on the content of their message and whether it aligns with the truth of God’s Word.
The Biblical Mandate to Test
The Old Testament provides a clear foundation for testing prophecies and teachings. A prophet’s words must come to pass, and their message must align with the commandments of God. The integrity of God’s Word stands as the final test. Scripture is truth, and any teaching that deviates from it must be rejected.
As believers, we are called Search the Scriptures diligently to confirm the truth of what we hear. Witnesses, multiple testimonies, and discernment are tools we can use to test the truth. In a world full of voices, where everyone have his own opinion and personal interpretation, only God’s Word provides the firm foundation on which we can stand.
We should take these commands seriously, not only in matters of prophecy but in all things related to our faith, ensuring that we are always walking in the truth of God’s Word.
Blessings.
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I don't disagree with what you've posted here... but too often I see people limiting God's communication to Scripture, or reminders about Scripture. The truth is that while Scripture is complete and "all that we need" with regard to knowing God and becoming saved and mature, it is not all the truth there is (where is the structure of the cell described in Scripture?), and is woefully inadequate in giving us individualized direction in our lives (should I purchase this car or wait for a better deal?). That's why God continues to speak, both directly to individuals through a wide variety of media and through others by means of prophecy, words of wisdom and words of knowledge.
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I am hearing there is a book you might like, enjoy and learn much from,
Your choice
Author Bob George, book called "Classic Christianity" and there are lots more written by him, as I have gained much from them, to God personally, not to Bob necessarily. Bob is now gone to be with the Lord or not, I think he is, yet only Father knows and decides not me
this learning from Bob began with
"I am forgiven and remain forgiven even if I sin again" by God it is done once through Son for me and all the world 1 John 2:1-2
Which got me searching the entire Bible from Old to New, I now call the Old, the First Testament not the Old to me at least
I was at that time back in the 1990's caught up under Law to do to get to keep saved by God for me.
And I seriously tried, only to find out "I" can't do it, and then being in a gigantic bad habit to not sin again, I found me trapped in a sin I hated then, yet did it all the more anyways. (Romans 7)
It was as like this
A bad practice to obey Law perfectly, was not good for me, but to see "I" can't do it righteously. Once saw this truth. I thought I saw to quit it. And went after to quit it. Only to find out I was in such a bad habit trying not to do it, it like became a trait in me, and I continued in it anyways. I wanted to get rid of it, and couldn't
A practice of anything good or bad, if practiced long enough becomes a habit. Once anything is a habit, good or bad, if it continues becomes a characteristic, then if long enough a trait.
My sin I hated, yet did anyways, had become a trait in me and wow, what a sorting out God did with me and will not quit with anyone that sees new, wanting to quit too. Even those that do not see new yet either, God reveals truth and we get to see and know it is not you/us that can do it, it is God that did it by Son once for us all on that cross first (Hebrews 10:10) That had to get done first, before any new life could ever get given.
then the risen Son is waiting for each to decide to believe he is risen where Father gives new life to us in Father's Holy Spirit to us each personally and we get it free and do not care about trying to obey, what no flesh nature can obey, now too busy praising God. Once this change of life in the risen Son for us happens, it becomes too simple to love all as called as in 1 Cor 13:4-7 God imputes that in God's people that will not quit belief to God period, even if are going to death also as Son did once already for us all
Are we willing? that is the key I see that opens the door of mystery from God to me at least
Your choice
Author Bob George, book called "Classic Christianity" and there are lots more written by him, as I have gained much from them, to God personally, not to Bob necessarily. Bob is now gone to be with the Lord or not, I think he is, yet only Father knows and decides not me
this learning from Bob began with
"I am forgiven and remain forgiven even if I sin again" by God it is done once through Son for me and all the world 1 John 2:1-2
Which got me searching the entire Bible from Old to New, I now call the Old, the First Testament not the Old to me at least
I was at that time back in the 1990's caught up under Law to do to get to keep saved by God for me.
And I seriously tried, only to find out "I" can't do it, and then being in a gigantic bad habit to not sin again, I found me trapped in a sin I hated then, yet did it all the more anyways. (Romans 7)
It was as like this
A bad practice to obey Law perfectly, was not good for me, but to see "I" can't do it righteously. Once saw this truth. I thought I saw to quit it. And went after to quit it. Only to find out I was in such a bad habit trying not to do it, it like became a trait in me, and I continued in it anyways. I wanted to get rid of it, and couldn't
A practice of anything good or bad, if practiced long enough becomes a habit. Once anything is a habit, good or bad, if it continues becomes a characteristic, then if long enough a trait.
My sin I hated, yet did anyways, had become a trait in me and wow, what a sorting out God did with me and will not quit with anyone that sees new, wanting to quit too. Even those that do not see new yet either, God reveals truth and we get to see and know it is not you/us that can do it, it is God that did it by Son once for us all on that cross first (Hebrews 10:10) That had to get done first, before any new life could ever get given.
then the risen Son is waiting for each to decide to believe he is risen where Father gives new life to us in Father's Holy Spirit to us each personally and we get it free and do not care about trying to obey, what no flesh nature can obey, now too busy praising God. Once this change of life in the risen Son for us happens, it becomes too simple to love all as called as in 1 Cor 13:4-7 God imputes that in God's people that will not quit belief to God period, even if are going to death also as Son did once already for us all
Are we willing? that is the key I see that opens the door of mystery from God to me at least
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love it, as I have seen the truth used to get things as Jesus revealed to the clergy doing them then. Saying they would not have known unless I showed them
Amazing to me today, how this still goes on, churches today, that I see if Jesus were here, he would not be in them, what????????????????????
Authorized (King James) Version
Hebrews 8:1-4
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
Authorized (King James) Version
Romans 8:1-4
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3
Authorized (King James) Version
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
Authorized (King James) Version
Hebrews 5:12-6:3
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk isunskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, eventhose who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
Ask, just do not ask amiss to spend what you get on your own pleasures, thanks
Amazing to me today, how this still goes on, churches today, that I see if Jesus were here, he would not be in them, what????????????????????
Authorized (King James) Version
Hebrews 8:1-4
Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
Authorized (King James) Version
Romans 8:1-4
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3
Authorized (King James) Version
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
Authorized (King James) Version
Hebrews 5:12-6:3
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk isunskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, eventhose who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
Ask, just do not ask amiss to spend what you get on your own pleasures, thanks
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