What makes a prophet?

Blain · Mar 3, 2025

if the role of a prophet is to speak his will then yes it is still needed we already see so much doubt and confusion and arguments with the scriptures and many sometimes need his guidence and so if one is needing it and they speak to a prophet then God can use that person to speak his will.
I believe I have already told this story but I will tell it again I was visiting a church and this man told me he had been studying the bible for years but never once saw an act of God occur and so he stopped believing and I told him here is your act of God your cat is going to bring you a dead baby racoon three days later he saw me at church and came running saying I believe now what you said was true my cat brough me a dead baby racoon the very day you spoke it.

that is a good example just from my experience.

ResidentAlien · Mar 3, 2025

Blain said:

I guess you missed the part where I said the role of a prophet is to communicate God's will in a supernatural way.
We don't need supernatural revelation; all has already been revealed. Of course we need those who can communicate God's will, but we have God's written word for that, and inspired teachers to teach it.

GWH · Mar 3, 2025

ResidentAlien said:

I believe there were prophets in the early days of the ekklesia. I believe they communicated the will of God in a supernatural way. However, with the completed canon of scripture there is no longer a need for supernatural revelation; this has been replace by teaching. I'm not saying the gift has been done away and will never return; we will probably see true prophets during the tribulation. But the office itself is no longer needed so there are no longer prophets in the true sense. In other words, there are no true and false prophets because there are no prophets, period. Anyone claiming to be a prophet is either lying or deluded, in my opinion.

Mine, too, in the foretelling sense.

Blain · Mar 3, 2025

ResidentAlien said:

I didn't miss it that is why I gave the example of what happened with me and that man in church that was supernatural I was given knowledge of something to happen that I could not have known otherwise.

ResidentAlien · Mar 3, 2025

Blain said:

We're at an impasse. Nice chatting with you, but I don't see how anything can be gained by going forward. Have a blessed day.

homwardbound · Mar 3, 2025

Blain said:

Hebrews 1:1
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hebrews 1:2
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 1:3
who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

No more Prophets in the New Testament, as was in the first (old) Testament

Prophecy still in place

2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Romans 12:6
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1 Corinthians 13:2
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.

Therefore, discern what each person is after in whatever they do or not do. Father tells his kids, this truth, wait patiently to hear from Daddy. we, as I see are to listen having two ears given each person to hear more than I speak over swelling words to any flesh people
A simple yes or no, tells me a lot, to add anything to that can be and I find is usually manipulating for some self gain. Learn Matthew 10:16-20 from God top you personally
We today in belief need no one else to teach us
1 John 2:27
But 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.
read the whole chapter of 2 Cor 10, about Paul not using words of any manipulating anyone into belief

birdie · Mar 5, 2025

Blain said:

Thanks Blain, for your question about prophets. The Bible speaks about all true believers as being prophets in the sense that they testify of Jesus. We read in the Bible: "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. "

So, we see that the very testimony of Jesus, which all of the true believers have, is the spirit of prophecy. Any time a true believer is sharing the gospel it is the spirit of prophecy.

In parable form, we read about this in Revelation: "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy..." . The two witnesses describes here are a parable picture of the church (the true believers). Remember what the Bible says about the power of the true believers: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. " We see that the two witnesses (the church) prophesy. In other words, the true believers testify of Jesus. What does a prophet look like in the world or in the church today? Anyone who is a true believer is the answer, for all true believers in Christ receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon them.

Blain · Mar 5, 2025

birdie said:

Thanks Blain, for your question about prophets. The Bible speaks about all true believers as being prophets in the sense that they testify of Jesus. We read in the Bible: "And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. "

So, we see that the very testimony of Jesus, which all of the true believers have, is the spirit of prophecy. Any time a true believer is sharing the gospel it is the spirit of prophecy.

In parable form, we read about this in Revelation: "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy..." . The two witnesses describes here are a parable picture of the church (the true believers). Remember what the Bible says about the power of the true believers: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. " We see that the two witnesses (the church) prophesy. In other words, the true believers testify of Jesus. What does a prophet look like in the world or in the church today? Anyone who is a true believer is the answer, for all true believers in Christ receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon them.

Well said

Blade · Mar 5, 2025

I do believe the role of apostles and prophets were crucial at the start of the Church and they are still out there but we today are to be guided by the sweet sweet holy Spirit not by prophets. As one said..... who are primarily preachers or teachers of the word not leaders or guides. Just to think about that huh. Well the Spirit of God was in just one of them but today He is in each one of us.. how wonderful and awesome and beautiful and majestic is our GOD. Psa "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" The song just started playing by Petra "Holy is your name" we come to praise you..

Decades ago " Many of my own people will not accept the moving of my Spirit and will turn back and will not be ready to meet Me at my coming. Many will be deceived by false prophets and miracles of Satanic origin. But follow the Word of God and the Spirit of God, and follow Me and you will not be deceived. I am gathering my own together and preparing them, for the time is short.”

presidente · Mar 5, 2025

Blain said:

I would say prophesying is fundamentally the same thing as it was in Biblical times-- speaking (or communicating in other ways) as one is moved to do so by the Holy Ghost. The Bible never says when you gather as a church, sing three songs, have one pastor preach one longer sermon, sing three songs, pray, then go home. When it gets down to explaining what to do in church, it does say to let the prophets speak two or three and let the other judge.

As far as 'fortune telling' goes, it was apparently legitimate to go to a genuine prophet of the LORD and inquire about personal things or such matters as where one's fathers lost donkeys had gone off too. Prophets might also individually meet with people for whom they had messages. They also inquired of the LORD through stones in the breastplate of the high priest, the Urim and Thummin. They also cast lots on different occasions. Inquiring of soothsayers, cloud readers, necromancers, and prophets of other gods was forbidden.

Calling going to a prophet to inquire where lost donkeys are 'fortune telling' seems negative toward genuine prophesying in scripture.

In the New Testament, we see a prophet signifying through the Spirit a coming famine, and the same prophet prophesying specific details about Paul's life. I Corinthians 14 indicates that prophesying might address the secrets of the heart of one unlearned or an unbeliever who comes to the assembly. And prophesying, like teaching and other gifts, is to edify the church.

presidente · Mar 5, 2025

Blade said:

Genuine prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says in Romans 8 that as many as are led by the Spirit of God, the same are the sons of God. The context isn't about deciding whether to take the job in Indiana or something like that. It's about putting to death the deeds of the body. Galatians contains similar language along a similar theme. In Galatians we learn that if we walk in the Spirit, we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. This fits with the being 'led' of the Spirit that Romans 8 is discussing. I know that Kenneth Hagin used to use Romans 8:14 as if it pertained to the issue of whether one could get direction in life through prophets. On the other hand, he also spoke of a man who he said was gifted as a prophet who went into error because he tried to be a teacher not a prophet.

Not all prophets are 'full-time ministers. (as one of Kenneth Hagin's books teaches or implies.) That category doesn't exactly correspond to the Bible. Was Paul a 'full-time minister'? He earned his living making tents, at least at certain times in his ministry. He earned his living There have been prophets whose prophetic ministry has been to give prophecies in church meetings who might have worked on a farm or at a mill or in an office.

A prophetic word doesn't have to be something one has already heard from God to be genuine. There is no indication that Jeroboam or Jehu knew the content of the prophecies about them before they heard it. Zechariah prophesied over his son John when John was just a baby.

We are all responsible before God for our decisions. And if one follows a false prophecy, he is responsible for that. If one rejects a true prophecy, he is responsible for that.

oldman · Mar 5, 2025

Blain said:

To claim the office of prophet - to say "I am a prophet" - is to open a door for pride. I have been given propheries from time to time but I'll never say 'I am a prophet". Let others descern that for themselves.

presidente · Mar 5, 2025

oldman said:

What if someone says, "I am a pastor" or "I am an elder" or "I am a teacher." Is it forbidden to recognize one's role in the body? If someone is truly humble, can't one state one's ministry or role without sinning?

oldman · Mar 5, 2025

presidente said:

valid point - I need to think on that one

presidente · Mar 5, 2025

homwardbound said:

If you will recall in the book of Acts, the Lord Jesus ascends in chapter one. Then in Acts chapter 11, prophets come from Jerusalem to Antioch, including Agabus who signifies through the Spirit a coming famine. He shows up saying something prefaced by 'Thus saith the Holy Ghost' in chapter 22. In Acts 13, the Spirit speaks to prophets and teachers in Antioch... there is a list of names including Saul and Barnabas. Silas and Judas are referred to as prophets in Acts 15. Then in the epistles, we see prophets again. Jesus gave prophets to men in Ephesians 4. There are prophets in the church in I Corinthians 14.

God spoke by prophets in time past, but in the last days has spoken by His Son. God speaking by His Son is _greater_ that only speaking through prophets. The passage does not say that speaking through prophets has stopped. I suppose you could try to argue for that point and throw Acts, I Corinthians, and Ephesians out of your version of the Bible.

presidente · Mar 5, 2025

ResidentAlien said:

Where does the Bible teach this... that if we have the completed canon of scripture, there is no longer need for supernatural revelation. The Spirit spoke to prophets and teachers in Antioch and said to set aside Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. They went out and preached to various cities. Are the names of all missionaries throughout all ages mentioned in the Bible? How does the Bible replace that function? How about the gift that was in Timothy through prophecy? Does the Bible give spiritual gifts or say who is supposed to do what?

Teaching doesn't do what was described in the example above.

Where do you get this from the Bible... prophecy ceasing but restarting and presumably ceasing again? Isn't evidence for prophets prophesying in the end times evidence that the gift hasn't ceased?

presidente · Mar 5, 2025

JohnRH said:

Think about what those verses actually say. It does NOT say, 'Scripture is ALL that is given that....the man of God might be thoroughly equipped." I think some people have exegetical dyslexia.

A soldier is given a rifle so that he might be fully equipped, right? But does that mean that the rifle is all the soldier is given that he might be fully equipped? No, of course not. What about the stuff that is in the rifle-- the bullets.

Can we rightly say,
"The Bible is all the man of God needs, so he doesn't need love."
"The Bible is all the man of God needs, so he doesn't need faith"
"The Bible is all the man of God needs, so he doesn't need patience."
"The Bible is all the man of God needs, so he doesn't need grace"
"The Bible is all the man of God needs, so he doesn't need self control to abstain from fornication and adultery."???

If not, why should we say,
"The Bible is all the man of God needs, so he doesn't need spiritual gifts."

The Bible implies that the saints need love, faith, patience, grace, self control, and spiritual gifts. Why does having the Bible mean we don't need the stuff the Bible teaches or implies that we need? Is having a copy of the Bible supposed to replace actually believing the teachings that are in the Bible?

And if you give a soldier a rifle, is he fully equipped if they send him out there naked without a uniform and a helmet? We need to have the armor of God.

ResidentAlien · Mar 6, 2025

presidente said:

Great point. Paul identified himself as an apostle many times. Personally I think false humility is in play for some; which is really just pride.

Omegatime · Mar 6, 2025

Jesus mostly spoke in parables and as we near the time of the Lord's coming we must keep the door open so we can understand the great knowledge that the Lord will share with us thru the knowledge of the scriptures by his spirit.

Jesus IMO spoke about what was already declared in the OT. Just as Adam and Eve were tempted, Jesus was tempted. I see a repeat of a man who will be given the world if he accepts Satan's temptations and become the antichrist. Even traveling in the foot steps of Jesus for 3 years.

homwardbound · Mar 6, 2025

presidente said:

Not arguing, I did mention still have prophets today and it is different than the prophets of then
three witness testimonies Paul Luke and Matthew
Paul speaks, I would rather you all prophesy, yet to each their own 1 Cor 12
today, we are to be wise as serpents and remain harmless as doves Matt 10:16-20
To settle it with in ourselves
Luke 21:14
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

Once anyone decides and stands in the truth, one gets surprised in their answers in the flow going on through them. I know I have gotten floored , when re read what got wrote,
God sincerely love us all y'all that is truth beyond any measure thank you

Now, see to be aware of Prophets or Profits which fits? You always can identify any tree by tis fruit thank you

What makes a prophet?

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