What makes a prophet?

[sawdust]

Yes but until it happens how accurate could it be we can test it with scripture but with a word of knowledge until it happens how is one to know it is accurate a word of knowledge is not like prophecying a future event which seems to be the go to for a lot of false prophets

I would see your post #81 as being prophetic not the work of a prophet. There is nothing in the words that cannot be gleaned from scripture. My only quibble would be this line:

The waters shall surge, covering lands in their embrace

God promised never to send a flood again (Gen.9:11) but it could taken as a partial flood or it could be metaphorical.

My personal opinion is it is a beautiful piece of prophetic poetry but I don't believe it makes you a prophet.

My 5 cents worth.

 

[Snackersmom]

To be honest I wonder if it is right or wrong to claim to be a prophet, I don't knoe for sure if it is prideful or just stating the role you have been given but I believe that if one is a prophet others will see it in them. and if your given prophecies to speak does that mean your a prophet or are you just walking in the gift of the prophetic?
For instance as I said before some have called me a prophet and yes I do recieve prophecies from time to time to give b

And the way I work it is always in written form usually in the form of a psalm or poem but mainly I don't consider myself to be a prophet and I don't know if that is just me being humble or if I am just denying my position within the body. I am scared actually to call myself one because it is like once you do that suddenly everyone is on high alert and will either disregard you and call you a false prophet which is the worst thing to be called or most just don't belueve anything you say

The thing is you have to have the utmost respect for God's voice and words if one is to claim to speak for him as I always say those who claim to speak for him will be held accountable more so than most for the words they speak and it is not to be taken lightly and seeing all these false prophets so casually speaking for him misleading his church without any regard to what they are doing infuriates me it is an insult to God in my opinion

But what room do I have to talk if I am a prophet then the accountability by God is the same for me if I merely walk in the gift of prophgecy and am not a prophet then I need not be so afraid but I just don't know if even though I have been called one if I should accept it or from fear of such a role disregard it and is that being humble or is it just denying the postion given.

Hi Blain! You raise a very interesting point/question here, it really got me thinking.

I have received intel from The Lord multiple times over the years, some of it would probably qualify as prophetic but I do not consider myself a prophet. If I am one then God can decide that, but He has never told me so.

However, He did tell me that I have the gift of teaching. At first I rejected it and pushed the thought out of my head, thinking it was prideful. But it came back multiple times. And each time I rejected it. Then right after I rejected it the last time, I heard "Alright. Who should I give it to instead?" That kinda rattled me. So I realized that it's OK to accept an "office" from God if He wants you to have it. They're called "gifts" for a reason lol.

However, accepting an "office" from God is different from demanding that others recognize it. I don't really call myself a teacher, I don't demand that anyone accept what I have to say, and even if I have the gift I can still be wrong (though I try to keep it to a minimum! Teachers receive a greater judgement).

Bottom line, we are called to recognize and use our gifts, and we will be held accountable to that responsibility whether we have an official church-recognized title or not.

'Tis better to have the gift without the title, than the title without the gift .

 

[CS1]

to have a "gift" and not love is a wasted gift. it will profit you nothing. Love the motivation all gifts must work in. If you have no love, your gift is a display and showboating.

 

[Blain]

Hi Blain! You raise a very interesting point/question here, it really got me thinking.

I have received intel from The Lord multiple times over the years, some of it would probably qualify as prophetic but I do not consider myself a prophet. If I am one then God can decide that, but He has never told me so.

However, He did tell me that I have the gift of teaching. At first I rejected it and pushed the thought out of my head, thinking it was prideful. But it came back multiple times. And each time I rejected it. Then right after I rejected it the last time, I heard "Alright. Who should I give it to instead?" That kinda rattled me. So I realized that it's OK to accept an "office" from God if He wants you to have it. They're called "gifts" for a reason lol.

However, accepting an "office" from God is different from demanding that others recognize it. I don't really call myself a teacher, I don't demand that anyone accept what I have to say, and even if I have the gift I can still be wrong (though I try to keep it to a minimum! Teachers receive a greater judgement).

Bottom line, we are called to recognize and use our gifts, and we will be held accountable to that responsibility whether we have an official church-recognized title or not.

'Tis better to have the gift without the title, than the title without the gift .

I admire the role of a teacher they make a great impact on the ones they teach I suppose if he wants me to be a prophet and I always say to him I am willing use me then I better just accept the gift not that anyone needs to recognize it as I have been called a false prophet before that likely is why I am so discouraged about it but then again the people who called me that didn't like me lol

 

[Snackersmom]

I admire the role of a teacher they make a great impact on the ones they teach I suppose if he wants me to be a prophet and I always say to him I am willing use me then I better just accept the gift not that anyone needs to recognize it as I have been called a false prophet before that likely is why I am so discouraged about it but then again the people who called me that didn't like me lol

Haha well you have to be careful of the ones who don't like you, but God can still use them to help you see things.

For whatever it's worth, I would guess that your primary gifts are prophecy and exhortation. But I think both will be more effective if you don't directly mention them. Go where He tells you to go, do what He tells you to do, and speak as He commands you to speak.... He will take care of the rest.

Some of the most sincere servants of the Lord I have ever met didn't have fancy church titles, they were among the "least" of the members. But God knew their hearts, and really it's all about pleasing Him anyway. He don't miss a thing!

 

[Blain]

Haha well you have to be careful of the ones who don't like you, but God can still use them to help you see things.

For whatever it's worth, I would guess that your primary gifts are prophecy and exhortation. But I think both will be more effective if you don't directly mention them. Go where He tells you to go, do what He tells you to do, and speak as He commands you to speak.... He will take care of the rest.

Some of the most sincere servants of the Lord I have ever met didn't have fancy church titles, they were among the "least" of the members. But God knew their hearts, and really it's all about pleasing Him anyway. He don't miss a thing!

Thank you for the advice I really appreciate it.

 

[Blain]

I was talking to someone on another forum about this and he replied with this I thought it was very insightful and he gave permission to share it just some food for thought

I have condensed it for this post. Remember…this is concerning the “gifts and graces” bestowed upon the Body of Christ…a spiritual man…at the time of the Lord Yahshua’s ascension.

These are listed as…“apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers” operating within the Kingdom of God…specifically the Body of Christ on the earth. They were first empowered by the Holy Spirit on the Pentecost following the Lord’s ascension.

Let’s commence to identifying “them Prophets" listed among the other four gifts and graces…based upon the scriptural description of a New Testament prophet and the subsequent identifiable manifestation of these graces and gifts…in the Body of Christ.

The first part of their “job description” if you will verse 12...

(12) “Is for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;”

What they do?…”the equipping of the saints for the work of service”…their purpose in doing it?…“the building up of the body of Christ”

This would indicate that “today’s prophets” are called forth and raised up by the Holy Spirit to lead and guide the “saints” who are “created in Christ Yahshua for good works…which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” Ephesians 2.

So think “big brother or father type figure” here…in and to the Kingdom of God…the body of Christ. I have more detail but that's not for this post.

(13) “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

Here we are seeing a “timeframe” that these 5 graces of the Lord are in operation…”until [ denoting a finishing point or completion] we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God” Here then is listed the “targeted completion date”…when the Body reaches complete unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God…”attained” among “ALL”…in the Kingdom of our God.

One look at these forums and the “church” tells us that the “unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God” has not been achieved or completed…however it will happen…for the Body of Christ. Until then…the 5 graces and gifts that the Lord Himself gave to us…will remain and in operation wherever the Kingdom of God is present…until this objective is achieved.

When is it then…that will be achieved? Well…verse 13 also gives us that answer…it is when the Body is considered by the Lord Yahshua – the standard Himself – to be a “mature man – a Spirit Man” again referencing the spiritual growth and maturity of the spiritual Body of Christ itself.

The level of maturity that will be reached is…“to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” The “Body of Christ…under its Head” is one in Spirit and at the maturity level that belongs to the “fullness” of Lord Yahshua Himself. That’s what Paul wrote…fully able to support the glory of God on the earth.

Sure I understand the controversy that causes…we are however working directly from the scripture…verse by verse here. We are addressing the identification and litmus test of “today’s prophets.” They are existent in the Body of Christ typically as “spiritual fathers…leaders” engaged in the raising up of the “sons of God” to the full measure of the stature that belongs to the fullness of Christ.

(14) “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming”

This “we are no longer to be children” is pointing to a process of “spiritual maturation” which takes us from “spiritual infant…at the new birth being born again infant child”…to a “spiritually mature adult” so that we are not deceived “by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” as “spiritual children” are.

Back in verse 12 we saw that these… “apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, teacher”…are called and gifted by the Holy Spirit…who is assembling the Body of Christ…to do just that… the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.

This is the process for loving, raising, training and equipping, the saints as they grow up and mature spiritually into Christ…fulfilling their calls in the Kingdom of God…which is…to accomplish the “good works that God prepared beforehand…that we should walk in."

(15) “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ”

“Today’s prophets” are a vital part of the Lord’s plan to teach the saints to “speak the Truth in love”…so that…the saints can “grow up into all aspects”…this would be their unique parts, callings, roles, anointing's, etc…in Christ. The Body of Christ is to become unified in faith and the knowledge of Christ to the level of spiritual maturity that is present in the “Head” of the Body…none other than the Lord Yahshua Christ.

(16) “from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”

The entire “Body of Christ” is being “fitted and held together” or assembled [Hebrews 10:25] by the Holy Spirit…according to “the proper working of each individual part" – call, role, gifting, grace.” The Holy Spirit knows exactly where each part of Christ belongs and what they do…as the part that they have been “predestined” to be by the Father…this was before creation. Ephesians 1:4

Conclusion…

Though it is the same God who reveals the same “Theopneustos Word” to the prophets of the two covenants…there is a difference in the prophets. One is natural man on the earth in the once visible kingdom of Israel…the other is spiritual man in the heavens in the invisible eternal Kingdom of God…on earth.

Today’s prophets of God are gifted, graced and Holy Spirit empowered to assist in the raising of the “children of God up into Christ as the “mature Spirit sons of God” as was always the plan.

So if one would like to “test and authenticate” the “words and works of today’s prophets” that should be easy…if…you’re in the invisible spiritual Body of Christ directly under your Head.

If you do not see them...or better yet have access to them...that would be something you would want to take up with the Lord Himself. He will show them to you they dwell in the temple of God here on the earth.

They are the ones who have “sacrificed their lives” on the altar of worship to the Lord Yahshua Christ…to assist in loving you and teaching you…affirming and admonishing you in the ways of maturing…“to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

I am fully aware of the controversy that surrounds what I have presented here…few there be today who have actually heard it…of those…few are likely to lay hold of it. For those who can discern Spirit and Truth my hope is that you might find some in this?

There is more to discuss…this is where I will leave it.

 

[Blain]

hey does anyone by chance know what scripture says what the role of a prophet is I am having trouble finding it

 

[Snackersmom]

hey does anyone by chance know what scripture says what the role of a prophet is I am having trouble finding it

1 Corinthians 14:3 NKJV — But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

I think this is the one you're looking for? There are more though, it's a very misunderstood gift All of 1 Cor. Chapter 14 is a good read if you are looking to understand the correct application of the gifts.

 

[oldman]

1 Corinthians 14:3 NKJV — But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

I think this is the one you're looking for? There are more though, it's a very misunderstood gift All of 1 Cor. Chapter 14 is a good read if you are looking to understand the correct application of the gifts.

"speaks edification and exhortation and comfort"
Agreed. Anyone who prophesies should judge for themselves the words they are about
to give before going forward.
Directive prophecy is not scriptual.

Example."Blain the Lord wants you to go to Africa as a missionary" is directive and is the Lord's responsibility.

 

[Blain]

1 Corinthians 14:3 NKJV — But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.

I think this is the one you're looking for? There are more though, it's a very misunderstood gift All of 1 Cor. Chapter 14 is a good read if you are looking to understand the correct application of the gifts.

ah thank you I have been searching for this one

 

[Blain]

A person sent me this
1Co 14:1-4 Follow after charity and desire spiritual things, but rather that you may prophesy. (2) For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. For no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries. (3) But he who prophesies speaks to men for building up, and exhortation, and comfort. (4) The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up, but he prophesying builds up a church.

1Co 14:29-32 And if there are two or three prophets, let them speak, and let the others judge. (30) If a revelation is revealed to another sitting by, let the first be silent. (31) For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be comforted. (32) And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

1 Cor. 11 is the Communion Chapter

1 Cor. 12 is the Gifts Chapter

1 Cor 13 is the Love Chapter

1 Cor 14 is the Church Order Chapter

1 Cor 15 is the Resurrection Chapter


very helpful for my studies

 

[Snackersmom]

Directive prophecy is not scriptual.

Example."Blain the Lord wants you to go to Africa as a missionary" is directive and is the Lord's responsibility.

I agree with this, but with the caveat that I have received a few directive prophecies that confirmed what God had already told me. We see this in Judges chap 5, when Deborah told Barak that God had already instructed him to take up armies to repel Sisera from the land.

But yes, I totally agree that a directive "prophecy" that comes out of the blue should be shelved unless/until God speaks to the person directly or confirms it in an undeniable way. We all have access to The Holy Spirit and should be very careful of anyone who expects their words to be followed without testing.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 NKJV — Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophesies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.

Great point you raised, Sir!

 

[Edify]

"speaks edification and exhortation and comfort"
Agreed. Anyone who prophesies should judge for themselves the words they are about
to give before going forward.
Directive prophecy is not scriptual.

Example."Blain the Lord wants you to go to Africa as a missionary" is directive and is the Lord's responsibility.

What is 'directive prophecy'?

 

[Snackersmom]

What is 'directive prophecy'?

@oldman can confirm if he agrees with this or not, but my definition would be a prophecy that directs the hearer to do something. We see it some in the OT, when the kings would consult the prophets for direction..... or the prophets would outright tell people what to do.

However, I can't think of a single instance of directive prophecy in the NT after Pentecost. I assume this is because now all believers have access to the Holy Spirit, and He guides them personally. Every single time I can think of that I gave or received a "directive" prophecy, it only served as a confirmation for what I or the other person had already been told. Sometimes we need a little encouragement on the follow-through, lol.

I would be curious if anyone can think of a Biblical instance of initial (not a confirmation) directive prophecy Post-pentecost? It's possible I'm missing something, but I can't think of any.

 

[PaulThomson]

So I know some believe that prophets are not for today but this question is based on a what if scenario. I ask because there are so many so called prophets out there and most people have grown to the point that if any prophecy is given they automically disregard it and with all these false prophets today you cannot really blame them. I mean I went on tiktok today and just out of curiosity searched prophetic word and one lady literally made a prophecy because she woke up tasting cookie dough in her mouth.

This made me think, if a genuine prophet is out there what makes them different from the rest? what gifts coincide with a prophet? and how would one know if they have that calling? most think of prophets as fortune tellers but that is not what the role of a prophet is they are not fortune tellers they serve a purpose in the body.

What makes a prophet?
Selling something for more that you bought it.

Or telling something is more that you thought it.

 

[Edify]

@oldman can confirm if he agrees with this or not, but my definition would be a prophecy that directs the hearer to do something. We see it some in the OT, when the kings would consult the prophets for direction..... or the prophets would outright tell people what to do.

However, I can't think of a single instance of directive prophecy in the NT after Pentecost. I assume this is because now all believers have access to the Holy Spirit, and He guides them personally. Every single time I can think of that I gave or received a "directive" prophecy, it only served as a confirmation for what I or the other person had already been told. Sometimes we need a little encouragement on the follow-through, lol.

I would be curious if anyone can think of a Biblical instance of initial (not a confirmation) directive prophecy Post-pentecost? It's possible I'm missing something, but I can't think of any.

If that is it then I believe in them. I have had christians give me prophecies like that, & others would give me another to confirm the first.
We are to be careful with them & not follow after them until they are confirmed.

 

[Snackersmom]

If that is it then I believe in them. I have had christians give me prophecies like that, & others would give me another to confirm the first.
We are to be careful with them & not follow after them until they are confirmed.

Alright, that's good to know! I'd be curious to hear more if you care to share, if not I understand

 

[Edify]

I wouldn't take one seriously from a close friend because they can be very zealous for your life & ministry. My sister-in-law was like that.
It will blow you away if a total stranger gives you one, esp if it confirms what you've already heard!

 

[oldman]

@oldman can confirm if he agrees with this or not, but my definition would be a prophecy that directs the hearer to do something. We see it some in the OT, when the kings would consult the prophets for direction..... or the prophets would outright tell people what to do.

However, I can't think of a single instance of directive prophecy in the NT after Pentecost. I assume this is because now all believers have access to the Holy Spirit, and He guides them personally. Every single time I can think of that I gave or received a "directive" prophecy, it only served as a confirmation for what I or the other person had already been told. Sometimes we need a little encouragement on the follow-through, lol.

I would be curious if anyone can think of a Biblical instance of initial (not a confirmation) directive prophecy Post-pentecost? It's possible I'm missing something, but I can't think of any.

I agree with what you wrote here. I was in a hurry and just forgot to mention the confirmation aspect.