Would People Still Be as Quick to Prophesy or Teach If We Saw God's "Higher Standards" For These Positions Upheld in Front of Us?

[seoulsearch]

Hey Everyone,

I have been thinking about this for a while.

Many of you probably remember the big frenzy over the "prophecy" that the Rapture would occur in 2025. We had plenty of people insisting on there right here on CC as well.

I don't watch Tik Tok, but I do follow a lot of social commentary channels on YouTube, and several talked about "Rapture Tok." People were making all kinds of videos in which they were quitting their jobs, giving away all their possessions (like their vehicles and bundles of cash to a rideshare driver,) and even giving up their children to Child Protective Services -- all because they were so convinced that the Rapture was coming. (And for some reason, they believed their own children, even infants, would be left behind?)

When it didn't come at the predicted time, then people were saying that it was because we were following the wrong calendar -- and the Rapture was ACTUALLY scheduled for October 2005 rather than September. But of course, THAT didn't happen either.

I was reminded of this because I saw another wave of Rapture predictions for August 2026 (as in, this PAST August,) and of course -- nothing.

I'm not trying to make fun of anyone -- it's just greatly troubling to me how sincerely people can be wrong, and earnestly believe they are doing the work of the Lord.

I grew up in church and church culture, first as a conservative Lutheran (WELS synod,) and then as part of an Assemblies of God church that was very much into words of knowledge and prophecy -- almost the polar opposite from what I was taught in Lutheran school.

The Assemblies of God church told me I had "prophetic tendencies," with some trying to put me on a path for "developing that gift," but after being in that atmosphere for some time (and seeing how fanatical it was becoming with some members,) I knew it wasn't for me. I felt like there was a lot of pushing involved (twisting things to "fit" what "God was saying,") rather than true prophecy.

I will say in any situation however, I could be wrong -- but my spirit had no peace, and so I left that church.

I am all about God speaking to His people, and I am someone who indeed believes that God still speaks to and through His people today.

But I also often wonder about the part that God clearly said prophets who made prophecies that didn't come true were false, and were to be put to death. (Deuteronomy 18:20)

The Bible also says that teachers are to be held to a higher standard. (James 3:1)

With such serious consequences involved, why does it seem like so many people these days have absolutely no qualms about "speaking a word from the Lord" -- but then just completely shrug it off when it doesn't come true? (Or if it "comes true" in a way that looks more like a pretzel of coincidences rather than true fulfillment from the Lord.)

I am not trying to criticize, nor do I wish to see ill of anyone -- I'm just wondering why there is no fear of the Lord in speaking such things.

I remember one person on the forum who claimed to be a prophet -- and also made several posts about their financial woes. This person didn't seem very accurate in their "prophecies," (just my opinion, and again, I could be wrong.)

I couldn't help but wonder if, when we claim something so bold as to "speak a word from the Lord" -- one of the ways He might discipline us if we're wrong is by bringing "death" to certain areas of our lives -- like our finances.

Obviously, God doesn't just automatically strike everyone dead as soon as their prophecy or "word of knowledge" fails to come to pass.

But is that what it would take for people to be more refrained in what they prophesy, teach, and claim in the Name of the Lord?

I have a friend I highly respect who has seen and knows a lot more than I do, and he said, "If God is really speaking through everyone now who claims to have a word from God, that would mean God is speaking a whole lot more than He ever did throughout the entire Bible."

I have thought -- and prayed about this -- a lot.

The reason I'm asking this -- and why I've put it in the Family Forum -- is because God seems to be putting me in a season of acting as a sort of "spiritual parent" to some younger people.

And to be honest, I'm scared to death because I'm not even a parent in real life, and am terrified at leading anyone astray -- especially a young Christian.

Young people are asking me who they can know to listen to -- and actually trust -- when it comes to Biblical instruction.

And I find myself asking the same question right along with them.

God doesn't seem to demand a false prophet's life as readily as He did in the Old Testament.

So what are some other ways that we can discern-- and deal with -- those who give prophecies that don't come true?

In a world where more people than ever want to claim a place behind the pulpit -- rather than just as an ordinary sheep -- how do we know who really belongs there?

 

[seoulsearch]

One of the main things I wanted to ask with this thread is, "What do you teach your children about false prophets and the many today who seem to be 'getting away' with giving them?"

How do you teach your children to know a true teacher of the Lord?

 

[RodB651]

With such serious consequences involved, why does it seem like so many people these days have absolutely no qualms about "speaking a word from the Lord" -- but then just completely shrug it off when it doesn't come true? (Or if it "comes true" in a way that looks more like a pretzel of coincidences rather than true fulfillment from the Lord.)

Seoul, it's just so easy to do I think. People get behind the pulpit, or walking among the aisles, and the music hits just right... And you go to speaking things ...

I've seen it a lot and I know you have too. We talked about that some when we met up in pigeon forge Tennessee.

What do you do when someone says something "prophetically"? Is there a time limit where ok you got thirty days or maybe even fifteen years to come true?
I honestly think people mean well when they do this. They really want to be speaking a word of wisdom or knowledge to people. Maybe that's how they find validation, whether it comes true or not.

I also think it can be a way of testing/training us to listen for His voice, a way to train for discernment maybe?

I'm not against the gift of words of knowledge. I just wish people would be careful with that.

RB

 

[cinder]

Anyone who claims to infallibly speak for God or thinks they are the mediator between you and God's will for you, has no fear of the Lord and is someone to avoid and not listen to (especially if they're trying to direct your life).

The people you can trust a little more are the ones who share their impressions or what they see in you and tell you to pray about it and see what God says.

And words of knowledge should mean something, if the only word of knowledge someone is getting is something they could have read on your facebook page or event registration they probably aren't getting that knowledge (or anything else they say) direct from God.

So keep your brain turned on and remember people lie (but be a bit gracious because other people are just unsure and trying to obey God the best they can). And if God really wants to tell you something, he's got lots of people around he can keep making his point through without them even knowing he's nudging you through them.

 

[seoulsearch]

Anyone who claims to infallibly speak for God or thinks they are the mediator between you and God's will for you, has no fear of the Lord and is someone to avoid and not listen to (especially if they're trying to direct your life).

The people you can trust a little more are the ones who share their impressions or what they see in you and tell you to pray about it and see what God says.

And words of knowledge should mean something, if the only word of knowledge someone is getting is something they could have read on your facebook page or event registration they probably aren't getting that knowledge (or anything else they say) direct from God.

So keep your brain turned on and remember people lie (but be a bit gracious because other people are just unsure and trying to obey God the best they can). And if God really wants to tell you something, he's got lots of people around he can keep making his point through without them even knowing he's nudging you through them.

I've known people who received "prophecies" about when/who they would marry, birth children, etc.

It's always troubled me how the ones giving the prophecies never seemed to face any consequences when those things didn't come true. They'd just move on to the next person and keep right on "prophesying."

This is why, when people tried to push me in that direction, I was so reluctant. I didn't want to be just another false prophet claiming to be someone in the ever-growing crowd that already exists.

I also knew that God would have to deal with me on an even higher plane if I claimed that type of "work." I already believe God corrects me often now -- I honestly didn't feel He was moving on to that kind of responsibility.

I knew a good Christian girl who was given a "word of knowledge" that she would marry a man with a specific color and texture of hair -- and so she turned down any guys who didn't fit that description because she "didn't want to be disobedient to the Lord."

This is another thing that kills me.

If disobedience is involved, it's always put on the shoulders of the sheep -- the people receiving the "prophecies" -- and never the ones who claim to be the prophets.

 

[cinder]

There was a rule they trained us on back when I was in a charismatic church: no names, mates, dates, or fates

 

[seoulsearch]

Seoul, it's just so easy to do I think. People get behind the pulpit, or walking among the aisles, and the music hits just right... And you go to speaking things ...

I've seen it a lot and I know you have too. We talked about that some when we met up in pigeon forge Tennessee.

What do you do when someone says something "prophetically"? Is there a time limit where ok you got thirty days or maybe even fifteen years to come true?
I honestly think people mean well when they do this. They really want to be speaking a word of wisdom or knowledge to people. Maybe that's how they find validation, whether it comes true or not.

I also think it can be a way of testing/training us to listen for His voice, a way to train for discernment maybe?

I'm not against the gift of words of knowledge. I just wish people would be careful with that.

RB

I often wonder if a lot of people in ministry get "Rock Star Syndrome."

I've read that it's very addicting to receive the attention/approval from a crowd. I hope I never have to find out.

When I moved from the Lutheran church to Assemblies of God, one thing that excited me was that people claimed God was speaking to them, whereas in my old church, He seemed silent and stagnant.

At first, I was so on fire over the idea of being able to see God speak and move through others!!!

And then I realized...

A lot of people seemed to be forcing it, or twisting things in questionable ways, to keep the excitement going.

I completely agree with you Rod, and I've really appreciated our conversations.

I want to believe in all these things -- but I wish there were more guard rails in place to keep exaggerations and all out lies held at bay.

 

[seoulsearch]

There was a rule they trained us on back when I was in a charismatic church: no names, mates, dates, or fates

I am going to remember this one.

I would hear some people in leadership state something similar to what you've shared -- but several congregation members, some of them leading very prominent, didn't seem to adhere to that.

And it left me even more confused about what God was really wanting.

 

[pinebeach]

I've known people who received "prophecies" about when/who they would marry, birth children, etc.

It's always troubled me how the ones giving the prophecies never seemed to face any consequences when those things didn't come true. They'd just move on to the next person and keep right on "prophesying."

This is why, when people tried to push me in that direction, I was so reluctant. I didn't want to be just another false prophet claiming to be someone in the ever-growing crowd that already exists.

I also knew that God would have to deal with me on an even higher plane if I claimed that type of "work." I already believe God corrects me often now -- I honestly didn't feel He was moving on to that kind of responsibility.

I knew a good Christian girl who was given a "word of knowledge" that she would marry a man with a specific color and texture of hair -- and so she turned down any guys who didn't fit that description because she "didn't want to be disobedient to the Lord."

This is another thing that kills me.

If disobedience is involved, it's always put on the shoulders of the sheep -- the people receiving the "prophecies" -- and never the ones who claim to be the prophets.

I knew a woman who was 'told' who to marry and she suffered alot. I counselled with her from scripture...she had left this person and did not want to go back. I did not tell her to get a divorce but ultimately she did. He was a sexual abuser and she went through some awful things. She did meet another Christian man whom she married and last time I heard, she was very happy with him.

The abuse of so called 'God told me tell you' needs to be addressed but it seems to be the norm in some churches and I had a very bad experience in a church that relied heavily on 'tongues'/interpretation and so on. When I disagreed with the goings on, I was told I had demons. I am not a cessationist but I think much of what goes on is false and yes, demonic in some cases. I was brought up in a church that taught that the spiritual gifts were no longer in operation but they are. I would rather 'miss out' then get involved with the pandemic of spiritual experiences and the goosebumps and all that goes with it.

I would state proceed with caution and then do so all over again. These false 'prophets' are busy engaging in their rewards right now and just might very well hear 'I never knew you' when it really counts.

 

[pinebeach]

Yes pray. Always

 

[seoulsearch]

I knew a woman who was 'told' who to marry and she suffered alot. I counselled with her from scripture...she had left this person and did not want to go back. I did not tell her to get a divorce but ultimately she did. He was a sexual abuser and she went through some awful things. She did meet another Christian man whom she married and last time I heard, she was very happy with him.

The abuse of so called 'God told me tell you' needs to be addressed but it seems to be the norm in some churches and I had a very bad experience in a church that relied heavily on 'tongues'/interpretation and so on. When I disagreed with the goings on, I was told I had demons. I am not a cessationist but I think much of what goes on is false and yes, demonic in some cases. I was brought up in a church that taught that the spiritual gifts were no longer in operation but they are. I would rather 'miss out' then get involved with the pandemic of spiritual experiences and the goosebumps and all that goes with it.

I would state proceed with caution and then do so all over again. These false 'prophets' are busy engaging in their rewards right now and just might very well hear 'I never knew you' when it really counts.

This seems to be rampant in some circles -- thank you for sharing your experiences. I don't think this gets talked about enough in Christian circles. I never even knew it existed until I went to a church that believed in such things.

When the church group I was in was trying to encourage me to "develop my spiritual gifts," we were of course told to "practice." One person told us about a "spiritual game" online of rounds in which something was hidden in the digital room, and you were supposed to ask the Holy Spirit where it was.

Now I'm all for God speaking to us in our daily lives, but to me, this sounded demonic. I can't imagine reducing the Holy Spirit to an online board game, but that's just me.

During my time where people were telling me I had a particular ability to "hear from God," I told a woman at work I believed "God" was saying that she was going to "meet someone" (a gentleman) within a month.

She did.

And, much like your story, it turned out terribly.

All I could think about was the OT story of the slave girl who had an evil spirit by which she told the future -- that Paul cast out.

I told God, I'm done with wanting to try to tell anyone about the future. Sometimes (it's very rare) I do feel God wants me to give a word to someone (not because I claim to be a prophet, but because of the regular everyday relationship all Christians have with God,) but it's never about, as Cinder said, dates, mates, or fates.

For instance, I once felt God wanted me to tell someone that He knew this person was having a great struggle, and that the main issue had been knocked over like a tree -- but now this person was dealing with pulling out the roots. The purpose of this was to assure this person that they weren't defeated in the way they were feeling -- and they weren't letting God down like they thought -- but rather, were dealing with lingering residual symptoms, which God understood.

We prayed together and the person said they now felt a lot more peaceful.

And whenever something like that happens, I always tell the person, "Please, if I got something wrong, come back and tell me," because I know God will hold me accountable anyway -- and I want to get better at hearing from the Lord.

It's been interesting to observe the Self-Appointed Prophets (whom we refer to as SAP's) that have breezed through the forum over the years.

I'm certainly not saying that God doesn't appoint prophets in modern times. I've met some sweet, humble, and very sincere people whom I most definitely believe have special prophetic gifts from the Lord.

I just question the ones who move from place to place (especially online,) kick open the door, and have to announce to everyone that THEY ARE A PROPHET (therefore, we must all listen to them very carefully and take their word as God's.)

I remember one who, when encountering a disagreement with the administration here, offered money to have his "prophecies" kept up and intact. Of course, his generous offer was refused -- and I thought it was an interesting lesson in how far a "prophet" should go in order to promote his own "prophecies."

We had another for a bit who claimed that "God was telling her" that this or that member was suffering from this or that ailment "because of unbelief." She never even demonstrated that she knew anything about the people here, nor did she seem to try to get to know them. But she was quick to give these "words from the Lord" (unsolicited and unasked for) based only on the bits and pieces they posted about themselves.

The funniest thing to me is that when some people pushed back, she took on the attitude that we were all lost sheep who couldn't possibly hear from God for ourselves and needed her higher gifts in order to properly communicate with the Lord.

I'm sorry, but when Jesus died for our sins, the Temple curtain was ripped open -- because of Jesus, even a simple-minded sheep like me can go to God on my own at any time -- no official, whether real or self-imagined, prophet needed.

I'm all for learning from those who are much more advanced in various spiritual areas, but when someone sets themselves up as being somehow essential to listen to for my walk with God...

That's when I pray, "Lord, the discipline for false prophecy is death..."

Of course God doesn't need my reminder. And I am certainly not praying for the death of anyone.

Rather, I'd like to see the death of false prophecies -- and an increased fear of being so ready to give them.

 

[Billyd]

If someone gives you a date for the rapture to occur, he is a false profit. Stop communicating with him immediately.

 

[pinebeach]

This seems to be rampant in some circles -- thank you for sharing your experiences. I don't think this gets talked about enough in Christian circles. I never even knew it existed until I went to a church that believed in such things.

When the church group I was in was trying to encourage me to "develop my spiritual gifts," we were of course told to "practice." One person told us about a "spiritual game" online of rounds in which something was hidden in the digital room, and you were supposed to ask the Holy Spirit where it was.

Now I'm all for God speaking to us in our daily lives, but to me, this sounded demonic. I can't imagine reducing the Holy Spirit to an online board game, but that's just me.

During my time where people were telling me I had a particular ability to "hear from God," I told a woman at work I believed "God" was saying that she was going to "meet someone" (a gentleman) within a month.

She did.

And, much like your story, it turned out terribly.

All I could think about was the OT story of the slave girl who had an evil spirit by which she told the future -- that Paul cast out.

I told God, I'm done with wanting to try to tell anyone about the future. Sometimes (it's very rare) I do feel God wants me to give a word to someone (not because I claim to be a prophet, but because of the regular everyday relationship all Christians have with God,) but it's never about, as Cinder said, dates, mates, or fates.

For instance, I once felt God wanted me to tell someone that He knew this person was having a great struggle, and that the main issue had been knocked over like a tree -- but now this person was dealing with pulling out the roots. The purpose of this was to assure this person that they weren't defeated in the way they were feeling -- and they weren't letting God down like they thought -- but rather, were dealing with lingering residual symptoms, which God understood.

We prayed together and the person said they now felt a lot more peaceful.

And whenever something like that happens, I always tell the person, "Please, if I got something wrong, come back and tell me," because I know God will hold me accountable anyway -- and I want to get better at hearing from the Lord.

It's been interesting to observe the Self-Appointed Prophets (whom we refer to as SAP's) that have breezed through the forum over the years.

I'm certainly not saying that God doesn't appoint prophets in modern times. I've met some sweet, humble, and very sincere people whom I most definitely believe have special prophetic gifts from the Lord.

I just question the ones who move from place to place (especially online,) kick open the door, and have to announce to everyone that THEY ARE A PROPHET (therefore, we must all listen to them very carefully and take their word as God's.)

I remember one who, when encountering a disagreement with the administration here, offered money to have his "prophecies" kept up and intact. Of course, his generous offer was refused -- and I thought it was an interesting lesson in how far a "prophet" should go in order to promote his own "prophecies."

We had another for a bit who claimed that "God was telling her" that this or that member was suffering from this or that ailment "because of unbelief." She never even demonstrated that she knew anything about the people here, nor did she seem to try to get to know them. But she was quick to give these "words from the Lord" (unsolicited and unasked for) based only on the bits and pieces they posted about themselves.

The funniest thing to me is that when some people pushed back, she took on the attitude that we were all lost sheep who couldn't possibly hear from God for ourselves and needed her higher gifts in order to properly communicate with the Lord.

I'm sorry, but when Jesus died for our sins, the Temple curtain was ripped open -- because of Jesus, even a simple-minded sheep like me can go to God on my own at any time -- no official, whether real or self-imagined, prophet needed.

I'm all for learning from those who are much more advanced in various spiritual areas, but when someone sets themselves up as being somehow essential to listen to for my walk with God...

That's when I pray, "Lord, the discipline for false prophecy is death..."

Of course God doesn't need my reminder. And I am certainly not praying for the death of anyone.

Rather, I'd like to see the death of false prophecies -- and an increased fear of being so ready to give them.

That's alot to take in.

This seems to be rampant in some circles -- thank you for sharing your experiences. I don't think this gets talked about enough in Christian circles. I never even knew it existed until I went to a church that believed in such things.

Same here

When the church group I was in was trying to encourage me to "develop my spiritual gifts," we were of course told to "practice." One person told us about a "spiritual game" online of rounds in which something was hidden in the digital room, and you were supposed to ask the Holy Spirit where it was.

Now I'm all for God speaking to us in our daily lives, but to me, this sounded demonic. I can't imagine reducing the Holy Spirit to an online board game, but that's just me.

During my time where people were telling me I had a particular ability to "hear from God," I told a woman at work I believed "God" was saying that she was going to "meet someone" (a gentleman) within a month.

She did.

And, much like your story, it turned out terribly.

All I could think about was the OT story of the slave girl who had an evil spirit by which she told the future -- that Paul cast out.

right. People end up listening to demons and think it's the Holy Spirit. I'm not at all saying anything about possession or what have you but if people leave themselves open to suggestion, they will be take advantage of. I know someone who once had a great interaction with children but then got involved with a woman from a certain denom and pretty soon, it became all about experiences and voices. She wrecked her family, gave herself a very bad rep, and tried to lie her way out of a situation she created herself. I personally actually tried to help her...pray with and for her, but the moment I sat down, something spiritual and evil began to interact with me off of her and I stood up and excused myself. So demonic!


I did respond to all your post but was too long too post so will get to the rest later

Thanks

 

[pinebeach]

I told God, I'm done with wanting to try to tell anyone about the future. Sometimes (it's very rare) I do feel God wants me to give a word to someone (not because I claim to be a prophet, but because of the regular everyday relationship all Christians have with God,) but it's never about, as Cinder said, dates, mates, or fates.

For instance, I once felt God wanted me to tell someone that He knew this person was having a great struggle, and that the main issue had been knocked over like a tree -- but now this person was dealing with pulling out the roots. The purpose of this was to assure this person that they weren't defeated in the way they were feeling -- and they weren't letting God down like they thought -- but rather, were dealing with lingering residual symptoms, which God understood.

We prayed together and the person said they now felt a lot more peaceful.

That sounds like a word of knowledge...given at a very appropriate time. Sounds real.

And whenever something like that happens, I always tell the person, "Please, if I got something wrong, come back and tell me," because I know God will hold me accountable anyway -- and I want to get better at hearing from the Lord.

It's been interesting to observe the Self-Appointed Prophets (whom we refer to as SAP's) that have breezed through the forum over the years.

I'm certainly not saying that God doesn't appoint prophets in modern times. I've met some sweet, humble, and very sincere people whom I most definitely believe have special prophetic gifts from the Lord.

I just question the ones who move from place to place (especially online,) kick open the door, and have to announce to everyone that THEY ARE A PROPHET (therefore, we must all listen to them very carefully and take their word as God's.)

Current false prophets will never take correction....like 'how dare you' no matter how unbiblical what they say is. The gifts are supposed to be for the buliding up of the body (believers) and not to make money and a name for yourself (as I am sure you know)
Further, these internet prophets are easily proven false. Benny Hinn has not been around for awhile, but if he is checked out, all of his
'prophecies' are false. Their are huge churches that preach false garbage and sell books telling you how to be a prophet or give classes on how to do that and on and on. They are responsible for leading many astray and have their reward here...usually $

It's been interesting to observe the Self-Appointed Prophets (whom we refer to as SAP's) that have breezed through the forum over the years.

I'm certainly not saying that God doesn't appoint prophets in modern times. I've met some sweet, humble, and very sincere people whom I most definitely believe have special prophetic gifts from the Lord.

I just question the ones who move from place to place (especially online,) kick open the door, and have to announce to everyone that THEY ARE A PROPHET (therefore, we must all listen to them very carefully and take their word as God's.)

Seen a few myself. I think some just have a screw loose while others genuinely believe in their deception, that they are doing God's work.

 

[pinebeach]

I remember one who, when encountering a disagreement with the administration here, offered money to have his "prophecies" kept up and intact. Of course, his generous offer was refused -- and I thought it was an interesting lesson in how far a "prophet" should go in order to promote his own "prophecies."

KooKoo. Must have got the money from his last 'gig'

We had another for a bit who claimed that "God was telling her" that this or that member was suffering from this or that ailment "because of unbelief." She never even demonstrated that she knew anything about the people here, nor did she seem to try to get to know them. But she was quick to give these "words from the Lord" (unsolicited and unasked for) based only on the bits and pieces they posted about themselves.

The funniest thing to me is that when some people pushed back, she took on the attitude that we were all lost sheep who couldn't possibly hear from God for ourselves and needed her higher gifts in order to properly communicate with the Lord.

yeah I think I remember that one. I mean if you have God's authority, then everyone should kiss your feet and thank you that at last
they can hear from God directly from such a wonderful person since we don't have Bibles and we don't have the Holy Spirit and we all know that God likes to use a Moses instead of having any kind of relationship with His creation. And how 'bout those prayer lines when people will go up to get a 'word from God' through the guest speaker....I call it Christian fortune telling and it's a practice in use in many many churches. That is using a gift instead of allowing God to use said gift through a person.

I'm sorry, but when Jesus died for our sins, the Temple curtain was ripped open -- because of Jesus, even a simple-minded sheep like me can go to God on my own at any time -- no official, whether real or self-imagined, prophet needed.

I'm all for learning from those who are much more advanced in various spiritual areas, but when someone sets themselves up as being somehow essential to listen to for my walk with God...

That's when I pray, "Lord, the discipline for false prophecy is death..."

Of course God doesn't need my reminder. And I am certainly not praying for the death of anyone.

Rather, I'd like to see the death of false prophecies -- and an increased fear of being so ready to give them.

Yes...the curtain was torn from the top to the bottom...an invitation from God for us to enter in and have a relationship with Him.

I think it's clear from scripture that things are going to get worse with more and more deceiving going on.

 

[Aaron56]

Hey Everyone,

I have been thinking about this for a while.

Many of you probably remember the big frenzy over the "prophecy" that the Rapture would occur in 2025. We had plenty of people insisting on there right here on CC as well.

I don't watch Tik Tok, but I do follow a lot of social commentary channels on YouTube, and several talked about "Rapture Tok." People were making all kinds of videos in which they were quitting their jobs, giving away all their possessions (like their vehicles and bundles of cash to a rideshare driver,) and even giving up their children to Child Protective Services -- all because they were so convinced that the Rapture was coming. (And for some reason, they believed their own children, even infants, would be left behind?)

When it didn't come at the predicted time, then people were saying that it was because we were following the wrong calendar -- and the Rapture was ACTUALLY scheduled for October 2005 rather than September. But of course, THAT didn't happen either.

I was reminded of this because I saw another wave of Rapture predictions for August 2026 (as in, this PAST August,) and of course -- nothing.

I'm not trying to make fun of anyone -- it's just greatly troubling to me how sincerely people can be wrong, and earnestly believe they are doing the work of the Lord.

I grew up in church and church culture, first as a conservative Lutheran (WELS synod,) and then as part of an Assemblies of God church that was very much into words of knowledge and prophecy -- almost the polar opposite from what I was taught in Lutheran school.

The Assemblies of God church told me I had "prophetic tendencies," with some trying to put me on a path for "developing that gift," but after being in that atmosphere for some time (and seeing how fanatical it was becoming with some members,) I knew it wasn't for me. I felt like there was a lot of pushing involved (twisting things to "fit" what "God was saying,") rather than true prophecy.

I will say in any situation however, I could be wrong -- but my spirit had no peace, and so I left that church.

I am all about God speaking to His people, and I am someone who indeed believes that God still speaks to and through His people today.

But I also often wonder about the part that God clearly said prophets who made prophecies that didn't come true were false, and were to be put to death. (Deuteronomy 18:20)

The Bible also says that teachers are to be held to a higher standard. (James 3:1)

With such serious consequences involved, why does it seem like so many people these days have absolutely no qualms about "speaking a word from the Lord" -- but then just completely shrug it off when it doesn't come true? (Or if it "comes true" in a way that looks more like a pretzel of coincidences rather than true fulfillment from the Lord.)

I am not trying to criticize, nor do I wish to see ill of anyone -- I'm just wondering why there is no fear of the Lord in speaking such things.

I remember one person on the forum who claimed to be a prophet -- and also made several posts about their financial woes. This person didn't seem very accurate in their "prophecies," (just my opinion, and again, I could be wrong.)

I couldn't help but wonder if, when we claim something so bold as to "speak a word from the Lord" -- one of the ways He might discipline us if we're wrong is by bringing "death" to certain areas of our lives -- like our finances.

Obviously, God doesn't just automatically strike everyone dead as soon as their prophecy or "word of knowledge" fails to come to pass.

But is that what it would take for people to be more refrained in what they prophesy, teach, and claim in the Name of the Lord?

I have a friend I highly respect who has seen and knows a lot more than I do, and he said, "If God is really speaking through everyone now who claims to have a word from God, that would mean God is speaking a whole lot more than He ever did throughout the entire Bible."

I have thought -- and prayed about this -- a lot.

The reason I'm asking this -- and why I've put it in the Family Forum -- is because God seems to be putting me in a season of acting as a sort of "spiritual parent" to some younger people.

And to be honest, I'm scared to death because I'm not even a parent in real life, and am terrified at leading anyone astray -- especially a young Christian.

Young people are asking me who they can know to listen to -- and actually trust -- when it comes to Biblical instruction.

And I find myself asking the same question right along with them.

God doesn't seem to demand a false prophet's life as readily as He did in the Old Testament.

So what are some other ways that we can discern-- and deal with -- those who give prophecies that don't come true?

In a world where more people than ever want to claim a place behind the pulpit -- rather than just as an ordinary sheep -- how do we know who really belongs there?

I'm not a member of a Charismatic group of saints but all the gifts are active among us. We accept the gifts as an endowment from Christ, not as a focus for ministry. The saints recently came through a time when the seriousness of what you wrote about was foremost in our minds: God is not an author of confusion; all things are done with reverence and the fear of the Lord. We did not tolerate chaos or "looseness" with the spiritual gifts, there were always witnesses, and everyone had a right to appeal if they felt something was out of turn.

Looking back, part of the reason was that we had attracted a number of believers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Some of them were hucksters who thought they could practice their game on people not so familiar with them. They found no room for their fake ministries and empty teachings. Most did not stick around. Some repented, having seen the error of the way they were taught and raised in their groups.

In my experience, the prophetic and the apostolic necessarily work together as part of the foundation of the House of God. The prophetic edifies, encourages, and comforts the saints. The apostolic gives timing and direction for the word of the Lord: teaching the word for the saints in the hour they need it. In other circles, the prophetic was allowed to run amuck, taking young and unskilled believers down with their words - words that were often only what the people wanted to hear or words that led to the increase of the false prophet's bank account. You can find many examples of the latter kind on television. Kenneth Copeland is one such false prophet.

For your own benefit, and as a characteristic of someone in leadership among the saints, always invite examination from those closest to you and sometimes from those outside your circle: Answer questions, encourage searching the scriptures, and let the people approach you with their concerns. Our Heavenly Father invited the children to come to Him. Because He wants to be known, we must have the same posture.

In Christ,
Aaron56

 

[seoulsearch]

I'm not a member of a Charismatic group of saints but all the gifts are active among us. We accept the gifts as an endowment from Christ, not as a focus for ministry. The saints recently came through a time when the seriousness of what you wrote about was foremost in our minds: God is not an author of confusion; all things are done with reverence and the fear of the Lord. We did not tolerate chaos or "looseness" with the spiritual gifts, there were always witnesses, and everyone had a right to appeal if they felt something was out of turn.

Looking back, part of the reason was that we had attracted a number of believers from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Some of them were hucksters who thought they could practice their game on people not so familiar with them. They found no room for their fake ministries and empty teachings. Most did not stick around. Some repented, having seen the error of the way they were taught and raised in their groups.

In my experience, the prophetic and the apostolic necessarily work together as part of the foundation of the House of God. The prophetic edifies, encourages, and comforts the saints. The apostolic gives timing and direction for the word of the Lord: teaching the word for the saints in the hour they need it. In other circles, the prophetic was allowed to run amuck, taking young and unskilled believers down with their words - words that were often only what the people wanted to hear or words that led to the increase of the false prophet's bank account. You can find many examples of the latter kind on television. Kenneth Copeland is one such false prophet.

For your own benefit, and as a characteristic of someone in leadership among the saints, always invite examination from those closest to you and sometimes from those outside your circle: Answer questions, encourage searching the scriptures, and let the people approach you with their concerns. Our Heavenly Father invited the children to come to Him. Because He wants to be known, we must have the same posture.

In Christ,
Aaron56

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this well-thought, informative and very helpful post!

I have read it twice and will be referring back to it as I continue my studies on this topic.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a blessed week!

 

[Lynx]

I go to a Pentecostal Church myself. You see a lot of real, and you also see a lot of fake.

As they say on the streets, real recognize real, and real recognize fake.

I am fond of what is known as the gamaliel principle. If it's not from God, it will fail on its own without my interference. If it is from God and I am wrong about it, fighting it would be somewhat futile.

Besides there's way too much fake for me to argue about all of it. There are far more interesting things to do with a limited life.

 

[Lanolin]

The kind of prophesying that you've experienced and they way it's taught just sounds like Christianised fortune-telling or clairvoyancy to me.

I could never. If God wants me to say something He nudges me, otherwise, I keep quiet. Personal horoscopes are not my thing and none of my business. Some people only say what they want people to hear, and claim it's from God, or they use it as a way to feel superior as in 'I know something YOU don't know'.

Sometimes we may have dreams or visions, but they do need proper interpretation to find the spiritual meaning. Inspiration is a divine thing, but it's always used to help us and guide us, not to predict anyones future.

Wisdom from above, is also found in Proverbs and we can ask Him ourselves, and read it for ourselves. We don't necessarily need someone else to ask for us.

 

[Billyd]

My standard for a word from God is a Bible address (book, chapter, verses). My standard for interpretation of the word of God is the interpretation is not contradicted by other scripture.