21st Century Prophets

[dublinheart]

Maybe this isn't for this area, but if it is not I'm quite sure Rebecca will inform me :D . I would like to find out people's opinion of whether they believe there are prophets called by God who speak His words now as they did when ones like Jeremiah was around.
After I get some opinions, I will speak further as to why I ask. :cool:

[Patrick]

Matthew 7:15
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.


Mark 13:22
At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect–if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

1 John 4
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

[dublinheart]

Ok- I know the scriptures, but you didn't give me your opinion. Yes, we are to test the spirits, but do you think there are 21st century prophets?

[rodojeki]

Ahhhhh, you would have to choose Jeremiah......my favorite of all......Yes, I do believe
there are prophets in the here and now....whom God has called.....let me know if you
want to know who I think some of them are....otherwise silence is better, leaves less
room for explosive criticisms.

Donna

[Merry]

It's a bit different now than it was in the OT times. Back then spirit 'rested' upon prophets. It wasn't a 24/7 situation. Now, a believer with Christ in them would be fully capable of asking for and receiving the ministry of a prophet. There's a lot of opinions on the subject but basically, the modern church has way more power than we have the courage to embrace.
So my answer, sure, why not? Why do you ask?

[dublinheart]

Thanks for all your opinions. The reason I asked is because I needed Godly wisdom. I believe I'm beginning to get that wisdom.
All my Christian life I have known God had a calling on me. I ran like crazy from it at first. Finally, I stopped and accepted the fact. My church pastor says I have a pastor's heart, but I know I don't. In my writing and in my preaching, I am beginning to realize that God has called me to be a prophet. A friend of mine(an anointed man of God) and his wife both have always said I was a prophet. I never put much stock in what they said until recently as my writing and my preaching have been directed more that way. I have prayed and asked God for confirmation of this.
I guess you could say I was trying to escape the fact since I know prophets are not a likeable bunch of people.
Comments, please and thanks for the wisdom.

[rodojeki]

John,

Most people would probably agree with this sentiment.......I like to be comfortable.....and
while I can handle adversity quite well, it really does upset the cart for me.....I rarely like being taken out of my comfort zone. I have found that the church likes to talk a lot about "coming out of your comfort zone and letting God have His way." Finding where you are being called to serve, where your ministry truly lies. Now you may not have a difficult time with this, but speaking to a crowd is excruciating for me. I was presented an opportunity to address our congregation and I knew I wouldnt refuse it, so I had to come up with something to get me on the platform....this is what I came up with........"When you step out of your comfort zone, the place you step into becomes your new comfort zone. God continually moves us into new comfort zones."

I had to think about that for quite some time, because at first it seemed as though I never got anywhere except into another comfort zone. But then I realized, it wasnt written for me, it was written for His kingdom.....it isnt to benefit me.....it is to benefit our Father. He patiently takes us step by step......now He doesnt take us from step one to step twelve overnight, He allows us to take even the smallest of steps, but each one brings Him glory. I would like to believe that He is smiling down on you, pleased that you have come to this point in your ministry. He is an awesome God and will continue to guide your steps.


Donna

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Wow Donna! Thanks for that, it was really encouraging!

[DrRita]

John,
There is much debate over the issue of modern day prophets and while I believe OT prophets and the office of prophet as known in the OT ended with that dispensation when John the Baptist finished his work, I do believe there is a place for prophets in the NT as Paul lays down in the letters. Careful studying the office, calling, spiritual gifting and work of a prophet will keep you in tune with the spirit and mightily used of the Lord. I urge keep going, listening intently to the Lord, studying the scriptures and finding sound biblical truth to stand on. Whatever God has called you to, do it diligently and whole heartedly and your life will be richly blessed. You will be in my prayers.

I have some good stuff on spiritual gifts which might interest you. If you like, I can send it via private e-mail. Let me know.

God Bless You John.

[BrotherDave]

Yes John, you can be a 21st Century prophet. Didn't Jesus say you would do greater things than He? Someone else here said it best. Stand and make sure you are standing on the Word when you think you are called to give an utterance.

Also be submitted to man of God who understands the gifting, and loves you enough to correct you and guide you. You will prophesy incorrectly, and need guidence. (as I do when I missspelll) A good man of God who loves you will protect you.

brotherdave

[Mr. Otis]

Prophet is a job I don't think I'd want. Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Haggai, to name a few, didn't seem to have a whole lot of fun.

My understanding of OT scripture, especially Deuteronomy 18, is that a prophet of God has to be 100% accurate. Is that how you read it?

[TRSharp]

John, The definition I've heard most often for prophecy is " speaking for God." Paul wrote that we should all desire the gift of prophecy. There is a danger in seeking for "new revelation", but I do know that the LORD speaks in different ways, in His time, for His purposes. I think at the heart of it are John's words: "The testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy."
Sorry if that seems enigmatic, but I think it the concise truth.

[Lyndalberry]

I do believe there are prophets of today still around, but you just need discernment as to know the truth from error. But yes, all the gifts are for today and the prophets are still around, just be discerning

[FireFeet]

Having heard "the calling" myself, I have done extensive research about this topic, as well as teaching an on-line class, and moderating a chat room designed to teach prophetic activation, and leading the Prophetic Counsel at church...so I'll be more than happy to try answer any questions you may have. :)

[Joanna L.]

Prophecy is a spiritual gift, so there could be 21st Century prophets. On the other hand, I would be wary of radio preachers Brother Ray Pringle and Brother R. G. Stair who are self-proclaimed prophets. A prophet doesn't have to be perfect: he just has to be prophetic.

[Lyndalberry]

In reply to your posting of self professed Prophets, to me, they might not need to be perfect, none of us are, but that also means we have to be more accountable, as with the more knowledge, the bigger judgment, so If i was self professed in my calling, I would be on my face. Anyone that is a self professed prophet/evangalist/apostle, etc is standing on dangerous ground and is prideful.
God bless you

[srajcic]

It is my understanding that the term "prophecy" can refer specifically to giving insight into a situation rather than forecasting the future. In this sense, I believe there are an abundance of prophets who are using their gifts, and I hope that you will be richly blessed in this way. I also have read works of people who claim to be "anointed prophets," and frankly sometimes their writings are so ecstatic that I wonder if they might have been better off coming down off the mountain before publishing. Keep your feet on the ground, my friend. God generally makes use of common sense! Blessings to you! - Sande

[Lyndalberry]

Sande,
I couldn't agree more with you, that really hit the mark, Thank you for your encouragment and I amen that one. God bless you. :) !thumbsup!