Tennessee Elijah
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Introduction: The authenticity of the Bible has been proven by intelligent scholars, by historians, by credible scientists, by competent mathematicians, by normal human logic and common sense, and by the proven fulfillment of reliable prophecies written by men inspired by God Himself. Therefore, Elijah uses "evidence" from the Bible to support or refute words he uses.
True & False Prophets
By Tennessee Elijah
Most Christians of conscience make an effort to not quench the Holy Spirit in churches or on Internet message boards. In so doing, it is possible for just about anyone to claim they are a "prophet" without being seriously challenged. However, this leaves them vulnerable to self-appointed false prophets who cast a negative light on true prophets. I propose the following criteria for detecting whether a prophet is from God or Satan.
First, a prophet who expects you to simply accept his message without confirming it with the Bible might be a false prophet, because God commanded us to test the spirits to see if they are of God. Just ask, Do you believe that Jesus Christ came to this planet in the flesh? If the answer is "Yes," they are either of God or a liar -- and if the answer is "No," they are not of God.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: ... Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God...: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." 1 John: 4:1-3
A true prophet is honest and willing to reveal every part of their personal life. They gladly share their thoughts with a clear conscience -- even at the risk of being rejected. A false prophet is usually making an effort to be mysterious, using many words and clever phrases that are almost impossible to decipher, always giving examples of past prophecies to gain credibility, and trying their best to gain public acceptance to enhance popularity.
"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God." 1 John 3:18-21
When Christians become aware of messages from prophets in church, on television, on the Internet, or in books, if a particular "prophet" has failed to come across as a person who loves Jesus -- and not just uses His name -- that person might be a false prophet. True prophets recommend that Christians not be gullible and will eagerly remind them to "test the spirits." As we know, taking time to evaluate a "potential prophet" is necessary before making impulsive, judgments filled with condemnation that might destroy the work of a true prophet. We all must learn to not deceive or be deceived.
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God." Ephesians 5:21 True prophets are willing to suffer -- if need be -- while trying to remain obedient to God as they share their messages. False prophets tend to emphasize a desire for gaining rewards for themselves while trying to evade scripture that conflicts with their messages.
"For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:20&21
Since the "Church" -- the Body of Christ -- is not confined to any particular religious organization, and since various "doctrines" often contradict Truth, it is very difficult for the average Christian to make good choices about prophets. One thing for sure, any person who claims to be a "prophet" should be willing to submit to the authority of God's Word -- and any person who claims to be a Christian should be willing to hear what the prophet is saying.
"But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." Hebrews 13:16&17
Just as there are true and false prophets, there are true and false Christians. If someone claims to love God yet treats another person with hate or contempt, that hypocrite needs to repent!
Differences in how we might interpret the Bible is no justification for debate and hate.
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." 1 John 4:20&21
Utterances of an unknown language during prayers or prophecies by one or more prophets can be evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit. As many Christians understand, some "words" are meant for God only.
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church." 1 Corinthians 14:2-4
When members of the "Church" receive "words" in their own language, there will be benefits if they accept messages in good faith. The purpose of God is to use human vessels to "edify" -- providing instruction to improve us morally or intellectually -- "exhort" -- strongly encourage or urge us to do something -- and give us "comfort" -- to ease our pain, or to provide freedom from anxiety and grief.
"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:27-33
True prophets do not encourage discord among people or make promises that bring rewards that are worldly or "fleshly" in nature. True prophets do not use scripture out of context to bring honor upon themselves and they do not use distorted interpretations of biblical prophecy to enhance their own predictions. True prophets are led by the Spirit.
"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law." Galatians 5:14-18
True prophets care about lost souls just as Jesus does!
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10
True prophets understand the evil done because of "pride" and the good things that can be done through the power of "faith." They do not exalt themselves above others in the "Church" in a competitive way, and do not feel jealousy when other members are honored more highly.
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:3-9
True prophets understand the parable Jesus gave regarding "tares" and "good seeds." They know that a "harvest of souls" is coming at the end of days -- and that "reapers" are angels sent from God who will come to Planet Earth to gather the tares, and then bind them in bundles to be burned in Hell. At the same time, the "wheat" -- good souls -- will be gathered and taken to the domain of our Father in Heaven. Until that day arrives, these "fields" where both good and evil can be found will remain a "spiritual war zone" until after the harvest.
"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." Matthew 13:24-30
True prophets know that true Christians must be willing to let the "wheat" and "tares" grow side by side, because if we try to pull the tares out of the "Church," the wheat might be "uprooted." God will separate the wheat and tares when He is ready. True prophets encourage us to repent of our own sins, but false prophets want us to pronounce judgment against the sins of others -- whether real or imagined.
True prophets might not be a member of your particular church or denomination, but this is no reason to reject them. The true "Church" of God -- as defined in the Bible -- is not a manmade institution.
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18 &19
True prophets might seem like a false prophet to many Christians who are unable to interpret the work of the Holy Spirit through human vessels correctly.
"And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house." Matthew 13:57
The "false prophet" of Revelation might seem like a true prophet to many people who are unable to interpret the work of Satan during these days leading to Armageddon.
"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Revelation 16:13&14
So, my friends, we need to focus more on the good "deeds" that reinforce the good "words" we receive from those who claim to be "prophets." In the same way, we need to examine ourselves to make sure that we thinking, speaking, and behaving properly. Using the Bible as a "compass" pointing to Truth is the only way we can know that our hearts are in a right relationship with the Father Creator.
"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." 1 John 3:18-22
Tennessee Elijah
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Posts: 55 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2005
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