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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1766 | ||
Amen! Iron sharpens iron. I appreciate your comments very much. Allow me to start at the end, as I think it helps explain my position. I agree, definition of terms is important-what is 'slain' in the Spirit. I said that I had experienced all the above, and by that I meant that I have witnessed it. My explanation was poor, and I apologize. I have never personally been slain, but I have seen those who have felt the presence of God in such a powerful way that they could not stand. This was totally spontaneous, unplanned, no 'catchers' were waiting (prompting :-) and no hand was laid (pushed :-) I know the person well, and I believe it was of the Spririt. I have also seen 'Toronto-style mass-slaying' and I think it is (for the most part) NOT of the Spirit. The whole 'put-eachother-down' thing, with 'catchers' and 'manifestations' and 'Holy laughter,' etc. did not fit with any scriptural pattern that I know of. Neither am I fond of 'Ezekiel-like' prophecies (gobbledegook) or outrageous predictive prophecies that mislead and eventually hurt people. I know people who prophesy, whose words of exhortation, consolation and edification strengthened the church. They are mature and responsible, and they are not showmen, but godly people. I have seen false prophets and charlatans as well. As to the 100 percent thing, this is difficult to measure one way or the other. If you mean 'infallibility,' no one comes under that category, except the Lord Jesus. Many prophet's lives were a mess. But when they wrote it down by the Spirit, it was tested and proven. In the same manner, a present-day prophet must be responsible to speak God's with care, under His unction. I know people of this sort, their words are tested. I do not believe in 'hallway prophecy,' nor do I believe in 'endless diatribe' as prophecy. Prophecy must have purpose, and those purposes must be fulfilled, otherwise, indeed, the person is not a prophet. I do not believe that the 5-fold ministry has been emasculated, not do I believe that the Bible teaches that prophecy is dead. You are right, all prophecy must be in accord with scripture, and must be spoken in order and with responsibility. I still see that the Bible speaks of post-ascension apostles and prophets. (Just to clarify, are you saying that because no one could be 100 percent correct, then there are no prophets?) As with my other colleagues, I invite you to a 'non-Charismatic' church that operates in the gifts of the Spirit any time you are in Yokohama. Respectfully in Christ Jesus. charis |
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2 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | Matt | 1769 | ||
Just to clarify, are you saying that because no one could be 100 percent correct, then there are no prophets? No, I am saying that I would put anyone that claimed to be a prophet to the tests I presented. I also want to clarify that I am not saying that the individual would have to be 100 percent correct 100 percent of the time but that their prophesying would. You are right when you mentioned the record of prophets whose lives were a mess (by the way isn't encouraging to see God use ordinary men such as these in extraordinary ways?). What I can say is that these men's prophesies were 100 percent correct 100 percent of the time for if a man speaks from God those words cannot be erroneous or incorrect. I do not take the stance that there are no prophets today. I do take the stance that I know of none in the definition I put forth in our previous discourse. There are absolutely some very spiritually mature and wise men speaking and preaching, exhorting, rebuking and comforting. I am here today under God's grace because God used some men such as these in my life. I could not however place them in the previously defined category of prophet. I am very careful in regards to things such as this as I have been burned before by the words and ideas of men that use scripture to support their own ideas instead of using scripture to form their ideas. Where scripture speaks let us listen and were scripture is silent... As we have discussed this I think I am coming to some clarity on a few things. So much of the terms we have been using are so closely aligned with the current word of faith movement (example: Toronto movement and those like it in Florida, Texas and elsewhere) that many people upon hearing them tend to think of them in those terms. I would agree that these movements are not of the Spirit and would probably go further, based on your previous response, and say that they are heretical. If you are interested, a couple of GREAT books on the subject are 'Counterfeit Revival' and 'Christianity in Crisis' both by Hank Hanegraff. These are nonsensationalist looks at these events from a scriptural basis. I would strongly recommend them to anyone interested in apologetics. In areas such as this I just hope that we can entertain them as an inhouse debate and not divide over them. God's ways are not my ways and His thoughts not my thoughts. I just place myself before Him and pray that He use me and guide me through the leading of the Sirit and the scriptures. Again, thank you for this apportunity to discuss this. I hope to do more on this or other topics. I am trying to manage more time to spend on this site as I am finding it a blessing. God's love. |
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3 | Is prophecy dead? | Matt 11:13 | charis | 1770 | ||
Well said, kind sir. Matt, I highly regard anyone who can state a belief without resorting to 'absolutism' or bigotry. I, too, look forward to mature discussion, and pray constantly for the Spirit to guide this forum of saints. My purpose and heart's desire is the unity of His church. And now, my friend, it is late in Yokohama. Good night for me, and have a good day to you, in Christ Jesus. |
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