Not Believing in 'Personal Prophecy'

SentinelNation · Aug 24, 2011

One thing that I have noticed in charismatic circles is that many seem to mistake being a very sharp judge of character with spiritual discernment and, in doing so, have convinced themselves they are somehow prophetic.

By a sharp judge of character I mean, that a person is very good at reading and interpreting body language, emotion, expression, etc. to the point that they can easily predict your current predicament and / or possible oncoming pitfalls if you continue down a certain path. In other words, they don't need a word from God in order to "read your mail". I believe each and every one of us as humans possess the ability to do so however, some seem to be much better at it than others while others might appear completely clueless. You needn't look any further than a popular singles / dance club on a Friday or Saturday night in order to see numerous unsaved people operating in this "gift" on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I have encountered several in the church who seem to confuse being a good judge of character with possessing a prophetic gift. I have also witnessed the the unfortunate consequences of bad decisions made by church leadership because they have fallen into this trap of mistaking the flesh for something spiritual thus producing much unnecessary drama and tension among church leadership.

Nanopants · Aug 24, 2011

SentinelNation said:
One thing that I have noticed in charismatic circles is that many seem to mistake being a very sharp judge of character with spiritual discernment and, in doing so, have convinced themselves they are somehow prophetic.

By a sharp judge of character I mean, that a person is very good at reading and interpreting body language, emotion, expression, etc. to the point that they can easily predict your current predicament and / or possible oncoming pitfalls if you continue down a certain path. In other words, they don't need a word from God in order to "read your mail". I believe each and every one of us as humans possess the ability to do so however, some seem to be much better at it than others while others might appear completely clueless. You needn't look any further than a popular singles / dance club on a Friday or Saturday night in order to see numerous unsaved people operating in this "gift".

Unfortunately, I have encountered several in the church who seem to confuse being a good judge of character with possessing a prophetic gift. I have also witnessed the the unfortunate consequences of bad decisions made by church leadership because they have fallen into this trap of mistaking the flesh for something spiritual.

I can testify to that. Years ago, I tried attending a non-denominational church which was a bit on the charismatic side. Unfortunately for me, I was in a rough spot in my life and was severely depressed and was still new to the faith and confused about things. The members there always seemed to read me from the surface and drew wrong conclusions: They would always keep their distance after noticing that I wasn't filled with joy like I was supposed to be. Who knows what kind of false judgements they were making.

Either way, I eventually walked out of that church and never looked back.

susan.baker · Aug 24, 2011

Interesting.

Togowack · Aug 24, 2011

SentinelNation said:
One thing that I have noticed in charismatic circles is that many seem to mistake being a very sharp judge of character with spiritual discernment and, in doing so, have convinced themselves they are somehow prophetic.

By a sharp judge of character I mean, that a person is very good at reading and interpreting body language, emotion, expression, etc. to the point that they can easily predict your current predicament and / or possible oncoming pitfalls if you continue down a certain path. In other words, they don't need a word from God in order to "read your mail". I believe each and every one of us as humans possess the ability to do so however, some seem to be much better at it than others while others might appear completely clueless. You needn't look any further than a popular singles / dance club on a Friday or Saturday night in order to see numerous unsaved people operating in this "gift" on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, I have encountered several in the church who seem to confuse being a good judge of character with possessing a prophetic gift. I have also witnessed the the unfortunate consequences of bad decisions made by church leadership because they have fallen into this trap of mistaking the flesh for something spiritual thus producing much unnecessary drama and tension among church leadership.

The way around this is to stop relying on the leadership of traditional church, and start a home or bible study group. The sermons they preach at church are useless anyways and never touch base with the populace. I been going to several different churches over the years and watch church on TV and I don't see the point in someone going up there to tell me something I already know.

I say our traditional church should be turned into a sunday praise and worship event and gut out the preaching part. its become mundane and meaningless unless you have a guest speaker who actually has something to say

stormdancer0 · Aug 25, 2011

Togowack said:
i will be the judge of how much impact the have

No. God will.

lilmissmontana · Aug 25, 2011

stormdancer0 said:
No. God will.

spot on!

Vince53 · Aug 25, 2011

Weighing in as a friendly Baptist here, the Bible teaches that if a prophet's prediction does not come true, we are not to listen to him anymore. That eliminates a lot of modern prophets.

Togowack · Aug 25, 2011

we are the ambassadors of Christ and we speak for him on the earth

byhisstripes · Aug 25, 2011

<staff edit>

I am sorry to hear that. Just because we are Christians does me we should watch what we say, after all that is what sets apart from the rest of the world .... that and our actions/reactions. The Bible also says we are to change our words, our actions, attituteds etc to reflect that of Christs. It took me a little while to find the verses but here they are:

Colossians 3:8
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
(KJV)
Colossians 3:8
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
.........................................................
Proverbs 19:1
Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than a fool whose lips are perverse.
(KJV)
Proverbs 19:1
Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
..........................................................
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
(KJV)
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
........................................................
James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
(KJV)
James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

I could post several more, but I think this is enough. I hope it helps.

lilmissmontana · Aug 25, 2011

lilmissmontana said:
the definition of the word would be vain ... i.e. useless, empty, profitless ... we're to avoid vain talk ...

it doesn't matter where the 'bar' is set in yours or any other man's eyes ... what matters is where the Lord sets the bar ... and it sure isn't the ways of the world ... and it matters to the Lord or He wouldn't have spoke over and over about keeping ourselves from the ways of the world ... we should have our eyes on Him and His teachings ... not what you, this person or any other man has decided is too high or low or whatever ... you can call it what ever you choose ... it's still what it is ... Truth is Truth and truth is just truth ... iow, real is real and everything else is but a cheap thrill ... if it gives you a cheap thrill to shock people with your mouth ... well, each to their own ... can't help thinking about all the warnings of the dangers of the tongue ... the Lord expects us to discern good from evil ... and I intend to do that to the best of the ability given me ... by that ability I can discern that if my 6 yr old grandson just threw the word 'balls' out there in class the way you did here, it wouldn't be accepted or tolerated ... so, in my mind, using 'shock value' language is nothing but the tactics of a 6 yr old trying to get attention ... actually not even a 6 yr old ... my grandson knows better ... figured if you're entitled to your opinion, then I'm entitled to mine ...

1 Peter 1:18
call to christian dedication

Foreasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your athers:

adding this one ...

2 Timothy 2:16
advice on personal conduct and relationships

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

useless theories that do not honor God is the definiton given in my Bible ... that says it all for this person ...

stormdancer0 · Aug 26, 2011

What the world says is "real life" and "every day" language is not what guides my words. I know people use crude language every day, and see nothing wrong with it. Christians should be a people set apart, who can be identified by their actions, attitudes and words. If someone can't tell you're a Christian by the words you use, and the ones you choose NOT to use, then you are too much like the world.

Friendship with the world is enmity with God. You must be of God, or of the world. You can't be both. Many will come in the last day saying, "Lord, did we not work in your name?" and He will say, "I never knew you."

LinkH · Aug 26, 2011

I remember working on a construction site when I was really young. The foreman was really active in his church. I remember those foul-mouthed construction workers talking about him when he wasn't around. They said he was a good man and you'd never even hear him saying anything dirty. I considered that to be a good testimony about Tom, the foreman.

But I've never heard anyone in the world say, "That man is a Christian and he sure is good at cussing and using foul language. I want to find out more about his faith." I've never heard anything about someone coming to faith because a Christian used cuss words.

thisnamztaken · Aug 27, 2011

I think true, so-called "personal" prophesy's main purpose is to confirm God's will to an individual or group (either now or after it comes to pass sometime in the future) as opposed to arbitrarily directing them to do something.

Both Moses and Paul desired that more people would be in tune with God's Spirit enough to be able to prophesy (Num. 11:26-29; I Cor. 14:5), but believers are also instructed to judge prophecy, as to whether it is being prompted by the Holy Spirit or not (I Cor. 14:29).

stormdancer0 · Aug 28, 2011

The statement, "Know your Bible" is not worth commenting on. You don't know me or my level of Biblical knowledge.

You have drawn a line in the flesh and made a list of words that Christians aren't allowed to use. Nowhere in scripture is this found, it only says to be careful when swearing.

Ephesians 5:4-7 Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving. (5) For you know very well that no immoral or impure person, or anyone who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Do not let anyone deceive you with meaningless words, for it is because of these things that God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (7) So do not be partners with them.

I draw no lines. I quote the Scriptures. If you want to swear, swear. It makes you sound ignorant, and carnal. But that's your choice.

lilmissmontana · Aug 28, 2011

stormdancer0 said:
The statement, "Know your Bible" is not worth commenting on. You don't know me or my level of Biblical knowledge.

totally ...

Ephesians 5:4-7 Obscene, flippant, or vulgar talk is totally inappropriate. Instead, let there be thanksgiving. (5) For you know very well that no immoral or impure person, or anyone who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Do not let anyone deceive you with meaningless words, for it is because of these things that God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (7) So do not be partners with them.

I draw no lines. I quote the Scriptures. If you want to swear, swear. It makes you sound ignorant, and carnal. But that's your choice.

and totally! we can know all things will be brought into judgement ... from God ... and then the line will be drawn ...

to whomsoever will ... the thing that bothers me most about a fair amount of the posts on here is what I see the enemy doing ... the enemy so loves it when he can divide Christians and confuse issues ... this isn't a confusing issue ... it's pure and simple ... the confusion doesn't come from the Lord (although He could just use it) and it wasn't confusing until scripture was set aside for man's comfort and pride in one's own understandings ... there is no riding the fence as a Christian ... it's either yay or nay ... many scriptures have been given here to support the validity of speaking respectfully ... so, now the enemy has been having his say for several days here ... I'm thinking it's one of two things ... get downright serious or give it to the Lord ... Lord, I ask you to take this issue and put it to rest ... make Your will know ... it's wishful thinking on my part, but I wish you'd make the Truth visible here loud and clear ... as always in Jesus name and Your will ... Amen.

lilmissmontana · Aug 29, 2011

stormdancer0 said:
That's what we're trying to point out to you. You made some very good, very true points. But using profane vocabulary makes a lot of Christians assume things that are not necessarily true - that you are ignorant or uneducated, or just plain worldly. I'm not saying those things are true, but your language gives that impression.

In other words, the use of such language drowns out your message. If that is okay with you, go ahead and use whatever language you want. I'm not trying to judge you, but to teach you. That's who I am - a teacher of the Word.

and here's where I'm at ... the only one who ever had a problem with anything is the one who keeps trying to justify his actions ... calling others words out to fit the necessity to belittle ... I've come to understand there's very few who read all this who will see the truth in the 'teaching' of it's okay, cuz I want to ... when we start leaning on our own understanding ... this is what we get ... many, many would love for it to be true that we can just interpret the way we choose ... it just isn't so ... this person is getting much mileage out of keeping this arguement going ... I ask the Lord forgiveness in my part and refuse to be used any more for firestarter ... I trust the Lord can handle it from here ... and I believe He will ...

and to the op, please forgive my part in this being so far off topic ...

FreeinChrist · Aug 29, 2011

MOD HAT

This thread has undergone a thread clean up.

Please stay on topic

stormdancer0 · Sep 4, 2011

wow, someone got a new name quickly.

As for the topic.

It is very hard to discern whether someone is really getting a word from God, even for the one giving it. Take it all with a grain of salt and ask God to affirm the word either through scripture or through another believer who did not hear the first one. He will always affirm His word.

Bella2010 · Sep 9, 2011

I think its important to remember in regard to the acceptance of the gifts in other denominations that often people are at different places in God. The focus is often different, what one majors on another may minor on. The thing that matters most is ones relationship with Christ.

In regard to personal prophecies one should exercise caution but be open to what the Holy Spirit might be saying. The greatest measuring stick of all is the word of God, for me personally if it doesn't line up with the word it is not taken on board. Usually personal prophecy is one of exhortation, encouragement, a word of wisdom, confirmation and very rarely may be directive. Ultimately though its up to the individual to weigh it up against God's word and decide.

lilmissmontana · Sep 9, 2011

stormdancer0 said:
wow, someone got a new name quickly.

sure looks that way ...

As for the topic.

It is very hard to discern whether someone is really getting a word from God, even for the one giving it. Take it all with a grain of salt and ask God to affirm the word either through scripture or through another believer who did not hear the first one. He will always affirm His word.

Amen.

Not Believing in 'Personal Prophecy'

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