where are your prophets?

[BloodFire]

where are christanities prophets?
LDS has them, so why doesn't christianity? why are they not needed, not talked about, or not there?

 

[Merlin]

The Bible is complete. There is no need for newer interpretation or revelation.

 

[dvd_holc]

Prophets are talked about...but there are multiple meanings...

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prophet

1. a person who speaks for God or a deity, or by divine inspiration.
2. in the Old Testament)
a. a person chosen to speak for God and to guide the people of Israel: Moses was the greatest of Old Testament prophets.
b. often initial capital letter

) one of the Major or Minor Prophets.
c. one of a band of ecstatic visionaries claiming divine inspiration and, according to popular belief, possessing magical powers.
d. a person who practices divination
3. one of a class of persons in the early church, next in order after the apostles, recognized as inspired to utter special revelations and predictions. 1 Cor. 12:28.
4. the Prophet, Muhammad, the founder of Islam.
5.a person regarded as, or claiming to be, an inspired teacher or leader.
6. a person who foretells or predicts what is to come: a weather prophet; prophets of doom.
7. a spokesperson of some doctrine, cause, or movement.

likewise, prophecy:
1. the foretelling or prediction of what is to come.
2. something that is declared by a prophet, esp. a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation.
3. a divinely inspired utterance or revelation: oracular prophecies.
4. the action, function, or faculty of a prophet.

here is some scripture:

Eph 4:11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.


Rom 8:6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

We don't talk much about prophets...but we all are prophets because all Christians care the words of God in one sense or another.

 

[039]

Well, I'm sure God can give someone the gift of prophecy, but I don't think it's needed... why? Well... the bible is pretty much complete in prophecy, even up to the very end. Christianity does indeed have its prophets, and they completed their mission by prophecying. There's no need to prophecize about every single mundane thing. Even the bible only really concentrates on the major points, rather then, for example, chronicaling every year spent in the desert by the hebrews or the exact process of God's creation.

So... really there is no need. Some claim to be modern prophets even in christianity. Is it true? I really don't know. I definately want to be on the more careful side, because others in the past have been lead by those who claim to be prophets, such as Mohammud. I'm sure that if God wanted our attention as a whole, or an individual's attention, he would make sure we got it.

 

[torrancejunior]

Well, all the prophets were looking towards Jesus, and that's complete. However, I don't think that means there's no contact with God anymore. There's plenty of religious experience going around, including prophesying (sp?). I suggest you read things like The Heavenly Man and Run Baby Run, though it's good to get both sides of the argument.

 

[AllTalkNoAction]

We have prophets - people that use the gift of prophecy lot in our meetings . . . .

1Cor. 12:28: And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets . . .

14:29: Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. . . 32: And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Does LDS have 2 or 3 people speaking out prophecies in their meetings ?

 

[talitha]

HAHA! We do have prophets. I attended a prophetic class yesterday afternoon, where two prophets and a prophetic pastor spoke. I have been called a prophet - but I'm not yet ready to claim that title - don't know whether or not I ever will be..... but that's another story.

The Bible contains all that we need in terms of doctrine and practice, on a general basis, so modern-day prophecy is not for that - it's to speak the heart of the Lord for His people, whether individually or corporately - it's more specific.

blessings
tal

 

[rocklife]

some denominations like to say the prophets are only in bible times, but many other contemporary denominations say yes there are modern day prophets. If you watch Christian TV long enough, you'll see some people calling themselves prophets too. I personally believe anyone who shares God and His words, just read the Bible out loud, and you are basically prophesying (telling the future), but that may be simplistic

 

[BloodFire]

ok thanks guys
however how do you know where a Prophet (big P; the ones who speak for God) ends and creeds by man begin? i'm talking about big prophets... ones who speak what God has told them... like future events and things revealed by Him...

i cant accept that God would just leave us without prophets you know? especially since they played such an important role in the Bible... the Bible doesn't change but the world does. in this godless age i think we need prophets.. and how do i know who is a prophet (one who prophecies but does not speak for God... only predictions) vs a Prophet?

 

[Aceybee]

I guess you measure what they are saying against what the bible teaches. If they are in harmony, then theres a good chance they are speaking for God. If there is something out of alignment, or they don't agree with the Bible, then be highly cautious. Thats my policy anyway

 

[dvd_holc]

ok thanks guys
however how do you know where a Prophet (big P; the ones who speak for God) ends and creeds by man begin? i'm talking about big prophets... ones who speak what God has told them... like future events and things revealed by Him...

i cant accept that God would just leave us without prophets you know? especially since they played such an important role in the Bible... the Bible doesn't change but the world does. in this godless age i think we need prophets.. and how do i know who is a prophet (one who prophecies but does not speak for God... only predictions) vs a Prophet?

The Prophet was Jesus Christ. He was the One that Moses and the prophets pointed to. But really what are you looking for? You are looking for signs and wonders to validate a person who speaks for God. God spoke to Elijah and gave Him a demonstration of signs and wonders.

God spilt a mountain apart, but God was not in the wind. God caused a great earthquake, but God was not in the earthquake. God caused a great fire upon a mountain, but God was not in the fire. But God came by a still whisper.

God can do many great signs and wonders, but you want God to be active in your life listen to the whisper.

 

[talitha]

in this godless age i think we need prophets.. and how do i know who is a prophet (one who prophecies but does not speak for God... only predictions) vs a Prophet?

You seem to be talking about a false prophet vs. a true prophet. There are also people who prophesy, who are not "prophets" - but they ARE speaking for God. It gets kind of picky..... I think aceybee gave you some good advice. There is one book to test the message of would-be prophets, and that is the Bible.

blessings
tal

 

[hlaltimus]

where are christanities prophets?
LDS has them, so why doesn't christianity? why are they not needed, not talked about, or not there?

Christianity, (Historic,) has plenty of prophets, but they don't know that they are prophets and so are not designated as such. These are the believers who have a very special call to closeness with the Lord in prayer which makes their communion there in His presence especially lethal to hell but profitable to the Church. They are given particular burdens to pray for, some of which they don't really understand, but which burdens have been initiated by the Lord and so are really prophetic prayers and not common intercessory prayers. They sit in Churches from Sunday to Sunday and listen to the man of God expound the Holy Bible and hold that minister to be the most important of persons on Earth, never realizing that while his ministry of the Word is the most important work on Earth, their special prophetic prayer life with God is the most powerful work on Earth and is accordingly and diligently opposed by hell. These praying prophets are singled out then by Satan for harassment because while a minister of the Gospel can and does change lives, a single praying prophet can change the entire course of history. His or her prayer life is potentially very deadly to hell. They are still not foundational Apostles as the twelve original were and so these prophet's prophesy is not protected from their own human contamination and so is rendered imperfect to Biblically recorded prophesy and therefore inferior to and subordinate to that prophesy of the Holy Bible. This is how prophets continue to stay in business today and yet do not compete with the Word of God. They are there and may God protect them all.

 

[SWigton87]

I personally believe (and I know that others will disagree with this and call it closed minded... God be the judge) that there are no more prophets. The Bible was completed, and nobody needs to speak on His behalf anymore. I am not limiting God to the Bible. I do believe that if there were no Bibles available to say a group of missionaries (although the word of God is most likely in their hearts, thus unnecessary) God could permit prophecy, or other signed gifts (speaking in tongues, etc.) but I don't believe that He actually does.

As for psychic activity, I do not believe it to be prophecy. I consider it a phenomenon derived from Satan, who can in fact mimic God's gifts in his own ways. I put the modern day preachers who call themselves prophets to 2 tests.

1) If it does not come true, they were not a real prophet. Of course this can only be applied to prophecies that are labeled with a specific date. Otherwise the supposed prophet (or his followers) could say "Give it more time!" and procrastinate longer.

2) "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
(Galatians 1:8)*


*I do in fact recommend this verse to those who often engage in dialogues with Mormons

 

[MikeMcK]

where are christanities prophets?
LDS has them, so why doesn't christianity? why are they not needed, not talked about, or not there?

We do have prophets, in a sense. But the role of the prophet is not the same as the role of the OT prophet.

ok thanks guys
however how do you know where a Prophet (big P; the ones who speak for God) ends and creeds by man begin? i'm talking about big prophets... ones who speak what God has told them... like future events and things revealed by Him...

Anyone who claims to speak for God is subject to the authority of scripture. Always check their words in light of the Bible. If it doesn't line up, then it isn't of God.

In a broad sense, anyone who proclaims the word of God is a prophet.

For the record, I believe that Paul Washer would be a good example of a modern day prophet to the church.

i cant accept that God would just leave us without prophets you know? especially since they played such an important role in the Bible... the Bible doesn't change but the world does.

Actually, the Bible does change. The OT is Israel's relationship to God under the Old Covenant. The NT is the church's relationship to God under the New Covenant. God no longer calls prophets in the same way that He did in the OT because we now have His word, we have the Holy Spirit, and we have the priesthood of the believer.

in this godless age i think we need prophets.. and how do i know who is a prophet (one who prophecies but does not speak for God... only predictions) vs a Prophet?

A good rule of thumb is, if they tell you things like "God was once a man as we are, and we will become gods like He is now", that's a false prophet.

 

[BloodFire]

thanks for your replies guys

how do i know what we're taught in the Bible hasn't been subject to the hands of man? how can i know for sure that the Bible is unaltered, and that Mormonism isnt a restoration as is claimed?

the Trinity, for example, is not found in the Bible... how do i know that the people of the Nicene Creed didn't get it wrong?

but please don't cite the becoming gods thing... because i dont think we will take our own universes or anything, just become perfect like god or "as man is, God once was..." etc; i take things like that with a pinch of salt.. and i think God is eternal. (Isaiah 43:10)

 

[heron]

There was a prophecy subforum here up until late last year -- people giving and recieving prophetic words. You can still find a bit of that in other subforums.

Dreams & Visions
Spirit-Filled - Pentecostal/ Charismatic


And then there are ministries that many believers get newsletters from -- you could too, or check the web sites periodically --

Elijah List
Kim Clement
MorningstarMinistries.org
Dennis Cramer
http://frangipane.org/
http://goodnews.netministries.org/prophecwords.htm


But what Talitha was saying -- many believers take the whole New Testament for today, considering that we all should hear from God and carry His messages regularly.

I can think of about ten Christian churches in my area that exercise the gift of prophecy, and I know there are more that I am not familiar with.

If you really wanted more of a scriptural analysis of prophecy for contemporary believers, there's an informal article here by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D.:

http://www.jimfeeney.org/apostlesandprophets.html

 

[MikeMcK]

how do i know what we're taught in the Bible hasn't been subject to the hands of man? how can i know for sure that the Bible is unaltered

Because we have the original manuscripts so we can compare them to see if there are any descrepancies. There aren't.

and that Mormonism isnt a restoration as is claimed?

First of all, if there needed to be a restoration, then that would mean that the church would be apostate and Jesus' words would be false.

the Trinity, for example, is not found in the Bible

What on Earth are you talking about? It's taught all throughout the Bible.

but please don't cite the becoming gods thing... because i dont think we will take our own universes or anything, just become perfect like god or "as man is, God once was..."

So then, you do believe that God was once a man?

You have to remember that Mormonism doesn't simply teach that we will be "perfect like God", but that we will actually be gods. I don't see any difference between this Mormon teaching and what the serpent told Eve in the Garden.

 

[dvd_holc]

thanks for your replies guys

how do i know what we're taught in the Bible hasn't been subject to the hands of man? how can i know for sure that the Bible is unaltered, and that Mormonism isnt a restoration as is claimed?

the Trinity, for example, is not found in the Bible... how do i know that the people of the Nicene Creed didn't get it wrong?

but please don't cite the becoming gods thing... because i dont think we will take our own universes or anything, just become perfect like god or "as man is, God once was..." etc; i take things like that with a pinch of salt.. and i think God is eternal. (Isaiah 43:10)

The Trinity is in the bible but you have to have eyes to see it. Likewise, the dead sea scrolls has shown that our hebrew bible has been correctly interpreted. The Creed is but a statement of truth...it is not complete because God is bigger than the statement? Do you not understand...Humans are made in the image of God, placed us in the garden, and told us to take care of it...in doing so God gave power and authority to humans to work and have lasting results. But God was not satisified to let humans get on with it. Rather, God made His presence known through us. So then...even though humans got much of this world wrong God is moving through humans in the right way so that people would have a health relationship with Him...that God would be known in through or in spite of our mistakes. In the bible, the perfect mysterious will of God is known that through those who become obiedent display the revelation of His will.

 

[heron]

Trinity Examples --

Genesis 1:1-2
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; and the earth being without form and empty, and darkness on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moving gently on the face of the waters.


Ps 104:30
You send out Your Spirit, and they are created

Ex 35:31
And He has filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in intelligence, and in knowledge, and in all workmanship.

Joh 15:26
And when the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, that One will witness concerning Me.

Mt 6:6, 14, 32 (Jesus' words)
Pray to your Father in secret.
...Your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
...Your heavenly Father knows


Mt 10:32 (Jesus quote)
Then everyone who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in Heaven.


Mt 12:50
For whoever does the will of My Father in Heaven, that one is My brother and sister and mother.

Mt 16:27
For the Son of Man is about to come with His angels in the glory of His Father. And then "He will give reward to each according to his practice." LXX-Psa. 61:13; Pro. 24:12; MT-Psa. 62:12

John 14:2
In My Father's house are many dwelling places. But if it were not so , I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you!

Mr 1:10, Mt 3:16, Lu 3:22, Joh 1:32
And going up from the water, immediately He saw the heavens being torn, and the Spirit coming down as a dove upon Him.

And there was a voice out of the heavens, You (Jesus) are My Son, the Beloved, in whom I have been delighting. Psa. 2:7; Gen. 22:2; Isa. 42:1



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