The ruse is up for popular so-called prophets who use data mining to conjure up what charismatics commonly call “word of knowledge.” Photo by FotoFlo on Unsplash Such fakery shows blasphemous disregard for the work of the Holy Spirit. It also does real harm to real people—and it has for generations. Part of the problem is that we charismatics can be so captivated by the sensational and spectacular we neglect God’s command to test prophetic words (1 Thess. 5:19-22). We are too easily deceived. To help fix that, let’s take a fresh look at what word of knowledge is Continue Reading
The charismatic movement needs drastic reformation
I was raised in a Pentecostal denomination and have attended non-denominational charismatic churches almost all my adult life. Photo by Rachel Coyne on Unsplash I believe the Holy Spirit still distributes supernatural spiritual gifts, and the gift of prophecy supernaturally strengthens, encourages and consoles believers (1 Cor. 14:3). I believe prophets are one of Jesus’ gifts to the church. Along with apostles, evangelists, and teacher/pastors, they help equip, mature, and unify the body of Christ (Eph.4:11-12). That said, I’m deeply disturbed by certain patterns and trends in Continue Reading
What the gift of prophecy is—and what it isn’t
Given the plethora of alleged prophets and prophetic words available at our fingertips these days, it can be difficult to sort out what’s real or fake regarding prophecy. Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash Setting aside Old Testament and apocalyptic prophecy for the moment, let’s look at the spiritual gift of prophecy (see 1 Cor. 12:7-11; Rom. 12:4-7). Prophecy is God speaking to people through people to reveal his present priorities in a personal way. Paul writes, “Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy…the person who prophesies Continue Reading
Prophecy is not a toy (so handle it with care)
Through the gift of prophecy, the Holy Spirit offers followers of Jesus strength, encouragement and comfort for their trials (1 Cor. 14:1-5). Prophecy also serves as a powerful weapon for spiritual warfare (1 Tim. 1:18). That said, powerful weapons require handling with care. I became familiar with prophecy decades ago in a small, start-up fellowship. Most of us were in our twenties. What we lacked in wisdom, we made up for with zeal, especially regarding prophetic words. Unfortunately, we weren’t taught how to deliver words within the healthy guidelines provided by Scripture. Turns Continue Reading