Countless faithful servants of Jesus labor in ministry, nurturing the people in their care, shepherding them with love and integrity, selflessly sacrificing, and setting a great example for the flock. These trustworthy ministers will be rewarded. They won’t be swept away with the stiff broom God is using to sweep the filth from his house—but plenty of leaders will be. Recent exposures of sins and crimes committed by spiritual leaders in the evangelical world leave many people uncomfortable. We don’t want to think these things are true. We want to think the best of our shepherds. Continue Reading
Should We Stop Listening to Prophetic Words?
Today’s ever-increasing number of failed “prophetic” words have led many to the conclusion that anyone claiming to be a prophet is a grifter and a fake. Given the current mess in charismatic circles, I can see why people might throw up their hands and walk away from prophecy altogether. However, since Scripture commands us not to despise prophecy but rather test it, (1 Thess. 5:19-22), I suggest a different approach. What if we zoom out and ask the question, “What is prophecy for?” Prophecy has always been a means for us to get to know God better. He speaks to humans through Continue Reading
Recognizing False Prophets (and Teachers)
Prophetic ministry is best exercised in the context of relationship and accountability. That’s one reason I’ve never been in the habit of following online prophets. This is not to say publicly delivered prophecy is inherently bad. I’ve occasionally been inspired by public words spoken to large audiences—but I don’t look for ongoing strength, encouragement, and comfort from such sources. Those with public prophetic platforms face major challenges and temptations. Recent exposures include not only mistaken major predictions, but deliberately faked “words of knowledge,” clergy Continue Reading
Severe Warnings in the New Testament We Can’t Afford to Ignore
I'm disturbed by recent exposures of casual, careless, and cavalier attitudes toward prophesying. It's time to refresh our understanding of the incredible privilege of speaking for God. For a robust view of prophecy to begin with, we need to understand both the similarities and the differences between prophecy in the Old and New Testaments. Prophecy in the Old Testament largely served to remind God’s people to return to his covenant when they (repeatedly) strayed. By contrast, the main purpose of the New Testament spiritual gift of prophecy is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort Continue Reading