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
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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
How Focusing on the Wrong Thing Derails our Discernment
When you hear the word "discernment," what comes to mind? Let's unpack the term for clarity. Discernment is the ability to comprehend what is obscure (not easily distinguished or readily understood). Synonyms include insight, perception, and wisdom. “And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ… (Philippians 1:9-10).” The Greek term aisthésis here indicates using our intellect for moral discernment and understanding of ethical Continue Reading
Does This Popular Prophetic Word Pass the Test?
I believe God speaks through prophetic words today. That said, we have an enemy who loves to twist this beautiful, Spirit-given gift to further his wicked schemes. It is our responsibility to evaluate prophesies and prophets so we are not deceived (1 Thess. 5:19-22; 1 John 4:1). In light of this instruction, let’s examine the “Seven Mountain Mandate” teaching. This idea started nearly 50 years ago when two Christian leaders believed they heard God say Christians should influence seven areas in culture: family; religion & church; education; government & politics; the media; Continue Reading