The convenience of dated prophecy…

Prophets.

Watchmen.

Death and destruction.

Doom and gloom.

True or false

Repentance or pride.

http://onesimusfiles.wordpress.com/2012/05/05/the-convenience-of-dated-prophecy/


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It’s (Past) Time for a Charismatic Reformation, by Lee Grady.

There are some good points made in this article:

http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/32228-its-past-time-for-a-charismatic-reformation

Regarding recent events I’d like to highlight part of Grady's 14th point:

“Hold the prophets accountable. Those who refuse to take responsibility for inaccurate statements should not be given platforms.”

So many times people accept no accountability when words of "prophecy" fail. They do their best to sweep the failure under the carpet and hope it goes away without being noticed so they can move onto the next "prophetic" claim.


If it doesn't go away, all kinds of excuses will be made - or clarifications given - to explain why the word actually did come true (even if evidence shows otherwise) or why the outcome of the word was averted through intercession - and we could probably add a variety of other ways the prophet tries to cover their tracks.

How many prophecies of significant events have been made that have been proven to be false when the event did not happen? Have those "prophets" shown contrition and demonstrated repentance?

Or have they tried some way of justifying themselves and their predictions?



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Time to STOP!!!

It is time to stop playing “prophetic” pass-the parcel and exchanging “prophecies” like trading cards and to start giving the prophetic word the seriousness it requires.

We can't continue to take such a casual attitude to prophecy, indiscriminately promoting and passing on everything we come across that is claimed to be a word from the Lord.

As scripture says don’t despise prophecy but test all things. Unfortunately the lack of testing has led to TRUE prophecy being despised.

Christchurch "Prophecy" the aftermath.

The deadline for the predicted Christchurch disaster has passed without the promised destruction.

Reports from Christchurch reveal that many stayed away from work and left the city for the day. Many school students didn’t attend class. Many were in fear of what could happen on the day.
Remember, this is a city that suffered terrible destruction and loss of life at the beginning of the year; where constant aftershocks are a reminder of what happened. Most citizens suffered personal loss or at least know someone close who did.

What has happened since the failure of the “prophesied” destruction on the 28th?

1) Some have taken the predicted route and claim credit for their intercession averting the disaster.
2) Others continue as if the failure presents no real problem and they stick with their view that Christchurch is due for another disastrous “shaking”, that only the timing was wrong
3) Some (praise God) have confessed to their error and are seeking God, genuinely repentant for their involvement.

One factor that clearly helped the Christchurch prediction to be circulated as “prophecy” was the preconceived idea that God intended to judge Christchurch, or at least the “disobedient church” in Christchurch.
Were these expectations being voiced PRIOR to the two major quakes, the second of which led to massive loss of life? Or were these “prophetic” voices informed BY the two quakes – Prophetic “insight” AFTER the fact? Is this why so many latched onto the false 28 September prediction? They saw it as a validation of their own alleged prophetic insight?

I know of some who publicised the 28th prediction but expressed doubts about the dating; accepting the rest of the "word" because of a conviction that God WILL “shake Christchurch” again – not as a judgement on the city but as a judgement on the church!

Is that the way God acts? To cause death and massive destruction among unbelievers to punish disobedient believers?

Do we kick the dog to punish the cat that has torn the curtains? Maybe we do – but would a God of justice do that?

Sept 28 Christchurch Prophecy

One of the most maligned spiritual gifts is prophecy. It is either dismissed as being obsolete or it is approached so casually that it is not surprising many people have convinced themselves that it is obsolete.

An example of how little REAL respect is given to prophecy is being demonstrated as I write. A prediction has been made of yet another catastrophe in Christchurch New Zealand. That city seems to draw attention from a sector of the “church” which delights in the idea of God pouring out His wrath on other people. Christchurch seems to be a favourite target for a few reasons. It has already been the victim of disaster and its name makes it a handy metaphor for those critical of the state of the church. Put the two together and we have God showing His displeasure with Christ’s church.

The current prediction has been very specific – giving today as the day when terrible things will happen again to the city. It has had a polarising effect within the Christian community. Some reject it out of hand because they reject the validity of all present day prophecy. Others have embraced it without question, appearing to take delight in the idea of God’s judgement being demonstrated against others.

I take a different view. I am totally accepting of the validity of prophecy today but I strongly reject this particular prediction. I find nothing in it to indicate it is a true prophetic word.

Yesterday, 27th September, I resigned from my role as the moderator of a Christian forum because of the way this prediction was being addressed. As a result I have been asked not to contribute to that forum for three months.

It is clear that the forum owner accepts the validity of the prophecy in part. The only aspect that troubles him is the dating of the predicted disaster. A few other members have been more supportive, accepting all of it as a true message from God. They expect disaster to strike Christchurch today. Maybe even more disturbing than this expectation is the impression that they won’t even have their certainty shaken when the predicted event fails to happen. They will merely latch onto the next “word of prophecy” and run with that one until it also fails.

These people are more than willing to see Christchurch take the brunt of God’s wrath because of the state of the church (as they see it) and yet they are blind to the fact that THEY are no less disobedient, wilful and misled. They are no less guilty of error and stubbornness –all demonstrated by their refusal to test the “prophecy” according to God given, scriptural principals.

Prophecy is something that we can not afford to take lightly. We can not be casual with it. In the Old Testament false prophets were given no leeway. According to God’s instructions, they got it right – or they lost their lives.

Today false prophets are not faced with stoning. Some may see this as God’s mercy at work. I see it slightly differently. Maybe the Old Testament way was more merciful – it made people more aware of the seriousness of saying “God said” when God had said nothing of the kind. Maybe the freedom for “prophets” to speak without immediate consequences is itself a judgement on the church, separating the wheat from the chaff, separating those with a love and desire for the the truth from those who prefer baseless sensation.

There are still several more hours of the 28th (NZ time) to go. As yet I’ve heard no news of destruction in Christchurch. I’ll stick my neck out a little right now and say the rest of the day will pass with a similar absence of news, and then tomorrow the excuses, self-justification and back tracking will begin: anything to avoid accountability for the lies that have been promoted and supported.

Could You Become False Prophet or Teacher?

False teachers/prophets start somewhere.
I’m not sure that total non-believers decide that preaching is the best way to fame and fortune and start up their own ministry.

Their journey starts with them being led into error. They start off deceived and later become a deceiver through the encouragement they receive, firstly from those they respect and admire and later from the followers they accumulate. They become motivated and led by the praise of man instead of testing their way by the word of God.

One of the clearest indications that someone has become a false prophet/teacher is their refusal to face their mistakes and failed predictions with REPENTANCE. Instead they will either make excuses or they will ignore and refuse to acknowledge their error.

All of us at one time or another can make mistakes – the thing that separates the mistake from the false is the action taken when the error is made evident.

Repentance or cover-up?

If we take the “cover-up” or denial path we are taking our first steps along a very dangerous route where we will not only be held accountable for ourselves, but also for the damage done to others.

Divisions and Heresies

Why does God allow false teachers, false prophets and other deceivers to remain? Why doesn’t he deal with the problem of false teaching and remove its effect from the church and the world?

I think an answer is indicated in both Deuteronomy 13 and 1 Corinthians 11.

In the latter reference Paul writes:

“… when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.”(ESV)

While the term “divisions” or its synonyms seem to be most commonly used across various translations, the KJV uses the term “heresies” which has much stronger implications in the Christian mind.
But while the ideas of “divisions” and “heresies” are seen mostly in negative terms, Paul highlights a positive outcome resulting from their presence – that is to bring to recognition those who are genuine.

Other translations state this positive outcome in different terms. The NIV puts it this way:

“…there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God's approval”.

It seems there is something about the existence of divisions/heresies/factions that brings to light those who are genuine, those who have God’s approval and distinguishes them from others who are clearly not genuine and lack God’s approval.

I see a link here with a warning God gives in Deuteronomy 13.

“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and he says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (gods you have not known) ‘and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Here it is clearly stated that false prophets are used as a test of a person’s love for God. There is a choice to be made whenever we come across a teacher, a prophet, a teaching, a sign or a miracle. Are they from God or are they leading us astray?
No matter how genuine they may seem, the ultimate test is whether we are being directed towards GOD or towards something else. The One True God or an imitation.
When there are divisions that call for a choice of path to be taken, how do we determine which (if any) direction leads to God?

Would it be wrong to suggest that God given us the needed direction in His word? That we should test everything and everyone according to His revelation given in scripture?

I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
(Psalm 119: 104-105)

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
(2 Timothy 2:14-16 NIV)

I can see that “divisions” help determine those who have God’s approval and bring to light those who are genuine in two ways. Firstly those who put aside God’s word to follow man’s ideas (either their own or those of favoured teachers) are separated from those who give priority to God and His revelation.

The second relates to the way division is handled. Do we allow the differences to lead us into quarrelling and ungodly chatter?

It is in the second that I see myself needing the most help.

PROPHETIC OR PROFITIC?

Have your ears tickled in the comfort of your own home.

Ever been tired of running from conference to conference hoping to hear a word confirming your established beliefs? Are your finances suffering due to costs of travel, accommodation and conference fees in addition to love offerings?

And what about the cost of all of those tapes, CDs and books purchased from the conference bookstore - the ones you buy so the anointing of the conference can be prolonged - or shared with your loved ones.

Forget about all of that.

Now, with little inconvenience, the ear tickling preachers and prophets can be brought directly to you - to the location of your choice.

Home.

Office

Beach


The choice is entirely yours.

With thousands of expert, ministries available at the touch of a few keys, never again find yourself sitting in the wrong auditorium listening to the wrong preacher (how misleading those advertising brochures can be!).
You can move from preacher to preacher, prophet to prophet at your own pace and according to your own need - the choice is totally yours.

Many of the available ministers even sprinkle their words liberally with scripture - so you don't even need to open up your own dusty bible to see the truth of what they're preaching. They give you their proof right there in their own messages.

Internet ministries bring the prophets you choose directly to you.

Now to get serious. What is this all about?

One person grabs the prosperity "prophets" and runs with them. Another clings to the "prophets" of doom.

No need to listen to anyone else, we choose our favourites who preach what we want to hear. Things that support our world view and suit our own personality. We don't need to be challenged - we can be content to let someone tickle our ears

The "prophetic ministry" -AS THE LORD WARNED - has been perverted by false prophets. People run here and there looking for what the latest and greatest prophet has to say. The internet makes this MUCH easier. No need to "run" - it's all controlled by a few keystrokes. And none of these prophets are accountable to those who latch on to their words, because their words are scattered to the winds and they don't know who is receiving them. (However, the Lord holds them accountable).
Some "prophets" even offer "personal words" on cassette tape - just send a "love offering".

I have some suggestions.

1) Stop chasing after prophets and prophecies.
If you need (NOT want) a word from the Lord - seek the Lord Himself.

2) If the Lord has a word for you HE will deliver it. If via a prophet He will send the prophet to you or bring you into contact with the prophet.

Prophecy is NOT a consumer product to be bought and sold.
Prophecy is not entertainment; to be sought out and shared, one prophecy after another.
Prophecy should be treated with caution until it's source is clear. (God, the devil, or self)

TRUE PROPHECY is the word of the LORD, given for a PURPOSE and it should be treated with respect .