About prophesying

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JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,412
6,698
113
#21
It is a lot of work for me to look up numbers due to my lack of sight.
If you would cut and past your question's references I could read them with my text aloud feature. God bless you.
 

Jackson123

Senior Member
Feb 6, 2014
11,769
1,371
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#22
Using definition :prophecy is message from God
Mean bible is also prophecy
Out from the Bible, if you speak Indonesian, go to YouTube google murtadin testimonies we see a lot oMuslim accept Jesus because of dreams or visions that can be call prophecy because direct message from God
So I believe the gift of prophecy still operate now
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
591
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#23
We need to keep this in context. The New Testament was being written at that time, but only a fraction was available to the churches. Therefore the gift of prophecy was operational until about 100 AD. The correct meaning of prophecy is divine supernatural revelations directly from the Holy Spirit for all of God's people (2 Peter 1:19-21).

Now that we have the complete Bible and the last book is the last book of prophecy, there have been no genuine prophecies since about 100 AD. Paul already saw the cessation of prophesies, tongues, and supernatural knowledge (1 Cor 13:8).
Utter Twaddle!

2Peter 3v16!
 
Mar 4, 2020
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#24
It is a lot of work for me to look up numbers due to my lack of sight.
If you would cut and past your question's references I could read them with my text aloud feature. God bless you.
Posthuman's question was in this comment:

"interesting question about that:
does this count as 'confessing that Christ has come in the flesh' ?

When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying,
“What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
(Matthew 8:28-29)"

and you said "Yes it does." So I was just wondering why you agree with that.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
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#25
sadly many seek the gift but few seem to have it, we have an immense amount of false prophets especially on youtube. The problem I think is first and foremost they lack biblical ground following their own wiles instead of being grounded in scripture secondly they do not know his voice and confuse their own with his.
To be honest it amazes me how some of them can be, if you rebuke or correct them you are attacked by self entitled prophets or their many followers.

The gift of prophecy is not something that you simply have by practicing enough it is given to you but if you do not know his voice and do not know the scriptures all you will do is falsely prophecy. Many true prophets when given a prophecy do not even know why they are saying what they are saying it is something that bubbles up your taken into the moment and just speak but what you speak is more than just words the spirit is filled with them.

to be honest there have been times when I have said something will happen to me not knowing why I said that and then later that exact same thing happens to me other times I will be lead to write something in my poems consumed by this uncontrolable need to type every word in my heart at immense speed just pouring out my fingers can't type fast enough and in the moment it feels solid and true but once the moment passes I wonder why I wrote what I wrote.

however I think it is also important more than understanding prophecy to understand the role of a prophet in this day and age. Most of the time they are not used to prophesy they are used to build up encourage and lead his church to God. many of the prophets of old were the same they were not used mainly to prophesy they were used to keep everyone on the straight and narrow path to point them in the right direction to encourage and strengthen people.

Nowadays though everyone who thinks himself a prophet will give a God told me or thus saith the Lord I have some some who give a prophecy daily and every time I hear what they say my spirit feels uneasy. it is also important to understand that one can have the gift of prophecy but that doesn't make one a prophet and it is also important to know that as you take on the title of a prophet you are set on a much higher standard than most because you will be held accountable for every word that you claim to be from God for God will not mocked and his words are not a toy to use as we please
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
591
113
#26
Utter Twaddle!

2Peter 3v16!
Let me clarify something:

My comment of "Utter Twaddle" is directed ONLY at the comment that the gift of prophecy ceased at the end of the 1st century (100 AD)!

Which it certainly didn't!
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,412
6,698
113
#27
Posthuman's question was in this comment:

"interesting question about that:
does this count as 'confessing that Christ has come in the flesh' ?

When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying,
“What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
(Matthew 8:28-29)"

and you said "Yes it does." So I was just wondering why you agree with that.
We are referring to mankind, so my response is of course a person is saved wh believes Jesus, the only Begotten of the Father.

Demons, even Lucifer, believe, but discount the poser of God in favor of their own lusts .
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
13,003
4,315
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#28
In 1 Cor. 14:1, Paul writes "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. " Encouraging all members of the church to desire the spiritual gifts, but especially the ability to prophesy.

The gift of prophesy is a spiritual gift that only God can control. He has the ability to impart spiritual gifts to people and we should desire. Prophesying is used for the purpose of God's glory and it isn't something everyone can just do. God has to enable this ability within church members.

I would suggest that those who are following after charity and genuinely desiring the spiritual gift of prophesy are more likely to receive this gift, per the simple text in 1 Cor. 14:1. I believe the kind of prayer that God wants to answer are those that are seeking after His glory. From that genuine state of heart we can request spiritual gifts.

Before I continue, I want to address a some points. Those with the gift of prophecy can receive messages from entities other than God, such as the devil, demons, and angels. This is why 1 Cor. 14:29 says " Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." The reason for this is to root out any possible false doctrines, false gospels, or ungodly messages.

What Paul wrote in Gal. 1:8 was literal, "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." Paul stated point blank it's possible to receive a message from an angel. Furthermore, Paul also said that it's possible to receive messages from seducing spirits and demons in 1 Tim. 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"

That is why it is best to be careful when prophesying. It is necessary to know the Bible well. The Spirit that speaks expressly in 1 Tim. 4:1 will not contradict the Bible. We cannot know what contradicts the Bible unless we know the Bible. Those who do not know the Bible can be easily deceived, led astray, confused, become a false prophet, and more.

A simple test for a prophet to confirm who they are talking to is mentioned in 1 John 4:3. "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God..." A prophet can possibly pick up on a lot of sweet words, clever ideas, things that seem right and sound good, but ultimately are crafted to shipwreck a prophet's faith or break their spirit. A simple test is to literally ask "Do you confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh?" if they deny it then you know who you're talking to.

2 Cor. 11:4 is also literal, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." This is for the purpose of getting a foot in the door and gradually supplanting the truth with false doctrines and lies.

Above all, every Christian needs to seek after the literal guidance of God's Holy Spirit to help them understand the Bible, follow charity and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy.

1 Thess. 5:20 says "Despise not prophesyings." and it is as simple as that. No matter what anyone says, the Bible does not say the spiritual gifts have ceased. There is overwhelming evidence to actually continue to desire spiritual gifts and to even ask God for them directly.

Just want to say 1cor 12 through 14 where Prophesying is used has nothing to do with being a prophet.

Prophesying = speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit also known as preaching which should do some very telling things

  1. confirm the word of God already written
  2. comfort
  3. edify
  4. exhort
  5. bring glory to God not man
Prophesying and tongues with interpretation both are forms of prophesying. as 1cor chapter 14:3-5 STATES



3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
37,728
13,522
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#29
I have an open mind on @posthuman 's question. How does Matt. 8:28-29 relate to 1 John 4:2?
well, the demons are talking to Jesus Christ, in the flesh - and they call Him 'Son of God'

so when John says any spirit that does not confess Christ has come in the flesh is not from God, how do these demons fit that?
when they call Him '
Son of God' they also ask if He is going to 'torment' them 'before the time' -- which tells us they know there is an appointed time they will be judged. it also tells us they know He has authority to judge them, and they expect torment.
but Jesus has mercy on them, sending them into a herd of pigs, which they promptly murder by sending into the sea.

when they call Him '
Son of God' what do they mean by it? do they understand He is God Himself, having humbled Himself to be manifest in the flesh, as a servant? or do they think He is an annointed man who has been given power and authority in the Spirit?

would a demon dare attack Isaiah, for example? and Job - even Satan dared not try to touch him without going first to God for permission, saying, God's hedge is around him - an hedge that Satan himself cannot penetrate.

are they accusing Him of evil, when they ask if He is going to torment them at the wrong time?
are they serious in that question or is it mocking?

they clearly fear Him - they ask Him to have pity on them. they recognize that He can do with them however He wills.

the men they posessed were attacking everyone that came near - it says, no one could pass by that way because of them. but they grovel before Christ! no demon dared attack Him. they know immediately that they cannot possibly overcome Him - but does that mean they know who He really is or just that they know He is extremely powerful?

this is an amazing account very difficult to understand -- even more amazing and complex when we add in what John tells us about how we may test spirits
 

1ofthem

Senior Member
Mar 30, 2016
3,729
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#30
Not exactly.

I see how, at first glance, it appears Matthew 8:28-29 is a nod to 1 John 4:2, but it isn't. Remember, "even the demons believe and tremble." The key difference is that they don't acknowledge Jesus Christ as the savior of the world nor do they generally come proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.
I believe this verse also fits as well:

Matthew 15:8

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”


You can't just say you believe in the Lord and be saved. People have to actually believe in the Lord, and put complete trust and faith in Him in their hearts. That's why there are so many false Christians/converts out there. They say the sinner's prayer or whatever, but in all actuality, they do not love, fully believe, have faith, and trust him in their hearts.

Simply believing that Jesus exists is different from trusting, submitting yourself to, and having faith in Jesus. IMHO
 

Jackson123

Senior Member
Feb 6, 2014
11,769
1,371
113
#31
Let me clarify something:

My comment of "Utter Twaddle" is directed ONLY at the comment that the gift of prophecy ceased at the end of the 1st century (100 AD)!

Which it certainly didn't!
Yep, bible is consider the the document of the gift of prophecy and still use know
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
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#32
Just want to say 1cor 12 through 14 where Prophesying is used has nothing to do with being a prophet.

Prophesying = speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit also known as preaching which should do some very telling things

  1. confirm the word of God already written
  2. comfort
  3. edify
  4. exhort
  5. bring glory to God not man
Prophesying and tongues with interpretation both are forms of prophesying. as 1cor chapter 14:3-5 STATES



3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
Did you look up what prophesying means in 1 Corinthians 14:1? It's about foretelling events, speaking under divine inspiration, and exercising the prophetic office: that's what prophets do.

I have a feeling you should probably known that and don't need me to teach you this. Do you just want to contradict the Bible? I am honestly a bit puzzled how you reached your false conclusion.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
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#33
well, the demons are talking to Jesus Christ, in the flesh - and they call Him 'Son of God'

so when John says any spirit that does not confess Christ has come in the flesh is not from God, how do these demons fit that?
when they call Him '
Son of God' they also ask if He is going to 'torment' them 'before the time' -- which tells us they know there is an appointed time they will be judged. it also tells us they know He has authority to judge them, and they expect torment.
but Jesus has mercy on them, sending them into a herd of pigs, which they promptly murder by sending into the sea.


when they call Him 'Son of God' what do they mean by it? do they understand He is God Himself, having humbled Himself to be manifest in the flesh, as a servant? or do they think He is an annointed man who has been given power and authority in the Spirit?
would a demon dare attack Isaiah, for example? and Job - even Satan dared not try to touch him without going first to God for permission, saying, God's hedge is around him - an hedge that Satan himself cannot penetrate.


are they accusing Him of evil, when they ask if He is going to torment them at the wrong time?
are they serious in that question or is it mocking?


they clearly fear Him - they ask Him to have pity on them. they recognize that He can do with them however He wills.
the men they posessed were attacking everyone that came near - it says, no one could pass by that way because of them. but they grovel before Christ! no demon dared attack Him. they know immediately that they cannot possibly overcome Him - but does that mean they know who He really is or just that they know He is extremely powerful?


this is an amazing account very difficult to understand -- even more amazing and complex when we add in what John tells us about how we may test spirits
Clearly literally anyone, even spirits that are not from God, can utter the words "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh." That isn't what it this is talking about.
 

Vindicator

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
228
71
28
#34
What Paul wrote in Gal. 1:8 was literal, "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." Paul stated point blank it's possible to receive a message from an angel. Furthermore, Paul also said that it's possible to receive messages from seducing spirits and demons in 1 Tim. 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"

Greetings, Runningman.

You make some good points I agree with, but now, on the issue of forbidding prophesy if it comes through an angel, that's not actually Biblical. Some of Daniel's prophecies came through an angel, such as mentioned in Chapter 10:

10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,212
2,547
113
#35
Did you look up what prophesying means in 1 Corinthians 14:1? It's about foretelling events, speaking under divine inspiration, and exercising the prophetic office: that's what prophets do.

I have a feeling you should probably known that and don't need me to teach you this. Do you just want to contradict the Bible? I am honestly a bit puzzled how you reached your false conclusion.
Well think about Moses, he is one the best known prophets in history but how often did you see him prophesy? why was he called a prophet when he was mainly used by God to free instruct and guide his people? he was a teacher an instructor a guide to the straight and narrow path
 

1ofthem

Senior Member
Mar 30, 2016
3,729
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#36
Greetings, Runningman.

You make some good points I agree with, but now, on the issue of forbidding prophesy if it comes through an angel, that's not actually Biblical. Some of Daniel's prophecies came through an angel, such as mentioned in Chapter 10:

10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
I think if you look at the scripture the point of this is clear.

"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."


It says if we or an angel preach any other gospel unto you. That's why it pays to know the Word of God. Anything that comes preaching anything other than the Word of God is not from God.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
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#37
I think if you look at the scripture the point of this is clear.

"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."


It says if we or an angel preach any other gospel unto you. That's why it pays to know the Word of God. Anything that comes preaching anything other than the Word of God is not from God.
You got it before I could. Yes that's correct. It's not about angels preaching that is a problem, it's about false gospels being preached that is the problem.
 

Vindicator

Active member
Nov 11, 2021
228
71
28
#38
I think if you look at the scripture the point of this is clear.

"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."

It says if we or an angel preach any other gospel unto you. That's why it pays to know the Word of God. Anything that comes preaching anything other than the Word of God is not from God.

Yes. But I do think a distinction should be made from prophecy coming through demons and prophecy potentially coming through the angels of God. There have been other times, both ancient and modern, where God used angels in similar ways. But that said, there have also been times where "angels" appeared unto men who were of God, as was the case with Muhammed.

So yes. It does indeed pay to know the word of God, and be a true servant of God, so as not to be deceived and then used by the enemy.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
59,827
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#39
You got it before I could. Yes that's correct. It's not about angels preaching
that is a problem, it's about false gospels being preached that is the problem.
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14
 

1ofthem

Senior Member
Mar 30, 2016
3,729
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#40
So yes. It does indeed pay to know the word of God, and be a true servant of God, so as not to be deceived and then used by the enemy.
Yeah, this is key to not being deceived.