The secular and commonly held belief about prophets is that they are people who are able to “see” the future and make it known to someone, thus they are sometimes referred to as “seers.” This notion may be partly true, what this definition lacks can be the stuff you don’t know that can hurt you.

The greatest single definition I have ever found is that a prophet is one who “tells forth the will and counsel of God.” This would include things past, present and future. The bible broadens the definition of the prophet in three distinct ways giving credence to this definition.

First the “spirit of prophecy” is something defined in the book of Revelation. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, Revelation 19:10. With this definition it can be seen that every one who proclaims the gospel has the “spirit of prophecy.” That would include everyone from Billy Graham to the young believer standing on the corner talking to a stranger about how he met the Lord. It would be safe to say that most prophecy today is based on this telling others about Christ and his deeds even though they happened over two thousand years ago.

The second kind of prophecy is something that comes forth by the move of God’s Holy Spirit in the church. It can come to virtually anyone in the church but it is always decided upon and administered by the Holy Spirit alone. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will, I Corinthians 12:7-11. These kinds of prophecies seem only to be practiced in the charismatic and Pentecostal churches of today. But using the broader definition any preacher who is speaking under the power of the Holy Spirit could be said to be prophesying.

A third kind of prophecy is that which comes from someone who has been appointed not just to prophecy but has been specifically given the “office of the prophet.” And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-12. How these “prophets” are chosen is an important matter and is often misunderstood so let’s look at this next.

Prophets of today are chosen exactly as they were years ago in the bible. Usually they are called out by God through a word or a vision. In the bible some prophets saw a dream; others heard God’s voice and still others saw a burning bush or some other great portent which got their attention and then God spoke to them.

In my experience it was not just a dream but a series of them and at one point an actual voice with a very specific message. At the beginning of my new faith I had three dreams one night and woke after each dream and spent a few moments pondering what I had seen. I was familiar with the events and sights of the first two dreams but not with those in the third and last dream. It puzzled me so much that I got out of bed to pray and ask God if he could help me understand what was going on. At that early stage in my new faith I wasn’t sure God ever spoke to anyone directly anymore. I thought that those kinds of revelations were for biblical times only and had long since passed.

When I asked God to help me understand what the dreams meant I was drawn back to one of my favorite Christmas stories. I remembered Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” and the three spirits of Christmas past, present and future. It clicked in my head and I saw the answer as clear as day. I had seen myself and the events in my life as clear as a movie and while I was familiar with all but the last dream I knew I had seen the past, the present and the future in three separate dreams. Life itself verified my discovery when eight days later the events I saw in the third dream happened to the letter.

After the first three dreams I needed only one dream to see the future. You could say that God had to lead me into the whole matter with the first three dream episode just to help me overcome my general lack of knowledge of how he works and what he planned to do with me in the future. In fact the future would be filled with dream visions by the hundreds, perhaps by now I could say by the thousands.

I was flustered by all the dreams in the beginning. Although most of them were only personal and related to me or those near in my social setting and environment they were all vivid and rarely ever open to interpretation. They were mostly on a “what you see is what you get” basis no directions needed. But all these dreams scared me.

After puzzling over so many dreams I finally asked God in earnest why I was seeing so many dreams of the future, sometimes as much as five or six times a week. The day after I asked God to help me I was drawn to my bible and to the book of Numbers. It was in this book I read a single verse of scripture that put to rest my fear about the volume of dreams I was receiving. In Numbers 12:6 the Bible says, “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”

I have seen world events far more rarely than personal events but not once in a period well over thirty years have any of my dream visions ever been wrong. Some of the dreams were more detailed and lengthy than others but the one that stands out the most was to do with the second coming of Christ. That dream sent me on a lifelong study and search to know all I could about Christ’s return to earth. I am still in that search and I have no doubt that the time of his coming is as close as a breath.

As I studied prophecy and the prophets I discovered that there is a litmus test for both prophecy and the prophet. It defines the parameters and the veracity of every prophecy and every prophet including me. The test is basically twofold.

The first test is “are the prophecies or the message of the prophets true?” Does it actually happen? There is no wrangling out of this test. If the dreams, visions or messages of any kind are not true it is time to hang up the hat. In Hal Lindsey’s popular book The Late Great Planet Earth, Mr. Lindsey points out that Old Testament prophets were subject to stoning if their prophecies were wrong. He was right about that but today people don’t care if a prophet is occasionally wrong or if his messages are veiled or obscured like those of Nostradamus. Maybe we won’t stone such prophets today but by all means we should not listen to them. Truth and error are not bed partners.

On the other hand a far more pervasive and deadly problem is getting anyone to keep from killing, maligning or just generally ignoring the true prophets. I try not to take anyone’s skepticism personally and I remind myself of what C. S. Lewis said might happen if Jesus were conducting his ministry in today’s self assured world of science, secularism and self. Lewis said that if Christ were ministering today they may not crucify him but rather would invite him to dinner, hear him and then make fun of him.

The second litmus test for all prophecies has to do with “prior revelation.” Simply said, any revelation or prophetic utterance given today must agree with any and all the words and messages of the ancient biblical prophets, Christ or his Apostles. God never contradicts himself. Scripture or the “prior revelation” is foundational and indispensable to all revelation now or at any time to come. Because this is true I am always reminded that even of the few world events that I have been privileged to see they are only meant to be supplemental in nature and are never meant to “supplant” any part of the biblical revelation. I don’t want the responsibility of adding anything to scripture that comes down as “extra-biblical” in nature. We have enough of that in things like the “Book of Mormon” and the doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Finally it must be said that no one should be allowed to derive their prophetic calling by themselves. Phrases like self recognized, self appointed or self proclaimed should be avoided. The calling comes from God and God alone. I once heard someone say that those who hold the pulpit without having been called to do so are like men sitting on a bench as the prophets of God passed by and saying, “There go the men of God why don’t we get up and go with them?”

Do you think you are a prophet? Let me say you have no idea what you’re in for. Most people will not think of you as a Holy Spirit Dove driven man with a vision but they will see you as a cuckoo bird with another whole new version. You will stand alone in many ways because unlike the priests and ministers of the day who represent the people to God you can only represent God to the people. But take heart because as the time of Christ’s return draws nearer God will call evermore prophets to speak and prophecy for him. This wonderful fact is a promise of the scriptures. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: Joel 2:28.”

God never leaves a generation without prophet.

petra1:

God never leaves a generation without prophet.

yes o, there are prophets today

Yes there are but very few. There might not be up to 7 prophets in Nigeria. But every tom dick and Harry with few metres Square space he calls church and 10 members congregation calls himself a prophet in Nigeria.

PASTOR EBIJOMORE PROPHESIED THE ONDO STATE #4.3BN SECRET ACCOUNT

The stream of prophecies that flows round the earth nowadays has made many to doubting if prophets of God like the Elijah, Elisha, Micaiah and others in the bible are still in existence.
Undoubtedly they are in existence but they are just very few and one of them is Pastor Toye Ebijomore, Founder and General Overseer of God's Anointed and Blessed Church International, Akure, Ondo State.

In his 2018 Prophecies found published by some online media such as Daily Post, Daily Times, National Ambassador, news assure.ng, etc, the number 15 of the prophecies says,

'The Lord is set to make Ondo State shine in glory. He has planned to stretch forth his hands for her sake. *I saw a secret account being discovered.* I saw many white men that are asking for the way to Ondo State but complaining that her gates are not opened. I asked the Lord what we can do and he told me to tell Ilaje land and Akure land to organize a ‘Glory Redemption Crusade’ that he will then lead them into the State.'

In this year 2020 now, the prophecy came to pass as exactly said by the man of God and report further has it that the account was discovered in the year 2018. Careful studied of the prophecies there shows that all has been fulfilled but one in waiting.

Also, the fulfilment of his 2019 and 2020 prophecies are further evidences that the real prophets of God are still in existence.

Therefore, let's strongly believes that the New Nigeria which he spoke of in his 2019 and 2020 prophecies will surely come.

-------- For clarification, check below details;

Pastor Toye Ebijomore, founder and General Overseer of God’s Anointed and Blessed Church International, Ondo State, has released his 2018 prophecies.
The Pastor prophesied that the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, would encounter problems in 2018.
Ebijomore said he saw the APC Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun driving a “fully air-conditioning bus loaded with notable people but they were all sweating profusely.”
He said Oyegun’s driving caused an “annoying hold up until another person took the driving from him.”
In his prophecy for the year, the clergy man said APC will need to “change some of its officers.”
He also said Uche Secondus, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will encounter issues with members of the party.
Ebijomore said he also saw a lot of quarreling around Secondus and they were “trading blames,” adding that the PDP Chairman will be disappointed with the attitudes of the party’s members.
The prophet stated that the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello will welcome a son with lamentations written on both hands.
1. I inquired from the Lord of what the year 2018 will be for us in Nigeria. He made me saw thin people having fats on their body and short people becoming very tall and everyone look glossy in the skin. But, some later became thinner and shorter and very dry in the skin. Then, I heard that year 2018 shall be a year of Restoration and Greatness for us. But everyone that forsake the way of the Lord after the blessing shall become scornful objects in the public.
2. The Lord will make the greatness of those who trust in him to manifest in this year.
3. In this year, many seekers of the good things of life will get them in multiple
4. The Lord will open shut wombs in this year for multiple and glorious children to come through them.
5. There will be multiple job offer to many applicants in this year.
6. There will be multiple incomes for the entrepreneurs and many States of the federation will clear the salary arrears of the Civil Servants before the end of the year because the Lord has commanded economic restorations for Nigeria.
7. Those who are seeking for marriage partner will get multiple choices in this year. Hence, every child of God should pray well before taken any decision.
8. I saw the Lord sitting on a throne and his ministers came round him on Nigeria issues. I said, O Lord, glory to your name for all you told me last year came to pass. President Buhari was rushed out of the country as you said through me. In the month of November, Atiku Abubakar left APC for PDP and I guessed that fulfilled the prophecy you made me said that somebody will rise against President Buhari and prevail in the month of November. Does that mean Atiku will be the next President? I heard, ‘no. He is not among them that will be President of Nigeria’.
9. Then, I asked will Buhari be re-elected? I was told to see and I saw smokes in the heavens from the earth and a candle light in the midst of winds. The Lord said, the smokes are the sacrifices of my Servants on the earth which they made to me for his consideration, the candle light is the President and the winds are the troubles he (the Lord) will permit to take him away at anytime that my Servants cries to withdraws their sacrifices.
10. I saw the PDP Chairman, Secondus, quarreling with everyone around him and they were all trading blames. He will be disappointed with the attitudes of his members.
11. I saw Odigie Oyegun as a driver of a fully air-conditioning bus loaded with notable people but they were all sweating profusely and his driving caused an annoying hold up until another person took the driving from him. APC will meet needs to change some of its officers.
12. I saw that sudden sadness towards the general election that caused for an emergency meeting of the political parties in Nigeria. We must pray to avert it and the merciful God will surely hear us.
13. The governor of Kogi State will have a son born with a scroll on his hand written on both sides with lamentations. Fervent prayer against sad occurrences must be urgently organised for the Kogi State politicians.
14. I saw an assassination plan that was perfected against a governorship aspirant in Ekiti but the Lord made him escaped it because he is a future governor of the State.
15. The Lord is set to make Ondo State shine in glory. He has planned to stretch forth his hands for her sake. I saw a secret account being discovered. I saw many white men that are asking for the way to Ondo State but complaining that her gates are not opened. I asked the Lord what we can do and he told me to tell Ilaje land and Akure land to organize a ‘Glory Redemption Crusade’ that he will then lead them into the State.
16. Satan want to raise battle against the churches in this year but the Lord has risen in advance to fight for every church that belongs to him.
17. The UN votes against Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will not stand because I saw many countries supporting the US stand. I asked the Lord if the crisis will lead to world war as being speculated by some people and he answered me that it will not.
18. The Lord said he will stop the operations of false prophets and he will fight those who are fighting his words.
19. Kidnapping will reduce in this year but there will still be some serious security challenges in the country in this year.

........... there is no controversy, Pastor Toye Ebijomore founder and General Overseer of God’s Anointed and Blessed Church International "is a prophet of Elijah unto this present generation"

petra1:

God never leaves a generation without prophet.

So who is the prophet of our time?

Greatzeus:
Yes there are but very few. There might not be up to 7 prophets in Nigeria. But every tom dick and Harry with few metres Square space he calls church and 10 members congregation calls himself a prophet in Nigeria.

so to you a prophet should be by the size he pulls

Maximus69:


So who is the prophet of our time?

there are many prophets in this last days as the bible foretold

Maximus69:


So who is the prophet of our time?

even in Moses time there were other prophets. Nothing like the prophet of a particular time.

Even in Jesus time there was Anna, John the ones mentioned, the others that joined the church like Agabus

petra1:


there are many prophets in this last days as the bible foretold

Jesus actually said there will be false prophets and they will mislead many! Matthew 24:11

So since the false prophets will mislead many people and no sane person wants to be misled, how do you distinguish between the true Prophet and False Prophet?

.

Mdmelijah:
even in Moses time there were other prophets. Nothing like the prophet of a particular time.

Even in Jesus time there was Anna, John the ones mentioned, the others that joined the church like Agabus

Before and during Jesus' ministry there were prophets serving different purposes but after his ascension NO MORE Prophets with divers mission! Hebrew 1:1 compare to John 3:25-30

Jesus promised that the holy spirit (God's active force) will descend and unite all true worshipers of God as one! John 17:20-23

After Pentecost whoever claims to be a prophet of God must be subjected to the same line of thought with the Apostles {Romans 15:5-6; 1Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2} so there shouldn't be different ministries with contradicting teachings and conflicting doctrines all in the name of the same God! 1Corinthians 14:33

Maximus69:


Jesus actually said there will be false prophets and they will mislead many! Matthew 24:11

So since the false prophets will mislead many people and no sane person wants to be misled, how do you distinguish between the true Prophet and False Prophet?

Firstly The passage you quoted is a futuristic prophecy for the Jews . These events will happen in their hour of tribulation after the church has been raptured

But nevertheless in every generation there will always be false prophets , apostles , teaches and false brethren .

Jesus said by the fruit they will be known . Their doctrine will be unbiblical and their conduct .

To avoid us living in suspicion . Jesus said we should judge not . We should accept anyone who call him lord . And anyone who is not against him .

Luke 9:50
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

2 John 1:7
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

Maximus69:


Before and during Jesus' ministry there were prophets serving different purposes but after his ascension NO MORE Prophets with divers mission! Hebrew 1:1 compare to John 3:25-30

Jesus promised that the holy spirit (God's active force) will descend and unite all true worshipers of God as one! John 17:20-23

After Pentecost whoever claims to be a prophet of God must be subjected to the same line of thought with the Apostles {Romans 15:5-6; 1Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2} so there shouldn't be different ministries with contradicting teachings and conflicting doctrines all in the name of the same God! 1Corinthians 14:33

1. Prophets before Jesus had one main mission a ministry that portrayed a part of the coming Christ. That why Jesus said things like "the prophets" not some but all. The verses you quoted don't support your point.

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Matthew 23:34

2. 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.
1 Corinthians 12:11

Read the whole of that chapter 12 and even Ephesians

3. Then you agree that there are prophets

petra1:


Firstly The passage you quoted is a futuristic prophecy for the Jews . These events will happen in their hour of tribulation after the church has been raptured

But nevertheless in every generation there will always be false prophets , apostles , teaches and false brethren .

Jesus said by the fruit they will be known . Their doctrine will be unbiblical and their conduct .

To avoid us living in suspicion . Jesus said we should judge not . We should accept anyone who call him lord . And anyone who is not against him .

Luke 9:50
And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Mark 9:39
But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

2 John 1:7
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

Please what is the correlation between the two bolded?

Mdmelijah:

1. Prophets before Jesus had one main mission a ministry that portrayed a part of the coming Christ. That why Jesus said things like "the prophets" not some but all. The verses you quoted don't support your point.

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

Matthew 23:34

2. 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.
1 Corinthians 12:11

Read the whole of that chapter 12 and even Ephesians

3. Then you agree that there are prophets

Please what is the correlation between Matthew 23:34 and Hebrew 1:1 ?

Maximus69:


Please what is the correlation between the two bolded? :-

Anyone that does not preach the true gospel don’t give him your money l

petra1:


Anyone that does not preach the true gospel don’t give him your money l

When did God's servants became strange beggars that you must give money? Psalms 23:1

Maximus69:


When did God's servants became strange beggars that you must give money? Psalms 23:1

I didnt say they begged. I was summering the passage .You know Jesus sent the deciples to go and preach without carrying any money . He said they should only take what welfare they give them.

Luke 10:4-8
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

But here he said if you give to anyone without the true doctrine you will be a partaker of his sin

2 John 1:10
If anyone comes to teach you, and he doesn't believe what Christ taught, don't even invite him into your home. Don't encourage him in any way.

petra1:


I didnt say they begged. I was summering the passage .You know Jesus sent the deciples to go and preach without carrying any money . He said they should only take what welfare they give them.

Luke 10:4-8
Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:

But here he said if you give to anyone without the true doctrine you will be a partaker of his sin

2 John 1:10
If anyone comes to teach you, and he doesn't believe what Christ taught, don't even invite him into your home. Don't encourage him in any way.

No you misconstrued the whole thing!

God prepared the Israelites for the coming of the Messiah by giving them laws that will help them to welcome the Messiah hospitably! Exodus 22:21, 23:9

So Jesus confidently sent his followers to go and meet God's people (Jews) without taking any provisions along because God's law says they must be kind to strangers! Matthew 10:9-10

But when sending them to places where the inhabitants don't know God's laws, Jesus changed the instruction! Luke 22:35-38

So Christians must provide whatever they needed without taking anything back from those they're to preach and teach! Matthew 10:8

There is no reason to expect anything in return for God's work today, but back then in Israel God's law provide rules that favours strangers NOT the poor. That's why you can never see where Jesus or his followers gave a dime to the poor!

Instead of giving them money Jesus will heal the infirmity they're using as an excuse to beg! Matthew 20:29-34 compare to Act 3:1-9

Maximus69:


No you misconstrued the whole thing!

Ha !

God prepared the Israelites for the coming of the Messiah by giving them laws that will help them to welcome the Messiah hospitably! Exodus 22:21, 23:9

So Jesus confidently sent his followers to go and meet God's people (Jews) without taking any provisions along because God's law says they must be kind to strangers! Matthew 10:9-10

But when sending them to places where the inhabitants don't know God's laws, Jesus changed the instruction! Luke 22:35-38

Brother , You seem to be the one mixing things up o. He didn’t sent to different peoples. It’s the same jews he sent them to . Not gentiles . He implies that if any of the cities of the Jews reject them they would be judged . He didn’t change any instruction as you implied

So Christians must provide whatever they needed without taking anything back from those they're to preach and teach! Matthew 10:8

Nooooo . He was still talking talking with his Disciples ( the Christians have not come yet) and secondly he didn’t change the rules .

There is no reason to expect anything in return for God's work today

That’s not what he said . He didn’t say “don’t take or expect . He only said don’t demand .

Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.

but back then in Israel God's law provide rules that favours strangers NOT the poor.

God’s law has always Favored the two

That's why you can never see where Jesus or his followers gave a dime to the poor

!

Jesus did give to the poor

Instead of giving them money Jesus will heal the infirmity they're using as an excuse to beg! Matthew 20:29-34 compare to Act 3:1-9

If Jesus wasn’t giving to the poor The verses below won’t make sense

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Matthew 26:8-9
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to thepoor.

John 13:29
For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him. .that he should give something to the poor.

petra1:


Ha !



Brother , You seem to be the one mixing things up o. He didn’t sent to different peoples. It’s the same jews he sent them to . Not gentiles . He implies that if any of the cities of the Jews reject them they would be judged . He didn’t change any instruction as you implied



Nooooo . He was still talking talking with his Disciples ( the Christians have not come yet) and secondly he didn’t change the rules .



That’s not what he said . He didn’t say “don’t take or expect . He only said don’t demand .

Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.




God’s law has always Favored the two
!

Jesus did give to the poor



If Jesus wasn’t giving to the poor The verses below won’t make sense

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Matthew 26:8-9
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to thepoor.

John 13:29
For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him. .that he should give something to the poor.

Just a quotation where Jesus or any of his disciples gave an amount to a specific poor person, period!

Maximus69:

Just a quotation where Jesus or any of his disciples gave an amount to a specific poor person, period!

You kindly tell us where the bible days he did not give to the poor

This is a pretty well written piece.

agwom:
The secular and commonly held belief about prophets is that they are people who are able to “see” the future and make it known to someone, thus they are sometimes referred to as “seers.” This notion may be partly true, what this definition lacks can be the stuff you don’t know that can hurt you.

The greatest single definition I have ever found is that a prophet is one who “tells forth the will and counsel of God.” This would include things past, present and future. The bible broadens the definition of the prophet in three distinct ways giving credence to this definition.

First the “spirit of prophecy” is something defined in the book of Revelation. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy, Revelation 19:10. With this definition it can be seen that every one who proclaims the gospel has the “spirit of prophecy.” That would include everyone from Billy Graham to the young believer standing on the corner talking to a stranger about how he met the Lord. It would be safe to say that most prophecy today is based on this telling others about Christ and his deeds even though they happened over two thousand years ago.

The second kind of prophecy is something that comes forth by the move of God’s Holy Spirit in the church. It can come to virtually anyone in the church but it is always decided upon and administered by the Holy Spirit alone. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will, I Corinthians 12:7-11. These kinds of prophecies seem only to be practiced in the charismatic and Pentecostal churches of today. But using the broader definition any preacher who is speaking under the power of the Holy Spirit could be said to be prophesying.

A third kind of prophecy is that which comes from someone who has been appointed not just to prophecy but has been specifically given the “office of the prophet.” And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-12. How these “prophets” are chosen is an important matter and is often misunderstood so let’s look at this next.

Prophets of today are chosen exactly as they were years ago in the bible. Usually they are called out by God through a word or a vision. In the bible some prophets saw a dream; others heard God’s voice and still others saw a burning bush or some other great portent which got their attention and then God spoke to them.

In my experience it was not just a dream but a series of them and at one point an actual voice with a very specific message. At the beginning of my new faith I had three dreams one night and woke after each dream and spent a few moments pondering what I had seen. I was familiar with the events and sights of the first two dreams but not with those in the third and last dream. It puzzled me so much that I got out of bed to pray and ask God if he could help me understand what was going on. At that early stage in my new faith I wasn’t sure God ever spoke to anyone directly anymore. I thought that those kinds of revelations were for biblical times only and had long since passed.

When I asked God to help me understand what the dreams meant I was drawn back to one of my favorite Christmas stories. I remembered Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” and the three spirits of Christmas past, present and future. It clicked in my head and I saw the answer as clear as day. I had seen myself and the events in my life as clear as a movie and while I was familiar with all but the last dream I knew I had seen the past, the present and the future in three separate dreams. Life itself verified my discovery when eight days later the events I saw in the third dream happened to the letter.

After the first three dreams I needed only one dream to see the future. You could say that God had to lead me into the whole matter with the first three dream episode just to help me overcome my general lack of knowledge of how he works and what he planned to do with me in the future. In fact the future would be filled with dream visions by the hundreds, perhaps by now I could say by the thousands.

I was flustered by all the dreams in the beginning. Although most of them were only personal and related to me or those near in my social setting and environment they were all vivid and rarely ever open to interpretation. They were mostly on a “what you see is what you get” basis no directions needed. But all these dreams scared me.

After puzzling over so many dreams I finally asked God in earnest why I was seeing so many dreams of the future, sometimes as much as five or six times a week. The day after I asked God to help me I was drawn to my bible and to the book of Numbers. It was in this book I read a single verse of scripture that put to rest my fear about the volume of dreams I was receiving. In Numbers 12:6 the Bible says, “And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”

I have seen world events far more rarely than personal events but not once in a period well over thirty years have any of my dream visions ever been wrong. Some of the dreams were more detailed and lengthy than others but the one that stands out the most was to do with the second coming of Christ. That dream sent me on a lifelong study and search to know all I could about Christ’s return to earth. I am still in that search and I have no doubt that the time of his coming is as close as a breath.

As I studied prophecy and the prophets I discovered that there is a litmus test for both prophecy and the prophet. It defines the parameters and the veracity of every prophecy and every prophet including me. The test is basically twofold.

The first test is “are the prophecies or the message of the prophets true?” Does it actually happen? There is no wrangling out of this test. If the dreams, visions or messages of any kind are not true it is time to hang up the hat. In Hal Lindsey’s popular book The Late Great Planet Earth, Mr. Lindsey points out that Old Testament prophets were subject to stoning if their prophecies were wrong. He was right about that but today people don’t care if a prophet is occasionally wrong or if his messages are veiled or obscured like those of Nostradamus. Maybe we won’t stone such prophets today but by all means we should not listen to them. Truth and error are not bed partners.

On the other hand a far more pervasive and deadly problem is getting anyone to keep from killing, maligning or just generally ignoring the true prophets. I try not to take anyone’s skepticism personally and I remind myself of what C. S. Lewis said might happen if Jesus were conducting his ministry in today’s self assured world of science, secularism and self. Lewis said that if Christ were ministering today they may not crucify him but rather would invite him to dinner, hear him and then make fun of him.

The second litmus test for all prophecies has to do with “prior revelation.” Simply said, any revelation or prophetic utterance given today must agree with any and all the words and messages of the ancient biblical prophets, Christ or his Apostles. God never contradicts himself. Scripture or the “prior revelation” is foundational and indispensable to all revelation now or at any time to come. Because this is true I am always reminded that even of the few world events that I have been privileged to see they are only meant to be supplemental in nature and are never meant to “supplant” any part of the biblical revelation. I don’t want the responsibility of adding anything to scripture that comes down as “extra-biblical” in nature. We have enough of that in things like the “Book of Mormon” and the doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Finally it must be said that no one should be allowed to derive their prophetic calling by themselves. Phrases like self recognized, self appointed or self proclaimed should be avoided. The calling comes from God and God alone. I once heard someone say that those who hold the pulpit without having been called to do so are like men sitting on a bench as the prophets of God passed by and saying, “There go the men of God why don’t we get up and go with them?”

Do you think you are a prophet? Let me say you have no idea what you’re in for. Most people will not think of you as a Holy Spirit Dove driven man with a vision but they will see you as a cuckoo bird with another whole new version. You will stand alone in many ways because unlike the priests and ministers of the day who represent the people to God you can only represent God to the people. But take heart because as the time of Christ’s return draws nearer God will call evermore prophets to speak and prophecy for him. This wonderful fact is a promise of the scriptures. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: Joel 2:28.”

petra1:


Ha !



Brother , You seem to be the one mixing things up o. He didn’t sent to different peoples. It’s the same jews he sent them to . Not gentiles . He implies that if any of the cities of the Jews reject them they would be judged . He didn’t change any instruction as you implied



Nooooo . He was still talking talking with his Disciples ( the Christians have not come yet) and secondly he didn’t change the rules .



That’s not what he said . He didn’t say “don’t take or expect . He only said don’t demand .

Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.




God’s law has always Favored the two
!

Jesus did give to the poor



If Jesus wasn’t giving to the poor The verses below won’t make sense

Matthew 19:21
Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Matthew 26:8-9
But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to thepoor.

John 13:29
For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him. .that he should give something to the poor.

Regarding this sir, ie. Giving to the poor, it has been dangling in my mind for the past two weeks.

Was jesus proposing or encouraging a communist kind of system? I know, rather we know from the bible that the disciples followed this steps.
Why isnt todays christendom following this communist approach?

kkins25:

Regarding this sir, ie. Giving to the poor, it has been dangling in my mind for the past two weeks.

Was jesus proposing or encouraging a communist kind of system? I know, rather we know from the bible that the disciples followed this steps.
Why isnt todays christendom following this communist approach?

I don’t know if it’s proper to call it communist system . The early church share all things together but it was voluntarily . Especially during the persecution and it was difficult to move around but after the era . Paul encouraged everyone to go out and work use himself as example in many epistle

2 Thessalonians 3:7-8
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

The idea of giving to the poor is part of Gods kingdom right from the Old Testament . This is practice done on individual level .every church have their welfare plan . Giving out good to members is not a way of helping them but rather to empower through business and empowerment training programme which many churches do . But the poor on the street are being helped on individual level . The only other group the Bible talked about are widows . The church is to help widows but there’s qualification for it they must be from 80 years old and they must have track record of godly service . They can be staffed as intercessors . For such the church should be responsible for them.

1 Timothy 5:3-5
Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

petra1:


You kindly tell us where the bible days he did not give to the poor

There are many who came to him according to the stories written in the Bible, majority do come for help but there was no record where Jesus brought out a dime from his pocket!

Even when he needed to teach them a lesson on paying of tax Jesus borrowed the coin he used! Matthew 22:18-20

When they charged him for temple tax Jesus asked his followers to get the coin from the mouth of a fish Matthew 17:27

So it's obvious he never had any money on him, there is no evidence he gave any poor or beggar a dime because he had no money on him to do so!

Maximus69:


There are many who came to him according to the stories written in the Bible, majority do come for help but there was no record where Jesus brought out a dime from his pocket!

There was no record of people asking him for money either .

Even when he needed to teach them a lesson on paying of tax Jesus borrowed the coin he used! Matthew 22:18-20

That doesn't mean he lacked money . He definitely receives monies ,remember he has Judas as his treasurer

When they charged him for temple tax Jesus asked his followers to get the coin from the mouth of a fish Matthew 17:27

It was just for that moment. I'm sure you dont carry 100k around in your pocket

So it's obvious he never had any money on him, there is no evidence he gave any poor or beggar a dime because he had no money on him to do so!

How was he able to feed all his disciples and their wives and children if he hadn't money? How was he able to pay for the boats he use to travel . How about clothing .
Jesus receives money and he gives and that was why he could teach us to give too.

petra1:


There was no record of people asking him for money either .



That doesn't mean he lacked money . He definitely receives monies ,remember he has Judas as his treasurer



It was just for that moment. I'm sure you dont carry 100k around in your pocket



(1)How was he able to feed all his disciples and their wives and children if he hadn't money?

(2)How was he able to pay for the boats he use to travel .

(3)How about clothing?


Jesus receives money and he gives and that was why he could teach us to give too.

(1)The disciples had existing business Sir so they're the ones taking care of their own families, that's why Peter had to return to his business each time his business needs his attention! Luke 5:1-12

(2)As fishermen his followers can easily board a boat to move from one place to another without charge, and don't forget that as owners of their own business many of their workers became Christians so you can imagine who will charge Jesus to move anywhere within the territories when almost half of his closest confidants were big time transporters! Even when he needed a donkey he sent his Apostles to go and meet a disciple that none of them knew! Matthew 21:1-3; Mark 11:1-6; Luke 28:19-23

(3) Jesus' clothing wasn't that so different from that of his followers and since he has no wife nor child his friends can easily take care of that!

Judas Iscariot had love for money so Jesus made him their treasurer, the gifts they had was due to the law God gave the Israelites regarding how to treat strangers, so everywhere they go as preachers people give them gifts. But outsider the boarders of Israel things won't be the same!

That's why Paul who had to preach in lands where people living there don't have the same divine laws lacked so many things that Jesus and his followers who walked in Israel had in abundance! 2Corinthians 11:27

God bless you!

Maximus69:


(1)The disciples had existing business Sir so they're the ones taking care of their own families, that's why Peter had to return to his business each time his business needs his attention! Luke 5:1-12

Really? What do you say about the following scriptures then


Matthew 4:19-20
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Luke 5:27-28
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi . .and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

Luke 18:28
Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.

(2)As fishermen his followers can easily board a boat to move from one place to another without charge, and don't forget that as owners of their own business many of their workers became Christians so you can imagine who will charge Jesus to move anywhere within the territories when almost half of his closest confidants were big time transporters! Even when he needed a donkey he sent his Apostles to go and meet a disciple that none of them knew! Matthew 21:1-3; Mark 11:1-6; Luke 28:19-23

Pure assumptions

(3) Jesus' clothing wasn't that so different from that of his followers and since he has no wife nor child his friends can easily take care of that!

So Jesus friends gave him clothes

Judas Iscariot had love for money so Jesus made him their treasurer, the gifts they had was due to the law God gave the Israelites regarding how to treat strangers, so everywhere they go as preachers people give them gifts. But outsider the boarders of Israel things won't be the same!

Kindly show the us the law of this strangers you kept mentioning

That's why Paul who had to preach in lands where people living there don't have the same divine laws lacked so many things that Jesus and his followers who walked in Israel had in abundance! 2Corinthians 11:27

God bless you!

I didn’t really get the point you are making here

petra1:




Really? What do you say about the following scriptures then


Matthew 4:19-20
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

Luke 5:27-28
And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi . .and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

Luke 18:28
Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.



Pure assumptions



So Jesus friends gave him clothes



Kindly show the us the law of this strangers you kept mentioning




I didn’t really get the point you are making here

I will only show you where God instructed Israelites on how to treat strangers in his laws!

Since you feel you're OK i'll stop discussing with you!

Exodus 22:21, 23:9; Leviticus 19:34