I want to raise a subject that might be upsetting to some. Especially those who have stuck the word prophet before their name.
Old testament prophets were chosen and sent by God to do a specific task. The bible list only a few but in each case they had a specific message to talk about a specific people about a specific issue.
Prophecy, generally, describes the disclosing of information that is not known to the prophet by any ordinary means.[1] In religion, this is thought to be a divinely inspired revelation or interpretation.
What is your prophecy disclosing?
Is it something that could have been seen by ordinary people by ordinary study and learning?
Questioning divine revelation is difficult if not impossible but does what you prophecy move people to be closer to God?
God is all about the SPIRITUAL not the material things of this world. God has promised to take care of our needs.
Material excess over and above need may be gained but it is not part of the promise. You do not need a Mercedes when a Prius will do. That is only an example. People who tell others about their future in this world are practicing something the bible warns against.
I will not say the future can not be glimpsed, for I have done so, but it was not for profit or gain but as guidance for me, that by the way I did not follow. Definitely lean not to your own understanding.
1Ti 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (Presbytery (church polity), a governing body of ordained elders and ministers)
Timothy is warned by Paul but notice Timothy did not declare himself a prophet nor on second reading is he a prophet. His gift, which is not named, came to him through others God chose, hence the laying on of hands. Preachers are ordained in that manner.
1Co 13:2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.( Paul speaking of himself.)
Which so-called prophet can make the same claim as Paul?
1Co 14:37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or a spiritual person, he must acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command.
1Co 14:38 But if anyone ignores this, he should be ignored.
1Co 14:39 Therefore, my brothers, desire the ability to prophesy,
Paul notes that prophecy points to God and should otherwise be ignored.
Beware, you may have a gift that did not come from God. I am not saying yours did not but beware.
If what you see does not lead people to God beware.
Rev 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Act 21:10 And as we tarried [there] many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
Act 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver [him] into the hands of the Gentiles.
Act 21:12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Act 21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
If another tells you of a possibility that entails personal loss for you, would you die for Jesus?
I was once told by a woman that a relative called himself a prophet and that for a charge he would prophecy fo r a person. That immediately struck me as wrong. That smacked of fortune telling which is none biblical.
Does a prophet profit off of God?
If God has something to say to an individual through you how do you dare not tell that person, thus saith the Lord?
How can your tongue be still, how can one deny God and claim to be a child of God.
As a preacher I will preach to anybody anywhere anytime and I expect no wages for thus saith the Lord, that is why I have my "tent making" to support me, not the word of God.
No matter how gifted one may be God for a fee does not sit well with me.
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