NAR (Part 2) - Apostles and Prophets in the Five-fold Ministry

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Introduction

We are busy in a broad study on the topic of spiritual discernment.

I’ve given various important tests that can be done in order to ensure that you are exercising spiritual discernment.

The last week, we looked together at a practical situation in which I believe there is a great need for spiritual discernment.

That is what is termed in our modern day as the New Apostolic Reformation.

Last week we considered in a broad overview, 6 teachings that are prevalent within churches that are embracing these New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) teachings.

As I mentioned last week, not every church holds to the teachings to the same degree as every other church.

Furhtermore, not every person involved in NAR churches realises the extent of the beliefs that are held to, and the fact that a number of these teachings are actually unbiblical.

Furthermore, I mentioned that we should keep in mind that there are many sincere and devout believers that are involved in these churches without recognising some of the problems with the teachings Scripturally.

As such, we want to deal with these matters by going to the Scriptures, and pointing out from the Scriptures why the teachings are problematic.

And beyond that, we want to do all of that with grace and love if we are talking to those involved.

Certainly we must avoid a condescending spirit

This morning what I want to do is turn our attention to the first main teaching of the NAR churches, namely 5-fold ministry, and just consider that in some more depth.

For the benefit of those who were not here last week, the 5-fold ministry means that in the church today there should be the offices of Apostles, prophets, evangelists, preachers and teachers functioning within the church.

You will recall if you were here last week I mentioned that one of the key verses that the NAR churches use to support the idea of a 5-fold ministry is Ephesians 4:11.

Ephesians 4:11–12 NIV84

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

And so this morning we will be looking further into this idea of the 5-fold ministry, and how the current expression of 5-fold ministry within the NAR churches holds up to Scripture.

In order to do this, what we will need to do is briefly consider the prevalent NAR teachings concerning both apostles and prophets.

In other words, what are they talking about when they speak of these offices of prophets and apostles.

And then we will turn to the Scriptures and I will attempt to show you what the Scriptures really teach and why these NAR teachings cannot be in line with the biblical teaching.

1. NAR Apostles

As we begin then, I’m going to do so by drawing our attention very briefly to the teaching in the church concerning modern-day apostles, and what their function is.

From the outset, we must realise that there are very different understandings of what an apostle is (in modern-day terms) between various groups of people.

We will consider some of these positions from a protestant perspective.

Some believe that the Apostles in the NT held a specific function in the establishment of the church, and that since this task was completed, that office / function of “Apostle” is no longer applicable today.

Others within protestant churches use the term apostle a little more broadly, and speak of apostles as those who are effectively missionaries within the church, those who are sent out, but they don’t contain the authority that the original apostles did.

In other words, they simply refer to a generic idea of a sent person as an apostle.

Then we have another group that is your classical Pentecostal / Charismatic who would agree that an apostle is a sent one, kind of a missionary, but that these apostles today have a particular gifting of apostleship meaning that in addition to simply being sent out to proclaim Christ, they are gifted with the ability to do miracles, but they are NOT seen as holding an office within the church government.

The NAR position, on the other hand, affirm the existence of apostles today and holds that these apostles have governing authority within the church, which authority is equal to the original apostles (particularly the 12).

They hold official church office, and they wield great authority as Apostles.

According to the proponents of this view, the office of the original apostles should never have been lost in the church, but it was.

What they believe is that God is restoring this lost office of “Apostle” and “Prophet” to the church today.

Briefly, what are some of the functions of these NAR apostles?

“According to Peter Wagner these apostles will...:

receive revelation (directly and from prophets).

cast new vision for the church (based on the revelation the apostle has received).

govern within the church.

“birth” new ministries.

lead the church in spiritual warfare.

teach.

impart God’s blessings in others (including spiritual gifts).

initiate and carry out projects by strategizing and fundraising.

complete projects by bringing them to desired conclusions.

equip others for ministry.

send out others who are equipped to fulfill their roles in expanding the kingdom of God.

raise up future leadership.” [1]

That said, it should be noted that there are a number of limitations that are seen to exist among apostles in the NAR.

2. The Marks of Biblical Apostles

We now turn our attention to the Biblical Apostles.

What does Scripture teach us concerning Apostles, who they were, what they did, what their function was etc.

2.1. The Twelve

The first group that we need to consider Biblically is the Twelve Apostles.

These apostles are well known to us.

They were recognised in the Gospels, and also in the early church, as being a distinct group of Apostles.

Acts 6:2 NIV84

2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

Also in 1 Corinthians 15:5, Paul talks about Jesus appearing “to the Twelve.”

Very evidently, they were recognised as Apostles.

But further than that, we need to consider some distinctives concerning these disciples.

2.1.1. A specific Limitation in their Numbers

Acts 1:21–26 NIV84

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Recognise the 12 tribes of Israel parallel with the 12 apostles...

Matthew 19:28 NIV84

28 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 21:12–14 NIV84

12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. 13 There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

“The twelve apostles thus serve as a symbolic bridge representing continuity between God’s work in and through the nation of Israel and God’s new work in and through the church.” (Pivec et al)

2.1.2. Specific Criterion for Inclusion in their Numbers

2.1.2.1 They were chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ

Mark 3:14 NIV84

14 He appointed twelve—designating them apostles—that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach

Luke 6:13 NIV84

13 When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:

Acts 1:1–2 NIV84

1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

When the time came to replace Judas as an Apostle,

Acts 1:24 NIV84

24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen

Even the Apostle Paul was specifically chosen by Christ for the task of taking the Gospel to the Gentiles...

Galatians 1:1 NIV84

1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—

2.1.2.2. They were eye-witnesses of the resurrected Christ...

Recall Acts 1:21-25 - appointing of the replacement of Judas...

Peter speaking to Cornelius...

Acts 10:39–41 NIV84

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

When Paul argues for his own identification as an Apostle, he says this...

1 Corinthians 9:1 NIV84

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?

2.1.2.3. A Specific Ability to Perform the Signs of an Apostle

Matthew 10:1 NIV84

1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

Acts 1:5–8 NIV84

5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 2:43 NIV84

43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.

2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV84

12 The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.

Hebrews 2:3–4 NIV84

3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

2.2. Paul

Next we must consider Paul.

His calling was unique!

“The uniqueness of Paul’s role is shown by two facts. First, his commission occurred at an abnormal point in time as compared with other apostles. Second, his commission had a unique scope to spread the gospel throughout the Gentile world.” (Geivett et al)

Listen to the calling that Christ placed upon Paul...

Acts 26:16–18 NIV84

16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Christ appeared to Paul…

Paul explicitly states that he was the last person to have met the qualification of having been an eye-witness of Jesus Christ...

1 Corinthians 15:8 NIV84

8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

We mustn’t miss the implications of this statement. Paul was the last one that Christ appeared to.

Paul’s witness of the resurrected Christ was certainly unique.

2.3. Other Apostles

We must however consider the Apostles in another sense… that is as a messenger sent out by the church...

There are other instances in Scripture where individuals are referred to as apostles.

Acts 14:14 NIV84

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting:

1 Corinthians 15:7 NIV84

7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,

From these verses, it is evident that other apostles are at least referred to.

These apostles, however, never had the same authority as the Twelve or Paul.

Rather, they functioned during the first Christian era much as missionaries, church planters, and church representatives do today.

It is important for us to note that the apostles of Christ understood that their role in governing the church was temporary.

As they aged, and in preparation for their departure, they appointed elders to govern the church

Titus 1:5 NIV84

5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

1 Peter 5:1–3 NIV84

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Acts 14:23 NIV84

23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

2.4. Further considerations regarding Biblical Apostles

2.4.1. Apostolic Authority and the Closing of the Canon

The apostles were particularly involved in the revelation / declaration concerning the truth of Christ as it was not previously known.

If we hold to a closed canon, we must also hold to the cessation of the apostolic office.

Hebrews 1:1–2 indicates that what God first revealed through the Old Testament, He later and more fully revealed through His Son.

The New Testament, then, is Christ’s revelation to His church.

It begins with His earthly ministry (in the four gospels), and continues through the epistles – letters that were written by His authorized representatives.

Thus, in John 14:26, Christ authorized His apostles to lead the church, promising them that the Helper would come and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had taught them.

The instruction they gave the church, then, was really an extension of Jesus’ ministry, as enabled by the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 3:5–6 NIV84

5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

2 Peter 1:20–21 NIV84

20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Those in the early church generally understood apostolic instruction as authoritative and as being on par with the OT Scriptures

1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV84

13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

1 Corinthians 14:37 NIV84

37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.

Galatians 1:9 NIV84

9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

2 Peter 3:16 NIV84

16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

2.4.3. Apostolic Foundations

If you go to the early church fathers, you will find that they all talk about the foundational nature of the apostolic ministry - the work of the Apostles.

What’s important to note from their writings is that they all refer to this apostolic foundation in the past tense.

For example:

Irenaeus (c. 130–202) in Against Heresies… speaks of Peter and Paul having laid the foundations of the Church (in 3.1.1) and later refers to the twelve apostles as “the twelve-pillared foundation of the church” (in 4.21.3).

Tertullian (c. 155–230), in The Five Books Against Marcion (chapter 21), notes the importance of holding to apostolic doctrine, even in a post-apostolic age:

No doubt, after the time of the apostles, the truth respecting the belief of God suffered corruption, but it is equally certain that during the life of the apostles their teaching on this great article did not suffer at all; so that no other teaching will have the right of being received as apostolic than that which is at the present day proclaimed in the churches of apostolic foundation.

Apart from these, there are numerous other early church writings that confirm that the apostles had this unique function of establishing the early church, and proclaiming that which proceeded forth from Christ Himself.

Wayne Grudem...

It is noteworthy that no major leader in the history of the church – not Athanasius or Augustine, not Luther or Calvin, not Wesley or Whitefield – has taken to himself the title of “apostle” or let himself be called an apostle. If any in modern times want to take the title “apostle” to themselves, they immediately raise the suspicion that they may be motivated by inappropriate pride and desires for self-exaltation, along with excessive ambition and a desire for much more authority in the church than any one person should rightfully have. (Systematic Theology, 911)

3. NAR Prophets

What then of prophets…?

Rick Joyner, a modern-day prophet in the NAR circles (the one that joined up with Angus Buchan in 2012) says this in his “The Final Quest”...

We are the hidden prophets who have been kept for this hour. We are the eyes of those who have been given the divinely powerful weapons. We have been shown all that the Lord is doing, and all that the enemy is planning against you. We have scoured the earth and together we know all that needs to be known for the battle.

NAR prophets are the secret intelligence agents. They receive secret information about the enemy’s plans, the ways God is working, and strategies the church needs to defeat Satan and advance God’s kingdom.

Individual prophets have joined together and formed what they call “prophetic councils”

These prophetic councils analyze all the pieces of information coming in from various prophets so they can see the bigger picture of what God is supposedly revealing to the church.

One such council meets before the start of each year to determine, by consensus, what God has told the prophets about the upcoming year.

Their revelations are compiled in a single annual document called the “Word of the Lord”

This “Word of the Lord” is distributed through their own organizations and is published in Charisma magazine.

Just by way of example in terms of what they prophesy:

“God is opening a door of hope” so that many “will receive new joy and hope in this coming season”;

Young children will prophesy and receive visions and dreams that will give direction to the adults in their lives;

the one-child policy in China will crumble. (interesting that they published this prophecy on January 29 2014, but but already in November 2013 China had announced plans to relax their one-child policy)...

So what do we make of this?

Again, there are various views within the church in terms of prophets..

Some would say the gift of prophecy today is merely an ability to expound Scripture.

Some would say that there are people today who give revelation to individuals and to local churches, but that this is not the revelation of new truths, it’s simply giving words of direction to the church.

These prophets in these churches would normally simply give words of encouragement, comfort, hope etc. And very often they would use Scripture, mixed with some of their own words / thoughts.

In the NAR view, this is not what they teach...

According to NAR teaching, it’s essential that prophets govern, for these prophets must direct the church to adopt their new strategies.

Bill Hamon, an influential US prophet, writes: “God has ordained that the apostles and prophets will receive the revelations, creative ideas, and divine strategy for bringing transformation to this world as God has ordained from the foundation of the world.”

Hamon also teaches this:

“So why do some teachers declare that the New Testament prophets are different from the Old Testament prophets? The prophets are the same as the one eternal God whom they represent. . . . Present-day prophets have the same anointing, authority and ministry they had in the Old Testament.”

The point is that the NAR is teaching that these prophets give words of guidance, instruction, rebuke, judgment and revelation in churches today.

Listen to what Hamon goes on further to state:

“To reject God’s prophets is to reject God,”

“to fail to recognize the prophets, or to keep them from speaking, is to refuse God permission to speak.”

The consequences of such rejection are dire. Hamon declares: “It has always been true—and in this Prophetic Movement will be especially true—that the way we respond to God’s divinely established prophets will determine our success or failure, life or death, captivity or freedom. Whole nations have arisen or fallen based on their response to God’s word through His prophets.”

The functions of these NAR prophets include prophesying to individuals, churches, nations, and also revealing new truths.

These “New Truths” are described as the “strategies” that God is revealing to the church in order to advance God’s kingdom on earth.

Hamon refers to Ephesians 3:4-5...

Ephesians 3:4–5 NIV84

4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

According to Hamon, “[Paul] also reveals that this anointing for divine revelation was not just given to the prophets of old but has now been equally given to Christ’s holy apostles and prophets in His Church.”

Hamon claims that God gave him such revelation for the church:

“He showed me a great Book. Its title was The Book of the Mortal Church on Earth. He flipped through the Book until He came to a page entitled “The Last Chapter of the Mortal Church.”. . . He said some of His ministers would only be shown one page or paragraph, which would become their major message and ministry . . . He said He was showing me an overview and highlights of the whole chapter because He was giving me the responsibility of keeping an overall perspective and making the progressive purpose of God known to His corporate Church.”

4. Prophets in Scripture

In a general sense, a prophet is a person who speaks God’s truth to others.

From the Greek word, a prophet was “one who speaks forth” or one who “advocates”

Prophets are also called “seers,” because of their spiritual insight or their ability to “see” the future.

In the Bible, prophets often had both a teaching and revelatory role,

They would declare God’s truth for people (particularly for God’s own people, Israel) in that day

They would also reveal things that were to take place in future.

Isaiah’s ministry, for example, touched on both the present and the future.

Example present...

Isaiah 1:4 NIV84

4 Ah, sinful nation, a people loaded with guilt, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.

Example future...

Isaiah 25:8 NIV84

8 he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.

What’s essential to note in Scripture is that the prophet’s words were never to contain error in either doctrine or prediction.

On both counts, they had to be accurate, otherwise they were declared false prophets.

You will recall that in Deuteronomy 13 and 18, a person who claimed to be a prophet, but who prophesied incorrectly, was to be put to death.

This was clear...

In the New Testament, we find this gift of prophecy that is mentioned, but it’s never defined.

So how were the Christians to know how they should test prophecies?

The answer is simple.

God had already given a definition of prophecy in Deuteronomy 18.

The rest of the Old Testament confirmed that definition.

The fact that the New Testament did not give a new definition of prophecy suggests that no new definition was needed.

The Old Testament definition of prophecy was assumed in the New Testament.

That indicates the nature of prophecy remained unaltered from one Testament to the other.

The reason that I emphasize this is that some have claimed that prophecy in the New Testament is fundamentally different to that of the Old Testament.

One of the main arguments in this regard, is the thought that since the New Testament prophecies were to be examined indicates that New Testament prophets could occasionally be wrong. (1 John 4:1; 1 Corinthians 14:29; and 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)

First, 1 John 4:1.

1 John 4:1 NIV84

1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

"Test the spirits," said John. Why? Because true prophecy might occasionally be misinterpreted or miscommunicated by one with only the gift of prophecy?

No. Prophecy was to be tested because many false prophets had crept into the church and were trying to pass off their words as a message from God.

The second passage is 1 Cor 14:29,

"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment."

Here as well, the message of one who claimed to be a prophet was to be tested. Why?

In the context of the letter:

1 Corinthians 12:3 NIV84

3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Apparently someone had stood up in the Corinthian church and said "Jesus is accursed."

That is false teaching.

That statement was from the lips of a false prophet.

Therefore, Paul exhorted the Corinthians with the gift of discernment to weed out the false prophets.

Only those who spoke with 100% accuracy in doctrine and prediction could be allowed to speak.

The rest were to be rejected.

The fact is, prophecies that are claimed are supposed words from God.

If these are not accurate, then they are not from God as the prophet claims them to be.

Furthermore, God speaks very clearly against prophets who speak from their own imaginations.

Jeremiah 23:16 NIV84

16 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.

Ezekiel 13:3 NIV84

3 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!

Proverbs 30:6 NIV84

6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.

Concluding Thoughts

Hebrews 1:1–2 NIV84

1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

2 Peter 1:12–2:3 NIV84

12 So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. 13 I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, 14 because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things. 16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

One step on a slippery slope...

There is a sinister danger behind the flood of pseudo-prophecy in the church.

In a context where many so-called prophets were passing off their ideas as God's, the Lord said through Jeremiah

Thus will each of you say to his neighbor and to his brother, ‘What has the Lord answered?’ or, ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ For you will no longer remember the oracle of the Lord, because every man’s own word will become the oracle… [emphasis added]. (Jer 23:35-36)

The prophecy movement's imaginations and impressions are not harmless.

Actually they are deadly.

As in Jeremiah's day, they distract God's people from His true prophetic words, the Bible.

But what if you have friends who believe they have the gift of prophecy?

In that situation you can ask if their inner impressions have ever been wrong.

Test the prophets as the scripture commands: 100% accuracy in doctrine and fulfilment.

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