One of the great tools that Christians have for changing the world for the better is kindness. It is how we can show the world that Jesus is for real in our lives, making us His ambassadors, changing our communitites one kind act at a time. By doing kind acts, you are helped to see good in yourself, and bring the good out in others. Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts. Helping someone to smile may make their day, or even their week.
Stephen Grellet, a Quaker Minister in 19th century France, put it well: "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
Life is what you make it. Take every opportunity to support someone. You will never know when a person will need to borrow your ears to hear,or your heart to listen. Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. Isn't it amazing how often we can touch someone's life, and enrich our own, by a very simple act? Kindness is powerful, so pass it on! It is a wonderful way in which to pattern our lives, to be amassadors for Jesus, bringing kindness, mercy and love!
Christians must unite in a war for peace in our families, churches, and communities-- do simple acts of kindness every day, in every way that you can. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." : Matthew 5:16.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Things I Have Learned in My Calls
Today marks three years of ministry to the two churches to which I am currently called. A calling is a wonderful and holy thing -- As Presbyterians we believe that pastors and congregations are brought together through a call from God. It is a relationship established not primarily for the benefit of one or both of the parties, but for the purpose of service in the ministry of Jesus Christ. God has endowed both the leader and the people with particular gifts and experiences that, when brought together, provide the resources for effective ministry.
We believe that God uses committees, procedures, and our polity to call persons to positions of leadership, all guided by the Holy Spirit. Through every step of the process we pray for God's guidance in calling individuals to positions of leadership. Such was the case with my coming to my churches. Some obstacles were overcome, and we saw the mighty hand of God as He opened doors and gave us favor. There is much accountability in our system, and sometimes the hoops one goes through seems to squelch our hopes, but in the long run, we have seen this process work well for the discernment of God's will for churches and pastors.
The great Presbyterian writer Frederick Beuchner said that a calling was far more than a job -- He said "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
So it has been with all five churches I have served as a pastor over the years, and I see it most especially in the people and churches I serve at this time in my life. As an older pastor friend once said to me -- "You are God's gift to these people, and they are God's gift to you." He also said that if I kept my ears and eyes and heart open, I would learn much more from the people I serve than I would ever teach them, because that was how pastoring worked. So it ahs been the last three years.
You know, a lot can happen three years of ministry. Just look at what Jesus did with three years! And note that two of Paul's missionary journeys were three years in duration, while the third one was one year longer. And though not on the level of our great models of the minsitries of Paul and Jesus, we have seen the Lord do much good here in the three years we have been in our yoked churches. Never underestimate the power of God. God will surprise you all the time.
I have learned a number of things from the people, including 1. TEAMWORK 2. COMMITMENT –3. FAITHFULNESS -- 4. TRADITION –5. COMPASSION -- 6. JOY – and 7. LOVE -- Yes, love is all around. Everything must be done in LOVE,a nd it usually is.
I thank God for the calling God gave me and the churches I serve. May I serve them well, and may God's favor be upon these churches and the people who make them up. May we always serve Jesus our Lord with smiles and laughter.
We believe that God uses committees, procedures, and our polity to call persons to positions of leadership, all guided by the Holy Spirit. Through every step of the process we pray for God's guidance in calling individuals to positions of leadership. Such was the case with my coming to my churches. Some obstacles were overcome, and we saw the mighty hand of God as He opened doors and gave us favor. There is much accountability in our system, and sometimes the hoops one goes through seems to squelch our hopes, but in the long run, we have seen this process work well for the discernment of God's will for churches and pastors.
The great Presbyterian writer Frederick Beuchner said that a calling was far more than a job -- He said "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
So it has been with all five churches I have served as a pastor over the years, and I see it most especially in the people and churches I serve at this time in my life. As an older pastor friend once said to me -- "You are God's gift to these people, and they are God's gift to you." He also said that if I kept my ears and eyes and heart open, I would learn much more from the people I serve than I would ever teach them, because that was how pastoring worked. So it ahs been the last three years.
You know, a lot can happen three years of ministry. Just look at what Jesus did with three years! And note that two of Paul's missionary journeys were three years in duration, while the third one was one year longer. And though not on the level of our great models of the minsitries of Paul and Jesus, we have seen the Lord do much good here in the three years we have been in our yoked churches. Never underestimate the power of God. God will surprise you all the time.
I have learned a number of things from the people, including 1. TEAMWORK 2. COMMITMENT –3. FAITHFULNESS -- 4. TRADITION –5. COMPASSION -- 6. JOY – and 7. LOVE -- Yes, love is all around. Everything must be done in LOVE,a nd it usually is.
I thank God for the calling God gave me and the churches I serve. May I serve them well, and may God's favor be upon these churches and the people who make them up. May we always serve Jesus our Lord with smiles and laughter.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Prayer is Needed to FIght the Battle
Take a look at verses 9, 10 of the first chapter of Paul's letter to the Colossians:
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way:"
The Importance of Prayer
Three times in the first ten verses of this amazing letter, the Apostle Paul has told the Colossians that he is praying for them. He tells them he is thanking God for them and that his prayers on their behalf are unceasing. These are not nice platitudes only. I believe Paul WAS praying for these people. I believe we need to pray for each other just as fervently.
What is Prayer?
Prayer is talking with God. We pray when we open our heart to the Almighty. As simple as this is, it is also something people need to hear. Too many people feel that prayer is a certain sound . . . Shakespearean English, rich in theological terminology very often spoken VERY loudly. Others feel prayer is something that takes place in a certain place or with a certain posture. But none of those things are requirements for true prayer. In fact, you can sound holy and not be doing anything other than talking to yourself.
I love to share the story theologian Howard Hendricks tells of a young man who met Christ after many years of life in the world. After his conversion he went to his first prayer meeting. Everyone was getting up and uttering their flowery (and maybe showy) prayers. Finally, this new convert stood to pray and said, "Lord, this is Mel. I'm not sure whether you remember me or not . . . I met you last Tuesday night. I just wanted to say . . . well . . . Thank-you for changing my life." And then he sat down. The simplicity and honesty of that prayer brought tears to the eyes of many. I suspect it brought a smile to the face of the Father, as well.
True prayer is honest, humble and personal.
Four Reasons for Prayer
There are several good reasons to pray.
1) It is a great privilege. Can you think of any greater honor than to have an audience with the One who rules over ALL creation? We have been invited to talk with the one who put the stars in place. We are invited to seek counsel from the One who is truth and wisdom. We are invited to sit down with the One who knows all things.
The Puritan writer John Preston said many years ago: "Prayer is a privilege purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ died for this end, it cost him the shedding of his blood, so that we, through him, might have entrance to the throne of grace. And will you let such a privilege as this lie still? If you do, so far as is in you, you cause his blood to be shed in vain. For if you neglect the privileges gotten by that blood, you neglect the blood that procured them." [The Puritans on Prayer p.17]
Conversation is a part of any vital and growing relationship. We sometimes measure the quality of a marriage relationship by how well the couples communicates. Or to state it another way, one of the first things people point to as evidence that a marriage is in trouble is a lack of communication. The same is true for our relationship with the Father. True, honest, heartfelt conversation is a sign of a healthy relationship. A lack of conversation, or conversation only in public is a sign of a relationship in trouble.
2) We should pray because we are in a fierce battle. Constantly we are warned of the Devil's intention to neutralize and demoralize us. We are told that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:10). We are in a battle and we need the help of God. The enemy has marshaled his armies . . .when we neglect prayer, we go into battle unarmed.
It is tremendously instructive that Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, found it necessary to pray. He modeled prayer for us. If He felt prayer could help in the battle . . so should we.
3) Prayer is a deterrent to sin in our lives. In the quiet times of private, honest prayer God exposes the rationalizations and the excuses that we use to cater to sin. In prayer God holds a mirror up to our lives so we can see the way we really are. . .and repent.
4) Prayer makes a difference. I can't tell you how it "works" . . .I know that circumstances change when people pray. I have seen diseases healed, strength imparted, guidance given, hearts softened, and needs met. I know that when I pray for others it helps them. But I also know that when I pray, I am changed.
Prayer changes things and people. Pray for me. I pray for you. Pray for your church. Pray for your family. Pray for your pastor and church leaders. Pray for Christians everywhere. We all are in need of prayer.
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way:"
The Importance of Prayer
Three times in the first ten verses of this amazing letter, the Apostle Paul has told the Colossians that he is praying for them. He tells them he is thanking God for them and that his prayers on their behalf are unceasing. These are not nice platitudes only. I believe Paul WAS praying for these people. I believe we need to pray for each other just as fervently.
What is Prayer?
Prayer is talking with God. We pray when we open our heart to the Almighty. As simple as this is, it is also something people need to hear. Too many people feel that prayer is a certain sound . . . Shakespearean English, rich in theological terminology very often spoken VERY loudly. Others feel prayer is something that takes place in a certain place or with a certain posture. But none of those things are requirements for true prayer. In fact, you can sound holy and not be doing anything other than talking to yourself.
I love to share the story theologian Howard Hendricks tells of a young man who met Christ after many years of life in the world. After his conversion he went to his first prayer meeting. Everyone was getting up and uttering their flowery (and maybe showy) prayers. Finally, this new convert stood to pray and said, "Lord, this is Mel. I'm not sure whether you remember me or not . . . I met you last Tuesday night. I just wanted to say . . . well . . . Thank-you for changing my life." And then he sat down. The simplicity and honesty of that prayer brought tears to the eyes of many. I suspect it brought a smile to the face of the Father, as well.
True prayer is honest, humble and personal.
Four Reasons for Prayer
There are several good reasons to pray.
1) It is a great privilege. Can you think of any greater honor than to have an audience with the One who rules over ALL creation? We have been invited to talk with the one who put the stars in place. We are invited to seek counsel from the One who is truth and wisdom. We are invited to sit down with the One who knows all things.
The Puritan writer John Preston said many years ago: "Prayer is a privilege purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. Christ died for this end, it cost him the shedding of his blood, so that we, through him, might have entrance to the throne of grace. And will you let such a privilege as this lie still? If you do, so far as is in you, you cause his blood to be shed in vain. For if you neglect the privileges gotten by that blood, you neglect the blood that procured them." [The Puritans on Prayer p.17]
Conversation is a part of any vital and growing relationship. We sometimes measure the quality of a marriage relationship by how well the couples communicates. Or to state it another way, one of the first things people point to as evidence that a marriage is in trouble is a lack of communication. The same is true for our relationship with the Father. True, honest, heartfelt conversation is a sign of a healthy relationship. A lack of conversation, or conversation only in public is a sign of a relationship in trouble.
2) We should pray because we are in a fierce battle. Constantly we are warned of the Devil's intention to neutralize and demoralize us. We are told that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:10). We are in a battle and we need the help of God. The enemy has marshaled his armies . . .when we neglect prayer, we go into battle unarmed.
It is tremendously instructive that Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, found it necessary to pray. He modeled prayer for us. If He felt prayer could help in the battle . . so should we.
3) Prayer is a deterrent to sin in our lives. In the quiet times of private, honest prayer God exposes the rationalizations and the excuses that we use to cater to sin. In prayer God holds a mirror up to our lives so we can see the way we really are. . .and repent.
4) Prayer makes a difference. I can't tell you how it "works" . . .I know that circumstances change when people pray. I have seen diseases healed, strength imparted, guidance given, hearts softened, and needs met. I know that when I pray for others it helps them. But I also know that when I pray, I am changed.
Prayer changes things and people. Pray for me. I pray for you. Pray for your church. Pray for your family. Pray for your pastor and church leaders. Pray for Christians everywhere. We all are in need of prayer.
America's Moral Backbone
I attended a seminar recently where a teacher asked us "What famous minister do you pattern yourself after?" There were interesting answers to the questions. Almost all the ministers in the seminar room said that they hoped they were like Jesus, the Head of the Church and the primary example for all ministers. Others said Paul and Peter, Barnabas and Moses, going down the Biblical list of leaders.
Then the teacher focused us on historical ministers and theologians. Augustine came up, as did Calvin and Wesley and Luther. Susanna Wesley and John Knox and Charles Finney were also spoken about, among other Christian leaders of the past.
Then the teacher brought us to speak of modern day ministers -- and names like D. James Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Oral Roberts, Joel Osteen, Charles Swindoll, David Jeremiah, and Kenneth Copeland were said, along with Billy Graham and T. D. Jakes and others. I was the first one to bring up Billy Graham, because his ministry has had a great affect on me over the years. His preaching in the area that God gave him -- evangelism -- faithfully, diligently, with great integrity, is a shining example for all ministers of the Gospel.
But if I were to speak of the minister who had the most influence on me,they are men who have not had the fame of television ministries, but had great impact on the parts of the world where they lived. There is a lot to be said for faithful ministry in small churches throughout America. Those ministries and those churches are the backbone of America's moral strength.
Then the teacher focused us on historical ministers and theologians. Augustine came up, as did Calvin and Wesley and Luther. Susanna Wesley and John Knox and Charles Finney were also spoken about, among other Christian leaders of the past.
Then the teacher brought us to speak of modern day ministers -- and names like D. James Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Oral Roberts, Joel Osteen, Charles Swindoll, David Jeremiah, and Kenneth Copeland were said, along with Billy Graham and T. D. Jakes and others. I was the first one to bring up Billy Graham, because his ministry has had a great affect on me over the years. His preaching in the area that God gave him -- evangelism -- faithfully, diligently, with great integrity, is a shining example for all ministers of the Gospel.
But if I were to speak of the minister who had the most influence on me,they are men who have not had the fame of television ministries, but had great impact on the parts of the world where they lived. There is a lot to be said for faithful ministry in small churches throughout America. Those ministries and those churches are the backbone of America's moral strength.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Like the Wind, The Holy Spirit Moves in Many Ways, And All of His Ways are Good
I am a believer that there is more than one way to worship God. There are quiet, reverential ways, and there are joyful, exuberant ways, and there are in between ways, and I believe God appreciates them all. It is the heart of worship that counts, not so much the ways that you do it.
I also beleive the Holy Spirit guides and empowers worship. But while I know there is a legitimate gift of speaking in tongues, I beleive the Bible tells us it is one of the Spirit's gifts, not the super gift that all must have for salvation or right service to God.
I believe the Spirit gives gifts to all of the members of the body for the edification of the Body of Christ, His church. I believe the Spirit works through all Bible-beleiving, Christ affirming denominations. We are like colors of the rainbow -- we all have our place and purpose, and together, when we work in love, we can make a beautiful panorama of love for God.
The Christian Church is often viewed denominationally, with distinctions made along the lines of doctrine or church governance. Richard J. Foster dissects Christianity, not along denominational lines, but along the lines of spirituality in his wonderful book "Streams of Living Water." Foster, is a professor and writer who shows how the Spirit has moved among the church in different emphases over the nearly 2000 years since Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit's work in the church did not begin with the Azuza Street Revival of black pracher William Seymour in California in 1906, as some modern day Pentecostals seem to tell it. No, far to the contrary, the Spirit was working in the ministries of many others, like Augustine and Aquinas, like Luther and Calvin and Wesley. There is no written evidence of tongue speaking in their lives, but the Spirit was definitely alive in their ministries. The fruit proves it. The same is true of modern day ministers like Billy Graham and D. James Kennedy. The fruit of their ministries prove the power of the Spirit in their lives!
Foster believes "the three great branches of the Christian family"---Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic--- "are all valid expressions of Christ’s Church" (p. 301). He calls on all Christians to be dedicated to church renewal and "to learn from others who have gone before us" in aspirating to imitate Christ.
Foster sees six historic streams of spirituality, devoting a chapter to each.
The Contemplative Tradition is the prayer-filled life, yearning for "a richer, fuller practice of the presence of God."
The Holiness Tradition focuses "upon the inward re-formation of the heart and the development of ‘holy habits’" to the end of addressing "the erosion of moral fiber in contemporary society."
The Charismatic Tradition focuses "upon the empowering charisms or gifts of the Spirit and the nurturing fruit of the Spirit."
The Social Justice Tradition is a "compassionate way of living" that "focuses upon justice and shalom in all human relationship and social structures" and "addresses the gospel imperative for equality and magnanimity among all peoples".
The Evangelical Tradition, which is the priamry tradition of the Presbyterian Church, "focuses upon the proclamation of the evangel, the good news of the gospel" and addressing "the crying need for people to see the good news lived and hear the good news proclaimed."
The Incarnational Tradition "focuses upon making present and visible the realm of the invisible spirit," addressing the "crying need to experience God as truly manifest and notoriously active in daily life."
I believe that we see some of all these traditions in the Presbyterian Churches I serve, but the Evangelical Tradition, the Word-centered path, remains the predominant way that we reach out to the world for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Still, we must appreciate all the ways the Spirit has moved and is still moving and transforming us!
I also beleive the Holy Spirit guides and empowers worship. But while I know there is a legitimate gift of speaking in tongues, I beleive the Bible tells us it is one of the Spirit's gifts, not the super gift that all must have for salvation or right service to God.
I believe the Spirit gives gifts to all of the members of the body for the edification of the Body of Christ, His church. I believe the Spirit works through all Bible-beleiving, Christ affirming denominations. We are like colors of the rainbow -- we all have our place and purpose, and together, when we work in love, we can make a beautiful panorama of love for God.
The Christian Church is often viewed denominationally, with distinctions made along the lines of doctrine or church governance. Richard J. Foster dissects Christianity, not along denominational lines, but along the lines of spirituality in his wonderful book "Streams of Living Water." Foster, is a professor and writer who shows how the Spirit has moved among the church in different emphases over the nearly 2000 years since Pentecost.
The Holy Spirit's work in the church did not begin with the Azuza Street Revival of black pracher William Seymour in California in 1906, as some modern day Pentecostals seem to tell it. No, far to the contrary, the Spirit was working in the ministries of many others, like Augustine and Aquinas, like Luther and Calvin and Wesley. There is no written evidence of tongue speaking in their lives, but the Spirit was definitely alive in their ministries. The fruit proves it. The same is true of modern day ministers like Billy Graham and D. James Kennedy. The fruit of their ministries prove the power of the Spirit in their lives!
Foster believes "the three great branches of the Christian family"---Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic--- "are all valid expressions of Christ’s Church" (p. 301). He calls on all Christians to be dedicated to church renewal and "to learn from others who have gone before us" in aspirating to imitate Christ.
Foster sees six historic streams of spirituality, devoting a chapter to each.
The Contemplative Tradition is the prayer-filled life, yearning for "a richer, fuller practice of the presence of God."
The Holiness Tradition focuses "upon the inward re-formation of the heart and the development of ‘holy habits’" to the end of addressing "the erosion of moral fiber in contemporary society."
The Charismatic Tradition focuses "upon the empowering charisms or gifts of the Spirit and the nurturing fruit of the Spirit."
The Social Justice Tradition is a "compassionate way of living" that "focuses upon justice and shalom in all human relationship and social structures" and "addresses the gospel imperative for equality and magnanimity among all peoples".
The Evangelical Tradition, which is the priamry tradition of the Presbyterian Church, "focuses upon the proclamation of the evangel, the good news of the gospel" and addressing "the crying need for people to see the good news lived and hear the good news proclaimed."
The Incarnational Tradition "focuses upon making present and visible the realm of the invisible spirit," addressing the "crying need to experience God as truly manifest and notoriously active in daily life."
I believe that we see some of all these traditions in the Presbyterian Churches I serve, but the Evangelical Tradition, the Word-centered path, remains the predominant way that we reach out to the world for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Still, we must appreciate all the ways the Spirit has moved and is still moving and transforming us!
Vigilante Prophets and The Damage They Do
There is a rash of self-proclaimed prophets in the land. In my own area there are some people who are self-proclaimed prophets who need to be very careful what they say and do.
It goes like this -- some other "prophet" gives a "prophecy" where the person is told they are a "prophet", and then the person feels they have a license to speak for God. The problem is there is very little accountability in such procedures. No denomination or governing body or church to supervise them -- they are vigilante prophesiers with "thus says the Lord" in their holsters instead of guns. But their "words from the Lord", if misappropriated or misdirected, can do as much damage as an errant bullet.
I am a pastor and an ordaianed minister of the Word and Sacrament, and I have spent many years in study and preparation. I am accountable to my local sessions and my presbytery and my national church bodies. I was affirmed and accredited by my home presbytery and the one in which I serve, and the one in which I began ministry. Along the way I have been checked out, vetted, tested and confirmed by many Christians. This kind of accountability is a good and necessary thing in the Christian church. Vigilanteism brings about a kind of lawlessness that has no kinship with our stewardship of things of God, which are called to be decent and in order.
Christianity has always had its share of false prophets from Marcion to Joseph Smith Jr. ear ticklers have sought to spread their personal revelations as if they were the voice of God on earth. Even in modern times false prophets and false messiahs like Sun Yung Moon and Jim Jones have sought to lead astray the very elect. We should not be amazed that the sons of belial should come as shepherds to lead astray the very elect, we were warned from the beginning that they would come.
Jeremiah 14:14 Then God said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart.
God even tells us explicitely how to judge a prophet for certain.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of God, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which God hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
How do you test a prophet? Well Jesus states: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them."
So by their fruits you shall know them. The Bible is also clear that true prophecy is always in line with the revealed Word of God, the Bible itself. And there is also the Biblical principle of "two or three witnesses," found in a number of Scriptures, including Matthew 15:18-20. There is also the Biblical principle of love -- everything must be done in a spirit of love, even correction.
The great problem with vigilante prophets is their great ability to be hurtful to those they prophesy about, to those that believe the Prophet is hearing clearly from God. Then, when they miss it, it injures the faith and esteem of the one who believed in teh prophet and prophesy, sometimes taking their eyes off the true prophetic words of the Word of God. The Bible is our key for how to live.
I remember a "prophet" who came to an Alaskan village I was pastoring in a number of years back. He had a revival at the Assembly of God church. Not many folks went, but I did one night, in a gesture of ecumenism.
The young man was not seminary or Bible College trained, but he was a revivalist called by God "from his birth" by his own testimony, which was very fervent and heartfelt. That night he gave a prophecy over a young married couple expecting a baby. He told them that God was calling forth another great male prophet just like him. They did not need to have a sonogram -- God was telling them it was a boy and he would be a mighty preacher and prophet.
So the couple went to Juneau the next week and spent much of the husband's logging bonus on clothes and toys for their little boy. They even painted the crib room blue. People in town crocheted blue blankets and bought clothes for the little boy.
But then the little child was born, and she turned out to be a very healthy girl. Soon boy baby clothes were featured at the next village rummage sale. And the young couple started worshipping at the Presbyterian Church.
It goes like this -- some other "prophet" gives a "prophecy" where the person is told they are a "prophet", and then the person feels they have a license to speak for God. The problem is there is very little accountability in such procedures. No denomination or governing body or church to supervise them -- they are vigilante prophesiers with "thus says the Lord" in their holsters instead of guns. But their "words from the Lord", if misappropriated or misdirected, can do as much damage as an errant bullet.
I am a pastor and an ordaianed minister of the Word and Sacrament, and I have spent many years in study and preparation. I am accountable to my local sessions and my presbytery and my national church bodies. I was affirmed and accredited by my home presbytery and the one in which I serve, and the one in which I began ministry. Along the way I have been checked out, vetted, tested and confirmed by many Christians. This kind of accountability is a good and necessary thing in the Christian church. Vigilanteism brings about a kind of lawlessness that has no kinship with our stewardship of things of God, which are called to be decent and in order.
Christianity has always had its share of false prophets from Marcion to Joseph Smith Jr. ear ticklers have sought to spread their personal revelations as if they were the voice of God on earth. Even in modern times false prophets and false messiahs like Sun Yung Moon and Jim Jones have sought to lead astray the very elect. We should not be amazed that the sons of belial should come as shepherds to lead astray the very elect, we were warned from the beginning that they would come.
Jeremiah 14:14 Then God said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of naught, and the deceit of their heart.
God even tells us explicitely how to judge a prophet for certain.
Deuteronomy 18:21-22 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of God, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which God hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
How do you test a prophet? Well Jesus states: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them."
So by their fruits you shall know them. The Bible is also clear that true prophecy is always in line with the revealed Word of God, the Bible itself. And there is also the Biblical principle of "two or three witnesses," found in a number of Scriptures, including Matthew 15:18-20. There is also the Biblical principle of love -- everything must be done in a spirit of love, even correction.
The great problem with vigilante prophets is their great ability to be hurtful to those they prophesy about, to those that believe the Prophet is hearing clearly from God. Then, when they miss it, it injures the faith and esteem of the one who believed in teh prophet and prophesy, sometimes taking their eyes off the true prophetic words of the Word of God. The Bible is our key for how to live.
I remember a "prophet" who came to an Alaskan village I was pastoring in a number of years back. He had a revival at the Assembly of God church. Not many folks went, but I did one night, in a gesture of ecumenism.
The young man was not seminary or Bible College trained, but he was a revivalist called by God "from his birth" by his own testimony, which was very fervent and heartfelt. That night he gave a prophecy over a young married couple expecting a baby. He told them that God was calling forth another great male prophet just like him. They did not need to have a sonogram -- God was telling them it was a boy and he would be a mighty preacher and prophet.
So the couple went to Juneau the next week and spent much of the husband's logging bonus on clothes and toys for their little boy. They even painted the crib room blue. People in town crocheted blue blankets and bought clothes for the little boy.
But then the little child was born, and she turned out to be a very healthy girl. Soon boy baby clothes were featured at the next village rummage sale. And the young couple started worshipping at the Presbyterian Church.
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