WHAT IS THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS?
The dragon is wroth and fights against the remnant who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 19:10 tells us the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. What does it mean to have the spirit of prophecy and the testimony of Jesus? Go to the first comment below to see our study on this important topic.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS Part I
Revelation 1:1 tells us John was shown his visions by an angel who came directly from Jesus and the Father. John faithfully bore witness of the word and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all he was shown. Again, in Revelation 12:17 we see Satan’s ire against God’s church and the very last remnant of it in the last days in which we live. God’s final remnant are shown to be commandment-keepers who have the testimony of Jesus. As we consider some of the last comments of the angel to John, in Revelation 22:6-9, we see these came from the “Lord God of the HOLY PROPHETS, sent to us to show us what must shortly come to pass”. Prophecy comes to us to edify and encourage, strengthen and guide us through turbulent times, Ephesians 4:8-15 tells us. God appointed first apostles, then PROPHETS, in His order of things, 1 Corinthians 12:27-28. The gift of prophecy is a very important spiritual gift to the church. Revelation 19:10 tells us the testimony of Jesus IS the spirit of prophecy. Did you know 1/3 of the Bible is made up of prophecy? 2 Peter 1:19 tells us prophecy is a light that shines in a dark place. It is to guide our feet until the DAY of Christ dawns. Amos 3:7 promises that God will not act without sending a warning through His prophets. We think of all the prophets sent to Israel over the years. They faithfully did their work but were never accepted. King Ahab even whined about a prophet of God, saying “I hate him.” Micaiah the prophet rebuked Ahab as he shared truth to him. Ahab had false prophets who always said things he wanted to hear. 2 Chronicles 20:20 tells us if we believe God’s prophets we will prosper and be established. In Joel 2:28 God promises that “afterwards” He will pour out his spirit upon all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, you old men will dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Even servants and handmaids will receive God’s spirit. The purpose of prophesy is so that whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved “before the great and terrible day of the Lord come”, verse 32.
There were prophets in the New Testament church. A man named Agabus warned Paul that he would be bound at Jerusalem. Philip had four daughters who prophesied, Acts 21:9, 10. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit sends spiritual gifts to the churches, 1 Corinthians 12:10 tells us there is a gift of PROPHECY for the church. Huldah was a prophetess in the Bible who guided Israel to victory in battle, 2 Kings 22:14-20. Anna was a prophetess, who served in the temple, along with Simeon, Luke 2:34-38. They warned Mary and Joseph about what would come about in the life of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:20 tells us not to despise prophesying but to prove all things, holding fast to that which is good. Acts 21:4 indicates that Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem. We assume that warning came through a prophet. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24 about false prophets in the last days, so we can assume that there will also be people of God who have the true prophetic gift.
The Testimony of Jesus, Part II In the 1840’s a group of believers who were through a great disappointment, as we see in Revelation 10, with the sweet little book that became bitter, went on to study as the last verse of Revelation 10 indicates. They saw the temple of heaven opened into the Most Holy in Revelation 11:19 and also saw the measurement of God’s people in the first verse of that chapter. They realized the Ark of the Covenant contained God’s law. They were convicted about the need of a Christian to live righteously and they began to keep the fourth commandment, the 7th day Sabbath. Isaiah 8:20 tells us the law and the testimony go together. God cannot pour out His blessings upon the disobedient, there is no light there and a lack of respect for God. But with this new group of Sabbath-keepers, God sent a vision to a caucasian man who rejected it. Then God chose a black man, who also rejected it. God then gave the same vision to a 17 year old girl, who shared it. It was an encouraging message to a fledging group of believers, showing them that Jesus would guide their path to the New Jerusalem. That young lady was Ellen Gould Harmon. Ellen began to share her vision and God blessed her with others. She was misunderstood and outright rejected by some. The Bible says a prophet is not received in his own country. Ellen didn’t like to share rebuke and softened her messages but God was displeased with that. She learned to share exactly what she was shown. Sometimes the ax has to be laid at the root of the tree. Ellen married James White. James was one of the original founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, organized officially in 1863. As the leaders of this group met together and prayed over their Bibles, they were led by the Holy Spirit to develop doctrine. Ellen White did not lay down or establish the belief system for the church, it’s fundamental beliefs, but she was led by the Holy Spirit to confirm the correct doctrines of the church. Her role was not a fortune-teller, but a counsellor. She always considered herself a lesser light pointing to the great light of the Bible.
And again, why do we need a prophet at the end of time? Because God promised to provide one to provide counsel during a turbulent time. A prophet’s work is to edify and encourage the church. They do not act as a pastor, they do not lord over the church, they simply speak the truth God’s lays on their heart. Mrs. White’s various testimonies were often given to pastors, teachers, leaders, families, husbands or wives, missionaries. These testimonies were very direct and pointed, but they were always meant to guide and encourage, even bringing a turn around in a person’s life when they are on the wrong course. One particular set of letters was sent to a man in South Africa. He never opened them, but did his own thing, falling into financial hardship and ruin along the way. Finally he sold his farm there and the new owner was walking around the property and kicked a rock with his cane. That rock was a huge diamond. The land contained one of the largest DIAMOND MINES in the area. If he had heeded the counsel contained in those unopened letters, he would have been a rich man and provided substantial means for the Lord’s work in that country.
So, how do you prove all things? How do you test a prophet in these last days? There are certainly plenty on YouTube today. The Bible says if there is a prophet among you, the Lord will give them visions and dreams. If they don’t happen according to what God says, there is no truth to them, Jeremiah 28:8-9. So accuracy is very important. Not 99% accuracy, but total. Jonah didn’t tell a lie to Ninevah when he prophesied their doom, but he wasn’t prepared for their repentance. This prophecy was CONDITIONAL. So we have to keep these things in mind. Prophecy is sent as a warning to bring repentance. A prophet must also AGREE WITH THE BIBLE. They won’t contradict God’s Word. Isaiah 8:20 tells us that the law and the testimony of the Bible are very important foundational points. If these are not upheld by a person claiming to be a prophet, there is no light in them. Jesus told us in Matthew 7 we can also judge a person’s work by their fruit. Orange trees produce orange fruit. If it has rotten fruit, it is not a sound tree. Miracles are NOT a sign of a true prophet. Revelation 13 tells us the false prophet performs signs and wonders. Revelation 16 tells us demons perform miracles. A prophet doesn’t perform tricks to prove himself. Moses found that out when Egypt’s magicians replicated his rod turning to a serpent. Later, however, Moses used his rod to bring water from a rock, not as a special feat, but to perform an actual service of providing water for millions of thirsty people to drink. It wasn’t a show. The children of Israel thought the Ark of the Covenant was some sort of good-luck charm and carried it into battle to see if God would win the battle for them. The Ark was taken by their enemies! A prophet’s life must reflect godliness. John the Baptist lived a simple life, in a solitary place, wearing plain clothing and eating basic meals. Today’s prophets often drive lear jets and live in mansions. They should be like Jesus, walking as He walked, teaching what He taught. Deuteronomy 13:1-4 tells us a prophet’s work should lead to obedience. A prophet should not pronounce a gauge for Christianity, they cannot contradict the Word of God, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit. A prophetic word never supercedes the Bible. Ezekiel 7:27 tells us if there is mischief and someone is seeking a vision from a prophet, the law and counsel shall disappear. In other words, someone living in outright sin shouldn’t think God will answer them. King Saul disobeyed God and even tried to offer sacrifices himself, in the place of Samuel the prophet. God would no longer talk to him, by Urim, Thummim or prophet.
In summary, we are told God will work through prophets, Amos 3:7; He will send His prophetic gift to the church, and upon our sons and daughters, Joel 2, 1 Corinthians 12:27:25. The church stands on the light that shines in a dark place, prophecy, Revelation 12:1. We are told to “Despise not prophesying”, 1 Thessalonians 5:20. We are told the remnant of God’s people will have the gift of prophecy, Revelation 12:17. The law and the prophets go together, Isaiah 8:20. A true prophet upholds God’s law. God has always used prophets to speak to His church, to guide and direct His people. Ephesians 4:8, 11-15 tells us prophecy is a gift to us. The work of prophets, evangelists, teachers, pastors, and apostles is to perfect the saints, help build up the ministry, and it is to edify the body of Christ until we all come into unity of faith, a knowledge of Jesus, and become perfect in the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. A prophet will speak the truth in love, verse 15, unite us in doctrine, verse 14, and help every part of the body work together. 1 John 4:1-3 tells us a true prophet led by the Spirit will uplift Jesus as the center of which the church revolves. They will not contradict God’s Word but point to the Bible as the source of all doctrine. You may say, I have my Bible, I do not need a prophet. Yes, but why are there hundreds of denominations who have the Bible, but all are different, ignoring large portions of God’s Word. Ephesians 4:11-15 tells us prophecy brings us into UNITY of faith.
The dragon is wroth and fights against the remnant who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 19:10 tells us the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. What does it mean to have the spirit of prophecy and the testimony of Jesus? Go to the first comment below to see our study on this important topic.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS Part I
Revelation 1:1 tells us John was shown his visions by an angel who came directly from Jesus and the Father. John faithfully bore witness of the word and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all he was shown. Again, in Revelation 12:17 we see Satan’s ire against God’s church and the very last remnant of it in the last days in which we live. God’s final remnant are shown to be commandment-keepers who have the testimony of Jesus. As we consider some of the last comments of the angel to John, in Revelation 22:6-9, we see these came from the “Lord God of the HOLY PROPHETS, sent to us to show us what must shortly come to pass”. Prophecy comes to us to edify and encourage, strengthen and guide us through turbulent times, Ephesians 4:8-15 tells us. God appointed first apostles, then PROPHETS, in His order of things, 1 Corinthians 12:27-28. The gift of prophecy is a very important spiritual gift to the church. Revelation 19:10 tells us the testimony of Jesus IS the spirit of prophecy. Did you know 1/3 of the Bible is made up of prophecy? 2 Peter 1:19 tells us prophecy is a light that shines in a dark place. It is to guide our feet until the DAY of Christ dawns. Amos 3:7 promises that God will not act without sending a warning through His prophets. We think of all the prophets sent to Israel over the years. They faithfully did their work but were never accepted. King Ahab even whined about a prophet of God, saying “I hate him.” Micaiah the prophet rebuked Ahab as he shared truth to him. Ahab had false prophets who always said things he wanted to hear. 2 Chronicles 20:20 tells us if we believe God’s prophets we will prosper and be established. In Joel 2:28 God promises that “afterwards” He will pour out his spirit upon all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, you old men will dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Even servants and handmaids will receive God’s spirit. The purpose of prophesy is so that whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved “before the great and terrible day of the Lord come”, verse 32.
There were prophets in the New Testament church. A man named Agabus warned Paul that he would be bound at Jerusalem. Philip had four daughters who prophesied, Acts 21:9, 10. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit sends spiritual gifts to the churches, 1 Corinthians 12:10 tells us there is a gift of PROPHECY for the church. Huldah was a prophetess in the Bible who guided Israel to victory in battle, 2 Kings 22:14-20. Anna was a prophetess, who served in the temple, along with Simeon, Luke 2:34-38. They warned Mary and Joseph about what would come about in the life of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:20 tells us not to despise prophesying but to prove all things, holding fast to that which is good. Acts 21:4 indicates that Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem. We assume that warning came through a prophet. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24 about false prophets in the last days, so we can assume that there will also be people of God who have the true prophetic gift.
The Testimony of Jesus, Part II In the 1840’s a group of believers who were through a great disappointment, as we see in Revelation 10, with the sweet little book that became bitter, went on to study as the last verse of Revelation 10 indicates. They saw the temple of heaven opened into the Most Holy in Revelation 11:19 and also saw the measurement of God’s people in the first verse of that chapter. They realized the Ark of the Covenant contained God’s law. They were convicted about the need of a Christian to live righteously and they began to keep the fourth commandment, the 7th day Sabbath. Isaiah 8:20 tells us the law and the testimony go together. God cannot pour out His blessings upon the disobedient, there is no light there and a lack of respect for God. But with this new group of Sabbath-keepers, God sent a vision to a caucasian man who rejected it. Then God chose a black man, who also rejected it. God then gave the same vision to a 17 year old girl, who shared it. It was an encouraging message to a fledging group of believers, showing them that Jesus would guide their path to the New Jerusalem. That young lady was Ellen Gould Harmon. Ellen began to share her vision and God blessed her with others. She was misunderstood and outright rejected by some. The Bible says a prophet is not received in his own country. Ellen didn’t like to share rebuke and softened her messages but God was displeased with that. She learned to share exactly what she was shown. Sometimes the ax has to be laid at the root of the tree. Ellen married James White. James was one of the original founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, organized officially in 1863. As the leaders of this group met together and prayed over their Bibles, they were led by the Holy Spirit to develop doctrine. Ellen White did not lay down or establish the belief system for the church, it’s fundamental beliefs, but she was led by the Holy Spirit to confirm the correct doctrines of the church. Her role was not a fortune-teller, but a counsellor. She always considered herself a lesser light pointing to the great light of the Bible.
And again, why do we need a prophet at the end of time? Because God promised to provide one to provide counsel during a turbulent time. A prophet’s work is to edify and encourage the church. They do not act as a pastor, they do not lord over the church, they simply speak the truth God’s lays on their heart. Mrs. White’s various testimonies were often given to pastors, teachers, leaders, families, husbands or wives, missionaries. These testimonies were very direct and pointed, but they were always meant to guide and encourage, even bringing a turn around in a person’s life when they are on the wrong course. One particular set of letters was sent to a man in South Africa. He never opened them, but did his own thing, falling into financial hardship and ruin along the way. Finally he sold his farm there and the new owner was walking around the property and kicked a rock with his cane. That rock was a huge diamond. The land contained one of the largest DIAMOND MINES in the area. If he had heeded the counsel contained in those unopened letters, he would have been a rich man and provided substantial means for the Lord’s work in that country.
So, how do you prove all things? How do you test a prophet in these last days? There are certainly plenty on YouTube today. The Bible says if there is a prophet among you, the Lord will give them visions and dreams. If they don’t happen according to what God says, there is no truth to them, Jeremiah 28:8-9. So accuracy is very important. Not 99% accuracy, but total. Jonah didn’t tell a lie to Ninevah when he prophesied their doom, but he wasn’t prepared for their repentance. This prophecy was CONDITIONAL. So we have to keep these things in mind. Prophecy is sent as a warning to bring repentance. A prophet must also AGREE WITH THE BIBLE. They won’t contradict God’s Word. Isaiah 8:20 tells us that the law and the testimony of the Bible are very important foundational points. If these are not upheld by a person claiming to be a prophet, there is no light in them. Jesus told us in Matthew 7 we can also judge a person’s work by their fruit. Orange trees produce orange fruit. If it has rotten fruit, it is not a sound tree. Miracles are NOT a sign of a true prophet. Revelation 13 tells us the false prophet performs signs and wonders. Revelation 16 tells us demons perform miracles. A prophet doesn’t perform tricks to prove himself. Moses found that out when Egypt’s magicians replicated his rod turning to a serpent. Later, however, Moses used his rod to bring water from a rock, not as a special feat, but to perform an actual service of providing water for millions of thirsty people to drink. It wasn’t a show. The children of Israel thought the Ark of the Covenant was some sort of good-luck charm and carried it into battle to see if God would win the battle for them. The Ark was taken by their enemies! A prophet’s life must reflect godliness. John the Baptist lived a simple life, in a solitary place, wearing plain clothing and eating basic meals. Today’s prophets often drive lear jets and live in mansions. They should be like Jesus, walking as He walked, teaching what He taught. Deuteronomy 13:1-4 tells us a prophet’s work should lead to obedience. A prophet should not pronounce a gauge for Christianity, they cannot contradict the Word of God, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit. A prophetic word never supercedes the Bible. Ezekiel 7:27 tells us if there is mischief and someone is seeking a vision from a prophet, the law and counsel shall disappear. In other words, someone living in outright sin shouldn’t think God will answer them. King Saul disobeyed God and even tried to offer sacrifices himself, in the place of Samuel the prophet. God would no longer talk to him, by Urim, Thummim or prophet.
In summary, we are told God will work through prophets, Amos 3:7; He will send His prophetic gift to the church, and upon our sons and daughters, Joel 2, 1 Corinthians 12:27:25. The church stands on the light that shines in a dark place, prophecy, Revelation 12:1. We are told to “Despise not prophesying”, 1 Thessalonians 5:20. We are told the remnant of God’s people will have the gift of prophecy, Revelation 12:17. The law and the prophets go together, Isaiah 8:20. A true prophet upholds God’s law. God has always used prophets to speak to His church, to guide and direct His people. Ephesians 4:8, 11-15 tells us prophecy is a gift to us. The work of prophets, evangelists, teachers, pastors, and apostles is to perfect the saints, help build up the ministry, and it is to edify the body of Christ until we all come into unity of faith, a knowledge of Jesus, and become perfect in the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. A prophet will speak the truth in love, verse 15, unite us in doctrine, verse 14, and help every part of the body work together. 1 John 4:1-3 tells us a true prophet led by the Spirit will uplift Jesus as the center of which the church revolves. They will not contradict God’s Word but point to the Bible as the source of all doctrine. You may say, I have my Bible, I do not need a prophet. Yes, but why are there hundreds of denominations who have the Bible, but all are different, ignoring large portions of God’s Word. Ephesians 4:11-15 tells us prophecy brings us into UNITY of faith.
WHAT IS THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS?
The dragon is wroth and fights against the remnant who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 19:10 tells us the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. What does it mean to have the spirit of prophecy and the testimony of Jesus? Go to the first comment below to see our study on this important topic.
THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS Part I
Revelation 1:1 tells us John was shown his visions by an angel who came directly from Jesus and the Father. John faithfully bore witness of the word and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and all he was shown. Again, in Revelation 12:17 we see Satan’s ire against God’s church and the very last remnant of it in the last days in which we live. God’s final remnant are shown to be commandment-keepers who have the testimony of Jesus. As we consider some of the last comments of the angel to John, in Revelation 22:6-9, we see these came from the “Lord God of the HOLY PROPHETS, sent to us to show us what must shortly come to pass”. Prophecy comes to us to edify and encourage, strengthen and guide us through turbulent times, Ephesians 4:8-15 tells us. God appointed first apostles, then PROPHETS, in His order of things, 1 Corinthians 12:27-28. The gift of prophecy is a very important spiritual gift to the church. Revelation 19:10 tells us the testimony of Jesus IS the spirit of prophecy. Did you know 1/3 of the Bible is made up of prophecy? 2 Peter 1:19 tells us prophecy is a light that shines in a dark place. It is to guide our feet until the DAY of Christ dawns. Amos 3:7 promises that God will not act without sending a warning through His prophets. We think of all the prophets sent to Israel over the years. They faithfully did their work but were never accepted. King Ahab even whined about a prophet of God, saying “I hate him.” Micaiah the prophet rebuked Ahab as he shared truth to him. Ahab had false prophets who always said things he wanted to hear. 2 Chronicles 20:20 tells us if we believe God’s prophets we will prosper and be established. In Joel 2:28 God promises that “afterwards” He will pour out his spirit upon all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, you old men will dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. Even servants and handmaids will receive God’s spirit. The purpose of prophesy is so that whosoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved “before the great and terrible day of the Lord come”, verse 32.
There were prophets in the New Testament church. A man named Agabus warned Paul that he would be bound at Jerusalem. Philip had four daughters who prophesied, Acts 21:9, 10. Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit sends spiritual gifts to the churches, 1 Corinthians 12:10 tells us there is a gift of PROPHECY for the church. Huldah was a prophetess in the Bible who guided Israel to victory in battle, 2 Kings 22:14-20. Anna was a prophetess, who served in the temple, along with Simeon, Luke 2:34-38. They warned Mary and Joseph about what would come about in the life of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:20 tells us not to despise prophesying but to prove all things, holding fast to that which is good. Acts 21:4 indicates that Paul was warned not to go to Jerusalem. We assume that warning came through a prophet. Jesus warns us in Matthew 24 about false prophets in the last days, so we can assume that there will also be people of God who have the true prophetic gift.
The Testimony of Jesus, Part II In the 1840’s a group of believers who were through a great disappointment, as we see in Revelation 10, with the sweet little book that became bitter, went on to study as the last verse of Revelation 10 indicates. They saw the temple of heaven opened into the Most Holy in Revelation 11:19 and also saw the measurement of God’s people in the first verse of that chapter. They realized the Ark of the Covenant contained God’s law. They were convicted about the need of a Christian to live righteously and they began to keep the fourth commandment, the 7th day Sabbath. Isaiah 8:20 tells us the law and the testimony go together. God cannot pour out His blessings upon the disobedient, there is no light there and a lack of respect for God. But with this new group of Sabbath-keepers, God sent a vision to a caucasian man who rejected it. Then God chose a black man, who also rejected it. God then gave the same vision to a 17 year old girl, who shared it. It was an encouraging message to a fledging group of believers, showing them that Jesus would guide their path to the New Jerusalem. That young lady was Ellen Gould Harmon. Ellen began to share her vision and God blessed her with others. She was misunderstood and outright rejected by some. The Bible says a prophet is not received in his own country. Ellen didn’t like to share rebuke and softened her messages but God was displeased with that. She learned to share exactly what she was shown. Sometimes the ax has to be laid at the root of the tree. Ellen married James White. James was one of the original founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, organized officially in 1863. As the leaders of this group met together and prayed over their Bibles, they were led by the Holy Spirit to develop doctrine. Ellen White did not lay down or establish the belief system for the church, it’s fundamental beliefs, but she was led by the Holy Spirit to confirm the correct doctrines of the church. Her role was not a fortune-teller, but a counsellor. She always considered herself a lesser light pointing to the great light of the Bible.
And again, why do we need a prophet at the end of time? Because God promised to provide one to provide counsel during a turbulent time. A prophet’s work is to edify and encourage the church. They do not act as a pastor, they do not lord over the church, they simply speak the truth God’s lays on their heart. Mrs. White’s various testimonies were often given to pastors, teachers, leaders, families, husbands or wives, missionaries. These testimonies were very direct and pointed, but they were always meant to guide and encourage, even bringing a turn around in a person’s life when they are on the wrong course. One particular set of letters was sent to a man in South Africa. He never opened them, but did his own thing, falling into financial hardship and ruin along the way. Finally he sold his farm there and the new owner was walking around the property and kicked a rock with his cane. That rock was a huge diamond. The land contained one of the largest DIAMOND MINES in the area. If he had heeded the counsel contained in those unopened letters, he would have been a rich man and provided substantial means for the Lord’s work in that country.
So, how do you prove all things? How do you test a prophet in these last days? There are certainly plenty on YouTube today. The Bible says if there is a prophet among you, the Lord will give them visions and dreams. If they don’t happen according to what God says, there is no truth to them, Jeremiah 28:8-9. So accuracy is very important. Not 99% accuracy, but total. Jonah didn’t tell a lie to Ninevah when he prophesied their doom, but he wasn’t prepared for their repentance. This prophecy was CONDITIONAL. So we have to keep these things in mind. Prophecy is sent as a warning to bring repentance. A prophet must also AGREE WITH THE BIBLE. They won’t contradict God’s Word. Isaiah 8:20 tells us that the law and the testimony of the Bible are very important foundational points. If these are not upheld by a person claiming to be a prophet, there is no light in them. Jesus told us in Matthew 7 we can also judge a person’s work by their fruit. Orange trees produce orange fruit. If it has rotten fruit, it is not a sound tree. Miracles are NOT a sign of a true prophet. Revelation 13 tells us the false prophet performs signs and wonders. Revelation 16 tells us demons perform miracles. A prophet doesn’t perform tricks to prove himself. Moses found that out when Egypt’s magicians replicated his rod turning to a serpent. Later, however, Moses used his rod to bring water from a rock, not as a special feat, but to perform an actual service of providing water for millions of thirsty people to drink. It wasn’t a show. The children of Israel thought the Ark of the Covenant was some sort of good-luck charm and carried it into battle to see if God would win the battle for them. The Ark was taken by their enemies! A prophet’s life must reflect godliness. John the Baptist lived a simple life, in a solitary place, wearing plain clothing and eating basic meals. Today’s prophets often drive lear jets and live in mansions. They should be like Jesus, walking as He walked, teaching what He taught. Deuteronomy 13:1-4 tells us a prophet’s work should lead to obedience. A prophet should not pronounce a gauge for Christianity, they cannot contradict the Word of God, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit. A prophetic word never supercedes the Bible. Ezekiel 7:27 tells us if there is mischief and someone is seeking a vision from a prophet, the law and counsel shall disappear. In other words, someone living in outright sin shouldn’t think God will answer them. King Saul disobeyed God and even tried to offer sacrifices himself, in the place of Samuel the prophet. God would no longer talk to him, by Urim, Thummim or prophet.
In summary, we are told God will work through prophets, Amos 3:7; He will send His prophetic gift to the church, and upon our sons and daughters, Joel 2, 1 Corinthians 12:27:25. The church stands on the light that shines in a dark place, prophecy, Revelation 12:1. We are told to “Despise not prophesying”, 1 Thessalonians 5:20. We are told the remnant of God’s people will have the gift of prophecy, Revelation 12:17. The law and the prophets go together, Isaiah 8:20. A true prophet upholds God’s law. God has always used prophets to speak to His church, to guide and direct His people. Ephesians 4:8, 11-15 tells us prophecy is a gift to us. The work of prophets, evangelists, teachers, pastors, and apostles is to perfect the saints, help build up the ministry, and it is to edify the body of Christ until we all come into unity of faith, a knowledge of Jesus, and become perfect in the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. A prophet will speak the truth in love, verse 15, unite us in doctrine, verse 14, and help every part of the body work together. 1 John 4:1-3 tells us a true prophet led by the Spirit will uplift Jesus as the center of which the church revolves. They will not contradict God’s Word but point to the Bible as the source of all doctrine. You may say, I have my Bible, I do not need a prophet. Yes, but why are there hundreds of denominations who have the Bible, but all are different, ignoring large portions of God’s Word. Ephesians 4:11-15 tells us prophecy brings us into UNITY of faith.
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