More on Prophets

There are many who say that a true prophet will only speak the truth and will not be in error, and they use this to try to press the point that there are no “modern day” prophets. Well, we know that all of us are human and are subject to mistakes, in fact Paul tells us in 1 Cor 13 that we prophesy in part – no one of us knows the whole message.

Absolutely, you need to "test" and validate prophetic words or messages, and especially we need to test and confirm a prophet. Those who are prophets (and Eph 4:11 ministry gifts or positions) need to be mature and proven and not novices. As I said previously, just because a person says they are a prophet does not mean they are. That is why I talked about being in relationship and in accountability - being in a local church and also being involved in ministry in the general or universal church (we are told we need to know those who minister among us, we need to make sure ministry is done in integrity and with maturity). Of course, the Word is a test and a validation to what is prophesied, God will not violate or contradict His word.

It is right to test the prophetic works, even Paul tells us that people prophesy and others judge. This is not about bondage or control, it is about ministering God’s love and grace and His Word.

Yes, prophets can have messages for those outside the church (as per the example of Jonah going to Nineveh). Practically speaking this is the minority of the time because those who are not believers are not going to easily receive a message from a prophet as God’s word to them.

There are a growing number of churches and believers who accept the ministry of the prophet and prophetic words. However, I do not have these statistics (although the Barna Group probably does have this information). I do know more and more denominational people and other main line Christian believers are becoming open to the things of the Holy Spirit, the manifestation of the gifts of the spirit, the operation of prophecy, and also the acceptance of prophets - but many still do not.

As for dreams and visions etc, there are people all over who are involved and participating in these. More and more people are into dreams and visions and interpretation. There are conferences and schools and books etc all about this. There are all sorts of "Spirit filled" people who participate in all of this. You can search on line and look many places. I know many really get into this; some are fantastic and awesome in what they see and how they share about it. Although there are others who sometimes don’t hit the mark as well as others – yet, the fact is that God’s prophet word and inspiration is alive and active in the Body of Christ today.