THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET COULD BE STONED — THE NEW TESTAMENT PROPHET CAN BE DISCERNED 

“We have the mind of Christ…”

In the opening chapter of RESET I briefly address the overlooked and misunderstood differences between the Old Testament prophetic and prophets, and the New Testament dispensation of the prophetic, which includes prophets.

Yes, prophets and the prophetic are present in the New Testament. However, much of the body of Christ is still coming into an understanding in how to facilitate the gift. Also, most of the dysfunctions the Church continues to grapple with in the Prophetic Movement come down to a misunderstanding of “the prophet” of the New Testament.

NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETIC MINISTRY IS AN ASTOUNDING UPGRADE

Many would say we have somewhat of an understanding of the differences between Old Testament prophetic technology and the New Testament prophetic upgrade. However, it seems a portion of the body of Christ struggles to understand how to facilitate New Testament prophetic ministry, creating a clearer and more accurate sound.

One crucial point here for you though, comes out when Paul tells us, “We prophesy in part and see in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9).

Since we “see in part and prophesy in part,” we must conclude prophets and prophetic people can, and will from time to time, misinterpret what the Lord is saying.

OH THOSE FILTERS

Many times, our personal filters get in the way. Whether it’s political bias, bitterness, or simply bad theology, the word of the Lord can become compromised as it moves from impression to delivery.

Therefore, the idea that someone can simply post on Facebook or Instagram releasing a word to “the entire body of Christ” must be looked at critically for this reason.

From a standpoint of critical thinking and logic, how do we know what was said is really from the Lord? Asking these questions can be the first step to diversifying our responses to the myriad of prophetic voices and words out there. There’s nothing wrong with a desire for godly order.

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

PROPHETIC WORDS MUST BE DISCERNED

We are not looking for the Prophecy Police to shut everything down, or “pull us over on the side road moving us from one ditch to another.” However, Paul does encourage the creation of a small “committee” to judge prophetic words. Prophetic words must be stewarded words. They need to be managed, processed and discerned not just by the prophet who spoke the word.

How important is it for the things you say to be communicated to your children or friends, if said “through other people?” Imagine how important it is to God?

Imagine for a moment a person completely altering their lives, making major decisions outside the will of God, all because someone they admire declared, “Thus says the Lord!” Much like a faulty GPS, the prophetic word does have the power to steer an undiscerning person (or church for that matter) off course for a lifetime. What a powerful gift! Which also carries an enormous responsibility for the one releasing a prophetic word!

In the prophet’s defense though, no matter who speaks a word over us, we ourselves are responsible for comparing it with scripture and processing it with the Holy Spirit who lives in us. This is the highest level of hearing the voice of God. The leading of the Holy Spirit in our own hearts, accompanied by supernatural peace.