The Role of a New Testament Prophet

Sabby · #1 11-08-2010, 02:06 PM

The sermon yesterday was around two subjects: one, communion, and two, the role of prophets in the local church.
The preacher was charismatic but imo not anointed/excited/energized by what he was preaching. We were having communion at the end of service so he began to speak about prophecy on an individual basis. He said,

"God does not prophesy on the basis of direction but in rather in confirmation".

Comments, anyone?

berkeley · #2 11-08-2010, 02:45 PM

God speaks in direction, or confirmations, or direction and confirmation.

Sam · #3 11-08-2010, 04:04 PM

There is a difference between a prophet and the gift of prophecy.

A prophet is one of the gifts God has given the church, see Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28. Only two or three prophets are to speak, and what they say is to be judged by the hearers (ref 1 Corinthians 14:29-31) but all can prophesy. A person who prophesies speaks for:
edification (to build up)
exhortation (to stir up)
comfort (to lift up or to cheer up)

Sam · #4 11-08-2010, 04:09 PM

Dale Yerton in his book "Foundation Faith" copyright 1984 compares the offfices/gifts of Ephesians 4:11 as follows:
Apostle governs
Prophet guides
Evangelist gathers
Pastor guards
Teacher grounds

Lee Stoneking in his book "Five-Fold Ministry and Spiritual Insights" copyright 2003 uses the same analogy.

Jeffrey · #5 11-09-2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

There is a difference between a prophet and the gift of prophecy.

A prophet is one of the gifts God has given the church, see Ephesians 4:11 and 1 Corinthians 12:28. Only two or three prophets are to speak, and what they say is to be judged by the hearers (ref 1 Corinthians 14:29-31) but all can prophesy. A person who prophesies speaks for:
edification (to build up)
exhortation (to stir up)
comfort (to lift up or to cheer up)

Interesting, Sam. I also pondered the distinction of the prophet in Ephesians and the gift of prophecy and exhortation of "I wish you all would prophecy" in 1 Corinthians 14, in an attempt to find that distinction.

What I can make out today is that a prophet is often a voice to the Church. The prophet is the moral objector, the one who may confront our direction, ask us to reflect upon our heart, etc... IMO most UPCI Evangelists (and other denoms) don't truly operate as an evangelist, but rather in a prophetic sense. An evangelist should take up a post in the City to bring masses to Jesus, baptize them and disciple them. The one-day scream in tongues, collect a check and leave is not very evangelistic.

But the prophet... is it an office or a role? It sounds like there are multiple people in the church with this gift. Does anyone ever get the sense of frustration of being so far from the early church model?

Sabby · #6 11-08-2010, 04:47 PM

Now, this man was speaking as the pastor/CEO of the church. I almost had the feeling that someone's life had been "spoken into" by a prophet concerning leaving the church. Whether on good terms or not I don't know, it was the impression I received.

acerrak · #7 11-08-2010, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabby

Now, this man was speaking as the pastor/CEO of the church. I almost had the feeling that someone's life had been "spoken into" by a prophet concerning leaving the church. Whether on good terms or not I don't know, it was the impression I received.

last night at church a little old lady, came by to us, and we had not seen her in awhile. she had broken her arm, but was back in church.

we was happy to see her, and when we greeted, man she goes off in tounges then speaks deep cutting wounds into me, man she read my mail, seems like every time she speaks its the Spirit of God.

I said last night, she is a prophet and are church really doesnt know it.

RandyWayne · #8 11-08-2010, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acerrak

last night at church a little old lady, came by to us, and we had not seen her in awhile. she had broken her arm, but was back in church.

we was happy to see her, and when we greeted, man she goes off in tounges then speaks deep cutting wounds into me, man she read my mail, seems like every time she speaks its the Spirit of God.

I said last night, she is a prophet and are church really doesnt know it.

Huh?

acerrak · #9 11-09-2010, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Huh?

God has given her the ability to read your mail and bring it to the front. i.e. tell you things you really know about yourself or have been hiding

RandyWayne · #10 11-09-2010, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acerrak

God has given her the ability to read your mail and bring it to the front. i.e. tell you things you really know about yourself or have been hiding

I would love to meet her! I know someone willing to give a million dollars if she can do this under laboratory conditions.

Either that or she can start her own 'psych'ic detective business with her comic sidekick, Gus.