Too often I have read of different charismatic and New Apostolic Reformation Groups (e.g. IHOP) having their own “school of prophets.” What I’ve also learned is that none of their prophets ever have a correct prophecy!
As I was reading 1 Peter, I came across this familiar passage in chapter 1:21:
For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man…
This time when I read it I had to ask, aren’t these schools of prophecy nothing but the will of men? I guess that pretty much explains why their graduates are false prophets.
Great point! I've been memorizing that verse this week. If it is a gift then why do you have to pay Bethel, IHOP, etc. for it?
ReplyDeleteAnd that verse counters their perversion of the role of prophets. It clearly says that prophecies are from the Holy Spirit, so how can these "prophets" be so wrong so often?
ReplyDeleteSpot on Glen! My last Baptist church (with an assembly of god pastor man) loved quoting these fake prophets, in fact, they bragged about attending Mike Bickle's International House of Prayer. They strongly encouraged the rest of us to attend his religious institution as well as strongly promoted themselves as primal authority over us pew sitters.
ReplyDeleteOne of the popular "marks" of an IHOP, Elijah List's, or New apostolic reformation (NAR) follower is the statement, "god told me or god spoke to me" this or that extra Biblical revelation, even using those statements to control, manipulate, and abuse those who are not idolizing this current "move of god." Spiritual abuse in its purest form.
Try and reason with these folks and encourage them to read their Bibles instead of following these wolves in sheep's clothing, and the greatest persecution will come not from all of those unbelievers out there, but from the church goers whose faith is in man, not Jesus, the Christ. And they will literally hate you for not bowing down to them, their false prophets, their pastor (who receives extra biblical revelations), and their c'hurch.
Understanding more and more how the religious folks of Jesus day hated Him with a passion. They are still around us today, functioning quite successfully in many a church denomination.
Martha
excellent point
ReplyDelete