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Difference #1: PURPOSE
OT prophets: establish the Old Testament Scriptures
NT prophets: invigorate the church
The Old Without a doubt, the most crucial difference separating Old and New Testament prophets pertains to their purpose. The purpose of Old prophetic ministry was to receive and speak divine revelation that would be structs (1Co 14:31), guides (Ac 13:1-3, 1Ti 1:18), corrects (1Co 14:24), foretells (Ac 11:27-30), and even praises (Ac 19:6; see 1Sam 10:5,6, 1Chr 25:1) in astonishingly relevant and timely ways. Its role is simply to perceive and communicate God's situational will, and in so doing, recipients are illumined and invigorated God-ward.
New Testament prophecy does not receive or write more Scripture, nor does it replace the existing and complete Scriptures. Paul is stiff on this point (1Co 14:37,38), and John's final words certainly reach farther than just his own book of Revelation (Rev 22:18,19).
Difference #2: QUALITY
OT prophets: ministered infallibly, with 100% perfection
NT prophets: minister fallibly, with potential error
The Old Because of their unparalleled responsibility to establish a perfect Old Testament Scripture, God Himself ensured that the quality of Old prophetic ministry was 100% perfect, or infallible. The prophets themselves, as people, were not perfect, but their ministry certainly was. Consider it...how else could we have a perfect Old Testament in our Bibles today?
Deuteronomy 18:20 presents the standard of Old prophetic ministry as perfection. Prophets would be executed not only for prophesying in the name of a false god, or prophesying incorrectly, but also for prophesying anything God Himself did not initiate, even if it was technically correct (Deu 13:1,2). God would never demand such a ridiculous standard without also providing a miraculous undergirding for His true prophets to fulfill it.
1 Samuel 3:19,20 (and 9:6) illustrates this. God Himself ensured that not one of Samuel's prophetic words fell short, and because of his prophetic perfection, all Israel recognized he passed the Deuteronomy 18:20-test. Isaiah 44:26 says the same, that God Himself fulfilled and performed all the prophetic words of His true Old Testament prophets. Jeremiah 1:12 reiterates, saying God personally watched over Jeremiah's prophetic word to fulfill it. Because of their unparalleled purpose (establish Scripture), Old prophets likewise possessed unparalleled ministerial quality (infallibility). God Himself guaranteed this by miraculously undergirding their every word.
The New : New Testament prophets, on the other hand, are not ministerially infallible. Their prophesying might possess partial or total inaccuracies. New Testament Scripture shows us this. The believers at Tyre prophesied to Paul not to go to Jerusalem (Ac 21:4). This was a partially inaccurate word, because Paul himself felt compelled and bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem (20:22NIV), which he in fact did (21:17). Yet Acts 21:4 says they spoke by the Spirit. How can both be true? The explanation: the Tyrian believers received a genuine revelation from the Spirit concerning Paul's suffering and imprisonment in Jerusalem, yet they misinterpreted and misapplied the revelation to say Paul should not go to Jerusalem at all. Genuine revelation...faulty interpretation...faulty application. I'm sure we can all relate.
Agabus also prophesied partially inaccurately in Acts 21:10,11. Paul was indeed arrested, this part was accurate, but he was not arrested by the Jews and handed over to the Romans by them. Verses 32 and 33 (and 23:27) tell us Paul's life had to be forcibly saved by the Roman soldiers, who rescued him from the abusive Jewish mob who would have torn him to shreds and killed him.
Paul joins Luke in his cognizance of prophecy's potential fallibility in the church age. In 1Corinthians 14:29, he tells believers to judge, evaluate carefully, and thoroughly sift (Gk diakrino) prophetic words that are spoken. In 1Thessalonians 5:19-22 he says the same, telling the church to separate the good from the bad in prophecy, while remaining open and positive towards prophetic ministry in general. New prophecy, and all spiritual gifts, can be like a poor reflection in a mirror (1Co 13:2), especially when used by the spiritually non-mature or inexperienced. The good news is, prophetic Christians can develop and advance in their prophetic faculty, learning to minimize perceptive dilution to consistently prophesy reliably and accurately.
Difference #3: AUTHORITY
OT prophets: possessed absolute authority
NT prophets: possess relative authority
The Old Because of their unparalleled responsibility to author the Old Testament Scriptures, God endowed these messengers with absolute authority to ensure nothing or no one would get in the way. Their task was simply too important to God's overall redemptive program.
This absolute authority connoted their prophetic word was the final authority from God in all of Israel-it was to be obeyed without hesitation or question. There were no ifs, ands, buts, whys, howevers, or therefores. There was no personal testing, evaluation, or "praying for confirmation" when a prophet of Yahweh prophesied. If he/she was attested as a true prophet of the LORD, his every prophesied word was divine law (Deu 18:18,19, Isa 8:20, Jer 6:19). When necessary, these prophets demonstrated superhuman miraculous powers to enforce their authority and protect their mission (Num 16:1-35, 1Sam 12:18, 1Ki 13:1-6, 20:35,36, 2Ki 1:10,12, 5:20-27, Eze 11:13). Check out these specific passages concerning this.
The prophet Moses said if anyone did not fully obey the Old prophet's word, God Himself would hold that person fully accountable (Deu 18:15-19, esp v19). The prophet Samuel said that to disobey the prophet's word was equal to the sin of witchcraft and idolatry (1Sam 15:22,23), both of which were punishable by death (Lev 20:6,27, Deu 13:6-11). An unnamed prophet caused King Jeroboam's hand to instantly wither because he tried to arrest him after he prophesied (1Ki 13:1-6); the same prophet instantly restored the king's hand back to life just moments later. The prophet Elijah's absolute authority is seen by his commanding the people to seize and slaughter eight hundred and fifty false prophets (1Ki 18:40); we also see it by his calling fire from heaven to destroy two companies of soldiers who tried to arrest him while he was praying (2Ki 1:10,12). His prophetic word could literally prohibit or permit rainfall for years on end (1Ki 17:1).
A man was killed by a lion because he disobeyed a simple prophetic request from a prophet (1Ki 20:35,36). Gehazi and all his descendants were sentenced to leprosy forever because he lied to the prophet Elisha (2Ki 5:20-27). An unnamed prophet told King Amaziah that God would destroy him because he ignored his prophetic advice (2Chr 25:15,16). The prophet Isaiah told Israel that merciless divine breaking (judgment) would come to them because they rejected his prophetic word (Isa 30:12-14). The prophet Jeremiah declared that he personally possessed God's wrath to pour out all over Israel (Jer 6:10-12,17-19). The prophet Ezekiel actually killed a person simply by prophesying (Eze 11:13). Now that's absolute authority!
Once again, this absolute authority accompanied the Old prophets to safeguard the establishment of the Old Testament Scriptures. Without such authority, Israel would not recognize and canonize their writings as truly Holy Scripture. With this authority, however, it was undeniable that the Most High God had indeed called them to author His Word.
The New : New Testament prophets, on the other hand, have a lesser and different type of authority: relative authority. New prophecy is not the indisputable final authority, as Old prophecy was. The completed Scripture is now the supreme law of God's people (1Co 14:37,38, 2Pet 3:15,16, Rev 22:18,19). All New prophecy is to be screened and tested by the hearers: tested for divine authenticity (1Co 14:29, 2Th 2:1-3, 1Jn 4:1-6), tested for agreement with Scripture (1Co 14:37,38), and tested for the accurate/good, and if necessary, sifted for the inaccurate/bad (1Th 5:19-22). New prophecy, then, is accountable to Scriptural, personal, and governmental evaluation. Such comprehensive judging of New prophecy signifies its demotion in the area of authority. We no longer see that "do-or-die-without-question" badge the Old prophets wore. Though New prophecy has divinely-instituted boundaries, it nonetheless possesses a relative authority. This means New Testament prophetic authority is relative to the authenticity and accuracy of the prophesied word, and, possesses authority over its situational target only. In other words, prophecies, or portions of prophecies, that are found to be genuine, possess authority only over the intended recipient (particular person, group, church, nation, organization, etc...). Paul had no obligation to obey the prophetic directive at Tyre since it was tested and found to be partially inaccurate (Ac 21:4,17, 20:22). On the other hand, the Antiochan church was under all divine obligation to obey the word spoken there, because, after fasting and prayer, the directive was proven to be authentic and accurate (Ac 13:1-3). Herein is where Old and New prophecy greatly differ. True Old prophets and their prophecies did not need to be re-tested every time they uttered-authenticity was assumed. If the prophecy came from a recognized true prophet, the word was to be immediately and indisputably accepted by all Israel, or God would hold the rebel severely accountable. New prophecy, though, requires testing to happen every single time a message is prophesied, no matter who the communicator is (1Co 14:29, 1Th 5:19-22, 1Jn 4:1-6). Once confirmation has been attained, then that individual or group is accountable to that word, and that word possesses authority over them and only them. In summary. Old prophecy possessed a theocratic, absolute authority over all God's people, was not subject to continuous testing, and was above/over God's people. New prophecy possesses a relative, situational authority, is subject to continuous testing, and is therefore on equal ground with God's people. Difference #4: REVELATORY TRANSMISSION
OT prophets: external revelation NT prophets: internal revelation The Old : God communicated with the Old Testament prophets through external revelations, from the outside, through their five physical senses (mainly seeing and hearing). Such revelation was direct and clear, easy to reproduce without errors. This was absolutely necessary since they were responsible for composing a perfect Old Testament Bible. For example, God spoke to those prophets in a direct audible voice, dictating exactly what to say and write. Sometimes He showed up in human or angelic form and spoke as two friends would. Sometimes He sent angels to appear on His behalf and dictate the message. Sometimes He spoke through dramatic physical visions, telling them simply to write exactly what they saw. Though He did reveal Himself and inspire Scripture in a few other, more subtle ways (guided observation, subconscious inspiration, etc.), external revelation was nonetheless the main form of Old prophetic revelation. The Old Testament is covered with such easy-to-not-mess-up revelatory encounters. The prophets did not always understand all of what they were encountering (Dan 8:27, Lk 10:24, 1Pet 1:10-12), but what they did encounter was clear and easy enough to communicate without errors. This explains, in part, how the Old prophets were enabled to minister with 100% infallibility. The New : God communicates with New Testament prophets, in general, through internal revelations. The messages typically come in less direct, more subtle ways from deep within their inner man. Certainly God might speak externally if He desires, as in a physical vision (Ac 2:17,18, 9:10-16) or angelic appearance (Heb 13:2), yet I refer to the typical and most predictable form of divine communication in the New era as indicated in the New Testament. New prophets perceive the Lord no differently than the average Christian-internally. Ephesians 1:17,18 is a key passage in this regard. Paul's prayer was that we would experience the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, the eyes of our hearts being enlightened (Colossians 1:9 reiterates this). In other words, internal revelation. He wrote to all the Christians at Ephesus, which included the prophets (4:11). This suggests a certain norm and predictable form of divine communication. New prophets perceive the Lord no differently than the average Christian. We are all high priests in the New era, we are all indwelt by the same Holy Spirit, and we all perceive that Spirit mainly internally. The only difference between personal revelation and prophetic revelation is the revelation's content and intent-the average Christian receives divine messages mainly about and for themselves (personal revelation), while prophetic Christians receive a mixture of both, messages about/for themselves and messages about/for others (prophetic revelation). Whether it be personal or prophetic, it is nonetheless the Spirit within granting revelation from within. Notice these New Testament revelational styles and their internal nature: illuminated Scripture.....2Ti 3:16, Heb 4:12; Lk 24:45 impression (distinct mood or thought).....Ac 15:28, Ro 8:16, 1Co 2:16 compulsion (strong desire or "burden")...Php 2:13, 1Co 15:10 words/phrases.....Ac 13:1-3 In the Old era, the Lord came to the prophet from outside (external revelation); in the New era, the Lord seeks to come through the prophet from the inside (internal revelation). Once again, this is because the Spirit now indwells the Christian, and therefore, He communicates with them from His residence-within. (Courtesy: http://www.juniordesouza.com) |
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The Only Business The Church Has Is Knowing Howv To Love One Another The Greatest Commandment.
The Three Keys Love,Acceptance,Forgiveness.If The Church Is gonna be a great forcein this world,for God It must learn to love,Forgive and accept each other. How can you have a ministry without love,we are only here minister salvation to people not to Judge ( How can you help God by helping yourself) We know that we have passed from death to life,because we love our brother & sisters anyone who does not love remaim dead IJohn 3:14 Read it.
We must love brethen,and that is evidence of God's spirit living in us.The need to make a bold committment love one another that agape love one another that agape love which effect the emotions. Not what we feel or do not feel.
We Must Release People From Our Personal Judgement Luke 6:37
16:28 A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.
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DECEPTION AND COUNTERFEIT REVIVAL
(Zac Poonen )
Jesus and the apostles repeatedly warned that the last dayswould be characterized by widespread deception and amultitude of false prophets (Matt.24:3-5,11,24; 1 Tim.4:1) –and we have seen plenty of them in the last few decades. Why are millions of Christians deceived by these falseprophets and these counterfeit "revivals"? And why are somany preachers falling prey to immorality and greed? Here are what I see to be some of the main causes:
1. Most Christians today are not aware of what the NewTestament teaches, because they have not studied itcarefully; and so they follow the teachings of their leadersand not the teachings of the New Testament.
2. Miracles (supernatural gifts) have become more importantto them than their character (a supernatural life).
3. Material wealth has become more important to them thanspiritual wealth.
4. They are unable to distinguish between soulish frenzy orpsychological manipulation, and the genuine moving of theHoly Spirit; the cause again is ignorance of the NewTestament.
5. They are unable to distinguish between psychosomatichealing (healing that comes by right attitudes of the mind),and supernatural healing in Jesus' Name.
6. Emotional excitement and strange physical manifestationshave become more important to them than the inward joy ofthe Lord.
7. For the leaders, their ministry to people has become moreimportant than their inner walk with God.
8. The approval of men has become more important to theseleaders than the approval of God.
9. The number of people attending the meetings has becomemore important to these leaders than whether those peopleare totally committed to Christ.
10. Building their personal kingdoms and their financialempires has become more important to these leaders thanbuilding a local church and making themselves servants inthat local church (Jeremiah 6:13).
All this is the VERY OPPOSITE of what Jesus taught. Theopposite of Christ is called the "anti-Christ" in the New Testament.If Christians do not see this clearly, then whenthe Antichrist turns up on the world's stage, with his falsesigns and wonders (2 Thess.2:3-10), they too will blindly accept him. To be led by the Spirit of Christ is to have the very opposite spirit to that mentioned in the points above.
Here is a paraphrase of Jesus' words in Matthew 7:13-27(read in the context of Matthew Chapters 5 to 7: "Both the gate and the way to ETERNAL LIFE are very narrow -as I have just described (Matt. 5 to 7). But false prophetswill come along and tell you that the gate and way are notnarrow but easy and broad. Beware of them. You will be ableto identify them easily by observing the fruit of their character:
Do they live a life free from anger, free fromlusting after women, free from the love of money and freefrom anxiously seeking after material wealth (as worldlypeople seek)?
Do they preach against these things as I havedone here? (Matt.5:21-32 and 6:24-34).
These false prophetsmay exercise many supernatural gifts and do miracles andactually heal people in My Name, but I will still send themall to hell in the final day, because they did not know Me(as THE HOLY ONE) and they did not give up sin in theirprivate lives (Matt.7:21-23).
So if you want to build achurch on a rock that will never shake or fall in time oreternity, be careful to do all that I have just spoken toyou (Matt. 5 to 7) and teach your people to do all that I have commanded you too. Then I will be with you always and My authority will always back you (Matt.28:20, 18). But if you only hear what I say and don't do it, then what youbuild may look like a large and impressive church to men,but it will surely crumble and fall one day (Matt.7:25)." How then shall we build an unshakeable church in these last days?
1. We must live the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5 to 7) and preach it constantly.
2. We must live in the new-covenant and not in the old-covenant.For this, we must know the difference between the two covenants clearly (2 Cor.3:6). We must also preach thenew covenant.
When preachers fall into serious sin today, they justify themselves by (and find their comfort in) the examples of Old Testament saints who also fell into sin. And then they re-commence their ministry after a period of silence. They quote the examples of David who committed adultery, and Elijah who got depressed, and they say "But God still used them"!But they won't quote the example of Paul who lived invictory and purity until the end of his life.
What these preachers (and most Christians) have not seen is that the Old Testament saints are NOT our examples today. We have been given much more in this age of grace – and "towhom more is given, more is required" (Luke 12:48).
Jesus is the Mediator of a NEW covenant and HE is our Example and theAuthor of our faith today – not David or Elijah.
Thedistinction between the Old Testament saints (listed in Hebrews 11)and Jesus, is made very clear in Hebrews 12:1-4.But very few live in the reality of this. Very few have seen that "God has provided something BETTER for us" in the newcovenant (Heb.11:40). Any of us can fall in the way that many preachers havefallen, if we are not watchful and alert – for Satan is acunning enemy. Our safety lies in obeying New Testamentteaching exactly and in submitting to godly leadership.(And by "godly" leadership, I mean those who do not have even oneof the wrong values listed in the ten points I mentioned earlier).If we learn from the mistakes of others, we canavoid making the same mistakes ourselves. So let us keep our faces in the dust before the Lord at alltimes – for it is there that we will receive Divine revelation,as John did (Rev.1:17).
If we humble ourselves,we will receive grace to be overcomers (1 Pet.5:5). And whenthe Holy Spirit shows us the truth in God's Word and thetruth about ourselves, let us be totally honest and "lovethe truth, so as to be saved" from all sin. That way we willbe protected by God Himself from all deception (2 Thess.2:10,11). Amen.
Profile of the author
http://www.5kwf.com/profile/?0010
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Dear brethren and sisters, I humbly request you to visit the following website to know what has been happening in the state of Orissa so that you can pray for them as members of the same Body of Christ who are suffering such humiliation and sufferings just because they practise Christian faith. http://orissaburning.blogspot.com/
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View details.
Salt Covenant Part 2.1: The Wealth of the Wicked
Sometimes the Lord comforts us by bringing us into a place of correction--so do we really want to be mete for the Master's use? Or do we only want to hear 'grace, grace, mercy, mercy'? He supplies abundant grace...and ample mercy which leads us to salvation. But to be Salt and Light...more is required.
This prophetic word will challenge your comfort zones. If you've been skimming the surface in your walk of faith, prepare to be assaulted.. the Lord is calling you out of your comfort zone into a deeper walk with Him.
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