Q. Prophesying is ‘tops’ in our Church – but it’s just like fortune telling. A year ago a lady told us that we would own a house and have two of our own children – we can’t have any! To support her prophecy she told us many things about us that were true. I know she acts supernaturally but how can I tell if it’s of God or not?
A. 1 Cor 14:3 says, He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Prophecy is one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit Whose primary function is to reveal Christ to us. With these two thoughts in mind you are wise to ask these questions:
- Is Christ being revealed or glorified in this “prophecy”?
- How does the prophecy edify, exhort or comfort me in Christ?
Be careful of developing a desire to run after prophets for “a word” as this will tend towards dependence upon “fortune telling.” Put your trust in God’s Word, Christ’s Ministries in the Church and the witness of the Spirit in your heart.
The three “Revelation” Gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Cor 12 operate supernaturally to establish the purposes and pre-eminence of Jesus. I cannot judge the “every man must buy a new shirt” or “buy a building with a grey floor” scenarios you mention, but they do sound freaky. If the witness of the Spirit were missing, I would not accept these “prophecies.” In fact, I would advise getting into a Church founded on solid Bible preaching and practice.