If you were a prophet

[Gail]

Like in the days of the Old Testament, what sins of God's people would you rebuke today?

[Kountzer]

Real prophets are not autonomous loose cannons. So, a present day prophet would speak out on the things they are guided to speak on.

[Gordon1]

I'd make sure my own house was in order.

A true prophet knows this is the first work; prepared to die.

[M. T. Cross]

Like in the days of the Old Testament, what sins of God's people would you rebuke today?

Denominational religion.

[Gibs]

Gail, maybe soon we will get to see what the true Prophets of God speak forth against or for in the present day church structures.

I doubt that many would receive them as of God. Their message would not be the popular smooth things heard today from most pulpits.

Yes the messages would be of Love and truth and all His would see that, but the great majority, No!

The venue of the message probably a bit on this order,

To warn and teach of the Mark of the Beast and what it is!

Re 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

Re 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

1Jo 4:4 ¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

[Woody]

Like in the days of the Old Testament, what sins of God's people would you rebuke today?

I am sure the prophet would have plenty of his/her sins to choose from.

[ClubV12]

I really like Kountzer's answer. It says everything and nothing and yet it's brilliant.

Kountzer, you ever thought of running for office? I'd vote for ya!

[BobRyan]

Like in the days of the Old Testament, what sins of God's people would you rebuke today?

If I were a prophet I would have to do what Ellen White did when asked about issues where she had her own view but had not been given a direct answer from God - I would have to wait for Him to say something on the matter.

in Christ,

Bob

[JoeMo]

Quote:

For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.(1Cor. 14:31-32)

Quote:

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.(1Cor.14:3

I didn't go through the whole bible; but from these 2 quotes it appears that the NT gift of prophecy is to be used for encouragement and comfort; not for rebuke.

Using this principle, if God were to show me (for example) that someone was in an adulterous relationship, I hope I would not would not rebuke them by calling them a "filthy adulterous pervert"; I would couch it into something like "I see God calling you to a higher level of purity and respect for your family". Not that I am a prophet...

[ClubV12]

Actually, a study of the prophets of the bibles work will show it is primarily to reprove and correct Gods people. David loved Gods law and he was a man after Gods own heart. Not because he was sinless, but because he considered Gods reproofs and corrections as an excellent oil. He THANKED God for his correction, even his punishments!

May I as well accept the counsel, the reproof, the correction of the Lords prophet as an excellent oil and learn to thank God for His counsel.

[Gail]

Prophets were also consulted before times of battle, but if the people were wicked God was not going to give them victory. He did, however, provide wonderful victory in battle if the people were on His side.

The big trouble in ancient Israel was idolatry which led them to gross immorality (as if the idolatry itself was not enough).

Are there any counterparts to this situation today? Do we have idols that lead to gross immorality in our day?

[JoeMo]

I agree that reproof and warning were a primary task for the OT office of prophet, but I see no evidence of that in the NT. Again, refer to the verses I quoted. Of course, you are free to believe as you see fit.

[Gail]

I don't know about reproof, but regarding warning: Wasn't there an Agabus or someone who had his hands tied to warn Paul that he would be taken prisoner and go to Rome?

Am I thinking of the right story?

[ClubV12]

Was Paul a prophet? And many other NT authors and people.

Paul withstood Peter to the face, reproving him. Paul reproved and counseled many of the early Churches. John the revelator was equally "harsh" in his writings. Foretelling blessing and curse. The "prophets" instructed the early Church to remove from membership (disfellowship) people for certain sins. Some early Church Christians were killed ON THE SPOT for their sins, just like in OT times. The law of God has not changed, there is blessing for those that keep the law and curse for those that don't.

The NT prophets were not confused over this in any way.

I know that story Gail, I think it was something about the "man that owns this cloak"? Certainly a warning to Paul he was about to make a big mistake by going to Jerusalem. A mystery why Paul ignored that warning...

[phkrause]

Real prophets are not autonomous loose cannons. So, a present day prophet would speak out on the things they are guided to speak on.

I that Kountzer

[JoeMo]

Quote:

Real prophets are not autonomous loose cannons. So, a present day prophet would speak out on the things they are guided to speak on.

I agree.

This is an honest statement/question (not sarcasm):

There are many today who believe that God speaks to them (I believe sometimes He speaks to me). In some cases, this may be simply an overactive imagination (this happens to me sometimes). How does one know the difference? If it's prophecy, the application of Isaiah 8:20 may be uncertain.

[ClubV12]

God even worked miracles through Judas! While Judas was robbing the collection plate and plotting the arrest of Jesus. Amazing! He does not call the sanctified only to experience His power. He calls the sinner to work with Him that he might become sanctified in the process. He shows the sinner His power and what he might become. He opens to the sinner glimpes of His character, in the hope that the sinner will want to learn more. To become like Christ.

Indeed, God is no respecter of persons! How can ANYBODY know the voice of God, even the heathen?

It's "inborn".

"The voice of duty is the voice of God, an inborn, heaven-sent guide;..." Manuscript Releases, Volume 18, pg 49

[debbym]

i think it would be just what it says in Isaiah 58, people trying to impress God by being religious. Holding onto their fights, And exploiting thier workers for profit, while being very "humble" toward God. Worshipping God in vain.

[joeb]

Like in the days of the Old Testament, what sins of God's people would you rebuke today?

Is this a real question, or are you trying to make a point?

A prophet of God says and does what God asks him/her to do. A prophet doesn't go to God and say give me a message so I can rebuke such and such a sin. It's just the opposite.

[Gail]

This is a real question, spawned by my reading through that section of Josephus' antiquities. I'm at the place now where the last kings are ruling, in between the attacks by the Assyrians and the Babylonians and the exile.

The prophets played SUCH a large role in those times, or should I say that religion in general, to all the civilisations involved.

[joeb]

This is a real question, spawned by my reading through that section of Josephus' antiquities. I'm at the place now where the last kings are ruling, in between the attacks by the Assyrians and the Babylonians and the exile.

The prophets played SUCH a large role in those times, or should I say that religion in general, to all the civilisations involved.

OK. I'm still puzzled by the question though. Were you thinking that God's prophets were choosing their own messages and what sins to rebuke because of the large part they played, or I should say, tried to play, because if we look at their roles in terms of failure or success in terms of changing the course of the nation they would be seen as abject failures. Much as Ellen White is seen by many today.

[Gail]

Not at all! In fact, Josephus makes it clear that he understood that it was the sin of the nation that caused its downfalls through the years.

I was not thinking anything of the sort about the prophets choosing their own messages (but I would be interested in knowing why you would think that). I totally believe that they were faithful witnesses for God. Josephus is of the same opinion, too, I believe. So, in spite of not having a great track record as to actually changing the nation, I personally am FOR the prophets.

But because of the long history of idolatry in Israel (especially after Solomon and Jeroboam) that seems to be the main concern and focus of the prophets at those times.

That might not be far off from today's generation, is how I was thinking as I ponder what I read.

[joeb]

Not at all! In fact, Josephus makes it clear that he understood that it was the sin of the nation that caused its downfalls through the years.

I was not thinking anything of the sort about the prophets choosing their own messages (but I would be interested in knowing why you would think that). I totally believe that they were faithful witnesses for God. Josephus is of the same opinion, too, I believe. So, in spite of not having a great track record as to actually changing the nation, I personally am FOR the prophets.

But because of the long history of idolatry in Israel (especially after Solomon and Jeroboam) that seems to be the main concern and focus of the prophets at those times.

That might not be far off from today's generation, is how I was thinking as I ponder what I read.

Nothing against you, it was just what I saw as the implied thought behind the question you used to start this thread.

[Gail]

I am curious about many things and often my brain goes off on tangents... :)

[joeb]

I am curious about many things and often my brain goes off on tangents...

As Garfield says, I resemble that remark.