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Ian Brown's avatar

This article is a blessing! I was really hoping the "national prophetic ministers" would go away after the 2020 election debacle, but somehow they persist.

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Carl Thomas's avatar

That's what I thought after Y2K. Probably what earlier believers thought about 88 reasons why Jesus is returning in '88...

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Zach Monroe's avatar

Fair minded and insightful as always brother.

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Carl Thomas's avatar

Thank you.

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Lee Lumley's avatar

As a former Pentecostal who still believes much of the Pentecostal doctrines, thank you! Although I am now a Baptist, I still believe God speaks through His people but it is so disheartening to see so many abusing this gift.

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Hanah Foy's avatar

Another great read. I might also apply the “write it down for me” tactic to the unsolicited advice people give me. 😂

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Tim Lee's avatar

A needed and well stated message!

There is so much room for beautiful and powerful expressions of the gifts of the Spirit without having to make things up or add to the work of God in and through His people.

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Carl Thomas's avatar

Exactly. Just love people well, right?

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Miriam Remington's avatar

Finally someone is addressing this topic. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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Carl Thomas's avatar

Thank you.

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Jon's avatar

Well written - I like you enthusiasm and caution… what we are in need of in this day is a scripture-honouring approach to authentic prophetic ministry - this is a good start!

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Carl Thomas's avatar

Let's forge this path together! Thanks for the feedback.

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Tiffany Lipsit's avatar

Pastor, I think this is the perfect word and the right time. This really clarified a lot for me. And I love that you said if everyone was a profit than no one is. It’s a good word. Thank you.

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Tiffany Lipsit's avatar

I noticed I spelt prophet incorrectly. lol

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Carl Thomas's avatar

Thank you

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Ron Ford's avatar

Well, said, Carl.

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Carl Thomas's avatar

Thank you.

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Ben Halliday's avatar

This is so well-expressed! I've seen the same thing - the Bethel-inspired crowd who decide to "live the supernatural lifestyle" and get "prophetically activated" in a workshop. From that point on, they think they're getting 100% accurate words of knowledge and prophesy. They think they can turn their prophetic functioning on at will. I am dismayed at the lack of discernment and accountability I've seen in this. It brings the true prophetic into disrepute. I long for God to raise up genuinely prophetic people who express God's heart on matters.

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Matt Mylin's avatar

Helpful insight. Thank you!

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wise n deadly's avatar

Good read, well said.

I wonder if the Shawn Bolz screenshot is one of those kind of blanket encouragements rather than a deliberate attempt to prophecy. I mean God has extended grace to us to repent, and the window (of life) is short. Could be open to interpretation. I take most of his stuff with a pinch of salt.

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Carl Thomas's avatar

I appreciate your extension of charity. If I weren't so embittered by all his false prophecies I would probably feel convicted and give him the benefit of the doubt.

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Tanner Riley's avatar

I like this a lot. I have called myself a skeptic mystic or a mystic skeptic. I believe that God speaks, the gifts of the Spirit are active today, and experiences of feeling God's presence can be a real treasure. I also think it's vital to use a good-faith critical eye when it comes to people claiming to speak for God.

It's sad to see how many charismatic churches seem to practice "the gifts" in ways that are totally incompatible with how the actual gifts of the Spirit are described in scripture. The church should not be a nest of quackery and chaos. It's also sad to see reformed churches turn a cold shoulder to the gifts of the Spirit. The book Spirit and Sacrament: An Invitation to Eucharismatic Worship by Andrew Wilson explores this idea:

When it comes to God's gifts to us, we should neither misuse them nor ignore them.

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Jordys Herrera's avatar

This was an amazing read, Carl! I agree with you. I think God pruning prophetic movements that have been focused on commercializing a man. Many of these prophetic movements haven’t glorified God, and I think that we need to redefine what true biblical prophecy is according to the scriptures. I love the practicality in your post, it was really inspiring and resonated with me.

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Carl Thomas's avatar

Absolutely. It feels like He is shining His light and exposing what is really happening.

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Kirsten Walks With God's avatar

Wow. God has been speaking to me through the Holy Spirit. I have been a bit scared because I kept asking how do I know this is of God and not ego. This piece was very helpful as someone who never asked for this gift nor am I sugar how to utilize it. I would love additional resources because I want to be sure when it’s me or when it is of God. Thank you. 🙏

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A Jones's avatar

Thank you for writing this. I love how you bring wisdom and clarity to a topic that can feel fraught with emotionalism and guilt.

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