How I Received My First False Prophecy For 2024-Part I

At the turn of every year, we have a long-standing family tradition of sitting down to flip through T.V. channels. We watch various ministers and performers with different groups of people ushering in the new year in style (with my wife- the children now prefer to be outside blasting those darn fireworks).

However, even after years of midnight sofa-slouching, I still can’t decide who between the ministers and the performers say the most outrageous things.

For some reason, the moment seems to turn every charismatic minister worth his salt into some kind of prophet. Pastors, evangelists, apostles, and even the odd comedian feel compelled to utter a 'word' or two for the new year.

Often, these 'prophetic moments' are highly charged interludes with MOGs & WOGs (Men & Women Of God) giving 'ecstatic utterance' as their listeners rapturously respond with 'Amen!' and ‘I receive!’

This is all good and okay. The problem, however, is that these prophecies are almost always received without question. Anyone questioning the prophecy is immediately seen to be questioning the MOG/ WOG. This is anathema in many church circles.

However, WD-TBS? I know you are more familiar with WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) but I introduce you to another one; WD-TBS? Read on to find out what it means.

So then, What Does The Bible Say? There are two main perspectives in scripture that should be held in healthy tension.

-Test the prophecies

-Do not despise the prophecies

Since we largely have no problem with the second premise, I will dwell on the first one.

Though it may sound counterintuitive to some, we must assess the merits of each prophetic word before we shout back our “Ámens!” and "I receive it!". The Bible requires it of us.

Consider the instruction from Paul to the uber-charismatic church in Corinth.

Two or three prophets should speak and the others should evaluate what is said. 1 Corinthians 14:29 

And this to the church in Thessalonica;

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

It is clear from this sample that Paul intended a self-evaluating system within the church to avoid error. This self-assessment was to be done by rank-and-file individuals regardless of status. However, we have elevated some individuals within our ranks to the point of deification. Of course the ministers like it that way. There are only a few men who could resist the temptation of a huge cohort of adoring women  (and groveling men) who hang on to their every word.

This, in my opinion, is why so many accept all manner of prophecies without subjecting them to biblical and common-sense tests.

It is also the reason many men and women fear the so-called MOGs/WOGs so much. The adoration of mere men is unbiblical. It should be reserved for God alone (Psalm 115:1). Likewise, the fear with which many take their every pronouncement is unwarranted. (Matthew 10:28)

 In the book of Acts, we are told of a small congregation in a place called Berea that received the message (of Paul) with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:11). If these 'small' people could counter-check the great Apostle's teachings against scripture, why can't we ‘Berea’ our MOGs & WOGs in a similar manner?