How are we to discern the difference between someone who has the ability to prophecy, and someone who is more of a fortune teller?
2007-11-21 08:16:42 · 34 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
1. They always support Scripture.
2. What they prophesy actually comes to pass.
3. They are not popular.
4. They confess that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh.
5. Their prophecies always direct people back to Scripture.
6. They never contradict the Word of God.
2007-11-21 08:23:47 · answer #1 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
The kind of Prophecy you are thinking about is from the holy spirit. A person filled with the holy spirit is very different than a person a fortune teller and possibly severely demon-influenced. So just look at the person and see what they're into and thats the best way if you're not going by intuition. I don't know why you wouldn't need just intuition though as the two are so different.
I also believe that prophecy, though the holy spirit, can actualy change the future as supposed to what it would have been if you did not use your gift
2007-11-21 08:26:25 · answer #2 · answered by Mike D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prophecy is rare today. It usually comes in the form of a seemingly gifted preacher. Think of someone like Adrian Rogers (Baptist) and maybe D James Kennedy (Presbyterian)-these are modern day prophets. Of course both have passed on now.
Anyone who claims to be a prophet today is a fortune teller. This is common in the Charismatic movement. Those like Paul Cain, Bob Jones (not the guy at BJU), Steven Hill, Benny Hinn, and the like-are all phony baloney.
2007-11-21 08:29:27 · answer #3 · answered by Poor Richard 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen real prophecies from the Spirit of the Lord; I have seen prophecies manufactured from the mind (soul) of man; and I have seen prophecies from familiar spirits. You have to be a good fruit inspector. If an apple tree produces anything other than an apple, you then know it is not an apple tree.
A babe in Christ cannot discern because he is still drinking the milk of the Word. When he grows up he eats meat. Now read Hebrews 5:12-14.
2007-11-21 08:28:11 · answer #4 · answered by pshdsa 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people have the gift of discernment. The rest of us can ask God to show us what is from Him. If something makes me uncomfortable, I stay away from it! If someone says something that is against Biblical teaching, I know it's not from God. A person with the ability to prophecy in tongues will only do so when there is another able to interpret correctly.
2007-11-21 08:27:48 · answer #5 · answered by missingora 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, this is a tough question to answer because who am I to say a prophesy is not from God? But here are some basic guidelines.
First of all the answer must come from God. in other words it can't be against scripture.
Second, the answer shouldn't come from ouija boards, tarot cards, or anything of the like.
Third, if there is a time period involved (see Jeremiah 28) and it doesn't come true within that time period, then you can safely consider that person a "fake".
Finally Fourth, seek God. Talk to Him, ask Him for wisdom and guidance. Do what He says, and try to discern what He says.
2007-11-21 08:28:09 · answer #6 · answered by Kenan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone else posted this list and its pretty good:
1. They always support Scripture.
2. What they prophesy actually comes to pass.
3. They are not popular.
4. They confess that Jesus Christ is God come in the flesh.
5. Their prophecies always direct people back to Scripture.
6. They never contradict the Word of God.
A new testament prophet today does not necessarily fore tell the future. Rather delivers God's message for today.
First Corinthians chapter 14 discusses how modern day prophets are to be judged.
Let me suggest you read that.
The list above sure reminds me of some people, how about you?
Like Jerry Falwell perhaps?
Pat Robertson?
David Wilkerson?
Billy Graham?
Luis Palau?
2007-11-21 09:18:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A fortune teller is interested in the money and can not be rooted to the spiritual aspect of Jesus.
the prophetic anointing is usually spoken when the anointing of God is there. If your relationship is right with God your discernment will be anointed to know the difference.
2007-11-21 08:33:46 · answer #8 · answered by Putta Rat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible was finished back in the 1st century and can't be added to. Rev. 22:18, 19, Gal. 1:7-10, 1 Cor. 13:8-10. There hasn't been a true prophet since then. So no one who claims to be a prophet now is anything but false.
Debbie
2007-11-21 08:34:42 · answer #9 · answered by debbiepittman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best way to discern between the two is extensive study of the Bible. I wish I could tell you exact verses, but I never think to write down the chapters or verses which speak to me, but I distinctly remember in the new testament the answer to your question being mentioned several times. I'd like to tell you what I derived from the verses, but I don't want to lead you astray, and so the best answer I have is for you to say a quick prayer to yourself asking God for the answer, and then reading the Bible. I wish the best of luck to you, and I hope you find the answers you're searching for.
2007-11-21 08:25:15 · answer #10 · answered by Nathan Ridge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋