THE SHOFAR Volume 1, Issue 1, April 5, 2013 Carol Thompson, B.A. Theology THE ART OF DISCERNING GOD’S VOICE Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying but prove all things. Hold fast to that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil (I Thess.5:19-22 KJV). Two or three prophets should speak and the others (of the same kind) should weight carefully what is said.(I Cor.14:29 NIV). THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PERSONAL PROPHECY The issue of the critical evaluation of prophecy, by rightly discerning God’s voice, has taken on increasing significance in light of the multitude of false prophecies regarding personal financial prosperity, the improvement in the state of the Jamaican economy as well as the re-election of the Portia Simpson Miller administration. To be sure, for prophecy to have taken on such widespread influence during the previous political campaign of both major parties, everything which transpired under the prophetic umbrella could not have been false or so many persons would not have been led astray in the first instance. We are, therefore, faced with a dilemma for the deafening silence of respected journalists, broadcasters, and many pastors and church leaders leave several unanswered questions in the mind of Christians and the average person concerning the matter of contemporary manifestations of prophecy. As a result, many local churches and sincere believers have nothing but contempt and suspicion for the superiority of prophecy among the speaking gifts as outlined and detailed in the corrective doctrine of the apostle Paul in spite of the observed abuse and misuse prevalent in I Corinthians 12-14. THREE RESPONSES TO PERSONAL PROPHECY There are basically three responses to prophecy. The first is to reject it altogether. This has been the knee jerk reaction of many who hold a hyper dispensational view regarding the gifts of the Spirit and this attitude is very understandable in light of recent history in the public broadcast of false prophecy. The second attitude is to altogether accept contemporary manifestations of prophecy. Wisdom from antiquity encourages that the naive embrace every word but the discerning man/woman will look well to their going. It is therefore, imperative that we find the middle road with respect to contemporary manifestations of prophecy and instead of rejecting it altogether or accepting it altogether learn to critically evaluate prophecy from a clear and balanced examination from scripture. REVELATION, SPECULATION AND DIVINATION There is a qualitative difference between revelation, speculation and divination. Revelation is the mind of the Spirit (Greek “propheteuo”= “To prophesy”) while speculation is the mind of man. Divination is the manifestation of soothsaying demons (Acts 16:16 “soothsaying” Greek “manteuomai”). There is a qualitative difference in the etymology and the use of these Greek words in the New Testament. “Propheteuo” is the word which is exclusively employed for Christian prophecy while “manteuomai” is exclusively reserved for the heathen manifestations of demonic spirits through soothsaying and divination with the instrument of the spirit of Python as witnessed in the Oracles of Delphi. Appreciate that prophecy may arise from three basic sources:- (1) The Holy Spirit (2) Man’s spirit (3) Evil spirits THE DECISION TO DESPISE OR TO DISCERN As a result, the Bible enjoins a middle of the road attitude by giving a clear warning not to despise or make light of prophecy but to prove all things and to abstain from all appearance of the Evil One. Furthermore, the spiritual man is one who judges all things and other observing prophets are equally given the burden of the responsibility to give a preliminary judgment on prophecies given publicly(1 Cor. 2:vv.14-16 and 14:v.29). Usually when the word of the LORD is being declared, as an observing prophet, your spirit carries a confirming witness but instead of my heart being strangely warmed with a subjective corresponding witness, my heart was unresponsive when I listened to prophecies espoused by Prophets Philip Phinn, David Mangar and Patrick Williams on Religious Hard Talk (Matt.13:vv.14-15). A prepared heart evidenced by an objective and open attitude to give respectful attention is the very first thing we must cultivate when prophecy is being delivered, for without an open and objective heart, discernment will be impaired even when the prophecy is truly from God. The prerequisite for a corresponding witness is an open and a teachable spirit or we will end up dismissing a genuine prophetic word as false. A warm welcome to the club, for many of us have had the unpleasant realization after observing historical fulfillment that our hearts were closed and as a result our discernment was impaired. A widespread practice among many high profile pastors is to embrace the false and to reject the true and the genuine for many of us pretend to be far more spiritual than we actually are and we often judge according to the appearance of a man and not by the discernment of the Holy Spirit. The average pastor is easily misled by the social status and the apparent upward social mobility of false ministries. Furthermore, five times out of ten we have done no in depth study of the biblical doctrine of prophets and prophecy which occupies such a vast theme throughout the Bible. Appreciate that as much as 25% of the entire biblical corpus treats this theme. Understand that whenever prophecies are publicly delivered we must submit them to the test, accept that which passes the test and reject that which does not stand up to the scrutiny of this preliminary judgment. Whenever we hear the prophetic word, we need to reserve the right to personally and humbly exercise discernment. Discernment is developed over time from a thorough familiarity with the written word and insight into the oracular means (See Heb. 5:v.14 and Num. 12:vv.6-8). If we begin from a posture of scriptural familiarity, resigned vulnerability and personal humility we then become open to the word, may give it our respectful attention, put it to the test, accept that which passes the scrutiny of this test and we may ultimately be able to shelf that which has failed the scrutiny of a preliminary evaluation. BIBLIO-CRITICAL INTERROGATION: THE NECESSARY PRINCIPLES FOR A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION For the following list of questions, I am greatly indebted to the late Kelly Varner from Praise Tabernacle. Let us learn to employ them to critically make a preliminary judgment about personal, congregational and national prophecies delivered privately or publicly. • Does it edify, exhort or comfort? (1 Cor. 14:v.3) • Does it agree with the letter and the spirit of the word of God? This two-fold agreement is imperative (Isa. 8:v.20 and 2 Cor. 1:vv.17-20) • Does it exalt Jesus? (Jn. 16:vv.13-14) • Does it bear witness with your spirit provided you listened with an open heart? (1 Jn. 2:v.27) The subjective corresponding witness is regularly experienced by other alert and observing prophets. • Does it bear the fruit of clarity, charity and increases personal intimacy with God or is the word confused and condemnatory? (Matt.7:vv.15-23) • If there are predictions are they fulfilled? Appreciate that all things being equal, the prophetic element will be followed by historical fulfillment (Deut.13:vv.1-5 and Jer.18:vv.6-10). • Does it produce liberty and not bondage?(Rom.8:v.15) • Generally speaking (for there are exceptions to this rule) does it bring life and not death? (General Principle:2 Cor.3:v.6, Exception: Acts 5:vv.1-11) • Is the name of JESUS accursed or are the things of God used in an unholy manner?(1 Cor.12:v.3 and 1 Jn. 4:vv.1-3) • Was the word of prophecy delivered with the multi-faceted description of the attitudes/motivations of charity as observed in (I Cor.13:vv.4-13)? THE QUALITIES OF A GENUINE PROPHET How do we also evaluate whether a man or woman is genuinely sent from God? What are the qualities of a genuine prophet? The Qualities of a Genuine Prophet are:- (1) A genuine prophet, a prophet who truly is sent by God will not use divination to obtain knowledge of the past, the present or the future. (2) A genuine prophet, a prophet who is truly sent by God may be identified by the character of his message. (3) A genuine prophet/prophetess may be identified by their character. (4) A sure fire quality of a man/woman who is truly sent by God is their commitment to suffer self effacement for the message. (5) Another sure fire quality of a genuine prophet/prophetess is the harmony of the message with the Bible. (6) Another sure fire quality of a genuine prophet/prophetess is authentication of the message by miracles. (7) A genuine prophet, a prophet who is truly sent by God will be confirmed by discernment from other prophets and those who are spiritual. If you should challenge some of our so called pastors and leaders to prove to you biblically that so and so is a false prophet many would not be able to substantiate their summary dismissal with the above mentioned objective criteria for we are theologically incompetent and biblically ignorant. What are the qualities of a false prophet? ONE MAJOR QUALITY OF A FALSE PROPHET False prophets will attempt to rob you of your money by prophesying their way into your investments. One major sign of false prophets as well as false pastor/teachers is that they are greedy for money. If you listen to them both you and your money, goods and property will soon be parted. (See II Peter 2:vv.1-3) MAJOR QUALITIES OF A FALSE PROPHET AND PASTOR TEACHER What are the qualities of a false prophet? Observe that the true and the false are placed side by side in the below mentioned verses. Nevertheless, observe the fruit of the false prophetic as well as the false teaching ministries: II Peter 2:vv.1-3 Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people even as there shall be false teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not and their damnation slumbereth not. (I) False prophets and false teachers will attempt to rob you of your money by prophesying their way into your investments. One major quality of false prophets and false teachers is that they are greedy for money. They are covetous. If you listen to them both you, your money, goods and property will soon be parted. (2) Their interpretation of the Scriptures is private and their prophecies arise out of their own determination not as the Spirit wills. (3) These so called prophets and false teachers live questionable lives with respect to the pursuit of holiness. In antiquity the prophets were referred to as holy men of God. Personal consecration was a priority for these men and many of their pronouncements underscored the desperate need for holiness. (4) Secretly they bring within local churches damnable teachings, for in many instances, the leaders of these local churches compromise clear biblical principles for the sake of personality. Some of these contemporary teachings are covering, unhealthy submission to authority, the curse of false oaths, the glorification of occult power and underscoring of the power of the devil instead of clear teaching about the work, gifts and ministries of the Holy Spirit as well as the superior military might of the average believer because of the resurrection of our LORD over principalities and powers. These doctrines are considered to be the doctrines of devils and they abound in many of our Charismatic churches and those churches which closely align themselves to the Charismatic Movement in Jamaica and other parts of the world. Many are overawed by some pastors and teachers with sign gift ministries but pay no serious attention to their doctrines, personal consecration nor theological preparation before setting them in ministry. Several of these men never proved themselves in small group settings for 5 years before they were ordained but were laid hands on by incompetent pastors who later presented them as candidates for ordination. (4) Also appreciate that these false ministers have a large following and they and their followers will speak evil of the way of truth. They are sadly lacking in integrity and truth is far from their lips. (5) By the method of monetary persuasion they make merchandise of many with their extravagant claims and covetous hearts (Acts 8:vv.18-23). (7) Jesus taught his disciples regarding the ministry of false shepherds in John 10:vvv.1-13 by using a three-fold designation:-a thief, a robber and a stranger. These designations all refer to false teachers and their modus operandi. The thief, Greek {kleptes}, from which we derive the word kleptomaniac, is really a false teacher. His smooth operation and stealth like behavior are underlined. While the robber Greek {lestes} is a brigand who plunders openly and by violence. Whereas the thief {kleptes} plunders by stealth the robber {lestes} plunders openly and by violence. Hence the pugilist may be an indication of a robber and the pastors who use physical violence to restraining God sheep are equally suspect. Observe that the sheep will not follow the voice of the stranger and men who enter the sheepfold and plunders them either openly or by stealth must not be followed by the sheep. Followers of shepherds who pursue pleasure, filthy lucre and wantonness instead of the pursuit of godliness and holiness do so in many instances out of sheer fear and ignorance. If it is, in fact true, that some of these Charismatic pastors have Swiss bank accounts and are resting in the assurance that some will not litigate instead of refunding the money invested, as it is alleged, by fraudulent means, then those guilty of such unscrupulous behaviour are bare faced and false shepherds. Equally appreciate that it was after Jesus’ exposition regarding false shepherds that he was labeled and dismissed as false, raving mad and demon possessed(See John 10:vv.19-21). Discerning sheep, however, could not be duped by the deception of these men for they observed and finally concluded that with respect to the words of Jesus:”These words are not the words of one who hath a devil.” Appreciate that the prophets from antiquity spoke regarding personal consecration, contrition, restoration, social justice and repentance from sin and turning towards God, as a general concern, not to self aggrandizement and greed. If you would like to ascertain who really are the false prophets and false teachers in Jamaica you only have to approach the Financial Services Commission and enquire how the tithes and offerings are handled in their local churches. The Financial Services Commission, the Supreme Court and honest members of financial committees may or may not furnish you with a list of the pastors and church leaders who, it is alleged, have fraudulently induced many to invest in their financial clubs and who have mismanaged the churches finances. Some of the names may or may not surprise you. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: THE SCRUTINY OF SCRIPTURE Bearing the above mentioned principles for a preliminary evaluation in mind, let us now return to the matter of the content of these prophecies and their bearing upon us as a nation and as a people. In the first instance, the theology of Phinn et al with respect to stewardship and the prophetic are erroneous, for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of material possessions(Lk.12:vv.15-21). Jesus himself warned about the deceitfulness of riches which strangles the word of God and results in unfruitfulness (Matt.13:v.22). Furthermore, the love of money is the root of all evil and those who grasp after material prosperity pierce themselves with many sorrows and often jettison their faith in God.(1 Tim. 6:vv.5b -10). ‘The doyen of the prophets’ is convinced that godliness is a means to financial gain but, to the contrary, godliness with contentment is great gain, so having food and raiment we should be content. Instead of general financial prosperity, the determined hand of God plunged the entire world into a recession which, according to all appearances, will continue for some time. Sweeping generalizations were made about the visibility of prophets over twenty years ago and the maturity of the so called prophets from the Word of Life camp, who are known to be jealous and exclusive to the point of disrespect for other, more experienced and well trained prophets from within and outside of the Charismatic Movement. During this time when the media, with their evident political agenda, promoted these men and their prophetic ministries, I could not help but ask the question, where were the mature and accredited prophets from the wider Charismatic camp, like Newton Gabbidon, Hazel Salmon, Paul Brown and Andre Davis, as well as prophets from far less visible ministries, the wider denominations and fringe groups all over Jamaica. Publicly, I had prophesied and recorded on Sunday, September 24, 2006 in the audience of many witnesses at Walk by Faith Tabernacle, the exact opposite of Phinn’s camp and that Bruce Golding would rise to the fore. As a matter of fact, Rev. Al Miller challenged Phinn in an interview written by Ian Boyne in a newspaper article about this. His prideful response was that when the word comes to pass we would know who were hearing from God (1Cor.13:vv.4-14:v.1). In a prophecy, personally delivered to Pastor David Henry at the Watch Night Service on December 31, 2005, at Swallow Field Chapel, a few years before the elections, even the very storm prior to that election was predicted (See prophecies written word for word in the below mentioned journal). I was forced to personally hand him this prophecy because I have visited this church on several occasions under the theological novice leadership of Pastor David Henry the leadership hug up the mike and make it not only uncomfortable but also impossible for me to prophesy. Leadership is very deliberate in the average Charismatic church and their affiliates in extinguishing the fire of the Holy Spirit. A regular observance by the average Christian is that in many so called Charismatic churches men deliberately quench the Spirit’s fire and lying against the Holy Spirit is common place. Furthermore, the initial increasing rise in crime, violence and bloodletting and especially the eventual decrease in crime were also prophesied with the assurance that Bruce would rise to the fore and that God would judge the political directorate. On the Breakfast Club, after the failure of the prophecies of Phinn et al, he was reported to publicly declare that following the magisterial recount the prophecy would come to pass regarding the re-election of Portia Simpson Miller’s administration. FUMBLING SERVANTS As men of God, we are all but fumbling servants, so let us be prepared to admit when we have missed God or our motive, sanity and credibility will be seriously questioned. This has happened and continues for the prophetic word equally clarified by specifically stating that the media would mock as prominent Charismatic leaders would fall and they would come under the scrutiny of the nation. I hope that the brethren are doing everything possible for the healing and the restoration of Phinn and that he would let this lesson score deeply in his heart and move beyond the past, for this is the way of the LORD, to humble us as men of God and to discipline and train his prophets (See Gal. 6:vv.1-2 and also chapter 5, pp.53-62 of the Elijah Task, written by noted theologian, John Sandford and his wife Paula). PROPHETS ACTING PROFESSIONALLY Mature prophets will act professionally towards both political parties; refrain from taking sides, and receiving gifts and favours in secret for personal aggrandizement when it is unethical and inappropriate (Micah 3:v.11). Elijah refused to accept anything for the miracle wrought on Naaman, the Syrian army official. It was unethical and inappropriate but the ‘licky licky’ Gehazi(Creole expression for the greedy), who was being mentored in the prophetic, ran after the army official behind the back of the man of God, took the gifts and ended up with the very same leprosy as judgment from God for his covetousness(2 Kings 5:v.16 and vv. 19-26). Let us hear and fear. Appreciate that one crucial test which the false prophet and false ministers generally fail is the test of covetousness. I am aware that former persons of integrity, like David Smith, were led astray by false prophecies from the Word of Life group of prophets et al, many of whom are prophesying at that time only for eight years instead of for decades as reported on Religious Hard Talk. The only persons whom I am personally acquainted with from Word of Life who are prophesying for decades are Philip Phinn and Paul Brown. I wonder how many people lost significantly only in financial terms because they were undiscerning and failed to evaluate these prophecies. I clearly remember visiting HOSANNAH PRAISE MINISTRIES under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Orville Neil after the financial fall out in the late nineties and prophesied about gossip against God’s apostles and prophets during the services and warned regarding predators in the pulpits, but soon after was asked to desist. The last thing I did before leaving that church was to prophesy to a man and his wife in poetry, taped it right on the spot and left the prophecy with them. It warned them to be careful where they invested their money and to actually remove it from its present location but because of the pastor, who told them I was a false prophet, with significant influence from the leaders of Covenant Community Church, economist Locksley Smith and the Word of Life prophets, a year later they lost millions of dollars. PROFESSIONAL JEALOUSY, FINANCIAL PROSPERITY AND THE CULTURE OF ENTITLEMENT Prior to the elections which were won by the Jamaica Labour Party, Mark Sandford from Elijah House sent me a newsletter regarding false prophecies about financial prosperity and a warning he had gotten about the Prophetic Movement being brought into disrepute as a result of this practice of prophesying regarding financial prosperity which is heavily influenced by a culture of entitlement. Let us all learn to walk in humility when God begins to use us and guard strongly against exclusivity and professional jealousy (Num.12:vv.6-10) for mature prophetic voices, like prophetic father, Moses, will encourage others to prophesy whether or not they are from the same prophetic camp and minister in the same geographical location(Numbers 11:vv.23-29). Exclusivity and professional jealousy are indicative of false prophetic and false pastoral ministries who wish to be the only ones with “right of way” to speak into the lives of God’s people. Beloved, beware of the false pastor/teachers and the false prophetic ministries who are only too quick to label and dismiss legitimate ministries as false. The particular label “false” must be queried and investigated for school boy church politics reigns supreme in many of our local churches whose leaders know very little about the vast biblical theme of prophecy and who are lazy to research the subject. Yet if they feel threatened by someone with long standing experienced in ministry they are only too quick to label, dismiss and discredit rather than embrace for fear that many within their congregations will follow these ministries. THE CONFUSION OF ADRENALIN FOR THE ANOINTING In many of our local churches the average pastor frequently confuses adrenalin for the anointing. When seasoned apostolic/prophetic ministries are sent to visit these houses of worship they deliberately quench the Holy Spirit although they will tell you publicly:”This is Liberty Hall”. Recently, I have had the unfortunate experience of attending an all night prayer meeting on FRIDAY 26, NOVEMBER 2012 at Lyssons Church of God of Prophecy under the leadership of Pastor Marvel Francis where I publicly prayed/prophesied to several persons who acknowledged the prophecies as coming from God. Only a few days after the territorial and insecure young pastor, with significant influence from Charismatic leaders, called up members of the church to discredit the evident work of the Holy Spirit. (See the public /personal prophecies below in the journal). Evaluate for yourself whether this was the work of the Holy Spirit, a spirit of divination or a tainted spirit. One thing is sure after evaluating the spirit and content of these prophecies, you must either conclude that FRANCIS is either backslidden or incompetent and this kind of incompetence disqualifies him from leading God’s precious sheep. PROPHETIC CONFRONTATION During a personal confrontation with this pastor he attempted to sell me the idea that my ministry was tainted, after having publicly laid hands on me in an attempt to cast out demons in front of saints gathered prior to the morning service. When I challenged him to prove it, he was at a loss for words. He listened to verandah talk but could not show me from the Bible how I was false. Yet he refused to return my reference book “A MANUAL OF BIBLICAL PREACHING” by LLOYD M. PERRY and had quenched the Holy Spirit for five consecutive weeks by deliberately preventing the public declaration of the prophetic word. Appreciate that this book is no longer in print and I had insisted he should have returned it from over a month. It was not until after calling him a thief, publicly challenging him and standing up strong in the local church that my reference book was finally returned. Many pastors only have a clue about the purpose of pastoral ministry which is to feed, equip and to perfect the saints for the work of their ministry and to bring the Body of Christ into maturity (Ephesians 4:vv.11-12). God’s interest is in raising up a corporate man not a one man ministry to impact families and communities with the gospel and no one man ministry is capable of accomplishing this all on his own. THE APOSTOLIC CORRECTIVE FOR ABUSE & MISUSE IS NOT NON USE BUT PROPER USE In spite of the debacle of Philip PHINN, Rev. Dr. Peter MORGAN, PATRICK WILLIAMS and DAVID MANGAR with respect to the failed prophecies regarding the political directorate which promised improvement in the economy and financial prosperity we must still burn with zeal to prophesy(I Corinthians 14:vv.37-40). Instead of throwing out the precious baby of prophecy with the bath water debacle the entire theme of I Corinthians 14 demonstrates the superiority of prophecy among the speaking gifts. The Apostle Paul never chided but corrected the Corinthians for their public use of these gifts. Instead, from start to finish, he commended them for super abounding in all utterance and in all knowledge even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in them. Brethren, the apostolic corrective for the abuse and the misuse of prophecy is emphatically not non use but proper use. As a warning to those of us who may entertain the thought that we are more spiritual than the apostle Paul and the early church’s practice we are categorically told: If any man think himself spiritual or a prophet let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But he who would be ignorant, let him be ignorant still (I Corinthians 14:vv.37-38). In concluding his argument, he commanded them to covet to prophesy, that is, to burn with passion to prophesy to edify the church in a context of decency and order. PROPHETIC JOURNAL THE ELDERS OF SWALLOW FIELD CHAPEL Personally Delivered to Pastor David Henry at the Watch Night Service on 31/12/2005 I blow the Shofar says the LORD, to call you as a group to prepare in prayer and fasting for a time of great testing as the New Year dawns and open up your hearts to the apostles I will send and heed the word of the LORD concerning those who I have warned you of. Ah, ah a measure of growth you have experienced but there is much more, far much more in store as I shake and as I remake several Charismatic fellowships that refuse to listen to those whom I have sent to warn them. Be ready, says the LORD, to take in the wounded sheep who will come and who will bleat for fresh meat from my word. Several, says the LORD, within leadership have been lazy even to seek me and when the purging and the shaking come they will not stand. Brace yourselves, says the LORD, to face the media who will criticize you without proof and will cause some to stand aloof as the enemy tries to crush the tender shoot and even the youth will face confusion among you for they are impressionable and the confusion devil will attempt to level the trust and respect you have in Kingston and St. Andrew. Be ready, says the LORD, to face tough criticism from Ian Boyne and some from the conservative camp who will attempt to put out your lamp of credibility and point a finger at how you posture by my leading. Ah, ah says the Lord, be honest and search your heart before March so you can be in a place to shelter the homeless and the dispossessed as politicians put this nation under distress after distress. A new day says the LORD, as Bruce rises to the fore and as I open the door to constitutional reform and do in this nation something out of the norm. An unexpected storm and a tornado to undo the plots and the plans of radicals from both parties. Oh bloodshed, I see bloodshed as the hoary head of the chief monster that has a stranglehold over your nation is wounded fatally and as several sound the alarm in Zion. I warn you again to open your hearts to the apostles and prophets in your midst or when the shaking comes you will definitely miss it even as Charismatic leadership is put under the searchlight of this nation and as I repeat what I did in the eighties with the televangelists from the United States. Oh be on your guard, says God, for wolves in sheep clothing because already you embrace some of them and you judge according to man, by the seeing of the eyes and by the hearing of the ears instead of enquiring at my mouth. Be not blind like the bat and stubborn like the mule while you act like everything is cool, for I will strip away every pretentious pose even as I level the playing field for those in training for at least two decades to rise to the forefront of ministry in the nation thus says the LORD. Received during day of prayer and fasting Saturday, 7/12/05 PERSONAL ASSIGNMENT: Use the above mentioned 10 fold test to critically evaluate the following prophecies and assign either (I) The Word of the LORD (2) The Word of Man or (3) The Word of the Evil One. Justify why you assign the word of the LORD from the word of Man. Why have you assigned the word of the Evil One to any of the following from Scripture? PROPHETIC JOURNAL DELIVERED UNDER THE TENT 97 OLD HOPE ROAD Delivered on SUNDAY OCTOBER 8, 1989 Received on Friday, June 23, 1989 (7:33 am) This is the day of the LORD and the day of his fear. There is something in the air and it will soon break. There will be an earthquake, a major earthquake, therefore, cover your families, cover your families. I told you that I called for a fire but I did not reveal its nature. My son, my people will be protected. They need not worry but they must cover their houses with my blood in order to stand in the overwhelming flood. This is indeed necessary my eternal purpose to ferry. My son, tell my people, tell my people, tell my people. (1) LORD (2) MAN (3) EVIL ONE Why? Received on Monday, June 26, 1989 (3pm) Yes my son, you heard me correctly, you heard me correctly. There will be a major earthquake. My people have much at stake if they do not believe. Yes my son, yes my son it will be done. There is indeed a point at which intercession will not save a nation for disaster, disaster I will indeed plaster but I will save alive the bees that I would have to build my hive. Oh the honey, oh the honey that will flow from your land spreading across the sand to the sea. I will multiply my wonders and I will destroy the enemy’s blunders for my voice now thunders from the heavens. Oh my son. It will be done, it will be done thus says the LORD. (I) LORD (2) MAN (3) EVIL ONE Why? Received on Saturday, June 30, 1989 Yes my son, there will indeed be an earthquake and it won’t be late. Wait upon me and I will give you the date. Oh my son, many will be deceived because of the prediction of Marie Frasca. My son stirs up the prophets to pray. There will indeed be an earthquake, soon and very soon you will know for my plan and purpose to you I will show. Pray that today many will stay and not fall away. My son go, go in the strength I have given you thus say the LORD. (1) (2) (3) Why? Received on Saturday, September 14, 1989 There are yet 30 days and there will be that earthquake. I will say this to you over and over. It will be confirmed. (1) (2) (3) Why? Received on Sunday, September 15, 1989 There are yet 29 days and there will be that earthquake. (1) (2) (3) Why? (The actual day in prophecy for expected fulfillment) Saturday, October 14, 1989 Prayed and fasted for the nation. An uneventful day not even a small tremor was felt. (HISTORICAL OBSERVATION) Sunday, October 15, 1989 Early Sunday morning my grandmother was washing dishes in the back yard. She called me urgently outside to observe a low flying cloud over our house at Hill View Terrace in the form of a cross. Declared by leadership in the local Church to be a false prophet. What could this low flying cloud signify? (HISTORICAL OBSERVATION) Monday, October 16, 1989 There was an earthquake in San Francisco, California. Coincidence (1) Deliberate Design (2) Why? (Historical Observations) Wednesday, October 18, 1989 There were several earthquakes in China. Coincidence (1) or Deliberate Design (2)? Why? (Historical Observations) Friday, October 20, 1989 There was an earthquake in Rome, Italy. Coincidence (1) or Deliberate Design (2)? Why? (Historical Observations) Saturday, October 21, 1989 There were tremors felt in Jamaica with epicenter in Bull Bay. Coincidence ? (1) Deliberate Design? (2) Why? EARTHQUAKE AVERTED IN JAMAICA OR SERIOUS DELUSION? Prophecy: Place: 97 Old Hope Road, October 22, 1989 under the Tent during Morning Worship Never Publicly Delivered Ha! Ha! Ha! Oh how I see my purpose come to pass. Oh at last, at last the darkness has passed. When I speak it is not a fake for in yourselves you repented and to my will you have relented. Know, know that I have released my mighty flow. I see a flood, I see a flood and I sit in my heaven and I nod in approval. Ha! Ha! Ha! The enemy is defeated but yet but yet I see a few deaths. Oh there is sorrow for tomorrow my fire will fall and oh you will bawl, you will bawl. Oh the dregs of sorrow, my heart is broken. You have seen my token and the sign of the seriousness of the time. Arise, arise and do not lime .Yes it is high time. Get up, arise to my purpose says the Lord Almighty, there is repentance in my laity but some, but some are still undone. Tell me why? Tell me why from my presence some of you still shy? Come, come, do not run, do not run for my mercy abounds and the enemy I will confound, yes I will says the Living God. (1) LORD (2) MAN (3) EVIL ONE Why? Personal telephone interview with expert on Wednesday, May 8, 1990 Upon contacting the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Lieutenant Rodriquez, Executive Director, provided me with the following information. “The tail end of the San Andrus Fault runs east and west and curves through the GULF OF MEXICO INTO THE CARRIBBEAN. SOMETIMES DEPENDING ON THE SCALE OF THE TREMOUR OF THE SAN ANDRUS FAULT, WE HERE IN JAMAICA WOULD FEEL IT, WHICH IN FACT; WE DID A WEEK LATER IN BULL BAY.” (Emphasis mine) Word of the LORD ? (1) Strong Delusion? (2) Further Confirmation? (2) Word of Satan? (3) MIRACULOUS AUTHENTICATION!!!!!! Delivered June 17, 1990 AT 97 Old Hope Road Prophet Newton Gabbidon Weep my people for the sins of the land have come up before me says the LORD. It is a serious warning that I give to my people in this land says the LORD for only a weeping Church in this land will spare my hand from striking this land says the LORD. For yea, the sins have come up in this land. My children, the little ones, are being exploited. Oh the poor are being exploited. Oh those that rule do rule corruptly in this land. When the nation is corrupt the sins of the nation does rise up before God then judgment must come says the LORD for it is divine justice even to judge this land in a way says God that there will be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth but I would warn you at this time to weep before me says the LORD for if you would mind your own things even that which you mind will be destroyed. If you seek to protect your house then it would be destroyed by a mighty shake of an earthquake even in this land. Come before me in weeping says the LORD, as you weep before me in personal repentance I will withhold judgment, I will draw back my wrath and my judgment from this land. For I have much regard for my Church in this land but my people thus says God you have not been a discerning people you have not seen the destruction round about you. In the land you have not seen the poor; you have not cried out for the poor, you have not looked out for the poor. You have looked out for yourselves says the LORD. You have been selfish. Thus says God Almighty weep over Jamaica for I will touch this land even this year says the LORD if much weeping will not happen in this land. Weeping will endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning. Oh turn to me oh turn to me says the LORD. Let there be a time of fasting in this land for your government says the LORD, for your politicians says the LORD, for the poor and for the destitute, for the criminals says the LORD, for they that are walking in disobedience and in sin in this land. I will spare this land even as I have spared it in times past but do not disregard my word. Take my word seriously says the LORD for my word will echo in many parts of the land so that you will know that I will visit this land by a mighty shake of an earthquake says the LORD but I will call you to repentance. I call you to look to me at this time I will visit you in the night season. I will send my angels to warn you for the LORD is patient, He is not willing to judge, He is not willing to destroy but he is a God who demands divine justice when sin does corrupt the land. It rises up as a stench in this land says the LORD, when even my people have turned their own way and have not carried out my commands even to seek out the things of the poor, to minister to the poor and the needy and even when my people would seek to build their own kingdoms not doing the things I have commanded them to do in this land then truly the hand of God will visit this land and the things you have sought to protect I will destroy them even in your very eyes but I will spare your lives says the LORD for I love my people and I do chastise them even with patience and with mercy says the LORD by the Spirit. Further Confirmation (1)….. ? Another Instance of Delusion …….(2) ? Why? (4) Word of Satan Why? Justify: (3) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………? (5) Why? Justify:- ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… THE SENIOR PASTOR OF THIS CHURCH REV.DR. PETER MORGAN TAPED THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROPHECY AND ADVERTISED IT ON RADIO BUT THIS PROPHECY ALSO FAILED AND HE, IN TURN, WAS LABELLED AND DISMISSED AS A FALSE PROPHET BY MANY IN THE WIDER CHURCH COMMUNITY.WHAT WAS HIS OVERRIDING MOTIVE FOR TAPING AND ADVERTISING ON NATIONAL RADIO? THE ELDERS OF SWALLOWFIELD CHAPEL Personally Delivered to Pastor David Henry at the Watch Night Service on 31/12/2005 I blow the shofar says the LORD, to call you as a group to prepare in prayer and fasting for a time of great testing as the New Year dawns and open up your hearts to the apostles I will send and heed the word of the LORD concerning those who I have warned you of. Ah, ah a measure of growth you have experienced but there is much more, far much more in store as I shake and as I remake several Charismatic fellowships that refuse to listen to those whom I have sent to warn them. Be ready, says the LORD, to take in the wounded sheep who will come and who will bleat for fresh meat from my word. Several, says the LORD, within leadership have been lazy even to seek me and when the purging and the shaking come they will not stand. Brace yourselves, says the LORD, to face the media who will criticize you without proof and will cause some to stand aloof as the enemy tries to crush the tender shoot and even the youth will face confusion among you for they are impressionable and the confusion devil will attempt to level the trust and respect you have in Kingston and St. Andrew. Be ready, says the LORD, to face tough criticism from Ian Boyne and some from the conservative camp who will attempt to put out your lamp of credibility and point a finger at how you posture by my leading. Ah, ah says the Lord, be honest and search your heart before March so you can be in a place to shelter the homeless and the dispossessed as politicians put this nation under distress after distress. A new day says the LORD, as Bruce rises to the fore and as I open the door to constitutional reform and do in this nation something out of the norm. An unexpected storm and a tornado to undo the plots and the plans of radicals from both parties. Oh bloodshed, I see bloodshed as the hoary head of the chief monster who has a stranglehold over your nation is wounded fatally and as several sound the alarm in Zion. I warn you again to open your hearts to the apostles and prophets in your midst or when the shaking comes you will definitely miss it even as Charismatic leadership is put under the searchlight of this nation and as I repeat what I did in the eighties with the televangelists from the United States. Oh be on your guard, says God, for wolves in sheep clothing because already you embrace some of them and you judge according to man, by the seeing of the eyes and by the hearing of the ears instead of enquiring at my mouth. Be not blind like the bat and stubborn like the mule while you act like everything is cool, for I will strip away every pretentious pose even as I level the playing field for those in training for at least two decades to rise to the forefront of ministry in the nation thus says the LORD. Received in prayer and fasting on Saturday, 17/12/05 WALK BY FAITH TABERNACLE DELIVERED SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2006 A time of speedy expansion and a name for prophetic accuracy throughout the land says the LORD for watch, watch, watch carefully my hand, oh as it moves, as it moves, as it moves and as it lands gently, gently as a dove, gently , gently as a dove oh , oh even like dew , like dew, like dew from above. Oh I come to refresh, to refresh, to refresh but I also come to thresh, to thresh, to thresh in Charismatic circles says the LORD for I see them label and dismiss. Oh I see they my Spirit resist! Oh I see them label and dismiss my apostles and prophets as false, as false, as false but hear me well, hear me well , hear me well for time , time , time will tell, hear me well, hear me well for time, time , time will tell who are the true , who are the genuine and who are the false. For oh I see a few hold their belly and bawl and bawl when prominent men, prominent men in leadership fall, fall and the newspapers! Oh my heart says God my heart is broken as the world mocks, oh my heart, oh my heart is broken as the world mocks but ah there is a remnant, there is a remnant in leadership who are consecrated, who are consecrated and the waters are not abated, the waters are not abated for the political directorate, hear me well the political directorate will change will change for I come and I rearrange. Is it not written that promotion comes not from the east nor from the west for I come to test, to test Portia, Portia hear me well, hear me well, “Humble, humble yourself!” “Bruce, Bruce stay away, stay away, stay away from corruption! Stay away from corruption!” For oh says the LORD for I see the bloodshed, the bloodshed in this land, I see the bloodshed in this land and I will judge the political directorate says God, I will judge the political directorate but yet but yet a few, a few stand in integrity, stand in integrity, stand in integrity so pray, so pray that the bloodshed you will keep at bay. WORSHIP GOD FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY (REVELATION 19:v.10) EPILOGUE All of the above prophecies are examples of dark speech as observed in Numbers 12:vv.6-8. It lists a continuum from the most indirect to the most direct means by which prophets hear from God. I trust that this was an instructive assignment and that our personal discernment has been sharpened so that never again will we be deceived by false prophecies and false ministries. Recommended reading: The Elijah Task, Elijah among Us by John and Paula Sandford (elijahhouse.org), Growing in the Prophetic by Mike Bickle (fotb.org) and Prophetic Gatherings in the Church by Dr. David Blomgren (citybiblepublishing.org). Surprised by the Voice of God by Jack Deere, Hearing God by Peter Lord, Thus saith the Lord? by John Bevere, An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets by Dr. Hobart Freeman and The Seer by Jim Goll. HE COMPONENTS OF A COMMUNITY DISASTER PLAN PURPOSE OF THE DISASTER PLAN ASSESSMENT OF COMMUNITY SEARCH AND RESCUE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT ROAD CLEANING LAW AND ORDER RELATIONSHIP WITH AGENCIES WARNING SYSTEMS IN PLACE EVACUATION PROCEDURES ROUTES TRANSPORTATION EMERGENCY SHELTERS PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT WELFARE RELIEF SUPPLY OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE REPAIRS OF COMMUNITY SERVICES MAP OF COMMUNITY ALL NIGHT PROPHETIC PRAYER MINISTRY CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY 93 LYSSON’S ROAD (I) Father I ask you to promote, promote, promote and to remove the humdrum and the rote. Fe! Fi! Fo! Fum! Make her a giant in that institution, a giant in that institution, I ask you to remove, to remove, every single hindrance, remove every single hindrance, hindrance, hindrance even, even, even a far and from the distance, even, even a far and from the distance & oh, oh, oh take her to foreign lands, take her to foreign lands, take her to foreign lands even as I lift, lift, lift my hand, even as I lift, lift my hand oh I point, point, point to her husband. (II) Hey! Hey! Hey! O man of God arise! Arise! Arise and my word do not despise! O man of God arise and my word do not despise. Ah for ah, ah I have taken you out with a mighty shout. Have I not taken you out of your job with a mighty shout? But watch, watch, watch the clock, the clock, the clock even as the new year comes, even as the new year comes. Ah, ah son come, come, come for I will take you to a foreign land. (III) Listen and understand I will take you and your wife to a foreign land ah o man awake, awake, awake and understand I will take you and your wife to a foreign land so consecrate, consecrate ah, ah, ah I will not hide my face so consecrate I will not hide my face. Bless you my brother. (IV) O pastor, O pastor, O pastor do not leave, do not leave Jamaica land. Do not leave Jamaica land. O listen, listen, listen and understand my plan. Do not leave Jamaica land, do not leave Jamaica land for I have restrained, I have restrained do not force the door, do not force the door. Do not take a ship to another shore, do not take a ship to another shore for I will even the score. I will even the score. I see your heart to provide, I see your heart to provide and my face I will not hide. Cottage, cottage industries, cottage, cottage industries for I will bless I will bless but wait for a few more months and I will tell you the rest, I will tell you the rest. (V) Ah, ah daughter I hear: Marriage, marriage, marriage I see you in a horse and buggy carriage. Marriage, marriage, marriage I see you in a horse and buggy carriage but wait, but wait false opportunities, false opportunities, false opportunities, false opportunities. Wait, wait, wait not that one, not that one. False opportunities, false opportunities, false, false, false opportunities. False, false, false opportunities! Seek me in prayer and in fasting, seek me in prayer and in fasting says the Lord for prophetess, prophetess and I will put you through test after test after test. Prophetess! Prophetess! Prophetess and I will put you through test after test after test. I will put you through test after test after test for in the dream, in the dream I will make you scream, I will make you scream and ah to my purpose and my will you will lean, to my purpose and my will you will lean. (VI) O my beautiful queen, O my beautiful queen; your children, your children are your concern, your children are your concern I have heard your cry, I have heard your cry. My, my, my I have heard your cry, my, my, my, my I have heard your cry. Do not worry, do not fret for you can bet that your God will come out of hiding, your God will come out of hiding and ah, ah in the morning when the dew falls from the ceiling, in the morning when the dew falls from the ceiling refreshed, refreshed you will be and they will return, they will return. Mark my word, mark my word and do not spurn they will return, they will return to the LORD, they will return to the Lord. Bless you my sister! Friday, November 30, 2012
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 01:19:57 +0000
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