You will know them by their fruits (see Matthew 7:15-16). These verses demonstrate false prophets and true with this distinction.
Let me say that it seems there is sufficient evidence that God does speak on occasion to individual servants. A person may receive a message but must avoid expecting experiences over service to God; fellowship with the saints and other things that giftings are supposed to do to edify the body of Christ. There are those who display much emotion; angst; and other emotions who are longwinded and oftentimes these are women. Indeed it seems probably 4 out of 5 that have messages are women. I tend to listen to those who are married and who have solid scriptural teaching in church; although due to some specific situations I have made exceptions if it is apparent there is no nearby fellowship where good doctrine is preached.
I will also state that sometimes God uses someone who preaches some truths even when later on it turns out they are preaching falsehood on particular doctrines. This has been a particular issue of late where a lengthy statement or proclamation is made that contains truth and no apparent error. There is a boundary as to women preaching at least as the scripture states where they are not to have authority over a man. This is why at least a husband in the faith or others should bring a balanced perspective.
As to within church walls; things like God's chastisement of those He loves; mandatory suffering for all true believers and other admonitions are often given a deaf ear. Someone actually delivering truth could be forced out and shouldn't stay somewhere that people want their ears tickled. Again it is hard for those with true discernment to find a place in ministry today; but we all need more of them in my humble opinion.
The easiest conclusion here is to admonish everyone to read the Word more and be looking up ( Romans 13:11) for His coming is very near.
You will know them by their fruits (see Matthew 7:15-16). These verses demonstrate false prophets and true with this distinction.
Let me say that it seems there is sufficient evidence that God does speak on occasion to individual servants. A person may receive a message but must avoid expecting experiences over service to God; fellowship with the saints and other things that giftings are supposed to do to edify the body of Christ. There are those who display much emotion; angst; and other emotions who are longwinded and oftentimes these are women. Indeed it seems probably 4 out of 5 that have messages are women. I tend to listen to those who are married and who have solid scriptural teaching in church; although due to some specific situations I have made exceptions if it is apparent there is no nearby fellowship where good doctrine is preached.
I will also state that sometimes God uses someone who preaches some truths even when later on it turns out they are preaching falsehood on particular doctrines. This has been a particular issue of late where a lengthy statement or proclamation is made that contains truth and no apparent error. There is a boundary as to women preaching at least as the scripture states where they are not to have authority over a man. This is why at least a husband in the faith or others should bring a balanced perspective.
As to within church walls; things like God's chastisement of those He loves; mandatory suffering for all true believers and other admonitions are often given a deaf ear. Someone actually delivering truth could be forced out and shouldn't stay somewhere that people want their ears tickled. Again it is hard for those with true discernment to find a place in ministry today; but we all need more of them in my humble opinion.
The easiest conclusion here is to admonish everyone to read the Word more and be looking up ( Romans 13:11) for His coming is very near.
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