Just a quick thought here on prophets:
I watched Joel Rosenberg speak at the 2009 Epicenter Conference in the webcast today and was thinking about the fact that Joel clearly states that he is not a prophet and yet he has, multiple times, correctly predicted future events in his books. He didn't have to interpret events that Christians or non-Christians couldn't see, because they were in your face. They couldn't be missed. Anyone who read his books were saying; 'wow, thats almost exactly what Joel described in his books!'
And then there are those who say they are a prophet and... *chirp chirp chirp* They have to interpret things that aren't there.
And those who can "see" them, IMHO it is simply the case of a desperate hope, because they so long for the return of Jesus, as do we all.
But the reality is in the danger we face when these men pop up claiming prophet-hood and subtly lead us into trust and adoration of them as Jesus' voice fades away into the dark distance:
2 Co. 11:12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about.
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Herbert slung those verses like a handful of mud at the "worldly" churches.
I was told the story by an ex WCG member who many years ago, as a member sat in a service with his Father who was not a member. After the service his Father told him: 'They say God a lot but, I only heard them mention Jesus a few times, but only in an incidental way... Your church has a lot of truth, but it has just enough arsenic to kill you.'
Of course, as an obedient follower of HWA, his Fathers words meant nothing ... until the day light pierced through the darkness and revealed the truth.
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It is important that you understand; Everything on this blog is based on the current understanding of each author. Never take anyone's word for it, always prove it for yourself, it is your responsibility. You cannot ride someone else's coattail into the Kingdom.
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1 comment:
Nice post, Seeker.
Ya know, this particular subject really strikes a chord with me because after Jesus set me free from Armstrongism it became apparent that those verses (particularly the one about Satan's ministers masquerading as ministers of light) really referred to Herbert Armstrong.
Not ONLY HWA, but you know what I mean.
Those verses kept hitting home with me all weekend while I visited my brother's church. What a difference! I haven't the words to describe. I had a beautiful day, filled with happiness and love. Not like Armstrongism where a great day is one where the speaker makes you feel really terrible.
I have a few related things to say along this vein, but I'll do that in a post in the near future (God willing).
God bless!
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