Fortune Cookie Prophecies - Holly

[Abiding in His Word]

Fortune Cookie Prophecies

NAR leaders give many prophecies that are unfalsifiable. That is to say, their predictions of future events are generally so vaguely worded—and left open-ended as to the time of their fulfillment—that the predictions could never be shown to be false.

An example of a vaguely worded prediction is the following from the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders’ “Word for the Lord” for 2011:

Expect the unexpected in this coming year.

This prediction is so vague that it is rendered meaningless—much like the words of a fortune cookie. Anything unexpected that occurred in 2011 could be seen as its fulfillment. Such “fortune cookie prophecies” are common from NAR prophets.

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[FreeInHim]

"Fortune Cookie Prophecies".....perfect analogy!

[SueAnn]

What is NAR?

[Abiding in His Word]

"New Apostolic Reformation" which includes a network of modern-day apostles and prophets who believe that they we are mandated by scripture to take dominion of the earth before Christ's return. The movement includes such Apostles and Prophets as Chuck Pierce, Cindy Jacobs, Kim Clement, Steve Schultz, Bill Hamon among others.

Holly's blog exposes many of their false beliefs and prophecies which appear to be infiltrating many evangelical churches.

[brandon]

One of the biggest problems with this movement is that it shrouds people operating in prophetic gifts in the church, or scares people away from them.

At a men's retreat this winter, we had another Vineyard church's senior pastor and an elder come speak. The elder had a real prophetic gift, like I've never seen before. He called me up and started speaking word after word to me, telling me about things I've prayed for in my walk with the Lord, area He has gifted me in, etc. Then he opened the floor and I received several other prophetic words, either visions of my past that were significant and obvious to me, or where He is calling me to go.

Scary stuff. I've never had a real prophetic experience like that, it was like my mail was being read.

The senior pastor that was there stressed that prophetic gifts are not infallible, not scripture, and always subject to confirmation. He gave guidelines to confirming prophetic words:

1.) Compare to scripture
2.) Test it via "inner witness" - i.e. does it feel like it fits? If it doesn't feel right, don't accept it.
3.) Submit it to leadership.

I add this to the posting because I think this is an incredibly valuable ministry. Beyond my own personal encouragement, I saw a number of others significantly impacted by use of prophetic gifts and ministry at this retreat. The danger of NAR seems to be not just to lead some astray, but to hijack the legitimate use of the prophetic in the church body.

[Abiding in His Word]

I add this to the posting because I think this is an incredibly valuable ministry. Beyond my own personal encouragement, I saw a number of others significantly impacted by use of prophetic gifts and ministry at this retreat. The danger of NAR seems to be not just to lead some astray, but to hijack the legitimate use of the prophetic in the church body.

The question is whether or not prophecy is a "ministry" per se or a gift that is distributed as the Holy Spirit wills. There's a fine line there, granted, but my understanding is that the Apostolic/Prophetic movement has schools that actually teach and impart this gift. One cannot teach such a gift any more than healing, word of knowledge, or miracles can be taught. One doesn't have an "official" title or office of miracle-worker,tongues-speaker, healer, etc. They are gifts distributed for edification within the body at the leading (or discretion if you will) of the Holy Spirit.

Chuck Pierce was invited to a conference on prophecy according to a friend of mine. He had people pair off and after praying together, offer words of prophecy to the other. That's just not scriptural. We cannot determine how or when a gift will be used nor do we "own" that gift.

[brandon]

1 Cor 12 is clear that the Holy Spirit is the chooser of receiving spiritual gifts. 1 Cor 14 is clear that we should desire all the spiritual gifts, especially prophesy, since it has incredible value amongst the body. So while we cannot determine whether or not we will receive such gifts, we can certainly make ourselves available to receive them as we so desire.

Not all people will receive all gifts. We know that is true, because though Paul wished all spoke in tongues, not all did. Additionally, not all people will be quickened to walk in power in a particular area of ministry at all times.

When spiritual gifts are at work, we must be incredibly careful to be submissive to the scriptures and the historic Christian faith. My point is that the theological error of one group shouldn't poison the well for everyone.

[Abiding in His Word]

My point is that the theological error of one group shouldn't poison the well for everyone

Agreed. It's important to be informed about groups that are promoting scriptural error.

[FreeInHim]

He gave guidelines to confirming prophetic words:

1.) Compare to scripture
2.) Test it via "inner witness" - i.e. does it feel like it fits? If it doesn't feel right, don't accept it.
3.) Submit it to leadership.

I have to tell you that the Mormon church also uses this short list as part of their guidelines, particularly the "feeling" aspect of it and the submission to its leadership.

"Inner witness." Sounds like a nice "Christian-y" phrase for "feelings." Sorry, but feelings are fallible, the Word is not. Scripture is to be our guide, ALL things are to be tested via scripture. I fail to see the purpose of modern day prophets, with the exception of the two witnesses, and they will be in a region where they're needed at the proper time. Christians don't need modern day prophets; we already know what's coming and what signs to watch for because our Savior already told us.

I find this entire prophetic movement troubling and illegitimate. Yes, I know some will prophesize in the last days, but I have to look at this logically. Why would God put prophets inside His own churches, and on this sort of scale? Why would already confirmed Christians have a need for them? Prophecy is for leading people to Christ, to Salvation. So why would they be popping up in so many circles of believers?

Sounds like a whole lot of deception going on.