RE: [TruthTalk] Definition of "Prophet?"

[ShieldsFamily]

Thanks, Slade.  One point I’d like to clarify is that it takes more humility to admit one’s gifts openly than it does to put them under a bushel.  If you admit to your gifts you are inviting immediate criticism from those so inclined.  It takes maturity to be willing to honor God by admitting to the gifts He has given you, and be willing to accept the cynicism/flak. There was a time that I was too “humble” to accept compliments for my capabilities in various areas, but now I have learned to just say, “Thank You, it’s a gift the Lord has blessed me with.”  What do you see as the difference between a Prophetic gift and a gift of Encouragement?  Izzy   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Slade Henson Sent: Friday, March 28, 2003 2:09 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [TruthTalk] Definition of "Prophet?"   The Bible uses five key words that are often translated as prophet:    Hebrew:     Roeh -- seer     Chozeh -- seer     Navi, Neviah -- one called to speak [on behalf of God] Aramaic:     Nevi -- one called to speak [for God] Greek:     prophetes -- -one who speaks before [God], one who speaks for [God]     pneumatikos -- spiritual ones   Prophets are not supposed to be crystal balls that we can look into to see which step we should take at what time, or to determine which lottery number to buy. Instead, the Neviim are to instruct and encourage a right way of living before YHVH and they often (not always) describe the curse associated with a continued bad behavior. Generally, prophets use "If-then" statements in their prophesies (although I know dozens of examples contrary exist).   We as Human Beans :-) tend to concentrate on the "THEN" part of their prophesies, which give them the reputation for being portals to the mysterious future. HOWEVER, we need to be concentrating on the "IF" part of their statements so the "then" will NOT come to pass.   Most importantly, Revelation 19:9-10 says: Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God." Then I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Yeshua; worship God. For the testimony of Yeshua is the Spirit of Prophecy." It's been my experience that those who are "prophets" have a tendency to be unaware of their gift (or extremely humble). They quietly or privately give a word or passage here and there that perfectly fits a person's need (for comfort or correction) at that time. When the word is for correction, it tends to be ill-received and the prophet is called names, ridiculed, or sternly rebuked... and the "prophet" has no idea why. Those who like to display their "prophetic gift" like a peacock are compelled by their flesh and are not prophets at all. YHVH has used them in spite of themselves. Would I be so bold as to say these self-proclaimed prophets are false prophets?   What do you think, Glenn?   -- slade ----- Original Message ----- From: ShieldsFamily To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, 28 March, 2003 08:29 Subject: RE: [TruthTalk] Post Bible Revelation               Slade, Would you define the word “prophet” for us? Do you think it is someone who prophecies the future, necessarily? Izzy