Prophetic – The Definition
The word “prophetic” is defined in Webster’s dictionary as follows:
Websters: pro·phet·ic /prəˈfɛtɪk/ Show Spelled[pruh-fet-ik] adjective
- of or pertaining to a prophet: prophetic inspiration.
- of the nature of or containing prophecy: prophetic writings.
- having the function or powers of a prophet, as a person.
- predictive; presageful or portentous; ominous: prophetic signs; prophetic warnings.
In order to understand “the prophetic” from a biblical standpoint, it would make the most sense to look at the behavior of prophets of the bible. Prophets were always a spokesperson for God, calling the children of Israel back to obedience to His commandments. Their behavior could be classified as “odd”, especially when you look at prophetis like Ezekiel and Isaiah, but the “end goal” of their demonstrations was always to display Israel’s unfaithfulness, the punishment that would result from that unfaithfulness, and the benefits that could follow IF they repented.
Contrary to popular belief, a True Prophet’s M.O. (Method of Operation) has not changed. They are instruments of God, used to call His people to repentance and obedience to the commandments of God. Now, let’s contrast that with our modern day “prophetic movement”.
The Prophetic Movement and the Elijah Generation
What is known today as the “Prophetic Movement” has been a subject of debate in christian circles since around 1994, when it burst onto the scene with events like the Toronto Revival. Since then, “prophetic ministries” have sent emissaries to various churches to spread the revival (aka: “spread the fire”) to other churches throughout the world. Alleged “prophets” arising from this movements are Bob Jones, Paul Keith Davis, Paul Cain and others. Hot on their heels are the “next generation” prophets, who rose to popularity after the year 2000. Chad Taylor, Todd Bentley, Ryan Wyatt, and Matt Sorger were some of the first “Elijah Generation” prophets, and more are being added to the list each year.
Prophetic: the Modern Day Definition
In today’s church culture, to be “prophetic” usually means to be a spokesperson for God. An unscriptural, “church culture”-imposed requirement is that you must always speak positive words. If you speak any words in the form of correction (like the prophets in the bible), you are deemed a “bitter” or “angry” prophet who ministers out of the hurt he has experienced, and thereby unworthy of the church’s attention. It’s like Isaiah 30:9-10 is being replayed before our very eyes:
Isaiah: 30:9-10 “For this is a rebellious people, faithless and lying sons, children who will not hear the law and instruction of the Lord; Who [virtually] say to the seers [by their conduct], See not! and to the prophets, Prophesy not to us what is right! Speak to us smooth things, prophesy deceitful illusions.”
Additionally, in order to be considered “prophetic” within the church, not only must you always speak positive words, but you should also have the accompanying “manifestations”, which usually include shaking, jerking, “spiritual drunkenness” and nonsensical utterances. I’m not talking about “speaking in tongues” here, I’m talking literal nonsense.
Don’t believe me? Just watch any John Crowder video.
Modern Day Prophets & Prophecy – the Elijah Generation?
Modern day prophets and prophecy bear no resemblance to the prophets and prophecy in the Word of God (either Old Testament or New Testament). Some of these people have good hearts, but they are caught up in the deception that has been called God’s “New Thing”. There are also very immoral and wicked people in the prophetic movement who live double lives. They are showmen, performing for a people who are more enamored with celebrity and “spirituality” than drawing close to the Master through humble obedience. Both types of people involved in the “prophetic movement” promote a “supernatural life” with little or no foundation in the Word of God.
To try to pin down doctrines is a difficult task. They do profess Jesus as the Messiah and only means to God, but they only pay lip service to a person’s need to repent. VERY few “prophets” bring up repentance in their teaching. Mostly, they teach people to focus on and seek after angelic encounters, glory clouds, and the miraculous.
Obviously, there is nothing wrong with having an encounter with God, I fully believe in the miraculous. But to seek the signs without any form of repentance or purity is putting the cart before the horse. God does not put on a show for someone just to thrill their senses, He is more interested in a vessel that has emptied itself of it’s own desires and needs.
My 7 Years Working for a Prophetic Ministry
Why am I writing all this? What’s my point?
I worked 7 years for a prophetic ministry where I saw many bazaar manifestations and heard many “words” that were supposed to be “prophetic” in nature. Sadly, few of them came true, and almost none of them lined up with God’s Holy Word. I also witnessed much greed, licentiousness, paranoia, fear and witchcraft. It took many years for me to be healed from this experience and to rebuild a solid foundation on the Word of God.
- If you’re curious about the prophetic movement and want to know what it’s all about, read my story to get an insider’s glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.
- If you’re involved with the prophetic movement and feel that something is wrong, read my story, and be comforted in knowing you are NOT wrong!
- If you’re involved in the prophetic movement, and love everything about it. If you’re involved in the prophetic and what I’m writing is making you mad …. I love you and I’m concerned for your very soul! Just read my story and see if it doesn’t line up with the Word, then make your choice. I’ll love you regardless.
Feel free to read my story here: “My 7 Years Working for the Elijah List”.
For the Love of the Search,
Kevin Kleint
Email: kevin@honorofkings.org
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