“Let The Prophets Speak”
By George J. Matranga
“Let’s wipe out every trace of God,” they said, and went through the entire country burning down the assembly places where we worshiped you. There is nothing left to show that we are your people. The prophets are gone, and who can say when it all will end? How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to dishonor your name? Will you let them get away with this forever?” Ps. 74:8-11 TLB
America was founded upon Christianity but by the looks and sounds of her today, one would never know it. It has rapidly become an overt occurrence to wipe out who we are as a people and every vestige of God in our American national life. Never in all my years have I experienced the increased pursuance to change our laws and silence the church of Jesus Christ and faithful men and women of God. If you don’t believe that we are living in the end-times, then truly the lack of signs of our Christian heritage should convince you. “We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet…” Ps. 74:9 KJV God’s enemies weren’t happy just to remove Nativity scenes and crosses from the public square. These secularists intend to even sanitize our vocabulary from references to Jesus Christ unless, however, it is condescending. We have shoved God out of our American consciousness to make room for a godless mind set. We look and sound more foreign every day. Political correctness is robbing us of our own national identity and time honored traditions.
The whole world around us has gone mad. “…All the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles upon which rests the administration of justice] are shaking.” Ps. 82:5 AMP While horrific persecution of Christians is growing around the world, the overt suppression of the church in America is amping up. Where is the outcry? Where are the prophets? There is more of an outcry to protect Islam than Christianity. The mind of America has become debased and profane. The truth is: America is under God’s judgement. “But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.” Rom. 1:18 NLT It is obvious that the haters of God have the upper hand in our nation. They aren’t afraid to raise their voices. The voice of the church has been crippled by fear, intimidation and complacency. To blaspheme the true God of our founding is trendy today especially in Hollywood. We have been given over. American television continues to mock, insult, and blaspheme Jesus Christ every day. “…God gave them over to a debased mind…being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness…murder, strife…haters of God, violent, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful…” Rom. 1:28,29,30,31 NKJV Even an atheist can’t deny these signs in our culture today. So where are the prophets? This I know when a true prophet does speak up, they are immediately vilified, not only by the world but also by the church. Yet I say let the prophets speak!
A few years before 9/11, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that an American airliner was going to crash into New York City. I was so troubled that I immediately dismissed it…this couldn’t be God I thought. However, over the years it grew so strong that I reluctantly confided in a fellow minister with a prophetic calling, as well as with my wife and a few staff members. Yet, when the plane crashed into the World Trade Center, I was shocked, grieved and broken hearted. Sometime after, I posted that this was a sure sign that God is judging our nation. I remember being rebuked by a nationally known minister friend saying that it’s not God’s judgement because God is love. He said that basically, the Bible is for believers and sinners do what sinners do. I retorted that John the Baptist must have lost his head for nothing when he rebuked a secular court for breaking God’s laws of marriage. I guess His ‘word of faith’ and ‘love without justice’ doctrine doesn’t allow for Jonah, Obadiah, and Nahum either. “The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God.” Ps. 9:17 NLT
After the 9/11 tragedy, one of the staff members that I confided in was so moved that she did a study on the office of the prophet. Here is a brief excerpt of her study:
A prophet is defined, again, both literally and spiritually as – someone who proclaims a revelation or who speaks for another, especially for God. Specifically, in the Jewish and Christian faith, an instrument of divine revelation through whom God discloses His will, His law, and sometimes future events.
A prophet’s message is not his, it is God’s and will always be characterized as a faithful proclamation of God’s word. A prophet and the ministry of the prophet are, as called by God, to warn, exhort, comfort and edify. A prophet exposes sin, proclaims righteousness, warns of judgement to come, and combats worldliness and lukewarmness among God’s people. During times of lukewarmness and apostasy a prophets message of righteousness is most often rejected.
Prophets are essential to God’s purpose in the church. A prophet’s message is not infallible. They are subject to evaluation of the church, God’s word and other prophets. However, a church that will not receive the words of a true prophet is a church on the brink of becoming governed by political and worldly power instead of renewing its fellowship with Christ and its sins forsaken.
A prophetic ministry holds God’s standard of righteousness. There are certain key words associated with the character of the prophet. Righteousness – right, to make right, upright or judged by the standard of God’s holy law, which is derived from His holy character. Man by himself, can never be righteous. Only through the atoning work of Christ can man be made “right”. A prophet brings God’s standard of righteousness to the people so that the people, through sanctification can progressively be made righteous in character and conduct.
The Early New Testament Prophets
“Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.” This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.” Acts 15:1-3 NIV
In the early church there was a powerful move of God among the Gentiles who were getting saved and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Certain men, obviously Jews who were converted, tried to use the Law of Moses to clamp down on the new Gentile believers. Paul and Barnabas so strongly disputed the matter that it was decided that they would be sent to the Apostles in Jerusalem for an answer. Upon arrival, they testified of the marvelous miracles God did through them among the Gentiles. Peter rises up and preaches that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ the Gentiles shall be saved in the same manner as they. After further testimony from Paul and Barnabas, the Apostle James answers and says: “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:” Acts 15:15 NKJV After saying this, He quotes scripture that verifies and backs up the decision.
A prophetic voice claiming to be from God will always agree with God’s word. It is important to know what God has written. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Is. 8:20 KJV Many today have their favorite preachers and are prone to believe and follow anything they say. After all they are the prominent ones, the experts, the anointed… and we shouldn’t judge. One would think that even their opinions are equal with scripture. The Apostle Paul wrote: “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” I Cor. 4:6 KJV The word “think” here means: entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; (mentally) disposed (more or less in a certain direction). Not only do I not want others to think beyond what they see and hear in me but I find myself getting in trouble when my mind thinks beyond what is written. I must arm myself, meditate and renew my mind with the word of God always. Not only for my mental health but so I may wisely discern God’s voice and what He is saying especially among the many voices today. “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.” I Cor. 14:10 KJV In order to confront the forces of evil in our time we must know what is written. Remember, when Jesus was tempted by the devil, He answered first by saying, “It is written.” (Matt 4: 1-4)
According to Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council sends leading men among the brethren back to Antioch with a letter of conformation of their decision. “Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.” Acts 15:27 TNIV Along with the letter, the brethren are chosen to verbally confirm what the council had written. These were proven and trusted men who had risked their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not those with inflated opinions of themselves and their own ministries. “So, when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren with a lengthy message.” Acts 15:30-32 NASB Notice that prophets were sent by the apostles to confirm the will of God. “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets…” I Cor. 12:28 NKJV Although a lengthy message, these prophets encouraged and lifted the burden of the ones who had been troubled. What these prophets preached not only comforted but verbally agreed with what God said He would do. To hear it today one would think that the prophet preaches nothing but doom and gloom. It’s only doom and gloom to those who are living in sin and resisting the will of God. It’s always a joy to hear the inspired word of God from those who love and obey God.
The Amplified Bible says that prophets are inspired interpreters of the will and purposes of God. For the church not to recognize true prophets today is dangerous. Much of the church in America today is culture driven, not Bible driven. From ancient times to these end-times the worldly church hates the truth tellers – the prophets. “They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.” Amos 5:10 KJV For the church to grow strong especially in these turbulent times we need all the gifted offices of ministry – the five-fold ministry to nurture the body of Christ. I thank God for all the sincere and authentic shepherds laboring in Christ’s kingdom. The pastor by himself, according to scripture, cannot do it alone – it is not God’s design for a strong and healthy church. (Eph. 4:11-16)
A few years ago, a pastor friend asked me to cover his pulpit for a Sunday morning service while he was out of town. I had just returned from a mission trip to Vietnam and I admit I was fired up. I preached a word I believed from heaven and thought all was well. A few days later, after getting back in town, the pastor called me and asked if he could visit with me. While having lunch, he launches into me about how hard my message and delivery was for a Sunday morning service. He went on to instruct me in how to be more gentle and palatable. He had what others would say a ‘pastor’s heart’ – his disposition and manner of speech was text book congenial and he dripped with love and honey. Interestingly, he didn’t talk about my message but about me. Yet, I wanted to be teachable and receive correction. I left that meeting kicking myself with exhausted self-examination. I remember for years after that I tripped over myself trying to find my way as a preacher. I became more concerned about ‘how’ I was preaching instead of what God was saying. Then years later, I was stunned by the evening news: this same pastor’s mug-shot appeared –– he had been arrested! Now he was dressed in an orange Harris County jump suit. He was accused by numerous women of the church for having affairs and sexual liaisons in his church office. Although shocked, I called and spoke with one of the elders I knew from his church. I asked how could this have happened and have gone undetected for so long. Didn’t any of the prophets see this coming? I will never forget what the elder said, “George, the pastor kicked out all the prophets!”
A tragic case in point but nevertheless true…he lost everything! Not consciously but we have dumbed-down our ministers in the name of love and compassion. How many of our ministers, like myself, have been neutered of passionate preaching. I ask you how is it working for us? The church is shining less light today and the world is growing darker. Would you want to be in a fox hole with a slurpy soldier? “My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you — but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.” Gal. 4:19-20 NASB My kids when they were little growing up nick-named me ‘The Tone’. They knew how to discern their father’s voice of correction and discipline. The Apostle Paul had a real pastor’s heart because he loved like a true father! “What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” I Cor. 4:21 NIV Love and compassion is not devoid of correction and discipline. It is because we love that we correct. (Prov. 3:11-12)
I believe in being planted in the house of God. (Heb. 10:25) A large church that we once attended had a pristine multimedia presence. The pastor is an eloquent teacher. Everything was in perfect order: spit polished preaching – non-judgmental, non-offensive and positive approach – perfect for the new American culture. By the time everything was explained away there was no move of God and no conviction…mundane, banal and predictable. When the Spirit tried to move He was quickly shut down. Why? Because this church is man centered not Christ centered.
My personal preference; give me a preacher that’s been in the presence of God – a man who loves God. A man of prayer and conviction. One who speaks from the throne – passionate and transparent. I’m not offended if he spits, makes a mistake or speaks imperfectly. If he doesn’t quite finish his sentence the Holy Spirit will finish it in my heart. Why? Because we know and love the same Father. The very church of Corinth that Paul founded couldn’t quite grasp it either. He had the same battles. “For they say ‘His letters are authoritative and forcible, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and as for eloquence, he has none.’” II Cor. 10:10 Weymouth Nice doesn’t account for holiness. Always being nice is not the credentials for being a man of God. Yet our flesh falls for it almost every time. It is what we’ve been groomed to believe what a preacher should be like today in such a godless culture. The Apostle Paul kept it real. “But I don’t think I’m in any way less important than those “super-apostle.” I may not be a trained speaker. But I do have knowledge. I’ve made that very clear to you in every way.” II Cor. 11:5-6 NIRV
The Bible says that the church of the living God is the pillar and ground of truth. (I Tim. 2:15) Wherever God lives, He will move. I had almost come out of my seat belt as I was driving one day. I heard the governor of Texas say in a radio interview that the churches had better start teaching its people the difference between right and wrong. What? That’s a no brainer. It’s what the church should be doing. For a secular official to make this statement shows us just how far from the narrow way we have strayed.
The Rise Of False Prophets And False Shepherds
“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” Matt. 24:12 NKJV Since the American church has not risen to the occasion – ‘for such a time as this’ – it has created a vacuum for the false prophets to gain ground. The only popular prophets these days are the false prophets. The more worldly the people, the more the false shepherds for the pickins’. “A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?” Jer. 5:30-31 TNIV I can hardly stomach Christian TV these days. I know godly people who can’t find a strong church to attend. I read where finding a solid church became a believer’s biggest challenge in 2015. I believe it! False teaching is off the charts. False teachers promise much and deliver little. We are in a moral crisis and at war with satan but some would have it that we are cruising on a peace train. “They are swindlers and liars, from the least of them right to the top! Yes, even my prophets and priests! You can’t heal a wound by saying it’s not there! Yet the priests and prophets give assurances of peace when all is war.” Jer. 6:13-15 TLB
Many today are falling prey to Christian motivational preaching. It makes them feel good. There is no Cross in it – no sin – and it appeals to self and goes no deeper. It makes for soft, worldly and shallow Christians…if there is such a thing. A motivational speaker is not the same as a Holy Ghost inspired preacher. It may sound uplifting and positive but it’s deceptive and lures to a false peace. “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy from their own inspiration, ‘Listen to the word of the Lord!’ ‘Thus says the Lord God,’” “Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing.” Ezek. 13:2-3 NASU Jeremiah says it this way. “They say still unto them that despise me, The Lord hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.” Jer. 23:17 KJV The word imagination here means: twisted. These false preachers are speaking out of their own twisted heart even twisting the word of God. While these smooth talkers are alluring and know how to pull at your heart strings, just know it’s leading away from the true God to a place of shipwreck. The Apostle Peter warns us with this: “Remember that while our Lord is waiting patiently to return, people are being saved. Our dear brother Paul also wrote to you about that…He speaks about what I have just told you. His letters include some things that are hard to understand. People who don’t know better and aren’t firm in the faith twist what he says. They twist the other Scriptures too. So they will be destroyed. Dear friends…be on your guard. Then you won’t be led down the wrong path…” II Pet. 3:15,16,17 NIRV
Let The True Prophets Speak
You see, Dear reader, prophets are needed not only to warn but to prepare God’s people for the end times. “But if there are Prophets, let two or three speak and let the rest judge.” I Cor. 14:29 Weymouth Brethren, again I say, let the prophets speak!