Prophets, Apostles, and the Authority of Scripture: Chasing Prophecies or Seeking God’s Confirmation? ©
Note: This image was originally painted in the 1990s by my friend Harold Lee. I shared the vision with him and asked him to bring it to life for the youth Sunday School class I taught at Liberty Temple Universal Church of Christ in Orange, New Jersey, now Greater Liberty Temple in Newark, New Jersey. Changes were made for this blog.
In Scripture, there is a difference between chasing prophecies and seeking God’s confirmation.
Chasing prophecy often begins with a desire for someone to tell us what we want to hear. Seeking God’s confirmation begins with a desire to know and obey His will. At times, God may lead us to a prophet—not to discover His will, but to confirm what He has already placed on our hearts.
I believe Christ still gives apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to His Church for the equipping of the saints and the edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11–13). However, I distinguish today’s apostolic ministry from that of the original Apostles of the New Testament. The original Apostles were uniquely chosen by Christ to lay the foundation of His Church and deliver His inspired revelation. Those who serve in apostolic ministry today do not add to Scripture or possess the authority of the original Apostles. Rather, they function as church planters, spiritual overseers, and ministry pioneers who help equip the saints and strengthen the Body of Christ.
No one today writes Scripture. No one today adds to “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Every apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pastoral, and teaching ministry is subject to the authority of God’s written Word.
SELAH
Pause. Reflect. Consider who Jesus is.
Peace & Blessing!