Prophets, and prophecy

Over the last few years, I've become increasingly concerned about "false" prophets in the church. There has been very little teaching on "False Prophets" and "false Apostles" even though the bible warns us about the problem. Here are a few thoughts: (1) The character, integrity, and lifestyle of a person tells you a lot about who they are. When someone has been engaged in a lifestyle of addiction whether sexual or substance abuse they are disqualified from all leadership according to the scripture. The only restoration they should seek is to the Lord not to a ministry capacity. The american charismatic church scene has turned a blind eye to this matter and accepted people over and over who "prophecy" but lack a lifestyle consistent to "leadership".

(2) Much of what is called "prophetic" tends to be like "fortune-telling". I need a word. The New Testament explains to us that the scripture is our guidelines to not only operating the gift of prophecy but also explains that all can hear the spirit and "prophecy". So we don't people give us the latest insight or cutting edge word. It's shear divination in the church. Prophets are intercessors, healers, teachers of God's word. All prophecy should point to Christ not "self". All prophecy is to be judged - which means examined - not just taken at face value. It is always to be corporate. Read the Bible please.

(3) Who holds those engaged in these matters accountable. The scriptures express clearly the "All Prophecy is the testimony of Jesus". What's the testimony about? How God is gonna give you a new car, lots of money, etc. Prophetic words given in scrpitures have to do with famines, healing of disease, blindness, childless women being given promises of having children, nations rising and falling, calls to repentance and fasting, reconciliations, warnings of war, and so on. However, let be clear if it isn't in the bible then we should not be practicing it. Has anyone considered doing an intense biblical study of prophetic words in scripture and examining it against modern "false prophetic" movements.

(4) The gift of prophecy is given as the testimony of Jesus. The Holy Spirit doesn't even speak of himself. Why then is there such clamour given to "personalities" who claim to have the latest word? It's not about them... All prophecy should be directing people to Christ. How many people are coming to Christ as a direct result of the exercise of this gifting in the church?

Ephesian 4:11ff states that the "Prophet" is given to the church to equip the saints in THEIR work of ministry... not to get the saints to support the prophets ministry. How many teaching conferences are there being held in the modern pentecostal/charismatic streams on teaching people how to "listen," "move in words of knowledge," or "discern," and learn how to "prophecy" or speak into other people's hearts and lives that result in them turning to Christ, being healed, delivered from evil spirits, or set free from bondages? This is true prophetic ministry and usually a ministry that isn't concerned about money to continue the "PROPHETS" ministry.

(5) Finally, why is it that these so called "prophets" are not a part of local church pastoral

teams. Paid staff members, accountable, and a part of a local church eldership? The church at Antioch had "prophets and teachers" as it guiding leadership team. Notice they were not under apostles - they heard and sent out apostles... which is why heirarchy was not a part of the early church. Jesus said I no longer call you servants but friends. Servants have heirarchy. How do friends do ministry together? True New Testament ministry is not based on position rather it is based on "relationship" one to another. The giftings outlined and spoken of in 1 Cor. 13-14 are resident with the Holy Spirit not an individual. That's why they are called "The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit" and he distributes the necessary gifts as he wills... so just because "prophecy" is exercised by someone it does not make him or her a prophet. A prophet is called to uplift and assist in the building up of the local church and partnering with others in planting ministries in places where the gospel is not preached and the multitudes who live in a Christ-less world.