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Rating: Summary: Helps to clear up error in modern Christianity Review: Do you know that Jehovah, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, is a God that speaks? Do you know that He is passionate to speak to us today? So how do you hear the voice of God? There are many ways God speaks to us, and one way is through the prophetic calling on the life of another. The problem we face today is that there are many false prophets that are trying to draw a following to themselves, rather than drawing them to the heart of God. In this book John Bevere defines the work of a true prophet, the signs of a false prophet, and how to protect yourself from being led astray by false prophets and false prophetic words. I do not know why some have reviewed the book and said that it lacks scriptural foundation. All of Bevere's works are loaded with scripture, and this book is no exception. John does use examples from his life and the lives of others that he has witnessed, but in each instance these examples are anchored by a scriptural basis. All of John's works have a personal element to them. He uses the trials and situations he has faced or that he has seen others face to explain how he came to the understanding that he is putting on paper or in his message. It is through the trials and afflictions the Christian faces in daily life that we learn more about ourselves and more about God. It was only after Abraham put Isaac on the alter that he came to know God as Jehovah Jireh! It is when we are pressed on all sides, as Paul said, yet remain obedient that we come to a deeper knowledge of God. It is precisely this process that John uses to explain his understanding of the word. Biblical concepts can sometimes be difficult to understand, but a good minister can take examples from lives he has witnessed and use them to illustrate a point made in the Word. This is nothing new, as preachers as far back as Enoch have been doing this very thing. The truth of God's Word is eternal, but it is most powerful when demonstrated in the lives of people. This is why the Word of God includes so many historical accounts of men like David and Saul, Samson, Abraham, etc. It is to show the revelation of God's glory and the truth of His Word through their lives. It is written in Hosea "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge". This book will help you to understand why people are led astray and how to avoid being led astray yourself. The book should also inspire in you a desire to intimately know God! It is when we are close to Him and obedient to His will that we find true joy and happiness, and divine protection from error!
Rating: Summary: Thoughtful, biblical, timely, inspired Review: I would suggest to all those reading this book to be cautious. As the reason that this book was written was from a wound received by the author's wife. Information was compiled from others with like situations. Words from the Lord are to be chewed through-thoroughly....they are always to be confirmed by the Word of God....the Logos.....and then the Holy Spirit, by those to whom they are given. Often, immature believers jump on a prophetic word.....and try to make it come to pass.....or allow it to override, what the Lord is presently doing in their lives. Rather than waiting for the Lord to bring it to pass. This is a book to be weeded through carefully.....I had many red-flags while reading it. It does not correlate with the Teachings of Paul....while teaching the church at Corinth....that was moving in all the gifts of the Spirit...wildly......Paul did not caution the church to stop prophesying....to stop moving in the gifts.......instead, he exhorted them to desire them even more. He did not minister to them with fear......but rather with the drawing of the Holy Spirit....to a deeper more intimate walk with Jesus ....which brings purity to all we do......
Rating: Summary: Has great points, but is lacking a scriptural foundation. Review: This is a great book for those who are grounded in and familiar with the gift of prophecy and the prophetic ministry. If the reader is unfamiliar with the fact that God still speaks today, he/she is most likely to never want to be a part of the prophetic ministry after reading this book. The book does a fair though sometimes un-biblical job of explaining when God isn't speaking through someone, but really doesn't explain positive examples of prophecy. Bevere does a wonderful job of explaining how Idolatry in the heart can taint words from God as well as other flags that prophetic people should be watching for in their lives. But over all he paints a negative picture of the ministry today, and many people will pick this book up and throw the baby out with the bath water. If you are looking for a good book on how God speaks today through his Church and through people, I would suggest that you pick up Jack Deere's Surprised By The Voice of God. It is much more scholarly and more scriptural centered. I believe that Deere is also releasing another book in early 2001 titled A Beginners Guide To Prophecy, though I haven't read this book, it will most likely have the same sound biblical context that this ex-Dallas Theological Seminary professor brings to all his books. John Bevere is an incredible author/speaker/minister, but this isn't one of his better books. I would recommend rather his other great titles like Fear of The Lord and The Bait of Satan.
Rating: Summary: Has great points, but is lacking a scriptural foundation. Review: This is a great book for those who are grounded in and familiar with the gift of prophecy and the prophetic ministry. If the reader is unfamiliar with the fact that God still speaks today, he/she is most likely to never want to be a part of the prophetic ministry after reading this book. The book does a fair though sometimes un-biblical job of explaining when God isn't speaking through someone, but really doesn't explain positive examples of prophecy. Bevere does a wonderful job of explaining how Idolatry in the heart can taint words from God as well as other flags that prophetic people should be watching for in their lives. But over all he paints a negative picture of the ministry today, and many people will pick this book up and throw the baby out with the bath water. If you are looking for a good book on how God speaks today through his Church and through people, I would suggest that you pick up Jack Deere's Surprised By The Voice of God. It is much more scholarly and more scriptural centered. I believe that Deere is also releasing another book in early 2001 titled A Beginners Guide To Prophecy, though I haven't read this book, it will most likely have the same sound biblical context that this ex-Dallas Theological Seminary professor brings to all his books. John Bevere is an incredible author/speaker/minister, but this isn't one of his better books. I would recommend rather his other great titles like Fear of The Lord and The Bait of Satan.
Rating: Summary: Inspired no doubt... Review: This is a wonderful work by a modern day church prophet, John Bevere. He holds nothing back in this book concerning the role of the prophet, and prophetic in the Church. A good book for the church at large and extra helpful for those who have a prophetic gifting in the Lord to keep aware of the possible deception that the false prophet might have on a congregation, and as a warning to those who are prophetic of things satan will do.
Rating: Summary: One of Bevere's best Review: This is an excellent and balanced practical treatment of modern day prophecy in the church. Those who would disagree should take a close look at the prophetic ministries that have shipwrecked through considering themselves somehow above accountability and the scriptures (due to possessing higher revelation).
It is normal and natural for the christian to desire to see the working and power of God in our lives. The problem comes from desiring the power without pursuing the godly character that would allow us to walk as Paul walked.
A ministry that purports to overflow with power and gifts of the Spirit that doesn't also overflow with the fruit of the Spirit (peace, love, joy, humility etc.) should be viewed with caution. Add to that a flamboyant and conspicuous lifestyle and the alarm bells should start to ring.
Paul warned us of false christs, prophets and ministers, John warned us, even our Lord Jesus warned us--why waste the space and time in scripture if it wasn't really a concern to the church?
BOTTOMLINE questions to ask concerning a ministry/minister: 1) Who are they serving, God or mammon (wealth)? and 2) What kind of fruit are they producing (character, not works).
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