1 John 4:1
BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
I noticed a lot of activity in the Church regarding 5 fold ministry callings. I highly doubt the validity of these claims. The Bible does say many false prophets will appear, and guess what, they are definitely here.
Most people who say they are Apostles and Prophets do not display the giftings or operate under the authority given that office. I am therefore very skeptical of many people who have fixed their title to the offices described. .What really bothers me however is that many Christian do not understand the requirements of the office they claim to have.
Here is an example;
The office of the Prophet is to bring correction in the church through a word of knowledge, that is rarely done if at all. The Prophet is to sound the alarm for pending judgement on sin and that is rarely done. Notice the actions of The Apostle Peter operating in the office of an Apostle.
Acts 5:8
And Peter responded to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?" And she said, "Yes, that was the price."
Acts 5:9
Then Peter said to her, "Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well."
Acts 5:10
And immediately she fell at his feet and breathed her last, and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
The authority is demonstrated and authenticated by addressing sin and brining about either correction or judgement.
Here is Paul brining about correction, this verse addresses judging, YES judging is RIGHT!, when is judging wrong ??? When you are not in the position to judge.. meaning without the spirit of GOD you can not judge righteously. Read the scripture
1 Cor 5:1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife.
Another striking difference between Prophets who are false and those you are truly sent by GOD. They will speak a prophcy and it will come true 100%. The prophecy will not be a vague generality.
For many who through misunderstanding have concluded that this kind of thing only happened in the Old Testament, please note the Book of Acts referenced occurred under the New Testament..
One more example that I just could not resist sharing
Acts 21:9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses.
Acts 21:10 As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
Acts 21:11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: 'In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
Here we have Christians appointed as Prophets by GOD who do more than just say things that are so called intended to edify. This Prophecy is a WARNING.. If you are a prophet yet you have never ever uttered a warning in this sin filled world I do have a problem believing you.
And lastly the sign of an Apostle is described below, do not accept any counterfeits!!!
2 Cor 12:11 Now I have been [speaking like] a fool! But you forced me to it, for I ought to have been [saved the necessity and] commended by you. For I have not fallen short one bit or proved myself at all inferior to those superlative [false] apostles [of yours], even if I am nothing (a nobody).
2 Cor 12:12 Indeed, the signs that indicate a [genuine] apostle were performed among you fully and most patiently in miracles and wonders and mighty works.
