The Power of Five: Part Two

The second part in all of this is the role of the prophet.  Prophets in the Bible were used of God to foretell events or heed warnings to the people of a certain nation.  How does that relate to the local church setting.  It could relate in various ways; however, I am only wanting to hit on one.  The prophet of God always had accountability.  If a prophecy was given and it was off then there was a lot for that prophet to lose including his life.  At times in our churches people throw around, "God told me" or say "God said" without any regard to the consequences.  We live in a day and age where people have lost there fear of God, so there is very little hesitation in saying those things; however, if God isn't saying it then let's not give him credit for it.  All we do is bring confusion to the unbeliever or the young in faith when our so called prophecy doesn't come true.  I'm not saying that God doesn't use people in the prophetic because I think that He very much still does, but I am saying that if you are going to give a word from the Lord, you better make sure it's really from Him.  Not everything that people say is taken correctly from God's Word.  A quote from the book Remnant says, "It's not just what the Bible says, it's what the Bible ALSO says."  We have to take the Bible in its entirety.  

The Accountability thing is a whole other animal; however, just as important.  It's important for all of us to have someone that we are accountable to.  They have to be consistent, open and honest and we must be the same.  Accountability is only as good as the people facilitating it.  If you are not good about showing up for accountability then your not being accountable.  It's important for us to be accountable and be consistent with it.  Allow someone the platform to speak into your life and be able to let you know when you are off in left field somewhere.