Discerning Between True and False Apostles/Prophets (Part 2-2).

By Agur Israel Thomas

07-19-2020 (Updated: 14 November, 2020).

^{Qualifications of a True Apostle & Prophet – Part 2: Miraculous Healings}

• Faith, in of itself, is not a vital requirement for one to be healed (2 Kings 5:10-14 & Matthew 17:20).  
  – The reason why Jesus healed to the woman with an issue of blood to the Roman Centurion with a mortally ill servant is because they believed He was the Messiah…not just because He has the power to heal (John 11:23-27).  
  – Their faith was such that the former needed only to touch the hem of His garment (Matthew 9:20-22) & the Centurion required only His word… without physically meeting him
  – Not only that, He healed even if their faith did not lead to their salvation (Luke 17:12-19), because miracles was to the Jews, proof that one came from God (Exodus 4:1-9 & 1 Corinthians 1:22); thus, He was performing miracles as a testimonial proof that He is the Messiah & the Son of God (Hebrews 2:3-4)  
• Healings must be done simply, and plainly
• Healing happens immediately.  
  – In the Old Testament Naaman, Captain of the Syrian Army had Leprosy & was healed when Elisha instructed him to dip seven times in the Jordan river [Note that he had serious doubts over Elisha’s claim because the latter would not come to him and had to the seemingly silly thing of dipping himself seven times to be healed. (2 Kings 5:10-14)] 
  – However, in the New Testament, Jesus gave a simple instruction & it was done (Mark 2:8-12)
  – The only exception was in John 9 with the healing of the blind man, and yet when applied, the healing was instantaneous (John 9:1-7)  

• Your healings must be absolute as the person you’re helping must have a complete healing.  For example, if s/he has a type of Cancer that tended to return, that form of cancer must be completely gone and to never return (John 5:14)
• Healings must be open to all.  Jesus healed not just the Blind & the Deaf but the profoundly disabled (Mark 2:3-12), The Lepers (Luke 17:12-19), and those with severed organs, limbs, etc (Luke 22:50-51) 
• You must be ready and willing to defend your Apostleship or Prophetship (1 Corinthians 9:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:2, & 11:13-15)
  

Beware Of False Apostles and Prophets

There are many people who’ve called themselves Apostles and Prophets, and will likely continue until Christ returns. From my perspective, there are far more false Apostles and Prophets than there are bonafide due to the sheer popularity and need of miracles.

The True Nature of False Apostles and Prophets

The popularity and need for miracles would naturally spring forth charlatans who would claim Apostleship or Prophetship can almost be compared to those committing Stolen Valor, pretending to be Tier-3 to Tier-1 Special Operations members of the military. Or, just feign themselves as ordinary servicepersons, typically as veterans, to gain undeserved public respect, generosity, and/or take advantage of local, state, and federal benefits.

However, unlike persons guilty of Stolen Valor they want material wealth and power (Titus 1:9-11); Their god their belly (Matthew 7:15 & Philippians 3:18-19). They’ll claim that God has spoken to and chosen them to be His direct oracle, receiving revelations from God that only they can reveal. They’re typically attractive in terms of charisma and form (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

They typically target the poor, the desperate, and the needy so they promise healings, health, happiness, and wealth if they give generously according to their need [the more you give, the more you get (Matthew 15:1-6, Luke 20:47, & 21:2-3)].

And when they’ve bewitched their congregation they will be able to gain what they want, and only the very few in their congregation will question their validity, policy, and character; for to question them is to question God. And when faced with criticism and scrutiny outside their congregation and influence, they would most commonly reply, “Touch not mine anointed…” taking the quote out of context to prevent criticism against [as contextually it actually means “Do not harm my chosen” (1 Samuel 24:6 & 1 Chronicles 16:16-21)].

In extreme cases, they can commit heinous sins and crimes Jim Jones in the 1960-70’s, David Koresh in the early 1990’s, and Warren Steve Jeffs in the early 21st century have been known for, but for the most part are like Benny Hinn who have amassed such wealth that it became a scandal in itself. According to his nephew, Costi Hinn who have begun his own ministry against the Word of Faith movement for which his uncle is part, Benny stayed in hotels 50k a night, have his own jet, and mansions.

IMAGE SOURCE:
Marcus Catoiu, “Transfiguration of Christ” Restored Traditions Pintrest.com Accessed 16, August 2020 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419538521540969320/

RECOMMENDED VIDEOS
American Gospel: Christ Alone (DVD) http://www.americangospelfilm.com/

John MacArthur. “Abusing the Poor”(Luke 21:1-4) Grace to You, Grace Community Church. March 17, 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cBT8RL0Atk

BTW, if you do not know what the Gospel is, please click on the link below:
https://wordpress.com/view/disraelthomas.com