Joshua Lewis, Michael Miller, and Michael Rowntree address the difficult topic of disillusionment within the charismatic community caused by failed or misused prophecies. Acknowledging the pain and confusion that can arise when prophetic words don’t come to pass, the hosts offer theological and practical guidance for navigating these experiences, emphasizing the importance of grounding faith in the objective truths of Scripture and maintaining a balanced perspective on the role of prophecy.

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The discussion begins with an exploration of the various ways in which prophetic words can lead to disillusionment. This includes personal prophecies that never materialize, prophecies over churches or movements that prove to be manipulative or controlling, and instances where prophetic figures are exposed for moral failings or doctrinal error.

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The hosts emphasize that disappointment in prophecy can happen. The group discusses how those prophetic words can be misinterpreted. The team speaks on the importance of checking the credibility of the prophecy and the prophetic word. The team discusses the importance of having a real vision from God and not an embellished one.

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Throughout the episode, the hosts stress the importance of grounding faith in the objective truths of Scripture, rather than relying solely on subjective experiences or the pronouncements of individual prophets. They encourage listeners to prioritize the core doctrines of Christianity, such as the deity of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the reality of the resurrection.

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The hosts caution against building one’s life around a single prophetic word, emphasizing that prophetic words should serve to confirm or direct prayer, not to dictate life decisions. They advocate for a community-based approach to discernment, where prophetic words are tested and weighed within the context of the local church, rather than being blindly accepted based on the authority of an individual speaker.

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Finally, the hosts address the difficult issue of what to do when a prophetic figure is exposed for moral failings. While acknowledging the pain and confusion that this can cause, they emphasize that the character of the prophet should be taken into account when evaluating the validity of their prophecies. They encourage listeners to avoid clinging to prophecies from individuals who have demonstrated a pattern of sin or doctrinal error, and to instead focus on seeking God’s guidance through Scripture, prayer, and the counsel of trusted Christian leaders.

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