prophets – La Vista Church of Christ

False Prophets versus True Prophets

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 22:09:37 +0000

by Tommy Peeler

Jeremiah 23:9-40 warns against false prophets. Jeremiah 23:16-22 makes some interesting contrasts between true and false prophets. This brief post focuses on these verses.

The false prophets are destructive to themselves and the land. Their message came from “their own imagination” and was “not from the mouth of the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:16). Though God did not send them, they ran with their message. While God did not speak to them, they still prophesied (Jeremiah 16:21). The message they spoke was futility (Jeremiah 16:16). The word translated "futility" is the word for vanity in Ecclesiastes 1:2; 12:8, etc. These prophets preached an empty word. Later we read that their message did not furnish the slightest benefit to the people (Jeremiah 16:32). They told people who despised the LORD and walked according to their own stubborn heart, "You will have peace and not face calamity" (Jeremiah 16:17). These false prophets were destructive to the land.

In contrast, true prophets blessed the land. Jeremiah 16:18, 22 speak of them as standing in the LORD’s council. In Jeremiah 16:18, prophets see, hear, give heed, and listen to the LORD’s words. In Jeremiah 16:22, they then announce God’s words. We must first listen to God before we can ever speak for Him. The message of those who speak for God can turn people from their evil way (Jeremiah 16:22). Later in the chapter, the power of God’s word is described (Jeremiah 16:29), and that powerful word can change the lives of those who hear it.

Malachi 2 focuses on priests who could turn many from iniquity when they gave true instruction (Malachi 2:6). When we speak His message, we give people an opportunity to change their lives and prepare for the coming judgment (Jeremiah 16:19-20). True spokesmen for God bless a people.

True Prophets

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:05:06 +0000

by Zeke Flores

"I will put My words in his mouth" (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Deuteronomy 18 introduces the promise of a prophet like Moses. Israel needed reliable guidance, not guesswork or superstition.

This chapter contrasts true prophets with false ones. The difference isn’t style; it’s source. True prophets speak what God says while false prophets speak what people want to hear. Moses wants Israel to evaluate messages based on accuracy and alignment with God’s character not by how much the message appeals to them..

We live in a world full of voices claiming authority. Deuteronomy 18 pushes us to evaluate teaching, advice, and spiritual claims with discernment. Does it align with Scripture? Does it reflect God’s character? Does it hold up over time?

God provides clarity, not chaos. The promise of a true prophet shows that God doesn’t leave His people guessing; He speaks in ways that can be tested and trusted.

Priest vs. Prophets

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 20:05:24 +0000

by Tommy Peeler

An idea largely abandoned in this time to explain the religion of Israel is that the priests and prophets taught different ideas about what their God wanted and what was needed to be pleasing to Him.

The idea was that the priests of Israel taught a religion that emphasized ritual, sacrifice, and doing the right thing in the right way. This is epitomized by the laws on matters like sacrifices in Leviticus 1-7 (Numbers 28-29), the rituals necessary for purifying the priests (Leviticus 8-10), and cleansing lepers (Leviticus 13-14). The priests emphasized a ritual religion, we were told.

In contrast to the priests, the prophets taught a religion from the heart. In their teaching, they stressed not so much the proper rituals and sacrifices, but having the right heart and treating one’s fellow man properly. Such an emphasis is seen in passages like I Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:10-15; Jeremiah 7:21-26; Hosea 6:6; Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:6-8.

This explanation was always unsatisfactory to those who believed that the same God who inspired the law (Genesis-Deuteronomy) was also the God who spoke through the prophets. Certainly, God did not contradict Himself or offer conflicting visions of what was pleasing to Him.

However, it also fell out of fashion with some who did not have as high a view of the inspiration of Scripture. The reason is that there was a recognition that priests sometimes emphasized having the right heart and treating one’s fellow man properly. It is also clear that the prophets emphasized ritual, sacrifice, and doing things in the right way. These points were not meant to be either…or, but they were to be both…and points.

The priests emphasized following God from the heart and treating one’s fellow man properly. There is no book of the Bible with a higher percentage of ritual instruction than Leviticus. Yet Leviticus 19:18 says, “You shall not take vengeance nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving one’s neighbor as oneself includes:

one’s mother and father (Leviticus 19:3),
the deaf and blind (Leviticus 19:14),
the poor and great (Leviticus 19:9-10, 15),
and the stranger who lives among them (Leviticus 19:9-10, 33-34).

Loving one’s neighbor as oneself means:

not stealing or lying to him (Leviticus 19:11),
paying him the proper wages for his work (Leviticus 19:13),
not slandering him (Leviticus 19:16),
not hating him but confronting him about his sin (Leviticus 19:17).

The ritualistic priests seemed to be very concerned about treating one’s fellow man properly.

The prophets also stressed proper ritual and worshiping the right way. Ezekiel was a priest as well as being a prophet (Ezekiel 1:3). In his picture of a future ideal for the people of God, he envisioned an ideal temple in Ezekiel 40-48. In this temple, burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings were offered (Ezekiel 43:13-27). The proper sacrifices were to be offered at the festivals (Ezekiel 45:13-25). In this temple, a careful distinction was to be made between the circumcised and uncircumcised (Ezekiel 44:7, 9), between the Levites and the priests (Ezekiel 44:10-19), and between the clean and the unclean (Ezekiel 44:23). The prophets also stressed following the proper rituals.

The same God who wanted worship just as He asked is the same God who wanted the people to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. The same God who demanded His people treat their fellow man properly is the same God who wanted His people to carefully obey Him in the specifics.

The Burden of the Prophet

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:19:42 +0000

by Cleve Stafford

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; do not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.’ So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died. And on the next morning I did as I was commanded” (Ezekiel 24:15-18).

I want you to read today’s selection again, but this time focus on each word and let it thoroughly sink in. The Lord’s prophet is not being told that he will lose some meaningless object, or even something meaningful like a favorite pet. The “delight of his eyes,” the woman he fell in love with and vowed to spend the rest of his life with, his best friend and confidant, was going to be taken from him at a stroke. Most of us who are happily married cannot imagine a greater pain than losing a spouse, but that is exactly what would happen to Ezekiel.

But that is not the strangest part of the story. That questionable distinction goes to the command, “…yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down. Sigh, but not aloud; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban, and put your shoes on your feet; do not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.” Not only was he going to lose the love of his life, but he also wouldn’t have the chance to grieve her loss. What loving husband wouldn’t want to mourn the passing of his wife? More importantly, why was God telling him not to shed a tear or mourn her loss?

Let’s answer the second question first. God didn’t just allow this; He orchestrated it as a sign to the people. Ezekiel’s personal pain became part of his prophetic message. The death of his wife was meant to mirror the fall of Jerusalem - a loss so overwhelming that the people wouldn’t even know how to grieve. Now, let’s be honest. That feels heavy. Maybe even unfair. Why would God ask that of someone? Why would He take what Ezekiel loved most and expect him to keep preaching through the pain? But maybe that’s the point. Obedience isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes, it costs more than we ever imagined.

We often talk about following Jesus in terms of blessing, and rightly so. In Him, there is joy, peace, and eternal life. But obedience also involves a cross. It requires sacrifice. Sometimes, it even means experiencing deep, personal loss. Yet, consider Ezekiel’s response: “…And on the next morning I did as I was commanded.” How many of us would demonstrate the same level of commitment and obedience? How many of us would act as if nothing had happened when we lose a spouse? It might be a story that feels unfair - one that shows both tragic loss and unwavering obedience.
We could spend the rest of our lives questioning God’s reasons for doing what clearly seems harsh to us, but instead of trying to analyze God’s mind, we should be asking, “Is my level of commitment the same?” Would I follow Jesus’s command no matter what? Would I continue preaching despite a broken heart? Would I still show up if the person or thing I cherish most is taken from me? In other words, is my trust in God genuine or superficial? Do I trust Him even when the worst thing imaginable happens? Ezekiel did. That morning, he spoke to the people, and that evening, his wife died.

Somehow, the next morning, he got back up and did exactly what God had commanded. Not because he didn’t love her, but because he loved God more. That’s what faith looks like when it’s stretched to its limits. Now, I’m not saying God will take your spouse or strip your life down to nothing. But I am saying there may be moments, if you follow Him fully, when the cost will be high: moments when your heart breaks and obedience feels more like a burden than a blessing.

In those moments, Ezekiel reminds us that faith isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about trusting God fully when it hurts. It’s about believing that even our pain can be used for His glory. Ezekiel’s silent grief preached louder than any words. It said, “God is still worthy. Even now. Even here.” So, what would you do if obedience cost you everything? Would you still follow? Would you still preach? Would you still trust?

Wouldn’t a prophetess lead services?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:07:01 +0000

Question:

Good day,

Women are mentioned as being prophetesses during the church age, such as Phillip the evangelist's daughters (Acts 21:9). Did they not lead in the worship services?

Answer:

When trying to understand what God wrote, you don't take portions from one part and use them to ignore other parts. This is what the Pharisees did. "And He answered and said to them, "Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, 'Honor your father and mother,' and, 'He who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.' But you say, 'Whoever says to his father or mother, "Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God," he is not to honor his father or his mother.' And by this, you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition" (Matthew 15:3-6).

Yes, early Christians had prophetesses (Acts 21:9; I Corinthians 11:5). However, there is no indication that every prophet led worship services. Instead, prophets were told not to dominate the worship (I Corinthians 14:29-32). It would be a mistake to assume that because a woman could prophecy, she assumed a leadership role.

"A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression" (I Timothy 2:11-14).

"The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized" (I Corinthians 14:34-38).

These commands apply to all women, including prophetesses.

Are preachers prophets?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 23:44:43 +0000

Question:

Good afternoon. My family and I are members of the Church of Christ, and I have been reading your articles on your church website for several years now, learning a great deal.

If you don’t mind responding to this email, I would greatly appreciate it.

Recently, the preacher at our church mentioned that he is a prophet because he teaches the Bible. He mentioned that he has not had any visions from God about the future, but he does know that Christ will return in the future.

I did reach out to another preacher about this, and he gave a response that I wanted to share if that’s OK:

Vine's Dictionary of NT Words: Prophet = (prophetes) - "one who speaks forth or openly," "a proclaimer of a divine message." In that strict sense, anyone who speaks or proclaims God's word could be called a prophet.

I was a little confused when the preacher at our worship service labeled himself as a “prophet,” but I could be missing something or misunderstanding something.

Do you have any thoughts you'd like to share?

Thank you.

Answer:

If it were true that reading the Bible makes a person a prophet, the problems would arise since Paul clearly stated that prophecy would end. "Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away" (I Corinthians 13:8-10). Prophecy was a temporary measure until the Bible (the perfect) was completed. Once the Bible was fully revealed, the need for prophecy ended.

What you were given is an incomplete definition. I've seen people do this before, especially with Vine's Dictionary when they don't notice that the definitions are presented in three parts: the classic Greek meaning (about 500 to 300 BC), the meaning as used in the Septuagint (about 100 BC), and the New Testament meaning (about A.D. 50). The person you talked to only gave you the classical Greek definition. Under the Septuagint usage, Vine said,

"In the Septuagint, it is the translations of the word roeh, "a seer"; I Samuel 9:9, indicating that the 'prophet' was one who had immediate intercourse with God. It also translates the word nabhi, meaning 'either on in whom the message from God springs forth' or 'one to whom anything is secretly communicated.'"

Thus, we are not talking about a person who reads messages communicated earlier, but a person who receives and relays messages directly from God.

Thayer states the classic Greek definition but goes on to say, "one through whom God speaks," citing several sources. He also defines a prophet as "one who speaks by divine inspiration."

The Complete Biblical Library defines prophets in the New Testament.

"Prophets and the prophetic gift acquire a unique function in the New Testament. To a certain extent the prophets of the New Testament and the prophetic function are modeled after the Old Testament prophets. They share many features as well as the same title. The prophets speak as inspired by the Spirit of God; likewise revelation occurs through the same channel (I Corinthians 13:2). ..."

Speaking of prophets, Peter tells us, "But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (II Peter 1:20-21). I'm sure the preacher there is a nice man, but he is not inspired by the Holy Spirit. He might read the words that the Holy Spirit gave to men in the past, but the Holy Spirit is not giving him new words to speak. Like all men, he has made mistakes in his lessons -- all preachers do. However, the words given to us by the prophets are without error. He knows a few things about the future because he accepts the words of the past prophets, but he knows nothing that has not already been revealed before.

You might claim to be a prophet in the classical Greek sense, but by the way "prophet" is used in the Bible, a preacher today is not considered a prophet.

The Prophet: Who Is He?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:02:18 +0000

by David Gibson

Who was Moses pointing toward when he said, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me . . . you shall listen to him” (Deuteronomy 18:15 NASB)? The Jews of the first century were expecting this Prophet (John 1:19-21; 6:14; 7:40). Whoever it is would be remarkable indeed, considering how great Moses was (Numbers 12:6-8).

Muslims claim that Muhammad is the Prophet of whom Moses spoke. But Peter, speaking by inspiration, affirmed that the Prophet is Jesus (Acts 3:22-23; see Acts 7:37).

A Prophet like Moses

No prophet is more like Moses than Jesus. Both were protected by God in infancy from destruction by a ruler; both inaugurated major covenants with God’s people; both interceded between God and His people; both did mighty miracles. Moses is the greatest person in the Old Testament. Jesus is the greatest in the New Testament.

A Prophet Greater than Moses

As great as Moses was (Deuteronomy 34:10-12), Jesus is far greater (Hebrews 3:1-6). Jesus said of Moses, “he wrote about Me” (John 5:46; see Luke 24:27). God said of the Prophet like Moses, “whosoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in my name, I Myself will require it of him” (Deuteronomy 18:19). At the Transfiguration, Peter wanted to honor Moses, Elijah, and Jesus equally. But God said of Jesus, “Listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:5).

Was Joseph Smith, Jr., a Prophet of God?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 01:32:02 +0000

by Dudley Ross Spears
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 16 No. 1, March 31, 1990

Joseph Smith Jr. was an amazing American who claimed to be a true prophet of God. Millions of people worldwide believed his claim, which resulted in one of the largest religious bodies in existence. Everyone should believe everything he said if his claim is valid and true. If it is false, he should be exposed as a fraud. This document aims to examine his prophetic credentials by examining his prophecies and testing him using the Bible.

Prophets are much more prominent in the Old Testament than in the New Testament. Many warnings were issued against men who claimed to be true prophets but who, in reality, were false prophets. Certain tests were outlined by which the people of God could determine whether a prophet was genuine or false. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 is one such scripture in the Bible dealing with false prophets. The test in the passage is whether the self-proclaimed prophet leads people from the true and living God to a false god.

Joseph Smith, Jr., had a unique view of God, which he claimed God revealed to him. That view is very basic to the Mormons and one of their very prominent doctrines. The doctrine is called "eternal progression." Smith, founder of Mormonism, in April 1844, delivered an oration to over 23,000 hearers which sets forth his view of his god (or gods). The sermon was a funeral oration in honor of King Follett. This man was not a king - his name was King Follett. He had been an ardent follower of Smith from the very early days of the Mormon movement. Smith included some thoughts about deity in the funeral oration. Please notice:

"I will prove that the world is wrong, by showing what God is. I am going to inquire after God; for I want you to know him, and to be familiar with Him; and if I am bringing you a knowledge of Him, all persecutions against me ought to cease. You will know that I am His servant; for I speak as one having authority."

From this statement, we are not to understand them as mere opinions of a preacher or religious leader but as those who claim that God directly revealed these things to a special man. The man in this case is Joseph Smith, Jr. Now, what is the character of the deity Smith wants his people to follow? Read carefully.

"God, himself, was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens."

Just a little later, Smith continued his description of his god in the following excerpt:

"I have got the oldest book in the world; but I have the oldest book in my heart, even the gift of the Holy Spirit, I have four Testaments. Come here ye learned men, and read, if you can. I should not have introduced this testimony, were it not to back up the word rosh-the head, the Father of the Gods. I should not have brought it up, only to show that I am right."

Listen even further:

"In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted (prepared) a plan to create the world and people it. When we begin to learn this way, we begin to learn the only true God, and what kind of being we have got to worship. Having a knowledge of God, we begin to know how to approach Him, and how to ask so as to receive an answer."

This god of Mormonism was born like all other humans are born, grew up on some far away planet. He was baptized, married (likely to several women), produced many offspring, and progressed and was exalted to god status because of his faithfulness. His name was Ahman, according to Smith, who explained how he lives on a planet (or star) nearest the imaginary planet of "Kolob" and then was glorified, exalted into a tangible being. For further information on this, see Mormon Doctrine, by the late Bruce McKonkie, page 250. This book is a standard and authoritative work in Mormonism.

The question now is, is the god Smith asks people to follow the true and living God? The Book of Mormon was allegedly revealed by an angel to Smith, and he supposedly accurately translated the book out of "reformed Egyptian" into English. There is a very clear statement in the Mormon scripture about the nature of God. Oddly enough, the very same language Smith used to describe the character of God is found in the Book of Mormon- What is the true God?

This doctrine, allegedly revealed by angelic authority and correctly translated by Smith in what he immodestly proclaimed to be "the most correct book in all the world," states that there is really only one God. The Book of Mormon claims this is the only true doctrine of Christ concerning God's character. It also claims that God has not changed. Read now from the book.

"And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Chrsit, and the only true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

"And now if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is a show of changing then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles."

These facts establish irrefutable proof that Joseph Smith, Jr., was fully false one time or another. Either he lied when he claimed that the Book of Mormon was revealed to him by angels and translated correctly, or he lied when he claimed to have been given special revelation that his god is really just one of many millions of deities. A prophet would not lead people away from the one true and living God to a false god.

They Shall Know a Prophet Has Been Among Them

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:40:56 +0000

by Jarrod M. Jacobs

When Ezekiel was called to be a prophet, God made certain things very clear to him. God made it clear that these people were a “rebellious house” (Ezekiel 2:3). God does not mince words regarding His people! He lets Ezekiel know the kind of people he will be facing. At the same time, God allows for their free will, saying once Ezekiel speaks, they might or might not listen (Ezekiel 2:5,7). They could obey or disobey, and God would leave that decision with them. Yet, whether they listened or not, they will “know a prophet has been among them” (Ezekiel 2:5; 33:33).

This phrase gets my attention for many reasons. First, how will they know? They will know because of Ezekiel’s words (Ezekiel 2:7; 3:1,4). Ezekiel would not express his thoughts or the thoughts of some group of men but would speak the words of God! Speaking God’s words is different because God’s words are authoritative, bold, and powerful.

However, this is not the only way they would know a prophet had been among them. Take, for example, II Kings 5. When Elisha heard about Naaman and how the king was upset that he had come there for cleansing when the king could not heal (II Kings 5:7), Elisha told the king, “Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? Let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel” (II Kings 5:8). Here we read the same words as we read in Ezekiel 2:5 and 33:33. How would Naaman know there was a prophet? It would not only be because of the words spoken (II Kings 5:10) but also because of the actions taken! Elisha intended to heal Naaman of leprosy by God’s power (II Kings 5:14). In like manner, Ezekiel would show the nation that there was a prophet among them as they observed his obedient actions! As we continue to read the book of Ezekiel, we will see several things he did before the people that God commanded him to do. He did those things without fear of any man (Ezekiel 2:6)!

The application we can draw (Romans 15:4) is this: when people see you and hear your words, do they know a Christian is among them? What kind of words am I using? Am I speaking as the oracles of God when I speak (I Peter 4:11)? What kind of deeds am I doing? Do my deeds match what Christ did (I Peter 2:21; Colossians 3:17)? If not, why not? Do I allow fear to keep me from doing the things I know I should? Let me listen to God’s warnings in this passage and make sure fear does not get in the way (Ezekiel 2:6).

Do people know there is a Christian in their family? What do your spouse and children see when they see you or hear your words (Matthew 5:13-16)? What do your coworkers observe? What about your neighbors and friends? If you live one way on Sunday and another way the rest of the week, rest assured this hypocritical lifestyle is known. Solomon said, “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right” (Proverbs 20:11). If we can tell what a child is doing, we will know what the adult is doing!

Greater than folks knowing how rich we are, how smart we are, or how well-loved we are, etc., is that folks know we are Christians (Mark 16:16; Acts 11:26). What will folks remember about you when your time on earth is done? I pray folks know a Christian has been among them when I am gone.

Why is Anna considered a prophetess?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 23:10:47 +0000

Question:

Hello Mr. Hamilton,

I have a question regarding Luke 2:36-38. I know that as Luke writes his part of the Gospel, Christianity has not started yet. So, there are possible cases of prophets still around. I wanted to know how Anna is considered a prophetess.

Answer:

"And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem" (Luke 2:36-38).

A prophet speaks what God told them to say. In this case, Anna was able to recognize that a baby held by his parents was the long-awaited Savior. This could only have occurred by a revelation from God.

Prophetesses have been around during the days of the Old Testament. There were Miriam, Deborah, and Huldah as examples. What was unusual was that God had stopped speaking through prophets for about 450 years and suddenly Zecharias, Simeon, and Anna were all proclaiming the arrival of the Savior of the World.

Besides, Luke writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said that Anna was a prophetess. I'm certain that the Spirit knows who He inspires to speak on behalf of God.