When spiritual hype meets public scandal, many of us feel torn between shutting it all down and chasing the next big word. We take the harder, better road: keep the gifts, raise the guardrails, and let Scripture set the terms. Starting with a recent prophetic exposé, we unpack what the Bible actually says about prophecy, discernment, and the difference between power and holiness.

We begin by reaffirming the supremacy of Scripture—unique in being inspired, inerrant, and infallible—while acknowledging that prophetic impressions can be genuinely inspired and still partial. Acts 21 becomes our model case: believers received true insight about Paul’s chains but misapplied it through fear. That tension explains why Paul commands, “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything.” We walk through practical tests: sound doctrine about Jesus, self-control in the assembly, edification for the body, discerning of spirits, and the collective judgment of the local church.

Then we draw a crucial line between the office of a prophet and the gift of prophecy. Ephesians 4 shows that God gives people as gifts; in the Old Testament, the prophet’s life often was the message. By contrast, 1 Corinthians 14 describes congregational prophecy aimed at building up the church. We also separate forthtelling (revealing God’s heart now) from foretelling (God declaring the end from the beginning), and warn against demonic counterfeits that can deliver accurate data while diverting hearts from truth. Matthew 7 and Balaam remind us: power isn’t proof. Fruit is character—loyalty, humility, and love.

If deception is the headline of the last days, the antidote is simple and demanding: live in the Word, pray in secret and together, and root yourself in a healthy local church. The Spirit still distributes gifts as he wills; our role is willingness, submission, and love that governs every manifestation. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s wrestling with discernment, and leave a review telling us which biblical test helps you most.

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Blood & Oil Podcast is filmed and recorded by Pastor Jesse LaForce and Zane Wheeler in California, with Terrence Theodore on video call from the East Coast. A variety of guests will join us as we discuss modern events through a biblical lens, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Thanks to all of our supporters, and Praise God for the opportunity to serve Him in this way. We hope you have enjoyed this episode and pray for blessings upon your day.