The question comes up from time to time what I think about “modern-day” apostles and/or prophets.  I put this in the category of “agreeing to disagree agreeably” with my other brothers and sisters in Christ if we have a differing view other than the one I’m comfortable with at the present time, which is:

If what is meant by modern-day apostles and prophets involves anointed persons who penetrate non-Christian environments to establish the church (apostles) and anointedly proclaim God’s Word (prophets) – there really is no disagreement.  If what is meant by apostle, however, is a person who uses the title “Apostle” as a pretext for assuming dictatorial control over other believers – then that is another matter, (which also applies to a Bishop, Pastor, and/or Elder as well). 

If what is meant by prophet is one who speaks the Word of God to convict, console, comfort or give direction to another through preparing or confirming what the Spirit speaks within the person’s own heart – then there is no disagreement.  If what is meant by prophet, however, is one who functions as “charismatic fortuneteller,” then that also is another matter. 

Regarding personal prophecies and/or words of wisdom or knowledge … I believe they should be taped whenever possible so they can be submitted to others to listen too to be judged.  I also believe it is extremely wise for people delivering personal utterances that would fit in the category of “personal or corporate prophecies and/or words of wisdom or knowledge” if they would either start their utterance by stating something to the affect:

“I believe this is what the Lord would have me to say” --  or ending the utterance that way, so as to let the person or people the utterance is directed at have the option to discern for themselves whether the utterance is from the Holy Spirit in part, in whole, or neither. 

I believe it can become Satan’s playground very quickly to give prophetic utterances to people as though it comes directly from God and there leaves absolutely no room for doubt that it might not be from the Holy Spirit.

As an update --  I feel to make something very clear regarding my own personal beliefs regarding modern-day "Prophets" V's "Words of prophetic utterance."  I believe God STILL uses His people to give the Body of Christ and the world "prophetic words," thus I personally am not going to dismiss bonafied "prophetic words delivered" by those who are labeled "Prophets." 

However ... I believe Christians need to be GREATLY discerning about what they listen to, or read, from someone who is comfortable being labeled a "Prophet" by others, and/or essentially believing themselves to be a Prophet or a Prophetess.  Christians seem to delight to pick and choose what is appropriate to apply to the New Covenant or dismiss, thus I choose to believe that "God does NOT change" in that if one is comfortable with being called a Prophet of God ... what you are saying or writing had better be accurate ... OR be prepared to be treated like an Old Testament Prophet was treated, as God says they were to be treated!

Yet when delivering "prophetic words" ... everyone will miss being accurate sooner or later in what they believe God wants them to say, simply because I believe God will make CERTAIN they will miss it from time to time, to keep them humble, and to reveal to the Body of Christ of the need for Holy Spirit discernment in WHO or WHAT we listen to in the days ahead.

Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:11 & 24 that in the last days, there will be many false prophets.  Their purpose?  Don't underestimate Satan's cunning ability to deceive you.  Many of Satan's very best false prophets carry a Bible in their hand ... when they walk into church, and boldly proclaim:  "Thus sayeth the Lord ..."

I feel to provide the following link so readers can hopefully hear more clearly from God for themselves on this topic: 

http://www.intergate.com/~subi/mar02new.htm

If you would like to read Norm's born again testimony, you can click on this link:  http://precious-testimonies.com/BornAgain/L-N/Norm.htm

If you would be willing to let God use your born again testimony for His glory, please click here:  http://www.precious-testimonies.com/Exhortations/p-t/testimonywritingtips.htm