The Editor, Sir:

The Nelson Contemporary English Dictionary defines prophecy as a prediction and prophet as one who foretells the future - a religious teacher claiming to interpret the will of God.

Pastor and prophet Dr. Phillip Phinn is being criticised for stating what hehas felt the Holy Spirit has instructed him to say. He is exercising his prophetic gift. If God tells us to do something, we must execute His command, otherwise we will be held accountable.

Just to draw an analogy of what happened in the Acts of the Apostles - Acts 5:17-41. The high priest and Sadducees were filled with jealousy because of the miracles, signs and wonders which the apostles performed among the people, and had them arrested and put in the public jail. During the night, an angel of the Lord opened the door of the jail and brought them out.

"Go stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life." They obeyed and were later reprimanded. Peter and the apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!"

Gamaliel, a Pharisee, defended them and stated: "Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

So my advice is to leave Pastor Phinn alone. He is God's chosen servant. You continue to function in your gifts, while he continues to function in his. Whatever is done of God will last. The Lord requires a godly leader to lead this nation. So let us as a nation, pray for a righteous leader.

I am, etc.,

Y. IRVING

Kingstron 6