Pastor Odutola warns Christians against using prophecy for 419‎

• ‎A Lagos pastor has told Christians to stop leaning on prophets for direction.
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• ‎Pastor Bola Odutola said believers should work, market and sell instead of exploiting prophecy.
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• ‎He asked Christians not to embarrass themselves or the gospel.
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‎Pastor Bola Odutola, Regional Pastor of Region 68, Solidrock Parish, Ojodu, has cautioned believers against depending on prophets and against turning prophecy into a money-making scheme. The message was delivered at a Sunday service, according to sermon notes seen by Confiance News.
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‎Blessed is the self-led Christian
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‎Odutola said a Christian who is truly praying and hearing from God will not be carried away when a prophet repeats what he already knows. Moreover, he said, “blessed is the Christian who does not depend on prophets.” Instead, he added, the blessed Christian is the prophet himself.
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‎Marketing, not prophecy
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‎Using a practical illustration, the pastor said a customer does not arrive by prophecy. He recounted how he met a prophet who told him that one of his biggest customers left him. Instead of acknowledging the prophet, he said: “The customer did not come by prophecy, he came by marketing.” Confiance News gathered that he also asked whether any part of the Bible says prophets should not work.
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‎Sell pure water, not prophecy
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‎Perhaps his sharpest remark was aimed at those who exploit spiritual authority for gain. “Don’t use your prophecy for 419,” he said, using the Nigerian slang for fraud. His advice was to go and sell pure water instead.
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‎Ultimately, he asked Christians not to embarrass themselves or the gospel. He then led worshippers in prayer for grace to avoid shame, stay focused and give attention to prayer, worship and praise