Funny you should post this. I have been having some real concerns about people, mostly those connected with prophesy, who repeatedly say this phrase. Here’s the very serious problem.
First, it conspicuously sets the preacher in the position that God exclusively talks to him, or at least gives that person special information that others are not privy to. This suggests the preacher is on another plain and is to be viewed as such. This is a pride issue, attracting attention to the supposed messenger rather than the message.
Second, it tacitly tells listeners that they cannot hear from God the way THIS preacher hears from God. While all gifts are certainly different, God can and will speak to everyone who calls upon His name.
I am disturbed by seeing this trend more and more.
“This suggests the preacher is on another plain and is to be viewed as such.”
Really. If a preacher tells you God is talking specifically to him, run like the wind. Cult...
Had a friend tell a story about a man who came to his office. He said he could see the guy talking to his secretary. She came into his office and told him “This man says God told him to come see you.”
He said he thought “Wow! God knows I’m so spiritual He’s sending people to me for guidance.”. So he told his secretary to send the man in
The man walked into his office and immediately said “God told me you were going back give me $20.” (This was back in the 80’s and the dollar went a lot further.)
My friend said “I have no doubt that God told you I was going to give you $20. But He has not told me yet. However, He IS telling me to ask you to leave my office.”