What you Need to Know about the Gift of Prophecy but Probably Don't…

 

     WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE GIFT OF PROPHECY BUT PROBABLY DON'T…

By Mary Ann Wray

 

 

Let me preface this article with some disclaimers. First of all, I’m not a Bible Scholar, don't possess a  Doctor of Theology, nor am I a Pastor, Deaconess or currently hold any position or title of leadership in a local church. My husband and I are members of a thriving New Testament Church but we are in a different season in our lives right now. However, in the, past my husband and I have served together in 9 different churches over a 40+ year period. Some of the areas we served in were pastoral in nature, prayer ministry and counseling, leading home groups and served as home group leaders over five groups, preaching, teaching, inner city outreaches, jail ministry and an associate pastorate. These were all volunteer positions. We worked full time while serving and never received a salary or offerings except one time. Now we are retired from Civil Service so I am able to devote more of my time studying the Word of God and writing, which I love and feel called to do. 

I’ve self-published one book called “The Master’s Plan: A Legacy and a Journey which chronicles our family’s journey before and after the loss of our son from a fatal car accident in January of 2009. I also have a blog called Meditations of the Heart where I post various articles regarding spirituality and things going on in the Body of Christ. My resume also includes many missteps, mistakes, failures, and faux pas. Despite it all, I can humbly say, Our Father is merciful and a redeemer.

So enough about me. Let’s get on with our discussion about the Prophetic Movement and dig into the scriptures regarding prophecy to see what the Bible has to say about it. This article by no means is meant to be exhaustive on the topic. Scores and scores of books have been written about it, but again, a lot of the information provided in some of the books is faulty and lack a firm foundation in the Word of God.

Let me begin by saying…

LET THE MAIN THING BE THE MAIN THING! What does the Bible tell us about prophecy?

Hebrews 1: 1-9

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Of the angels he says,  “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

Peter 1: 19-21 ESV

"And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1: 19-21

HAVING SHARED THESE VERSES THAT ARE CLEAR ABOUT GOD NOW SPEAKING TO US THROUGH HIS SON, WHY DO WE NEED NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY? DIDN’T IT PASS AWAY WITH THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES? AND IF WE HAVE THE SCRIPTURES WHY DO WE NEED PROPHECY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT?

Let’s answer that question with another question. Why did the Apostle Paul write two separate letters to the church in Corinth about spiritual gifts and orderly worship? In letter number one, we see that some of the Corinth believers wrote to him expressing concern over quarreling, dissension, disorder and sexual sins in the church. Additionally, he received a separate report from Chloe’s people (1 Corinthians 1: 11) that the congregation Paul founded fell into big trouble and needed his assistance.  Chloe was a Christian woman living in Corinth who was a familiar acquaintance of the apostle Paul. It is likely she was well known to the believers of that area, and possibly a householder of a group of believers. However, little else is known about her. Nevertheless, Paul lays the groundwork for his letter of rebuke to the church. He gives detailed instructions in his first letter about how the Body of Christ is one body with many members that are jointly fit together. As such we need to live in harmony together with the Holy Spirit, in love, preferring one another. The church in Corinth was full of strife, divisions and sexual sins. This sounds a lot like the church today! He then goes on to talk about how Christ is the one who died for their sins: not Paul, not Apollos and not anyone else. 

Next, Paul dealt with the touchy but serious subject of sexual immorality within the church. In the fifth chapter he points out that there is a time to turn an immoral Christian over to Satan for the discipline of their flesh so that their spirit might be saved. You never hear this taught in churches any more. Therefore, sexual immorality is rampant. Sadly, the world has infiltrated the church...

In 1 Corinthians 4:7 he firmly reminds them that the spiritual gifts are just that. They are spiritual charisms received from a loving Father to benefit the Body of Christ, not given to lift one person above another. Nor are they tools to measure one’s level if spiritual maturity or character. Character is something totally different. Therefore, no one can boast about any gift they have received. Paul noted the Church in Corinth did not lack any gift. Evidently, they demonstrated all of them. However, the Corinthians fell into boastful pride resulting in division and disputes amongst themselves. Next, he addressed order in church services, giving detailed explanation and operations of the various gifts of the Spirit and how to judge or test prophecies. He emphasized love as the most important quality of all in 1 Corinthians 13. A person can be powerful in the gifts and do great works but if they do not have the qualities of love working consistently in their life all they’ve done means nothing! 

In Paul’s second letter He unlocked one of the great secrets of Christian life and ministry to believers all around the world. It is the secret of God’s power made perfect in human weakness and channeled through jars of clay. He emphasizes the fact God does uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Why? To demonstrate that the excellency of the greatness is God’s not ours (2 Corinthians 4: 7). The fact that God would use jars of clay to propagate His Kingdom on earth is not only a sign of His creative design for man, but the huge amount of trust He places in us to do His will on earth. It puts the fear of God in me.

Clearly, the Holy Spirit wanted the church then and now to see that as followers of Christ, we need the power and assistance of the Holy Spirit to carry on Christ’s work and mission on the earth in an orderly fashion and in the unity of the Spirit.

 In Zechariah 4: 6 the prophet Zechariah declared “It’s not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord.” After the Jewish people experienced exile in Babylon, King Cyrus of Persia allowed 50,000 of them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple under Zerubbabel, governor of Jerusalem. At the time, Zechariah, a prophet and priest of Israel, received several visions from the Lord. In one of those visions, God delivered this key message. Construction on the temple, which had been stopped by opposition from neighbors, resumed under the exhortation of Zechariah and Haggai. Both in the Old and New Testament, God’s people are called to shine the light of God’s glory into all the world (Isaiah 60:1–3; Matthew 5:14–16). It is the great commission of every believer (Matthew 28:19–20). 

Just as Zerubbabel would need to depend on the power of the Spirit of the Lord to accomplish the work, so did His disciples and so do His followers today. God’s people have no ability in themselves to shine the light of God’s truth to those walking in darkness. The word for might in Zechariah 4:6 is often translated as “army,” “force,” “ability,” or “efficiency” and is associated with human resources. It also relates to financial means and can be connected with wealth. The term power implies purposeful force, firm resolve, dynamic strength, and resoluteness. Not by might nor by power—not by their own abilities, plentiful resources, or fierce determination—would God’s people build the temple and send God’s light into the world. Only by the Spirit of the Lord would their work and worship become a light broadcasting into all the earth (Acts 1:8; John 16:7–15).

The  word used for power in the Greek is dynamin where the word dynamite is derived from. Jesus used this word in Acts 1: 6-8 as He spoke to His disciples prior to His Ascension into Heaven when He ordered them not to depart for Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father. It is defined in the Greek lexicon from dunamai meaning force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself) -- ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.

Clearly, the Holy Spirit’s power far exceeds any might or strength of any human being. Yet, God calls us today to be shining lights in a world of darkness. How can we effectively be and do this without the Holy Spirit’s power? Otherwise, we are likely to fall into disputes, divisions, pride and boasting in our own abilities. Sadly, it is happening far and wide within the Body of Christ. Character plus charisma equals God’s Will on earth. He is the same  yesterday, today and forever. He still saves, he still heals, he still encourages us, he still comforts us and he still performs miracles. When, how and who He chooses to ise is as the Spirit wills. Paul yells us to earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that we would prophecy. He said, he who prophecies edifies the church. As we see in Joel and Acts he would use sons and daughters to accomplish this end. Phillip the evangelist had four daughters who prophesied.

It is important to know the biblical definition for prophesy:prophēteuō (Key)

To  speak forth by divine inspirations, to predict as it relates to the Kingdom of God, to utter forth, declare, a thing which can only be known by divine revelation, to break forth under sudden impulse in lofty discourse or praise of the divine counsels, under like prompting, to teach, refute, reprove, admonish, comfort others.

Please note that out of  at least 12 descriptions of the word prophecy only one speaks of foretelling.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS DISCUSSION IS THE ROLE OF PROPHECY OR THE PROPHETIC IN THE CHURCH THEN AND NOW…

Joel 2: 28-32

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls."

It is thought that the book of Joel was written around 835 B.C.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, exhoorted the crowd and preached a prophetic message that reiterated what the prophet Joel prophesied in Joel 2 some 800 years before this time...

Beginning in verse Acts 2: 14 - 21 it says…

"But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. By the way the third hour of the day in the New Testament refers to the modern 9 a.m. Time keeping was different. They used sunrise and sunset to determine the start and stop of the day. They divided the light part of the day into twelve parts. That means an hour may vary in length according to the season.

“But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

The day of Pentecost was the birth of the church and considered the beginning of the last days. The last days will culminate with Jesus’ return. Revelation 17-19.  Since Christ has not yet returned we are still in the "last days".

Jesus also spoke of some of the events described in Joel 2: 30 & 31  and Acts 2: 19-20  in Matthew 24:29–30: where He said, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” 

Here, Jesus indicates that these phenomena will take place at the end of the tribulation period shortly before He returns to Earth. It is possible that the judgments and devastation that take place during the tribulation will be responsible for creating conditions that make the sun appear dark and the moon appear red. Regardless of how it happens or the exact time, the appearance of the sun and moon will change. Joel’s prophecy is clear: a darkened sun and reddish moon are associated with God’s judgment shortly before the return of Christ.

This prophecy was partially fulfilled on the day of Pentecost but has not yet been completely fulfilled. It will be culminated right before the second coming of the Lord as spoken by Jesus himself in Matthew 24 when he was describing the events leading up to His imminent return. Also Paul went on to describe what it will be like in the end time in his second letter to his spiritual son Timothy. What Paul described to Timothy is what we are witnessing today. Paul forewarned Timothy that he was living in the “last days” and what Timothy would be dealing with. Is it any different today? I would say, the only difference is that it has intensified like birth pangs taking over a woman in travail!

Starting in 2 Timothy 3:1,

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

In 2 Peter 3:3, the apostle provides his audience with additional end times instruction.

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.”

Peter then goes on to discuss how unbelievers would reject God and concludes with a warning to his first century audience in verse 17.

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.”

Peter warns his first-century hearers not to follow the scoffers in the last days. Like Paul, he doesn’t wax prophetic and tell his hearers “Be glad you’re not in the last days yet.” He makes it plain that they are already living in these last days and that these end-times scoffers are already walking among them.

Let’s look at Jude’s commentary about the last days we see in  verses 17-18

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.”

Jude is clearly quoting Peter here (“mockers” and “scoffers” is the same Greek word, and the only two times it is used in Scripture). Jude is applying Peter’s teaching to his first century audience. Additional reading of the passage emphasizes that Peter’s teaching is not intended uniquely for an audience in the distant future, but applies then, in a time Jude and Peter both referred to as “the last time.” 2 Timothy 3: 16: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

In 1 John 2:18, the apostle John is so clear to his audience as to remove all doubt the last days. He says:

“Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”

In the original language, the word for “time” can also be translated as “hour” and is done so 89 times in the KJV. No one knows the day or the hour of Christ’s return. He has not yet returned. As such, we clearly live in the last time. As such we need the power of the Spirit. I would say now more than ever.  We live in the era of the glorious outpouring of the Holy Spirit and as such our sons and daughters will continue to prophecy along with young men’s visions and old men’s dreams until Jesus comes back. But Why? What is the purpose of prophecy. That is what this article is about.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: THE FOUNDATION OF PROPHECY

WITHOUT A PROPER FOUNDATION A BUILDING WITH BE UNSTEADY AND NOT BE ABLE TO STAND UP AGAINST THE TEST OF TIME; BAD WEATHER, EARTHQUAKES, EROSION OF THE SOIL ETC. WITHOUT THE FOUNDATION OF LOVE IN A CHRISTIAN’S LIFE, ALL WE DO WILL BE FOR NOTHING.

1 Corinthians 3: 11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Flipping Las Vegas show analogy:

There was a reality show where a couple would purchase foreclosed homes in need of repair at a bargain and flip them to make a profit. In one episode they purchased a house at auction with a room addition that added hundreds of square feet the the main building. It looked like a good deal especially with extra square footage on the back of the house. However, it turned out the foundation of the room addition was faulty, cracked and eroding. Sadly, the entire addition had to be removed taking away the several hundred feet of living space they were counting on. This of course, devalued the house. 

I liken this to faulty doctrine in the Church. Without the foundation of Jesus Christ as Lord, Biblical teaching in context and agape love, these winds of doctrine will bellow back and forth but leave nothing but a wake of destruction. Without a firm foundation in Christ, all we do and say in terms of works and the use of gifts will be thrown into the fire at the Lord’s return.

Here is 1 Corinthians 3: 11 ESV in a greater context starting with verse 10 and ending with verse 15:

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.  For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.  If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

To further explain why prophesy is needed in the Church today, Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 13 “When that which is perfect is come, then that which is imperfect will pass away.” Pauls’ uses of the words “Will pass away” katargēthēsetai) that we see twice in 1 Corinthians 13. In context, this is speaking of a future event and is a form of the same word used 27 times in the New Testament katargeō. The definition of the root word of “will pass away” is copied from the online Greek Lexicon as follows: to render useless, or unproductive, occupy unprofitable, Lk. 13:7; to render powerless, Rom. 6:6; to make empty and unmeaning, Rom. 4:14; to render null, to abrogate, cancel, Rom. 3:3, 31; Eph. 2:15; to bring to an end, 1 Cor. 2:6; 13:8; 15:24, 26; 2 Cor. 3:7; to destroy, annihilate, 2 Thess. 2:8; Heb. 2:14; to free from, dissever from, Rom. 7:2, 6; Gal. 5:4.

Jesus has not returned. We have not yet been perfected. We are still living on a sin cursed planet in mortal bodies that have not yet been glorified. We still struggle with sin and our fleshly nature. We need all that Holy Spirit has to give us in order to overcome the world, flesh and the devil. Paul points out that we only know in part and prophesy in part. We can see this as well in the case of John the Revelator. I by no means want to equate New Testament prophecy by God's “sons and daughters” equal to that of the apostle John or the closed cannon of scripture. But it is worth mentioning that to this day, there is conjecture and disagreements on the eschatology of the book of Revelation. Many questions remain. Logically, if John only knew in part and prophesy in part, the same truth and principle is applicable to every New Testament Christian who prophesies, teaches or preaches. Only God knows His entire counsel of truth.

“With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him, And taught Him in the path of justice? Who taught Him knowledge, And showed Him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop in a bucket, And are counted as the small dust on the scales; Look, He lifts up the isles as a very little thing. “ Isaiah 40: 14-15

We are hearing about terrible things that are happening in the church that shouldn’t be and at the same time we’re not hearing about the things that should be happening as the result of sound Biblical Teaching. We need counsel and instruction from sons and daughters who are hearing from the Lord in this hour. Nothing, absolutely nothing can take the place of or trump God's word. We need to devote ourselves to the study and reading of God's word so we can discern truth from error. Too many people are running from this prophet to that prophet looking for a word, while the Lord's Word sits dusty on their coffee tables.  Having said that note:

AGAIN TO REITERATE, THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH IS NOT TO FORETELL THE FUTURE BUT TO EDIFY THE BODY OF CHRIST.

There seems to be an inordinate obsession with foretelling the future in the prophetic movement and this is dangerous. It has led to error and shipwreck of some people’s faith. As mentioned before, theologians still study and debate the book of Revelation, the time lines, symbology, what is literal what is figurative etc. If the Book of Revelation remains somewhat vague and a mystery to us why are we so obsessed with knowing the details of our own future? Where does faith come in? How can we walk by faith if God tells us all the details of our future lives? Where does trusting the Father’s will come into play? How about faith and grace for day to day living? Is that not enough?

Can and does the Holy Spirit give us glimpses into the future? Yes he does. But how often does He do this sort of thing is the question. Look at the life of Joseph. How many times did God tell him about his future? Once in a dream. But look at all the years Joseph had to trust the providence of God for that dream ever came to pass.

How many times we do we see foretelling of future events in the Book of Acts? Twice. Agabus, in Acts 11: 19-30 foretold a famine would take place and it did during the reign of Claudius Cesar.  A collection was taken, given to the elders in Jerusalem, who in turn sent the money to Judea through Barnabas. It was a joint effort and everyone was in unity. They relied on the credible, proven, tested words of Agabus or else they would not have gone through such great lengths to act on this prophetic word. In other words, not only was this word foretelling, but it was extremely practical and the Lord’s way of preparing His church for a future event that would affect their quality of life. He wasn’t going to let His children go hungry.In the context of the famine Agabus foretold, God gave this proven credible prophet a prophetic foretelling word so the church could prepare and have enough finances to eat during the lean times when prices would surge. The second time we see a prophet foretelling the future is in Acts 21: 10-15 signifying what type of death the Apostle Paul would face. Agabus took Paul’s belt and bound his hand and feet .The disciples were terribly upset by this word but Paul replied. Paul knew the ultimate price he would one day pay as an Apostle of Christ…

“While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’ ”  When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For  I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded,  we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” Acts 21: 10-14

The second instance of prophetic foretelling  confirmed what Paul already knew by the Spirit. Jesus told him on the road to Damascus that he would suffer greatly for the gospel. It was no surprise to Paul to be  captured, imprisoned and one day executed as a martyr for Christ. As difficult as this word was to hear, no so much for Paul, but for his disciples, it strengthened and helped the church change their perspective from the temporal to the eternal. It is interesting to note that Prophets/ teachers were used together in the book of Acts…

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Acts 13: 1

These men were noted as prophets and teachers. That says something very important. What is a so called prophet teaching with their oracles? Do they point to Jesus? Do the words they share cause you to worship the majesty of Christ or be in awe at the majesty of the man? Do their words offer you comfort in a time of deep distress? Do they prepare you for difficult times ahead? How much do they exhort you to follow hard after the Lord and not man. The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus not a man.

“Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. “ Revelation 19: 10

TRIPS TO HEAVEN AND THE LIKE:

I believe the prophetic movement has largely missed the boat on the real purpose of prophecy. It has become almost like a competition between so called prophets as to who’s going to prophecy about the next president, what the future of America will be, what will happen with the economy and when. What will I be when I grow up? How many kids will I have and on and on it goes. It is a sideshow describing multiple trips to Heaven, numerous angelic visitations and visions of Jesus face to face. It has become a laughing stock to the world and caused division in in the Body of Christ; especially to those who believe the gifts ceased with the days of the Apostles. I can't blame them for their scorn.

Paul reluctantly described in part a trip to the third heaven he had and came back awestruck and unable to articulate everything he saw. Later he was given a “thorn in his flesh” due to the number of revelations he received from the Spirit of the Lord. Now, it seems these so-called prophets earn speaking engagements, interviews and millions of dollars for the books they write about the abundance of their “revelations.” That should say something dear people.

“I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were too sacred for words, things that man is not permitted to tell.

I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, or because of these surpassingly great revelations.

So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 1-10

What purpose does billowing out empty human hot air achieve? Many have become modern day Nostradamuses. He got a few prophecies right, but the Christian community never embraced him as a true contemporary prophet of his day. He was an astrologer which is forbidden in the Bible and many of his so called prophecies were educated guesses. Some of his writings occurred after the fact.  50/50 accuracy is not good enough. If a prophet misses the mark grace would allow him to correct his/ her mistake and apologize.But if they keep on prognosticating and missing the mark and develop an arrogant attitude, they need to sit down and study God’s Word until they learn how to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God. Where is the accountability? People’s lives have been shipwrecked because of inaccurate words, a lack of testing from the elders, and a lack of good teaching on prophecy. In the interest time I won’t tell you the number of stories I’ve heard first hand from people that sold homes, moved to other states, started a ministry only to fail and married the wrong person because of a “prophetic word.”

HERE IS WHAT THE APOSTLE PAUL INSTRUCTS US ABOUT THE GIFT OF PROPHECY IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH:

“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

Now, brothers if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played?  And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning,  but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.  What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.  Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?  For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.  In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

There we have it. The purpose of prophecy is for  up-building and encouragement and consolation. It can take on the form of preaching as Peter did on the day of Pentecost and gave a compelling sermon on the  while being filled and moved by he Spirit. As a result 3,000 people were saved! He didn’t rely on notes and certainly didn't take a collection or peddle any of his garments as a promise for them to receive a n anointing.  Note what Paul said in verse 6… revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

Clearly, and as mentioned previously, prophecy is not reserved just for a future revelation, but it is to impart current revelation of God’s will and Word, words of knowledge, wisdom, teaching and exhortation. By emphasizing future events today’s “prophets” as they are called, are luring people away from the surer word of prophecy and taking credit for their spiritual prowess. They emphasize wealth and health, pointing man to mammon and miracles rather than Christ. They talk about their ministry and visions more than Scriptures in context. Many have besmirched the name of Christ and portrayed the precious Gifts of the Spirit in a wrong light. As a result, people have begun to despise prophecy. You can’t blame them for it. Prophecy is misunderstood and clearly not even tested.

“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5: 19-22

I say, we must learn test prophecies ourselves if our Pastor is not addressing it from the pulpit. Measure the words by content, attitude in delivery, and the character of the prophet. If you’re not sure of their character, do some digging before believing their words hook, line and sinker. Avoid dreamers and visionaries who boast of multiple trips, visitations from angels and reading signs in the Heavens. Look for preachers and teachers that are constantly talking about the power, preeminence and majesty of Jesus Christ. Look for prophets who teach the word of God in context and reflect the Father’s heart and love for his children, and are preparing His bride for great tribulations before His return. Look for prophets who have been through severe testing and tribulations themselves and have come out victorious in their faith even though they may walk with a limp and have emotional scars from the abuse they’ve endured. Look for those who talk of possible martyrdom for the cause of Christ. Look for those who won't tickle your ears with promises of health, wealth and ruling the earth. Listen with your heart for those who talk about suffering in the midst of the blessed knowledge of Jesus Christ and talk of His miraculous provision and grace despite ourselves. These are prophets/ prophetesses of the Lord for the contemporary church. Rest assured, if God wants you to know something about your future, He will show you Himself. Otherwise, foretelling future events that impact the Body of Christ should be brought before the elders of the church for judgment and testing. What practical application is gleaned from the prophetic word? 

If God has called you to the ministry, He will show you Himself. He’s not a “third party” God. He speaks directly to the hearts and minds of His children. We all must learn to hear HIS voice and turn off the static sound of self centered teachers and preachers wanting to tickle your ears with the latest and greatest revelation. In summary, the primary purpose of New Testament prophecy is to edify, encourage and exhort the Body of Christ not constantly foretell the future. There is a particular instance where Paul told his son in the faith Timothy to stir up the gift he was given through the laying on of  hands and the prophecy that went before him (2 Timothy 1: 6-7). While this can happen, it is something very serious and should only be done by proven elders after much prayer, seeking the Lord and counsel to the candidate desiring ministry as his/ her profession. I say this after witnessing absolute chaos in prophetic meetings where every Tom, Dick and Harriette laid hands on people prophesying this and that about their ministry and miracles etc.. One young man, a relatively new believer, approached me after a "prophetic" session at our church. He said, "Last week I was prophesied over that I was a prophet. This week I'm going to be a Pastor. I don't have a desire to be either one of them. What am I supposed to think?" I told him don't absorb those words but take them to the Lord in prayer and ask Holy Spirit to remove all confusion, condemnation and any Spirit that isn't Holy. Focus on your young family, feeding them, loving them and loving God with your whole heart." My husband and I prayed over him rebuking confusion and just encouraged him in the Lord. After a few more months of this chaotic show of unbridled so called prophecy, he left that church as we did too soon afterwards.

 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”  John 10: 27-28

The true spirit of prophecy will always always always exalt Jesus, point you to Jesus, spur you to pursue Jesus and love Jesus more with all your heart. If you are left feeling like, "Wow, that was a great word Brother so and so gave. He's so gifted!" that is not the spirit of the Lord's prophesy. If their words cast any doubt in your mind as to what "God" is saying, know that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. When the Lord speaks through anyone it will build up your faith. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. A true prophet of the Lord will hide behind the cross so much so that you won't focus your attention on them while they utter words of exhortation, comfort and edification. They aren't "performers" trying to be dramatic and funny. Any true prophet of the Lord will be humble and you will see Jesus all over them as they speak. They have the fear of the Lord and regard your welfare above their own.

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Colossians 2: 6-12

“But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” John 1: 27