THE GIFT OF PROPHECY

INTRODUCTION

Unfortunately, the introduction on this Blog was deliberately deleted by persons to suppress the truth.  It is to be noted that I write only about my own experiences and as I have said on many occasions this is to garner the spiritual lessons from these experiences and these lessons have mainly taught me how not to be a Christian.  For the most part my experience in the Church in North America and specifically in Canada has been contrary to the Bible.   This and a number of Blogs the introductions have been deleted I will have to go and redraft them.  My problem is not redrafting them it is just the time that I will have to use doing that I could be using doing a number of other things because I have a number of projects that I am doing and as soon as I complete one the Lord gives me another even in exile. This Blog topic came about because of the what I saw playing out in the church in the area of body ministry and the specific area of prophecy.

I Corinthians 14 verse 1 

Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

 Hello all you lovely people out there as you can see this month we will be delving into the whole area of the prophetic.  This is not a topic for the uninitiated.  If you are reading this blog and you are not a Christian, then to you this is all information I Corinthians 2 verse 14

 ¹⁴ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

This is family business.  We are looking at why all the true prophets seem to have gone in hiding and where is the prophetic word in the church today.

REFLECTIONS

In October, I wrote about a specific prophecy that I had received.  However, as I was reflecting on this topic I cast my mind back to when I became a Christian (yes I know it seems like yesterday, in Daddy’s eyes it is just a few seconds).  I got saved in the peak of the charismatic renewal in Jamaica and at that time and there were prophets everywhere.  In fact, if you were not getting a prophetic word you thought there was something wrong with you. But as with all things spiritual if not watched over and guarded the devil will cause the plans and purposes of God to be distorted and abused.  Hence; we have the book of I Corinthians 14.  The Apostle Paul had to bring correction to the church.

The spiritual gifts are to be coveted especially the gift of prophecy.  It is a powerful spiritual gift.

WHAT IS PROPHECY?

Prophecy is for edification, exhortation and comfort I Corinthians 14 verse 3.

³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

CRITICAL DEFINITIONS

Edification: The instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually short form to build up and not tear down.

Exhortation: An address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something or bring encouragement.

Comfort: The easing or alleviation of a person’s feelings of grief or distress to console.

Also in I Corinthians 14 verses 22 – 25 it is revealed that tongues are for a sign for believers but prophesy is for unbelievers

²² Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

²³ If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

²⁴ But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

²⁵ And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

THE TRUE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY

http://letspleasegod.com/2014/03/3-kinds-of-prophets/

I remember the late Dr. Myles Munroe doing a sermon on my next scripture at that same Oceana Hotel in Jamaica another mind blower. Revelation 19 verse 10.

¹⁰ And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

All prophecy of God should testify of Jesus and be judged based on certain criteria:

·         Repentance from sin and restoration through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ

·         Strengthen the faith of the hearer in Jesus

·         Leads to the glorification of Jesus

OPERATIONS OF TRUE PROPHETS

·         Perfecting the saints to do the works of the ministry Ephesians 4 verse 11

·         Foretell of danger, blessing and direction Acts 11 verse 28 and II Chronicles 20 verses 14 – 17

·         Brings alignment I Kings 18 verse 39

·         Prophets are second to Apostles in the church of God I Corinthians 12 verse 28.

TYPES OF PROPHETS

Adapting from the very interesting teaching I found it had a unique way of looking at the different types of prophets in the body of Christ. The discussion looked at three (3) types of prophets.  In developing the discussion, we will look at several scriptures.  The first one being I Corinthians 12 verses 4 – 6

⁴ Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

⁵ And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

⁶ And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

This scripture points to different members of the Godhead distributing different abilities, callings and skills to each member of the Body of Christ

·         Holy Spirit: gifts or manifestations

·         Lord Jesus Christ: administration or offices

·         God the father: Operations or functions

Prophecy is to be found in all the groups.

MANIFESTATIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In I Corinthians 12 verses 7 -11 it states

⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

⁸ For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

⁹ To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

¹⁰ To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

¹¹ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

The Spirit shows himself in 9 different ways through every man as He wills one of these ways is prophecy.  

DIVERSITY OF OPERATIONS FROM THE FATHER

For this particular topic, we will look at Romans 12 verses 4 – 8 which states:

⁴ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

⁷ Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

⁸ Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Here is mentioned 7 different functions to all members of the Body of Christ.  One of these is prophecy.

DIFFERENT ADMINISTRATIONS FROM THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

We will now look at Ephesians 4 verse 11which states

¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

We see that Jesus Christ sets up 5 different administrators in His Church one being the prophet. We normally look at an organization as having administrators.  An organization is a static entity. However, the church is not, it is a dynamic organism.  However, one still need systems in place whether spiritual or natural.  As I always say God has a way of doing His business.

THE THREE TYPES OF PROPHETS

1.      THE OCCASIONAL PROPHET

This person prophesies on occasion under the unction of the Holy spirit.  King Saul I Samuel 10 verses 10-11.  These prophecies are more of a personal nature for the encouragement and edification of individual saints.  Another illustration is Numbers 11 verse 25 -29.  We now all have the Holy Spirit we can all prophecy as the spirit gives us utterance.  Joel 2 verse 28.  This is a gift of the spirit that is activated as the Spirit wills.

2.      THE OPERATIONAL PROPHETS

Unlike the occasional prophet, the operational prophet flows in the gift always. They are called the office of the prophet. They are inspired speakers giving encouragement and edification for each member of the body. II Kings 5 verse 8. Such boldness.

3.      THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROPHET

This prophet has a great responsibility. Along with the abilities of the first two he watches over the other prophets and keeps them in line.  I Cor 14 verses 29-33. The administrative prophet helps oversee the church and the direction it is going.  He hears the heart of God and expresses how God feels.  He helps prepare God’s people for trials and tribulations on a grand scale.  You could call him the Shamar prophet one who keeps watch and preserve. When there is sin in the church and nothing is being done about it, this prophet is the one to expose it. He’ll call for repentance and restoration and in the worst case, remove such people. Jeremiah 1 verses 9 -10.  The prophets that mirror this image are the major prophets in the Old testament they were committed to God’s will in the face of adversity from their own kinsmen.

THE DUTIES OF A PROPHET

 There are similarities among true prophets

·         They are faithful, blameless and humble men Genesis 6 verse 9

·         Most were men but you also had women Acts 21 verse 9

·         Their prophecies were true.  They did not prophily. II Kings 7

·         Some performed signs and wonders II Kings 4 and I Kings 18 verse 36-38

·         God had some demonstrate how He felt Isaiah 20 verse 2

·         The spirit of jezebel hate the prophets of God I Kings 19 verse 2

·         Most people don’t like prophets because at times they should bring corrections Jeremiah 38 verse 4

·         Jesus said a’a prophet has no respect in his home town’ St. Matthew 13 verse 57

·         Most prophets were killed by false Christians St. Mark 6 verses 14 - 29

·         True prophets are able to call out false prophets Acts 13 verses 9-11 and I kings 18

·         They come to tear down, replace and build up things within God’s people Jeremiah 1 verse 10

 THE MESSAGE

·         God is merciful St. Matthew 4 verse 16

·         God abhors sin Psalm 5 verse 4

·         God is a jealous God and will not share His glory Isaiah 42 verse 8

·         God wants your faith and obedience in Him Philippians 3 verse 9

·         God is after a repentant heart Psalm 51 verse 17

·         God will make you victorious over Satan if you repent Revelation 3 verse 21

·         God is a God of justice Deuteronomy 32 verse 4

·         God wants us to care for the widows and orphans James 1 verse 27

·         God wants us to have no other God before Him Exodus 20 verse 3

·         God hates divorce and unequally yoked marriages St. Matthew 5 verse 32

·         God hate false ministers St. Matthew 7 verse 15

·         God hates arrogance St. Luke 18 verses 9 - 14

·         God hates witchcraft and rebellion I Samuel 15 verse 23

·         God desires holiness Corinthians 7 verse 1

CONCLUSION

In concluding the topic is vast and could not be covered in one Blog I will have to revisit the area at some future date.  However, my Brethren I would like to point you to some resources that you can explore for your own self development.

·         Prophets and Personal Prophecy – Dr. Bill Hamon He has been around for a long time

·         God Still Speaks – Apostle John Eckhardt

·         I will also insert this YouTube video from Apostle John Eckhardt just to whet your appetite

·         For the prophetic in action just tune in to Pastor E.A. Adeboye over there at Redeemed Christian Church of God Dove Tv, RCCG.org or Holy Ghost Service Tv

After saying all of that there are two prophetic stories that resonate with me.  The first one is the story out of I Kings 13.  To cut to the chase the prophet was given clear instructions by God. He fulfilled his assignment. The guy cause an altar to rent in twain and dried up a hand and restored it and on his return, was deceived by another prophet and ended up being killed. My take away, in the noise and dissonance you must be able to recognize the Shepherd’s voice.  My sheep hears my voice the voice of another they will not follow.

The other story is that of the prophet called Ahitophel over there in II Samuel.  The Bible says that Ahitophel was an oracle of God none of His words fell (II Samuel 16 verse 23) to the ground he was one of King David’s seer.  However, he betrayed King David and the king just said one thing ‘make the counsel of Ahitophel foolishness’ (II Samuel 15 verse 31).  The rest is history he ended up killing himself (II Samuel 17 verse 23) like King Saul before him and Judas after him. Touch not the Lord’s anointed do His prophets no harm.

I particularly wanted to address the laying of hands and the commissioning of people in the church as per Acts 6 vs 6 when they wanted people to wait on tables and in Acts 13 verses 1 – 3.  I ask myself has the pattern change. See why we need the prophets.

Any way people more anon

Once again this is me Raphleta, Lillene’s baby girl coming to you from the True North.  The weather is starting to get interesting.

À bientôt