MINISTERING IN

THE PROPHETIC

HARVESTIME INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE

This course is part of the Harvestime International Institute, a program designed to equip Believers for effective spiritual harvest.

The basic theme of the training is to teach what Jesus taught,  that which took men who were fishermen, tax collectors, etc., and changed them into reproductive Christians who reached their world with the Gospel in a demonstration of power.

This manual is a single course in one of several modules of curriculum which moves Believers from visualizing through deputizing, multiplying, organizing, and mobilizing to achieve the goal of evangelizing.

©  Harvestime International Institute

http://www.harvestime.org

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Number

Introduction:        Let The Prophets Arise                              3

Chapter 1       Functioning In The Supernatural                        6

Chapter 2       Knowing God’s Voice                              15

Chapter 3       Understanding Spiritual Gifts                              23

Chapter 4       Defining The Prophetic                              34

Chapter 5      Recognizing The Purposes Of Prophecy                  46

Chapter 6      Activating The Prophetic Anointing                        58

Chapter 7      Receiving A Prophetic Message                        68

Chapter 8      Delivering A Prophetic Message                        80

Chapter 9      Judging A Prophetic Message                              89

Chapter 10      Engaging In Prophetic Worship                        99

Chapter 11      Avoiding Prophetic Pitfalls                              107

Chapter 12      Growing In The Prophetic                              124

Chapter 13      Passing On The Mantle                              134

Epilogue      The Final Prophetic Witness                              142

APPENDICES:

Appendix One:      Prophets In The Bible                              143

Appendix Two:      Prayers       For Prophetic Revelation                  147

Appendix Three:      Prophetic Confessions                              150

Appendix Four:      Prophetic Journal                                152

Appendix Five:      The School Of The Prophets                         154

Appendix Six:            Prophetic References                              156

Appendix Seven:      Answers To Self-Tests                         166

INTRODUCTION

LET THE PROPHETS ARISE

This study on Ministering In The Prophetic is based on the written Word of God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  These are the non-negotiable foundations of prophetic ministry.

If you do not know Jesus as your personal Savior and/or you do not believe in the infallibility of God’s written Word, then this book is not for you.

If, however, you are a born-again, Spirit-filled, Bible-believing Christian who is desiring to serve at a new level of supernatural ministry, then you are about to begin an exciting spiritual journey.  In this study you will learn that although not everyone is called to serve in the office of a prophet or has the spiritual gift of prophecy, every believer is called to minister in the prophetic.  That includes you.  The biblical principles shared in this book are for all Believers who are ministering or desiring to minister in the prophetic.

When Samuel began his ministry as a young man, there was no prophetic ministry coming forth due to sinful leadership in the priesthood (1 Samuel 3:1). During another dark period of Israel’s history, the psalmist lamented that there was no prophetic voice ministering to God’s people:

O God, why hast thou cast us off forever? why doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?...We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long. O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name forever? (Psalm 74:1,9-10)

The prophet Amos also spoke of a time when there would be a famine for the Word of the Lord:

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)

From the time of the final Old Testament prophetic revelation of Malachi, 400 years ensued when there was no prophetic word forthcoming. There were no prophets to encourage and exhort God’s people during these long years.  Then, in the fullness of time God, sent John the Baptist  and the prophetic ministry was restored to prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 7:28).

During the dark times we are experiencing of wars, famines, world-wide pandemics, increasing immorality, and political unrest, the prophetic voice must come forth.  It is needed as never before.  Desperate people are not going to be satisfied by user-friendly churches or those that emulate the world.  People who are facing the dire circumstances of these end-times need a prophetic word from God that will sustain them during the dark times ahead.  God is raising up an army of anointed Believers to minister in the prophetic to prepare the way for the Lord’s return!

It is time for the Church to embrace the truth declared on the day of Pentecost:

…this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.  (Acts 2:16-18)

The “last days” began on that day and continue through today.  We are warned that in these final days iniquity will abound and many will become cold in their spiritual lives  (Matthew 24:12).  We need the prophetic voice of God more than ever before to fan the supernatural flames of God’s miracle-working power.

The purpose of this manual is to share biblical teaching to dispel beliefs that have distorted or disregarded the prophetic.  It is our prayer that those who are skeptical will reconsider the gift of prophecy on the basis of what is taught in God’s Word, and that this ministry will multiply among Believers in these closing days of time.

Prophetic training allows you to tune your spiritual ears to hear what the Lord is saying. Jesus said,  “He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 8:8). This implies two things:  First:  God is speaking.  Second:  Some do not have their spiritual ears open to what He is saying.   May God use this study of “Ministering In The Prophetic” to open your spiritual ears to this vital ministry.

In the midst of these closing days of time, God’s Word to His people is:

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.  (Isaiah 60:1-2, NKJV)

The prophetic ministry is needed more than ever in this hour, so let the prophets of God arise!

“We need to have the gifts of the Holy Spirit restored again to the church,

and it is my belief that the one gift we need most now is the gift of prophecy.”

-A.W. Tozer

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

-Function in the supernatural.

-Know God’s voice and distinguish it from other voices in the world.

-Summarize what is taught in the Bible regarding Holy Spirit baptism and spiritual gifts.

-Define and distinguish between the prophetic spirit, the prophetic gift, and the prophetic office.

-Summarize the purposes of prophecy

-Explain how the prophetic anointing is activated.

-Receive a prophetic word from God.

-Deliver a prophetic word from God.

-Judge prophecies on the basis of scriptural principles.

-Engage in prophetic worship.

-Avoid prophetic pitfalls.

-Explain how to grow in the prophetic ministry.

-Pass on the mantle of the prophetic anointing to others.

CHAPTER ONE

FUNCTIONING IN THE SUPERNATURAL

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Identify and describe the two world in which man lives.

-Identify and discuss spiritual senses.

-Explain how to activate your spiritual senses.

KEY VERSES:

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)

INTRODUCTION

Man exists in two worlds:  The natural world and the spiritual world.  The natural world is that which can be seen, felt, touched, heard, or tasted.  It is tangible and visible.  The country, nation, city or village in which you live is part of the natural world.  You are the resident of a natural kingdom located on one of the visible continents of the world.   You can see the people who are part of your environment.  You can communicate with them.  You can experience the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

But there is another world in which you live.  That world is a spiritual world.  You cannot see it with your physical eyes, but it is just as real as the natural world.  All men have a natural body which lives in the natural world,  but man is also a spiritual being with an eternal soul and spirit.  Man is body, soul, and spirit.  Your spiritual being (soul and spirit) is part of a spiritual world, just as your natural body is part of the natural world.  If you are an unbeliever, you are part of the spiritual kingdom of Satan.  If you are a born-again Believer in Jesus Christ, you are part of the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God is supernatural, in that it is not visible like the natural kingdoms of the world.  The word “supernatural” means departing from what is usual, normal, and natural.  It is unexplainable by natural laws.  In a biblical sense, it is that pertaining to, characteristic of, or attributed to God and His spiritual Kingdom.

Adherents of new age and the occult are comfortable with supernatural evil, but Believers sometimes reject the supernatural manifestations in God’s Kingdom because they fear the counterfeit.  But you don’t throw out all your money because there might be a counterfeit bill among it.  You identify the counterfeit, reject it, and keep what is real.

Many churches reject supernatural ministry in the prophetic because they fear false prophets, but the Bible declares: “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).

The purpose of this chapter is to explain how developing your spiritual senses will enable you to discern the counterfeit and embrace the good in prophetic ministry.  It is the “strong meat” of the Word of God that will empower you to function in the prophetic.

NATURAL AND SPIRITUAL SENSES

Your natural senses of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching enable you to receive and communicate messages in the natural world.  In order to function in the spiritual world, however, one must use spiritual senses because…

…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.

(1 Corinthians 2:14)

What is not revealed to the natural mind through the natural senses is supernaturally revealed to the spiritual mind:

Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny]. For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man's thoughts except the man's own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

(1 Corinthians 2:10-11, TAB)

Here is the Passion Translation of this verse:

But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit. Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things.  After all, who can really see into a person’s heart and know his hidden impulses except for that person’s spirit? So it is with God. His thoughts and secrets are only fully understood by his Spirit, the Spirit of God.

The five senses used in the natural world to communicate are used by God in the spiritual world to discern the supernatural.  These spiritual senses enable you to function in the supernatural giftedness of the Holy Spirit, including the ministry of prophecy.

THE SPIRITUAL SENSE OF SEEING

The Apostle Paul prayed this prayer for Ephesian Believers:

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,  Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power…(Ephesians 1:15-19)

If it was not possible to have the “eyes of your understanding” (your spiritual eyes) opened, then Paul would not have prayed this prayer.  Paul prayed from experience, as his own spiritual eyes were opened along the road to Damascus in a powerful encounter that resulted in his conversion to Christ (Acts 9).

When the errant Prophet Balaam was journeying to Moab, the Bible says that the Lord opened his eyes to see an avenging angel in the road ahead (Numbers 22:31).  Alone and desperate in the wilderness, Hagar, received a prophetic word and her eyes were opened to see a source of water

(Genesis 21:19).

Another example of spiritual eyesight is found in 2 Kings 6:1-17 when the Prophet Elisha and his servant were surrounded by enemy troops at Dothan.  The servant was fearful, so Elisha prayed saying…

Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.  (2 Kings 6:17)

God communicates prophetically through dreams and visions where you actually “see” His message supernaturally.  (You will learn more about this in Chapter Seven on “Receiving A Prophetic Word”.)

THE SPIRITUAL SENSE OF HEARING

The Holy Spirit hears from God and relays His messages to Believers:

But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].  (John 16:13, TAB)

The Holy Spirit opens your spiritual ears to declare truth from the Father, including things that are to occur in the future. Jesus said:  “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God"  (Matthew 4:4, NKJV).  In New Testament Greek, the tense of the term “proceeds” indicates an ongoing process, meaning the Word that has come, that does come, and that will come from God.

The Lord spoke to the Prophet Moses “…mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold” (Numbers 1:-8).  The Lord spoke in such a way that Moses could hear Him clearly and understand the message.

Hearing in the spiritual world sometimes means hearing the Lord speak in what sounds like a human voice.  More often, however, it is a deep sense of knowing or a spiritual impression about something.  When you hear the voice of the Lord you will also receive the witness of the Spirit which is peace in your spirit.  What you are hearing spiritually will always agree with the Bible, as the Holy Spirit will never contradict the written Word of God.

THE SPIRITUAL SENSE OF TASTING

Remember that we are talking about spiritual senses, so when we speak of “tasting” the Lord or His Word, we are speaking spiritually.  Just as your sense of taste whets your appetite in the natural world, so “tasting” the things of God will increase your spiritual appetite.

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. (Ezekiel 3:1-4)

How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

(Psalm 119:103)

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

(Psalm 34:8)

As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

(Song of Solomon 2:3)

THE SPIRITUAL SENSE OF SMELLING

In the natural world, you can smell whether something is good or bad.  You can smell rotten food and discern it is no longer good.  You can smell smoke or gas and sense danger.  You can smell cookies baking in the oven, and anticipate their taste.

In the spiritual world, you can learn to discern, “or smell” spiritually,  when something is wrong or dangerous.  You can sense when “something is fishy”, so to speak, about a certain situation.  That is what happened when Peter confronted Ananias and Saphira about their dishonesty (Acts 5:1-11).

When you are functioning in the prophetic, you may also actually smell an odor that reveals what you are dealing with, i.e., you may smell cigarette smoke even though no one is smoking and it may symbolize the spirit of addiction.  Demonically controlled people have also been known to have  bad body or breath odor.

The Bible says that a true Believer has a spiritual fragrance:

But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:  To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?]  (2 Corinthians 2:14-16, TAB)

Our worship and offerings are spiritually fragrant to God:

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)

In the midst of worship services, people have been known to smell a sweet fragrance wafting through the congregation indicating the presence of the Lord.  Although smelling is not as common as the spiritual senses of hearing and seeing in the prophetic, be open to this revelatory method of the Holy Spirit.

THE SPIRITUAL SENSE OF TOUCHING

When you touch something in the natural world, you feel it and are able to respond to the environment around you.  The spiritual sense of “touching” is similar, in that you feel what is going on in the spiritual environment.  Feeling in the spiritual world involves being moved with compassion which causes you to reach out to touch those who need help.  Your touch is not only physical, but it is also spiritual:

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

(Mark 1:40-42)

Imagine how this leper felt when Jesus reached out and touched him physically, unclean though he was.  Greater yet was the spiritual touch that brought healing.  The prophetic anointing will lead you to touch the untouchable:  The prostitute, the criminal the drug addict, and the prison inmate.

ACTIVATING YOUR SPIRITUAL SENSES

You cannot activate your spiritual senses through self-effort.  Nothing in the prophetic comes through self-effort.   Here are some guidelines for activating spiritual senses:

-Pray for activation.  James says “you  have not because you ask not” (James 4:2-3).  If you have never asked God to activate your spiritual senses, then perhaps that is why you are not using them in prophetic ministry.  Jesus said “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them”  (Mark 11:24).

-Surrender to God.  To minister in the supernatural, you must surrender yourself to God:

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.  (Romans 12:1-2)

When you present yourself as a living sacrifice to God, your mind will be transformed so that you can discern the supernatural and know His perfect will.

Before you became a Believer, you yielded your natural senses to evil pursuits.  Now, as a Believer, you must yield your senses as instruments to be used by God:

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:13,19 NASB)

-Embrace the mind of Christ.  If you are to minister in the prophetic, you must allow the mind of Christ to be developed in you. Philippians 2:5 says to “let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  The word “let” means you must permit it to be developed.  Having done so, you can proclaim with the Apostle Paul:  “…we have the mind of Christ”  (1 Corinthians 2:16).

-Associate with prophetic Believers.   Proverbs 22:24-25 states; “Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.”  This verse revels an important biblical principle that you become like those with whom you associate.  If you hang out with critical people, you will become critical. If you hang out with people who are bitter, you will become bitter.  If you ever tried drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, it most likely was because you hung out with someone who used them.

You can learn much about the supernatural by associating with and observing those who minister in the supernatural.  Develop relationships with people who are prophetic and who are functioning in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

-Practice using your spiritual senses.  You learned about the natural world by practicing using your natural senses.  You learn about the spiritual world in the same way: By using your spiritual senses:

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.  (Hebrews 5:13-14, NIV)

By “constant use” of your spiritual senses you will be able to discern between good and evil.  You will know the voice of God and learn to distinguish between your own thoughts and a thought generated by the Holy Spirit.  You will learn to trust God in prophetic ministry and not lean on your own understanding:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:8-11)

Mature spiritual senses will enable you to know God’s voice and distinguish it from all others.  This is essential to your spiritual walk and for ministry in the prophetic, and it is the subject of the next chapter.

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verses.

______________________________________________________________________________

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2.      Identify and describe the two world in which man lives.

______________________________________________________________________________

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3.      Summarize what you learned about the following spiritual senses.

Seeing__________________________________________________________________

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Hearing ________________________________________________________________

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Tasting _________________________________________________________________

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Smelling________________________________________________________________

Touching________________________________________________________________

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4.      Explain how to activate your spiritual senses.

______________________________________________________________________________

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5.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, ask God to activate your spiritual senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and touching and make you more discerning in the spiritual world.

CHAPTER TWO

KNOWING GOD’S VOICE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Identify and discuss the four voices in the world.

-Discuss how God communicates with man.

-Know God’s voice.

KEY VERSE:

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me... (John 10:27)

INTRODUCTION

The title of this chapter, “Knowing God’s Voice”, implies several things:

First:            That there is a God.

Second:      That He communicates with man.

Third:            That man can recognize His voice when He speaks.

Fourth:            That God has something to say.

The Bible is the inspired written record of God's communication to man.  It confirms that there is a God and that He communicates to mankind. It details the ways which God spoke and the responses of individuals and nations to the voice of God.

The Bible verifies that all Believers can hear and know His voice. Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me...” (John 10:27).  The Bible also confirms that God has something important to say.  We are warned:

Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith), Today if ye will hear His voice,

Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness…While it is said, Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation... (Hebrews 3:7,15)

The "temptation in the wilderness" and the "provocation" (provoking) of God mentioned in these verses refer to the sins of the nation of Israel.  After they were delivered from Egyptian captivity, they repeatedly disobeyed God’s mandates.  In these verses God warns us not ignore His voice as Israel did.  The phrase "today, if ye will hear His voice," confirms that God still speaks to men in present times just as He did in times past.  The warning to listen confirms that what He has to say is important.

One of the important aspects of prophecy is that you are able to hear from God for yourself.  You are not reliant on others.  You learn how God speaks and how to distinguish His voice from all others  That is the subject of this chapter.

VOICES IN THE WORLD

The Bible reveals that there are many voices in the world clamoring for attention: “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification”

(1 Corinthians 14:10).  So what are these significant voices?

-The voice of man.  The voice of man is easy to recognize.  It is the audible voice of another human being.  Sometimes the voice of man may give wise advice, but whenever the voice of man conflicts with the voice of God, you must obey God.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.  (Acts 5:29)

-The voice of Satan.  The voice of Satan was first heard in the Garden of Eden when he spoke to Eve (Genesis 3:1,4,5).  Satan's deception always attempts to lead man into sin, as demonstrated in the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-13).  This is also evident in the conversations Satan had with God as recorded in Job 1:7-12 and 2:1-6.   Evil spirits (demons of Satan) also have voices (Acts 8:7; Luke 4:33-34).  Sometimes the voice of Satan is actually audible when demons use the vocal cords of a possessed man or woman.  Most often, however, Satan speaks in an inaudible voice by putting thoughts in your mind.

-The voice of self.  The voice of self is man talking to himself.  You can read examples of this in Luke 16:3 and 18:4, and also in Jonah 4:8 where the prophet wished in himself to die.  The Bible warns concerning the voice of self:

O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself;  it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.  (Jeremiah 10:23)

-The voice of God.  Jesus said that Believers would know God’s voice and be able to distinguish it from others:

To Him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His voice; and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.  And when He putteth forth His own sheep,  He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him; for they know His voice.  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from Him; for they know not the voice of strangers.  (John 10:3-5)

Believers are compared to sheep.  It is the characteristic of sheep not to know where they are going.  They must be led.  Jesus said He was the shepherd and that His sheep would know His voice and follow Him instead of responding to the voices of man, self, or Satan.

THE LANGUAGE OF GOD

God speaks in many ways and by many methods.

-God communicates through His Word.  There are two Greek words translated as "Word" in the Bible.  The words are "logos" and "rhema."  "Logos" refers to the written Word of God through which God speaks to man.  "Rhema" refers to the living or life-giving Word of God.  It was said of Believers in the city of Berea:

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word (rhema) with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures (logos) daily, whether those things were so.  (Acts 17:11)

This verse illustrates the relationship of the "logos" and "rhema" word.  The "logos" or written Word always agrees with the "rhema" or spoken, life-giving Word. A "rhema" Word from God  usually applies to a specific situation, meets a personal need, or provides individual guidance which is in harmony with the written Word of God.  Because you recognize the Word as applying to a specific need or situation in your life, it becomes a life-giving Word to you.

-God communicates during prayer.  There are many Biblical instances of God speaking during prayer.  For example, prayer and fasting resulted in God prophetically mandating the ministry of Paul and Barnabas:

And as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.  And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

(Acts 13:2-3)

-God communicates through Christian counselors.  Secular counselors should be avoided, as they do not counsel on the basis of God’s Word.  Christian counselors are essential to hearing God’s voice. The Bible states:

Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes:  but he that  hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.  (Proverbs 12:15)

-God communicates through circumstances.  One excellent Old Testament example of this is found in the events in the life of Joseph recorded in Genesis 37-50.  Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt where he was falsely accused and imprisoned, yet he saw all this as the direction of God:

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves that ye sold me hither; for God did send me before you to preserve life. . . And  God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity  in the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God.

(Genesis 45:5-8)

God communicated His will through orchestrating the circumstances of Joseph’s life and he was instrumental in saving the lives of thousands of people in a time of severe famine.

-God communicates through open and closed doors.  Circumstances of life result in what has come to be called "open and closed doors."  Paul wrote to the Corinthians:  “But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries”  (1 Corinthians 16:8-9).  Paul decided to stay at Ephesus because of the circumstances that created a great opportunity for Christian service  He called this an open door.  On another occasion Paul expressed his desire to minister in certain regions, but the doors there were closed (Acts 16:6-7).

-God communicates through angels.  Lot was given direction by angels who appeared at his home in Sodom.  He was told to leave Sodom because the judgment of God was going to fall on the city  (Genesis 19).  An angel spoke to Philip and told him to go to Samaria  (Acts 8:26).  The births of John the Baptist and Jesus were announced by angels (Luke l). There are numerous Biblical records of angels appearing to communicate the will of God to man.

-God communicates through miracles.  God spoke through a miracle in the event recorded in

1 Kings chapter 18. The prophet Elijah was told to prepare an altar before the Lord, dig ditches, and fill them with water.  When he called on the Lord, the fire of God fell and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust, and licked up the water in the trench:  “And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The Lord, He is God; the Lord He is God”  (I Kings 18:39).  God used this miracle to reveal Himself as the true and living God to the false prophets of Baal.

-God communicates through dreams.  God desires to communicate with you so much that He even speaks while you sleep!  God speaks in dreams which are detailed, specific, reveal His will, and communicate His message.

-God communicates through visions and trances.  Visons and trances are similar to dreams, but differ because you are awake.  It is like having a dream without being asleep.  Visions may be seen with spiritual eyes as well as your physical eyes. This means you may see it with your natural eyes and/or God shows you something in your spirit.

-God communicates through an audible voice.  God spoke to Paul in an audible voice during a journey along the Damascus road.  You can read the story in Acts chapter 9.  God also spoke to young Samuel in an audible voice (1 Samuel 3:10).  The Scriptures repeatedly declare "God said" and references to the fact that God "spoke" or "commanded."  Often this was an audible

voice. But there is another voice through which God speaks...

-God communicates through an inner voice.  More often than an audible voice, God speaks through the inner voice of the Holy Spirit.  This is called being "led by the Spirit".  The Bible says: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God”  (Romans 8:14).  To be "led by the Spirit" assumes a spiritual life in those being led.  A soul dead in sin, with no spiritual life, cannot be led by the Holy Spirit.  It also assumes an inability to lead yourself.  You will learn more about this inner voice as you study further on the prophetic ministry.

-God communicates through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit.  Several of these gifts enable you to hear God’s voice.  There is a gift of tongues through which God speaks to man in a language he does not know.  Interpretation from the Holy Spirit follows to translate the message into a known language.  The prayer language of the Holy Spirit (other tongues)  also speaks to you and through you.  There is a gift called discernment, the gift of a word of knowledge, and prophecy. These gifts provide divine insight about people and circumstances beyond what is known by your natural mind.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are essential to ministering in the prophetic, so the next chapter deals with these spiritual abilities in detail.

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      List and discuss the four voices in the world.

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3.      Summarize how God communicates with man through the following methods:

His Word_____________________________________________________________________

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Prayer      _______________________________________________________________________

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Christian counselors_____________________________________________________________

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Circumstances_________________________________________________________________

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Open and closed doors___________________________________________________________

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Angels_______________________________________________________________________

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Miracles______________________________________________________________________

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Dreams_______________________________________________________________________

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Visions and trances______________________________________________________________

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Audible voice__________________________________________________________________

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Inner voice____________________________________________________________________

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Gifts of the Holy Spirit___________________________________________________________

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4.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, pray and ask God to speak to you today through the inner voice of the Holy Spirit.  As you go throughout your day, be alert to listen for His voice of encouragement, warning, prompting, or guidance and respond to it.

Meditate on the following passage regarding knowing God’s voice as it relates to the prophetic ministry:

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.  (Deuteronomy 30:11-14)

For further study on “Knowing God’s Voice”, obtain the free Harvestime course by this title at http://www.harvestime.org

CHAPTER THREE

UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL GIFTS

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Explain what is meant by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

-Summarize how to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

-Define spiritual gifts.

-List the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

-List the purposes and objectives of the gifts of the Spirit.

-Deal with objections to the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

KEY VERSE:

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

INTRODUCTION

Our Lord left His Disciples with the responsibility to extend the Gospel to the ends of the earth  (Matthew 28:19-20).  Jesus did not leave His followers with such a great responsibility without giving them the ability to fulfill the mandate. The power of the Holy Spirit would help them accomplish this task:

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

Acts chapter 2 records the day of Pentecost when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)

This experience is known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which is the gateway into the prophetic realm.  One of the first things that happened after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was the giving of a prophetic word by Peter who said…

…This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;  And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy…(Acts 2:16-18):

When Peter proclaimed the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy regarding the Holy Spirit, the “last days” began.  The term here refers to the time between Christ’s ascension to Heaven and His  return.  That New Testament Believers were already living in the last days is evident by Hebrews 1:1-2 which states:  “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds…”(Hebrews 1:1-2).

Many Believers have limited experience with the prophetic because they have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and do not understand spiritual gifts.  This understanding is essential if you are to minister in the prophetic.

THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

After the resurrection and prior to His return to Heaven, Jesus gave important instructions to His followers:

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:  but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high.  (Luke 24:49)

The promise to which Jesus referred was the Holy Spirit:

And I will pray the Father and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever;  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless.  (John 14:16-18)

This was not a new promise.  The gift of the Holy Spirit had been promised since Old Testament times:

...for with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people.  To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest, and this is the refreshing…(Isaiah 28:11-12)

...I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...(Joel 2:28)

The Holy Spirit has many purposes in the lives of Believers.  One of the main purposes is to make them a powerful witness for the Gospel:

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me...to the uttermost part of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

The true evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was visible immediately in the life of the Apostle Peter.  Before the day of Pentecost he fearfully denied that he knew Jesus.  After his baptism in the Holy Spirit, Peter gave a powerful witness to the Gospel that resulted in the salvation of 3,000 people.

It was the gift of the Holy Spirit in the early Church that resulted in the rapid spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The book of Acts is a record of this powerful witness which resulted after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

The phrase "to baptize into" the Holy Spirit is the same as is used to describe Christian baptism in water.  In both cases baptism is an outward confirmation of an inward spiritual experience.  Paul said:

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

(1 Corinthians 12:13)

On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down from Heaven and completely immersed (baptized)  Believers assembled in the upper room of a house in Jerusalem.  They had been waiting for His coming as they had been commanded to do by Jesus.  God said that male and female, young and old are included in this outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  They are to prophesy, have dreams, and see visions.  God's Spirit will empower both servants (men) and handmaidens (women).

On the day the Holy Spirit was given, Peter declared:

Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

(Acts 2:38-39)

Peter's words revealed that the promise of the Holy Spirit was:

-A national promise:      "Unto you" [the Jewish people].

-A family promise:      "Your children” [natural and spiritual descendants].

-A universal promise:      "To all that are afar off” [including YOU!]

There are three places in the New Testament that confirm what happened when people were baptized in the Holy Spirit:  On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4); at the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-46); and at Ephesus (Acts 19:6).  As we compare these passages there is one physical sign which is common to all three:  Those who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit  spoke with other tongues.  The sign of "tongues" can be languages known to man, but unknown to the speaker. This is what happened on the day of Pentecost:

...And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold are not all these which speak Galilaeans?  And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?  (Acts 2:7-8)

Tongues can also be a language not known to man.  This is called an unknown tongue:

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2)

One of the most common objections to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is that every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when he is converted and there is no need for a subsequent experience.  But consider the examples of people in the New Testament.  The apostles repented of their sins and believed Jesus was the Messiah. They had witnessed personally and accepted as true the facts of His death, burial, and resurrection, yet Jesus told His followers to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit promising…

…ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8)

Although the apostles were already Believers, it was not until the day of Pentecost that they were baptized in the Holy Spirit.  The people of Samaria believed the Gospel and were baptized in water, but they had not received the Holy Spirit  (Acts 8:14-17).  These people were saved through the ministry of Philip. They received the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the ministry of Peter and John, confirming that it was a separate experience from receiving salvation.

When the Apostle Paul found disciples in the city of Ephesus, his first question was, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since you believed?" (Acts 19:1-6).  If people received the Holy Ghost when they received salvation it would be foolish for Paul to ask this question.  The fact that he asked it makes it clear that people become Believers without receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  Even if a person receives the baptism at the same time he is converted, it is still a separate experience from salvation.

The Holy Spirit was with the disciples prior to the upper room experience, but not yet not in them.  Jesus told them that He was sending another Spirit…

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know Him: for He dwelleth with you [presently], and  shall be in you [in the future].  (John 14:17)

The Holy Spirit is with the sinner to draw him to Jesus Christ.  But this is not the same as being in him.  In Old Testament times the power of the Holy Spirit came upon spiritual leaders at special times.  In the New Testament this power was given permanently to Believers. The Holy Spirit was with the spiritual leaders of Old Testament times, but He was not yet in them. This is the difference between the Old and New Testament ministries of the Holy Spirit.

Another objection to the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues has come through misunderstanding of a question of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:30 where he asks, "Do all speak with tongues?"  The answer to his question is "No, all do not speak with tongues."  But Paul is not speaking here of the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit.  The discussion concerns gifts of the Holy Spirit, one of which is "diversities of tongues”  (1 Corinthians 12;27-28).  This is an ability to give special messages to the Church in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Although everyone experiences the sign of tongues when baptized in the Holy Spirit, not everyone receives the special gift of diversities of tongues spoken of in this chapter.

RECEIVING THE BAPTISM

If you have not yet received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it is an essential experience if you are desiring to minister in the prophetic.  Take these steps:

Repent and be baptized.  “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”  (Acts 2:38).

Believe it is for you.  “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call”  (Acts 2:39).

Accept it as a gift.  Peter made it clear that the baptism is “…the gift of the Holy Ghost”

(Acts 2:38).  There is nothing you can do to earn it.  Just receive it as a gift.

Yield to God.  Begin to worship God audibly (Acts 1:5).  You may first experience stammering lips.  As you continue to yield your tongue to the Holy Spirit, He will speak words through you that are foreign to your understanding.  This is the confirming physical sign of Holy Spirit baptism:

For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.  (Isaiah 28:11)

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  (Acts 2:4)

Request the prayers of other Believers.  The Holy Spirit can be received through the laying on of hands (Acts 8,9,19) or without the laying on of hands (Acts 2,4,10).  Study these chapters which show how Spirit-filled Believers can help you receive baptism in the Holy Spirit.

SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Wherever the ministry of the Holy Spirit is truly embraced on biblical terms, spiritual gifts will be manifested as they were on the Day of Pentecost.  The word "spiritual" means "characterized or controlled by the Holy Spirit.”   A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to a Believer to minister as part of the Body of Christ.

There is a difference between the "gift" of the Holy Spirit and "gifts" of the Holy Spirit.  The "gift" of the Holy Spirit occurred at Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Holy Spirit came in answer to the promise of Jesus:

And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter...Even the Spirit of truth...(John 14:16-17a)

The "gift" of the Holy Spirit has already been given.  "Gifts" of the Holy Spirit are supernatural abilities given to Spirit-filled Believers to enable effective ministry:

And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.  (Mark 16:20)

There is a difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents. A talent is a natural ability inherited at birth or developed through training. A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit for specific spiritual purposes. Spiritual gifts provide spiritual capabilities far greater than the finest natural talents. Although you should use all of your natural talents for the work of the Lord, you still need spiritual gifts.

It is possible that a natural talent may be sanctioned (approved and blessed) by the Holy Spirit after one becomes a believer. When this occurs, the talent then becomes a gift as well as a talent. For example, a person may have a natural talent in administration because of training he has received.  After baptism in the Holy Spirit, this natural talent may be sanctioned by the Holy Spirit and he may be used supernaturally in the spiritual gift of administration.

The purposes of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in Ephesians 4:12-15:

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.  (Ephesians 4:12-15)

The gifts of the Spirit are also given to the Church as weapons of spiritual warfare to conquer the spiritual forces of Satan:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Since the battle in which Believers are engaged is spiritual, then spiritual rather than natural weapons must be used.  Believers sometimes go into spiritual warfare without knowledge of these weapons.  Anytime you go to battle without your weapons, you cannot expect to win the fight.  This is why it is important to understand spiritual gifts as they are part of the spiritual arsenal God has provided.

Each Believer has at least one spiritual gift:

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  (1 Peter 4:10)

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.

(1 Corinthians 12:7,11)

Because every believer has at least one spiritual gift, we each have a responsibility to discover and use our gift.  You will not be judged by how many spiritual gifts you have.  You will be judged by your faithfulness to use the spiritual gift or gifts you have been given.  You are a steward of the gifts, as the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 confirms.

The main passages identifying spiritual gifts are Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, Ephesians 4:1-16, and 1 Peter 4:7-11.  A composite list of the gifts mentioned in these passages include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, prophecy, teaching, exhortation, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, serving, help, leadership, administration, giving, showing mercy, discerning of spirits, faith, hospitality, tongues, interpretation, miracles, and healing.

OBJECTIONS TO SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Some people claim that all of the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible are not for the Church today.  They believe some supernatural gifts, like prophecy, tongues, miracles, etc., were only for the early Church.  They claim that after the Church was established and the New Testament was complete, some spiritual gifts were no longer needed.

They often use 1 Corinthians 13:10 to explain their position:  “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away”  (I Corinthians 13:10).  They claim that when the perfect revelation of God's written Word was completed, there was no longer a need for tongues, interpretation, and prophecy.  They say that once the Church was established there was also no longer a need for confirming signs and miracles.  What they fail to note is that knowledge is also mentioned in the same passage as being "vanished" or done away with:

...whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  (1 Corinthians 13:8)

If we use this verse to say that prophecy, tongues, and other gifts are no longer needed, then we must also say knowledge is no longer needed.

This passage actually refers to a future time when the Kingdom of God is established on earth.  Since what is perfect has come, we will have no need of any of the spiritual gifts then, because “...He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God”  (Revelation 21:3).  We will have no need of messages through prophecy, tongues, or interpretation, for we will be dwelling with the God who inspires such messages.  We will have no need of the word of wisdom or knowledge, for we will be living with the source of knowledge.  We will not need discerning of spirits, as no evil will enter there.  There will be no need for healing, as we will be in perfect health.

Also relevant to proving that all the gifts are for today are the scriptures recording the purposes and objectives of spiritual gifts.   According to Ephesians 4:12-15, the purposes are for:

-Perfecting of the saints.

-Promoting the work of the ministry.

-Edifying Christ and the Church.

The purposes for which the gifts were given still remain. The saints still need to be perfected, the ministry still needs to be promoted to the ends of the earth, and Christ and the Church need to be edified.

The objectives are that we will:

-Be united in the faith.

-Develop our knowledge of Christ.

-Develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.

-Become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.

-Mature spiritually in Christ.

Consider these questions:

-Are all Believers united in the faith?

-Has everyone developed fully in the knowledge of Christ?

-Are we all perfected?

-Are all of our Church members stable and not being deceived by false doctrines?

-Are all of our Church members spiritually mature?

The answer to these questions is "no.”  These objectives have not been accomplished.  For this reason we know that all of the spiritual gifts are still for today. God gave spiritual gifts to accomplish certain purposes in the Church. He will not withdraw any of these gifts without these purposes being accomplished.

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      Explain what is meant by the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

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3.      Summarize how to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

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4.      Define spiritual gifts.

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5.      List the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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6.      List the purposes and objectives of the gifts of the Spirit.

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7.      How can you deal with objections to the operation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

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8.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, if you have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, take these steps:

-Repent and be baptized: Acts 2:38.

-Believe it is for you:  Acts 2:39.

-Accept it as a gift: Acts 2:38.

-Yield your tongue to God: Acts 1:5.

-Request the prayers of other Believers: Acts 8,9,19.

Because we are dealing with ministering in the prophetic, we will focus only on prophecy-related gifts in this manual.  A study of all of the gifts is important however, in order to understand how the prophetic relates to the other gifts of the Holy Spirit. For further study of spiritual gifts, obtain “Ministry Of The Holy Spirit” available free at http://www.harvestime.org

CHAPTER FOUR

DEFINING THE PROPHETIC

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Define prophecy.

-Identify the source of prophecy.

-Identify the foundation of prophecy.

-Discuss the levels of prophetic ministry including:

-The prophetic spirit.

-The prophetic gift.

-The office of a prophet.

-Define and explain what is meant by a “seer”.

-List and discuss spiritual gifts that often accompany the prophetic ministry.

KEY VERSES:

But when the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truth within you. He won’t speak his own message, but only what he hears from the Father, and he will reveal prophetically to you what is to come.  He will glorify me on the earth, for he will receive from me what is mine and reveal it to you.  (John 16:13-14, TPT)

INTRODUCTION

This chapter discusses the definition of prophecy, the source of prophecy, the foundation of prophecy, and the various levels of prophetic ministry including the prophetic spirit, the gift of prophecy, the prophetic office, seers, and associated gifts.

Many people have a fear of the supernatural, so as we begin this chapter let’s examine the biblical safeguard given by our Lord who said:

If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?  (Luke 11:11-13)

This passages assures that when you ask anything of the Lord, including to be used in prophetic ministry, you will not receive something that will harm or deceive you.  Therefore, the Lord said:  “…What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24).

God is seeking those who will boldly proclaim His love and His Word to a lost world.  He seeks those after His own heart who will embrace the prophetic ministry.  A.W. Tozer notes:

“Hearts that are fit to break with love for the Godhead are those who have been in the presence and have looked with opened eyes upon the majesty of Deity.  Men of the breaking hearts had a quality about them not known to nor understood by common men. They habitually spoke with spiritual authority  They had been in the presence of God and they reported what they saw there.  They were prophets, not scribes, for the scribe tells us what he has read and the prophet tells what he has seen…We are overrun today with orthodox scribes, but the prophets, where are they? “

THE DEFINITION OF PROPHECY

The Hebrew word “to prophesy” means “to speak or spring forth, to bubble up like a fountain.” The Greek word used in the New Testament for prophecy literally means to “speak for another”.   Prophesy is supernatural revelation from God which results in edification, exhortation, and comfort of the recipients (1 Corinthians 14:3).

THE SOURCE OF PROPHECY

The source of prophecy is God who reveals His messages through the Holy Spirit:

For the prophecy came not  in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.  (2 Peter 1:21)

The deep things of God are revealed to prophets by the Holy Spirit:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.  (John 16:13-14)

But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit:  for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.   (1 Corinthians 2:10)

God can speak accurately of the future because:

Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.  (Acts 15:18)

Remember the former things of old:  for I am God, and there is none else; I

am God, and there is none like me.  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from       ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will       do all my pleasure.  (Isaiah 46:9-10)

God is the one who raises up prophets:

The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.   (Deuteronomy 18:15)

God reveals His plans and purposes to His prophets so they can prepare His people for the future:

Surely the Lord God will do nothing but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.  (Amos 3:7)

Satan imitates true prophecy through false predictions by fortune tellers, witches, astrologers, etc.  These methods are not of God.  The Prophet Daniel said:

...The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers shew  unto the king.  But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days...(Daniel 2:27-28)

True prophecy always directs attention to Jesus Christ:

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed; and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  (1 Corinthians 12:3)

THE FOUNDATION OF PROPHECY

The foundation of prophetic ministry was revealed when Jesus was questioned by a lawyer who asked…

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said unto him, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  (Matthew 22:36-40)

The foundation of prophetic ministry is love of God and love for others.  Because you love God, you love others and desire to minister to them.  If you minister without love, prophetic ministry is useless (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).

LEVELS OF THE PROPHETIC

There are three levels of  prophetic ministry:  The prophetic spirit that should be manifested in the lives of all Believers; the gift of prophecy which is given by the Holy Spirit as He will; and the office of the prophet to which some are appointed by God.

At whichever level the Lord chooses to use you, remember that it is by His grace that you function in this ministry, not by your works.  The Apostle Paul said:

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Let’s examine these levels of the prophetic in detail…

THE PROPHETIC SPIRIT

In the Old Testament era, only a select few were called to prophetic ministry.  On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was given,  Peter declared that the prophecy given by Joel was fulfilled:

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.  (Acts 2:16-18)

Whereas only a select few served in prophetic ministry in Old Testament times, now all Believers could minister prophetically.   Old and young.  Male and female.  The Apostle Paul confirmed that “…you may all prophesy, one by one…” (1 Corinthians 14:31).  “You all”  means everyone!  The Holy Spirit will minister through any born-again Believer who desires to be used in prophecy.  This is why Paul encouraged Believers to desire to prophecy

(1 Corinthians 14:39-40).

All men and women, old and young alike, are to speak forth words from God, yet not all are prophets (1 Corinthians 12:29).  Just like all Believers are mandated to pray for the sick but not all have the gift of healing (Mark 16:17-18), ministering in the prophetic does not mean you have the gift or office of a prophet as you will learn in the following discussion.  Ministering in the spirit of prophecy is usually within the scope of encouragement, comfort, and exhortation as explained in 1 Corinthians 14:3.

THE PROPHETIC GIFT

As you learned in chapter three, wherever the ministry of the Holy Spirit is truly embraced on biblical terms, spiritual gifts will be manifested as they were on the Day of Pentecost.  The word "spiritual" means "characterized or controlled by the Holy Spirit.”  A "gift" is something freely given from one person to another.  A spiritual gift is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to a believer to minister as part of the Body of Christ.

The prophetic gift of the Holy Spirit is not a reward. You cannot earn it, as it is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  You can, however, desire it and pray to receive it.  All the gifts are available to all Believers, but the Holy Spirit bestows them at will.  You will recognize when your prophetic ministry has been sanctioned by the Holy Spirit as a spiritual gift when you are used consistently in the prophetic.

THE PROPHETIC OFFICE

To function in the prophetic office is a calling.  It is who you are, not just what you do.  It is God that sets prophets in the Church as part of the five-fold leadership team:

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  (1 Corinthians 12:28)

Those functioning in the prophetic office hold leadership positions in the Church. The prophetic office is confirmed when you are recognized by the Body of Christ as having a mature prophetic ministry and you are placed in leadership in the Church.

Those who hold the office of a prophet not only give prophetic words, as do those with the prophetic spirit and the gift of prophecy, but they also equip God’s people to do the work of the ministry:

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Those who are chosen by God to serve in the office of a prophet provide direction and correction to those in leadership in the Church, marketplace, or government. They often minister in signs

and wonders and are known to deliver accurate words from God as the Prophet Samuel did:

Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord.  (1 Samuel 3:19–20)

Those who function in the office of a prophet are called alongside to help God’s appointed leaders.  The prophet Zechariah ministered to King Uzziah  who“…sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:5).  The prophets Haggai and Zechariah were used by God to encourage the leaders of Israel to rebuild God’s house (Ezra 5:1-2).   The Prophet Nathan served King David.

Prophets are the servants of God who function in revelatory knowledge:

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)

The mandate given to Jeremiah describes the authority of those in the prophetic office:

See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant. (Jeremiah 1:10)

The prophetic purpose of tearing down strongholds is to build up the Kingdom of God.  If you are called to the prophetic office, you will feel anointed to root out, to pull down, to destroy, to throw down evil, and to build up and plant what is good. Intense spiritual warfare will be a constant in your life. Although all Believers are equipped for spiritual battle, one who holds the prophetic office is especially empowered with a responsibility to pull down spiritual strongholds:

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Prophets are called to minister to God’s people by encouraging them to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus (John 3:29); equipping them to know God’s voice (Ephesians 4:11–12); speaking words of warning and correction (Matthew 3:2–3); and standing in the gap between man and God in intercession (Ezekiel 22:30).

Those functioning in the prophetic office will be used to turn the hearts of the fathers toward the sons and the hearts of the sons toward the fathers (Malachi 4:5–6). The Amplified translation calls this a "reconciliation produced by repentance of the ungodly."

A person who operates in the office of a prophet is also used by God to confirm and activate ministries:

Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.  (Acts 13:1-2)

Not all Believers serving in the office of a prophet function alike. Some of the Old Testament prophets wrote their messages. Others, Like Jeremiah, acted out their prophecies. The messages of others, such as Elijah and Elisha, were recorded in the Bible, but they were not used to author books in the Bible as some prophets did.  Acts 2:30 states that David was a prophet, yet he did not give personal prophecies to individuals like Isaiah or Ezekiel did, nor did he display miraculous powers like Moses or Elijah. Yet throughout the Psalms, David prophesied about the future Messiah and His kingdom. So, there are different kinds of prophets, and different kinds of prophetic messages presented in various ways.

SEERS

The Hebrew word for “seer” is one who receives communications from God through visions and dreams rather than audible words.   A prophet most often says, “The Lord spoke to me” or “thus saith the Lord”.  A seer most likely says, “The Lord showed me” or “I saw” and then follows with an explanation.  A “seer” can operate in the prophetic spirit, the prophetic gift, or the prophetic office.

Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.

(1 Samuel 9:9)

A prophet and a seer have the same calling, yet the way they receive their revelation from the Lord is different.  Formerly they were called only “prophets”.  Here the definition of “prophet” is  inclusive of a seer.  All seers minister in the prophetic, but not all who minister in the prophetic are seers.  This means that some prophets do not “see” the prophecies in terms of visions or dreams as a seer does.

The Prophet Elisha not only received prophetic words from God, but he was a seer, meaning that he could actually see into the spirit world.  Like Elisha, seers can pray for those who need spiritual vision and their spiritual eyes will be opened.  This is called “impartation” and is illustrated in the account where Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes would be opened to see the heavenly army that surrounded them (2 Kings 6:15-17).

Nine people were identified as seers in the Old Testament:

Samuel       1 Chronicles 29:29                  Judge, governmental advisor

Gad             1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Samuel 24:11      Governmental advisor

Zadok            2 Samuel 15:27                  Chief priest

Hanani       2 Chronicles 16:7                  Samuel’s grandson

Iddo             2 Chronicles 9:29                  Priest

Amos             Amos 7:12                        Harvester of figs

Asaph             2 Chronicles 29:30                  Worship leader and author of

Psalms 50 and 78-83

Jeduthun       2 Chronicles 35:15                  Worship leader

Heman       1 Chronicles 25:5                  Worship leader, author of Psalm 88

These people were judges, governmental advisors, priests, farmers, and worship leaders, yet all ministered in the prophetic as seers.

Part of the prophetic ministry of a seer is recovery of sight to the blind, both spiritually and physically (Luke 4:18).  After Adam and Eve sinned, their natural eyes were opened, but they lost their spiritual sight.  They could not see the Lord walking in the garden as they did before.  They could only hear His voice (Genesis 3).  There are many other biblical examples that indicate how sin blinds our spiritual eyes and how God desires to open them (John 12:39-40; 1 John 2:11; John 9:39-41).

ASSOCIATED GIFTS

Many who minister in the prophetic have preaching, teaching, and serving ministries or other giftedness.  Prophetic ministry is also often accompanied by the manifestation of the gifts of healing, miracles, the word of knowledge, and discerning of spirits.

Healing.  A believer with the gift of healing has the ability to let God's power flow through him to restore health apart from the use of natural methods.  This type of healing is called "divine healing" because it is done by the divine power of God rather than through natural means.

Healing is one of the spiritual signs that is to follow the ministry of all Believers (Mark 16;17-18), but one with the gift of healing is especially used by God in this area of ministry.  Those who minister in the prophetic will sometimes have this gift and will be able to discern illnesses and pray the prayer of faith for physical, mental, and emotional healing and deliverance from the demonic.

Miracles.  On the day of Pentecost, Peter quoted a prophecy from the book of Joel, declared that it was fulfilled, preached a powerful message, and the greatest miracle of all occurred when 3000 people were saved!

Through a person with the gift of miracles God performs powerful acts which are beyond the possibility of occurring naturally.  These supernatural acts are a sign that God's power is greater than that of Satan. God uses miracles to confirm the Gospel message and the messenger

(2 Corinthians 12:12), and this results in people accepting Jesus Christ as Savior (John 20:30-31).

God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:  “So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them” (Acts 19:11-12).  The fact that these miracles are called "special" to distinguish them from the "ordinary" shows how common miracles were in the early Church.

Word of knowledge.  The word of knowledge is the ability to understand things which others do not know and cannot comprehend and to share this knowledge with them under the inspiration of the Spirit.   The  gift of the word of knowledge is revelatory knowledge, meaning it is revealed by God…“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

A word of knowledge gives insight about a person or circumstances that is not apparent to normal reasoning.  Study these New Testament examples of the word of knowledge:

-Jesus:                        John 1:48; 4:17-18; 11:14

-Simon:                  Luke 2:25-35

-Ananias and Sapphira:      Acts 5:1-11

-Paul:                        Acts 27:13-44

Discerning of spirits.  Discerning of spirits is the ability to evaluate people, doctrines, and situations as to whether or not they are of God. This discernment is spiritual and cannot be comprehended with the natural mind:

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.

(I Corinthians 2:15)

This gift is limited to the discerning of spirits.  It is not just discerning in general, a critical spirit, or suspicion.  Discerning of spirits serves the prophetic ministry by identifying people with wrong motives, false doctrines, and sinful lifestyles.

Discerning of spirits is an important gift because the enemies against which we fight are not visible to the human eye:

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against  powers,        against  the  rulers of  the darkness of this world, against  spiritual wickedness in high       places.  (Ephesians 6:12)

One of the main strategies used by Satan is deception:

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.  (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

As we near the return of the Lord Jesus, these spirits of deception will increase:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.  (1 Timothy 4:1)

This is why the gift of discerning of spirits is vital, especially in prophetic ministry.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:  because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  (2 John 4:1-3)

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verses.

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2.      Define prophecy.

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3.      Identify the source of prophecy.

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4.      Identify the foundation of prophecy.

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5.      Discuss the levels of prophetic ministry including:

-The prophetic spirit.      _________________________________________________________

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-The prophetic gift. ___________________________________________________________

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-The office of a prophet. ____ ___________________________________________________

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6.      Define and explain what is meant by a “seer”.

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7      List and discuss spiritual gifts that often accompany the prophetic ministry.

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8.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation” challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, use Appendix One of this manual to study how prophets in the Bible functioned in their prophetic giftedness.  Who wrote their messages?  Who saw visions?  Who demonstrated their messages? Who received messages from angels?  Who dreamed dreams?

CHAPTER FIVE

RECOGNIZING THE

PURPOSES OF PROPHECY

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Summarize the differences between prophecy under the Old and New Covenants.

-Discuss the purposes of prophecy.

KEY VERSE:

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

(1 Corinthians 14:3)

INTRODUCTION

Every Word of God, both written and prophetic, has divine purpose:

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:9-11)

This chapter explains the difference between prophecy under the Old and New Covenants and discusses the purposes of prophecy.

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY

There are distinct differences between prophetic ministry in the Old and New Testament eras. These are vital for understanding as you begin to function in the prophetic.

-Limits of prophetic ministry.  In the Old Testament era, priestly and prophetic ministries were reserved for a select few. Under the New Covenant, instead of a limited few every Believer is a priest and the spirit of prophecy is diffused throughout the Body of Christ:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.

(Acts 2:17–18).

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light…(1 Peter 2:9)

-Functioning of the Holy Spirit.  In the Old Testament era, the Spirit came upon God’s servants for specific purposes. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells permanently within every born-again, Spirit-filled Believer.

-Accuracy of prophecies.  During the Old Testament era, prophets were required to be 100% accurate.  Old Testament prophets received direct revelation from God which became part of His written Word.  These prophets spoke with an unmistakable “Thus saith the Lord!” Their messages were the very Word of God who said:

I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.  (Exodus 4:12)

Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.  (Jeremiah 1:9)

Because their words were designated to become part of the written Word of God, the penalty for false prophets was death (Deuteronomy 18:20).

God has called His New Testament Church to function as a kingdom of priests, all of whom have direct access to Him (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:5). Each Believer has the ability to hear directly from God through the indwelling Holy Spirit and each Believer can test and judge prophetic messages.

In the New Testament era, we prophesy by faith.  Although our words are inspired by the Holy Spirit, they are not at the level of divine inspiration of the Old Testament prophets.  First Corinthians 13:9 says, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”

New Testament guidelines require that Believers judge prophecies and hold fast what is good

(1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).  This implies that at times, prophetic utterances may contain errors.  It is difficult for some to accept the idea of prophesying by faith with a chance of error because they fail to understand the transition in prophetic ministry. Their knowledge is still based on the Old Testament model.

-Grace vs. law.  Old Testament prophecies were often messages of rebuke and judgment.   The law brought people face-to-face with the severity of sin and the need for a Savior.  Now, under grace, we have that Savior in Jesus Christ.  In the New Testament, prophecy is for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).

This does not mean that the prophetic word in this era should always be affirmative, pretending

there is nothing negative to be corrected.  This is demonstrated in the example of Peter and Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:18-24).  Simon asked Peter to give him spiritual power to do the miraculous, but Peter discerned that his heart was not right with God and admonished him to repent.  Prophetic correction under the New Covenant is done with assurances of God’s love and grace that cover every sin.  It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance, not emphasizing sin (Romans 2:4).

In the New Testament Church, we are not prophets of law. We are prophets of grace.  We may bring exhortations that include correction and warnings, but we do so with grace.  We do not prophesy problems.  We prophesy the God-given answers.

BIBLICAL PURPOSES OF PROPHECY

-Prophecy exalts Jesus Christ.  John the Baptist was called to prepare people to receive Jesus as the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World. All true prophecy is focused on Jesus (Revelation 19:10).  As end-time ministers of the prophetic, we are preparing people for the return of Jesus Christ as reigning King.

-Prophecy edifies God’s people.  There are five Greek verbs used to describe prophecy in

1 Corinthians 14:

Verse 3:        Prophecy builds up (oikodomeo)

Verse 3:        Prophecy exhorts (parakaleo)

Verse 3:       Prophecy encourages (paramythia)

Verses 24-25:  Prophecy convinces (enlenketai)

Verse 31:        Prophecy instructs (manthano)

Prophecy edifies God’s people by building them up spiritually by exhortation, through

encouragement, and by convincing them of and instructing them in God’s truth.  Examples are the prophets Haggai and Zachariah who encouraged those who were rebuilding the temple (Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14-15.)   The Prophet Obed was used by God to encourage King Asa:

And when Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the Lord, that was before the porch of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 15:8)

The Prophet Isaiah declared:

The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. (Isaiah 50:4)

As you advance in ministry, God will give you words “in season” for those who need it.  Each morning you will awaken to new possibilities in the prophetic.

-Prophecy brings comfort. An example is the prophetic word to God’s people when they were facing captivity in Babylon for 70 years:  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).  Through the long years of captivity, this message continued to bring them comfort and hope.

-Prophecy authenticates God's message.  Fulfilled prophecy proves that God's message is authentic.  In Isaiah 41:21-23 God challenges the gods of the heathen nations to prove their power by foretelling future events.  They could not do it because they were false:

Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen:  let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and known the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. (Isaiah 41:22)

The truth of God’s Word is authenticated through prophetic ministry.

-Prophecy confirms God's messenger. Prophecy confirms the ministry of true messengers of God:

The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the Lord hath truly sent him.

(Jeremiah 28:9)

-Prophecy confronts injustice.  Injustice means an absence of fairness, righteousness, and equity.  Prophecies often addressed these concerns and deal with current issues of the time.  Here is an example from the Prophet Amos who pleaded:  “…let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24).  Another excellent example is when the Prophet Elijah confronted Ahab over the killing of Naboth and the theft of his property (1 Kings 21).

-Prophecy convinces and convicts unbelievers. Prophecy convinces unbelievers of the truth of the Gospel:

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? 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: 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.  (1 Corinthians 14:23-25)

The prophetic word shatters skeptical resistance to the Gospel:

Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock       in pieces?  (Jeremiah 23:29)

-Prophecy effects radical change.  The lives of the Samaritan woman and residents of her village were radically changed through the prophetic word given by Jesus about her life (John 4).  Nathanael believed Jesus was the Messiah when he heard the prophetic word that Jesus had seen him under a fig tree.  Nathanael abandoned his old life to follow the Lord (John 1:48).

-Prophecy brings dead things to life.  In Ezekiel chapter 37, the Prophet Ezekiel was carried by the Holy Spirit to a desolate valley and told to prophesy to dry bones.  (And you think your audience is unresponsive!)

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. (Ezekiel 37:4-10)

This message was specifically addressed to the nation of Israel, but it illustrates how the prophetic word brings life where there is death.  As a minister of the prophetic, you are called to bring spiritual life to a dying world.

-Prophecy activates ministries.  Prophetic ministry activates other ministries.  Jesus gave a prophetic word that changed the destiny of the disciples.  He said they would no longer be fishermen, but would be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).  The Prophet Samuel anointed Saul and David as kings.  God gave a prophetic word to Saul (Paul) along the Damascus Road and changed his destiny (Acts 9).  The ministry of Paul and Barnabas was confirmed by the prophetic word (Acts 13:1-3) and Timothy’s ministry was activated by prophecy (1 Timothy 4:14).

-Prophecy confronts sin.  Idolatry, hypocrisy, the occult, the demonic, sexual sins—name whatever sin you can think of, and one of the prophets in the Bible has addressed it.  The clarion call of the prophets was to “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins”  (Isaiah 58:1).  The Prophet Nathan’s message regarding David’s sin is a powerful example (2 Samuel 12:1-10).  Remember, however, that in the New Testament era prophecy that confronts sin is given with love, grace, and by emphasizing the goodness of God that leads to repentance.

-Prophecy challenges people to make a decision.  Upon conclusion of a tremendous prophetic message, Moses declared:

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.  (Deuteronomy 30:19)

The Prophet Elijah challenged:

…How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.  (1 Kings 18:21)

-Prophecy fuels intercession.  An Old Testament example is the Prophet Moses interceding for the people of Israel (Numbers 14:11-20).  A New Testament example is the Prophetess Anna who remained in the temple continuously praying and interceding (Luke 2:36).  The Prophet Jeremiah declared, “But if they be prophets, and if the word of the Lord be with them, let them now make intercession to the Lord of hosts” (Jeremiah 27:18).

-Prophecy enables you to be proactive instead of reactive.  Instead of reacting to crises and circumstances, you are empowered to be proactive like the sons of Issachar “…men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do…(1 Chronicles 12:32, NASB).  The prophetic word prepares God’s people for the future.

-Prophecy exposes and defends against the enemy.  Those who minister in the prophetic are called to be spiritual watchmen:   “For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth” (Isaiah 21:6).  The Prophet Habakkuk said:

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.  Then the Lord replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” (Habakkuk 2:1-2)

Watchmen give spiritual warnings.  God told Ezekiel:

So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. (Ezekiel 33:7)

-Prophecy releases discerning of spirits.   This is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit which often accompanies prophetic ministry.  An example is the Apostle Peter’s confrontation with Simon the sorcerer:

But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.  (Acts 8:20-24)

-Prophecy fuels the miraculous.  According to the prophetic word given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost, signs and wonders were to follow the prophetic ministry.  Peter said:

…this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  (Acts 2:16-21)

Prophecy creates an atmosphere for signs, wonders, miracles, and healing to occur.  After Peter’s prophetic sermon, the greatest miracle of all occurred as 3,000 people repented from sin and were saved through faith in Jesus Christ.

-Prophecy imparts spiritual vision. It is impossible to fulfill your spiritual mission without clearly hearing your Heavenly Father speak through the prophetic.  Throughout the biblical record, when God wanted something specific accomplished, He gave a prophetic word regarding it--whether it was building an ark, a tabernacle, a temple, or an altar.

-Prophecy enriches worship.  Prophetic song, dance, flags, banners, and musicians playing prophetically enrich your worship of God. An example is when Gideon heard the interpretation of a dream promising him victory over the enemy:

And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof, that he worshipped, and returned into the host of Israel, and said, Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian.  (Judges 7:15)

-Prophecy transforms the logos into the rhema word.  The logos is the entire written, infallible word of God. The rhema word of God given in prophecy is a specific scripture quickened at a strategic time, to a specific person or group, with specific application to their circumstances or needs.

-Prophecy builds a strong spiritual foundation.  The Bible states that prophecy, along with other ministries of the Holy Spirit are given…

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

(Ephesians 4:12-16)

The Apostle Paul spent only a short time establishing a new congregation in Thessalonica before Jewish agitators drove him out of the city.  Prophetic giftedness was obviously part of the Church’s foundation, as he addresses this in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28.    Prophecy was not something that evolved after spiritually mature Believers emerged from the new congregation, nor was it a future goal of the Church.  Prophecy was incorporated into the basic life of the new Church.

The Church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets:

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  (Ephesians 2:19-22)

-Prophecy brings revelation from God.  God told the Prophet Amos:

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.  (Amos 3:7)

The Apostle Paul declared:

…we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.  (1 Corinthians 2:7-12, NIV)

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      Summarize the differences between prophecy under the Old and New Covenants.

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3.      Discuss the following purposes of prophecy.

-Prophecy exalts Jesus Christ.

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-Prophecy edifies God’s people.

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-Prophecy brings comfort.

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-Prophecy authenticates God's message.

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-Prophecy confirms God's messenger.

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-Prophecy confronts injustice.

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-Prophecy convinces and convicts unbelievers.

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-Prophecy effects radical change.

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-Prophecy brings dead things to life.

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-Prophecy activates ministries.

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-Prophecy confronts sin.

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-Prophecy challenges people to make a decision.

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-Prophecy fuels intercession.

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-Prophecy enables you to be proactive instead of reactive.

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-Prophecy exposes and defends against the enemy.

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-Prophecy releases discerning of spirits.

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-Prophecy fuels the miraculous.

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-Prophecy imparts spiritual vision.

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-Prophecy enriches worship.

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-Prophecy transforms the logos into the rhema word.

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-Prophecy builds a strong spiritual foundation.

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-Prophecy brings revelation from God.

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4.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, turn again to Appendix One on Prophets In The Bible.  This time, study their ministries with the specific goal of identifying the purposes of their prophetic messages.

CHAPTER SIX

ACTIVATING THE PROPHETIC ANOINTING

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Explain the meaning of biblical anointing.

-List and discuss three symbolic biblical anointings.

-Identify the source of the anointing

-Identify the basis of the anointing.

-Explain the purposes of the anointing.

-List and discuss guidelines for activating the prophetic anointing.

KEY VERSES:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  (Luke 4:18-19)

INTRODUCTION

The Old Testament Prophet Jonah was called to prophesy to the wicked city of Nineveh.  At first he tried to avoid the call and he ended up in the belly of a great fish.  After renewing his commitment to the Lord, Jonah preached a powerful prophetic word in Nineveh and the entire city repented (Jonah chapters 1-4).

The destiny of a city was in the hands of the Prophet Jonah.  Whose destiny depends upon your response to the call of God?  The Apostle Paul said: “If I proclaim the Message, it's not to get something out of it for myself. I'm compelled to do it, and doomed if I don't!” (1 Corinthians 9:16, MSG).

You may be hesitant to function in the prophetic ministry because you feel unqualified, as did Moses and Jeremiah.  You may have rejected it because of erroneous denominational traditions that claim it is not for today.   But now it is time for you to activate the prophetic anointing in your life.  Right now. Today. This chapter explains how to do it.

THE ANOINTING

To "anoint", as used in the Bible, means to dedicate or consecrate someone or something by applying oil which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  The name "Christ" in the Greek language means "the anointed one.” Jesus introduced His earthly ministry by proclaiming:  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath  anointed me...” (Luke 4:18).  Jesus made it clear that it was by the anointing of the Holy Spirit that He was able to...

...preach the Gospel  to the poor...heal the brokenhearted...preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind...to set at liberty them that are bruised...to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18-19)

If it was necessary for Jesus to be anointed for ministry, then we also must experience it.

SYMBOLIC ANOINTINGS

There are three different anointings mentioned in the Old Testament which are symbolic of those which God wants all Believers to experience.

-The leper's anointing:  Relationship.  Leprosy is a dreaded disease which slowly consumes the flesh of its victim.  The toes, fingers, and other body parts eventually rot and fall off.  In Old Testament times, a person with leprosy was called a leper. The leper was banned from his community because the disease was contagious and there was no cure.  To keep others from coming in contact with him, he was required to cry out "unclean" wherever he went.  Leprosy  slowly ate away his physical body and he died a painful death.

In the Bible, God uses natural examples to illustrate spiritual truths and leprosy is used as an example of sin.  Just as leprosy destroys the physical body, sin will destroy you spiritually and it will abort your prophetic ministry.  Leviticus 14 contains specific instructions from God for the cleansing of a person with leprosy. During the process, the leper was anointed with blood and oil on his ear, thumb of his hand, and toe.

-The ear: To be able to hear God's voice.

-The hand:  To be able to serve Him.

-The toe:  To walk in proper relationship with Him.

The leper’s anointing is symbolic of a personal relationship with the Lord.  You are cleansed from sin by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit for ministry.  This enables you to hear God’s voice, serve Him, and walk in proper relationship with Him.  All are essential in the prophetic ministry.

-The priest's anointing:  Holiness.  The priestly anointing is described in Exodus 29 and 30 and in Leviticus 8. The priestly anointing was an anointing for holiness symbolic of being set apart to God and His service. As one who ministers in the prophetic, you must experience the priestly anointing of holiness and be set apart for the service of God.  You must live in obedience to God's Word and, like the Old Testament priests, there will be things you cannot do because it will hinder the flow of the prophetic in your life.

-The leader's anointing:  Power.  The third type of anointing in the Old Testament is the anointing of power.  This anointing established a person in their God-given position and gave him the power and authority to fulfill their duties.  Examples are the anointing of Saul

(1 Samuel 10:1) and David (1 Samuel 16:12-13).  In the New Testament, this anointing of power is available to all Believers:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

The fulfillment of this promise is recorded in Acts 2:

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.  (Acts 2:16-18)

THE SOURCE OF THE ANOINTING

When Samuel anointed Saul, he said, "The Lord hath anointed thee..." (1 Samuel 10:1).  When Jesus proclaimed His anointing, He said "The Lord hath anointed me"  (Luke 4:18).  You do not experience the anointing by being ordained by an organization or denomination (although there is nothing wrong in doing this).  The anointing for prophetic ministry comes from God:  “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you...” (1 John 2:27).  Stephen was ordained by man as a deacon. He was anointed by God as an evangelist (Acts 6:5,8).  It is the anointing of God, not the approval of man, that is most important.

THE BASIS OF THE ANOINTING

God does not anoint on the basis of intelligence, education, experience, or abilities.  The anointing is not based on outward appearance.  It is based on the condition of your heart.

When Samuel went to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king, he was looking for a man with impressive outward appearance:

And it came to pass, when they were come, that he (Samuel) looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before Him.  But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth;  for man looketh on the  outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.  (1 Samuel 16:6-7)

David was anointed as king because of the attitude and condition of  his heart.  God looks at what you are inside.

PURPOSES OF THE ANOINTING

-The anointing fulfills God's purposes.  The anointing is given so that you can fulfill God's purposes.  Jesus said:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath send me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.  (Luke 4:18)

The anointing for prophetic ministry is bestowed upon you for the same reasons.

-The anointing teaches you all things.  The anointing teaches you all that is needed to enable you to minister to others:

But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.

(1 John 2:27)

-The anointing destroys the yoke.  It is the anointing which destroys spiritual yokes which bind those to whom you minister.  The Bible indicates there are three types of yokes:

-There is the yoke of sin:

I am the Lord your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt (sin) that ye should not be their  bondsmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you go upright.  (Leviticus 26:13)

-There is the yoke of bondage.  This keeps people in bondage to the "flesh" or "self,” which is the old sin nature:

For that which I do I allow not; for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that do I.  (Romans 7:15)

-There is the yoke of man.  This is bondage imposed on you by other people. This yoke can include guilt, traditions, or impossible standards of behavior which are imposed by others:

For they bind heavy burdens and grevious to be borne and lay them on men's shoulders but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers...  (Matthew 23:4)

The anointing destroys all of these yokes:  “...And the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing”  (Isaiah 10:27).  These yokes will not be destroyed by deep teaching.  They will not be destroyed by education, counseling, or organization.  They will be destroyed by the anointing of God upon Believers who are ministering in prophetic ministry and who know how to bring the message of deliverance to those in bondage.

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

To “activate” means to set it in motion.  To activate the prophetic anointing in your life, you must act in faith.  Jesus asked every person to whom He ministered to take a step of faith to set in motion their miracle.  He commanded:

-Stretch forth your hand.

-Arise.

-Take up your bed.

-Come down from the tree.

-Come unto me.

-Give me the loaves and fishes.

-Go to the shore, find a fish, check its mouth.

-Come forth.

You can learn about the prophetic, but until the prophetic anointing is activated in your life it will only be an intellectual pursuit.  You must become a participator, not just a spectator of prophetic ministry.  Faith is a fact, but it is also an act.  The anointing you have received already abides in you (1 John 2:27). All you must do is learn to activate it.  The following steps of faith will activate the prophetic anointing in your life.

-Recognize the value of the prophetic.  If you question the value of the prophetic and you continually quench the Holy Spirit, you will most likely not be used in prophetic ministry

(1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).

-Immerse yourself in the Word of God.  By intensive study of God’s Word, you will know the truth and be able to prophesy truthfully in harmony with Scripture:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).  You were saved because you heard the Word of God about salvation and responded by an act of faith.  You receive the prophetic anointing when you hear what the Word of God says about the prophetic and you respond in faith.  (That is the purpose of this manual!)

Spend time in the Word each morning, asking God for guidance in prophetic ministry for that day:

The Lord God gives me the right words to encourage the weary.  Each morning He awakens me eager to learn His teaching.  (Isaiah 50:4, CEV)

When you read the Bible, ask God to quicken verses that you will need for the day or passages that He wants you to share with others.

-Pray and meditate.  You must linger in God’s presence if you want to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.  Ministering in the prophetic requires time alone watching and waiting in the presence of the Lord and developing intimacy with Him:

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

(Habakkuk 2:1-3)

The fact that you are waiting in God’s presence implies faith that you will receive something revelatory.  Use the prayer language of the Holy Spirit, as speaking in tongues often results in the move of the prophetic.  If you need further guidance regarding meditation, check out “Biblical Meditation” available free at http://www.harvestime.org

Prayer is meant to be a dialogue, not just a monologue of you talking to God.  As you pray, seek prophetic guidance for the day which lies ahead.  Intercede prophetically for others.  Ask God to give you a word, a scripture, or an exhortation that will encourage someone.  Sit quietly and wait for God to speak to you.

Before you leave your home for the day, ask God for guidance as to where you are to be and when you are to be there.  Ask Him to lead you to anyone who needs a word from the Lord.  When you are part of  a group of Believers in worship services, Bible studies, social events, or business meetings, ask God to show you if He has a word for someone—a friend, co-worker, or even a stranger with whom you interact.  And don’t forget those in your own household.  God may want to give you a prophetic word for your spouse, your children, or other relatives.

-Ask God for prophetic giftedness.  As you learned in chapter four of this study, there are three levels of prophetic giftedness:  The office of a prophet refers to one who provides prophetic leadership in the Church; one with a prophetic gift is used consistently in the prophetic ministry; and all of God’s people are called to prophesy. Paul said to earnestly desire the prophetic:  “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy”

(1 Corinthians 14:1).  If you want to receive, you must ask:  “…You have not because ye ask not”  (James 4:2).  If you want the prophetic ministry, ask for it!

-Place yourself under the five-fold ministries.  Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are given for the equipping of God’s people for ministry (Ephesians 4:7,11-12). Sitting under their ministry will equip you to serve in the prophetic.

-Establish relationships with prophetic people.  A prophetic community happens when a group of people come together in unity with a desire to hear the voice of God. This creates an  increased level of the prophetic anointing than can be transferred to others.  When Samuel anointed Saul to be king of Israel, he told him…

…thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.

(1 Samuel 10:5-6)

It was also under the administration of Samuel that the Old Testament School of the Prophets was developed.  These were training centers where young men could be taught the Word of God and how to move in the prophetic (2 Kings 2:1-6 and Appendix Five.)

Prophetic people call forth the prophetic in others.  In the New Testament, Elizabeth’s prophetic word was activated when she came in contact with the prophetic promise in Mary’s womb, the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 1:39-45).  Within a prophetic community of like-minded Believers is where prophecies can be judged and all can learn together (1 Corinthians 4:29-31).

The Prophet Moses had Aaron.  Eli mentored Samuel to hear the voice of God.  Elijah had Elisha. Jeremiah had Baruch.  Aquila and Priscilla discipled Apollos.  Paul had Barnabas and Silas.  There are certain divine relationships ordained by God for you to link up with for spiritual purposes.  Ask God to lead you to these relationships.

-Ask trusted prophetic leaders to lay hands on you.  The significance of the laying on of hands is evident in Hebrews 6:1-3 as it is mentioned along with foundations of the faith that include repentance, faith towards God, baptism, the resurrection, and eternal judgment. Laying on of hands is an act in which one person places his hands on another person with a definite spiritual purpose. This laying on of hands is accompanied by prayer and prophecy.

Laying on of hands in the Old Testament was used for the following purposes:

-Transference of spiritual blessing or authority: Genesis 48:14.

-Public confirmation of a blessing or authority received from God: Numbers 8:10.

-Commitment to God for a special ministry: Numbers 27:18-20,22-23;

Deuteronomy 34:9.

The New Testament records these purposes for the laying on of hands.

-Supernatural signs:

Acts 14:3;  5:12; 9:17; 19:11; 28:8;  Luke 4:40; 3:13; Mark 16:17-18.

-Impartation of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:

Acts 8:14-20; 9:17; 10:44-45; 19:1-6.

-Commissioning Christian workers:  Acts 6:6; 13:2-4.

-Impartation of spiritual gifts:  1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.

Moses laid hands on the elders of Israel and transferred his spiritual giftedness to them (Numbers 11:25).  The Apostle Paul traveled to Rome to impart spiritual gifts (Romans 1:11).

Paul reminded Timothy of the gifts that were bestowed on him through the laying on of hands

(2 Timothy 1:6).  Ask trusted prophetic leaders to lay hands on you and impart the prophetic anointing.

-Stir up the gift.  Timothy was advised to “stir up those gifts”, meaning it was his responsibility to activate and use them. To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).  Don’t ask for the anointing for prophetic ministry if you are not committed to using what you receive. If you use what you have received, more will be given.  If you do not use what you have been given, you will lose it (Matthew 25:14-28).

Be a good steward of your prophetic gift:

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)

Faith without works is dead, so you must activate your faith and begin to function in the prophetic:

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?...Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works…But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?... (James 2:14,17-20,26)

-Learn how to receive and give a prophetic message.  Activating the prophetic ministry includes learning how to receive and give prophetic messages.  This is the subject of the next two chapters.

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verses.

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2.      Explain the meaning of biblical anointing.

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3.      List and discuss three symbolic biblical anointings.

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4.      Identify the source of the anointing

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5.      Identify the basis of the anointing.

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6.      Explain the purposes of the anointing.

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7.      List and discuss guidelines for activating the prophetic anointing.

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8.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, ask a spiritual leader to lay hands on you and anoint you specifically for prophetic ministry.

CHAPTER SEVEN

RECEIVING A PROPHETIC MESSAGE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Explain how to create a prophetic environment.

-List various ways God communicates prophetic messages.

-Discuss classifications of common prophetic messages.

-Explain how to process a prophetic word.

-Discuss how you can be assured prophetic messages are from God.

-Explain how to test a prophetic word.

KEY VERSE:

And Moses said unto him…would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them.  (Numbers 11:29)

INTRODUCTION

According to Numbers chapter 11, Moses was directed by God to choose seventy elders of Israel to assist him in ministry “…And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease” (Numbers 11:25).

Two of the chosen men remained in camp instead of gathering with the others at the tabernacle, yet the Spirit descended upon them as well and they also prophesied:

And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!  (Numbers 11:27-29)

Years, later, Moses’ desire was granted on the Day of Pentecost when the gift of the Holy Spirit was given which enabled all of the Lord’s people to hear from God and minister in the prophetic (Acts 2).

As you have learned in this study, if you are a born-again, Spirit-filled Believer, then you have the ability to minister in the prophetic.  Just as you do not have to understand everything about computer technology in order to use a computer, you do not have to understand everything about prophecy in order to begin functioning in prophetic ministry. You just need to know enough to begin.

This chapter explains how to receive a prophetic message from God.  The next chapter focuses on how to deliver a prophetic word.  The word “receive” means to accept something bestowed, conferred, and delivered into your possession.  Specifically, we are talking about receiving prophetic messages from God.

CREATING A PROPHETIC ENVIRONMENT

The word “environment” means “that which surrounds”.  Here are some Biblical guidelines for creating an environment which is conducive to the prophetic.

Waiting. Prophetic people spend time with God. They wait before Him. This is how they become a spiritual voice instead of an echo.  The Prophet Habakkuk said:

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.  (Habakkuk 2:1)

As the prophet waited, he received a message from the Lord:

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.  (Habakkuk 2:1)

Worshipping.  John was worshipping while in exile on the Isle of Patmos when he received the tremendous prophetic vision of the book of Revelation.  Some of the greatest worshippers in the Bible were prophetic (examples  David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun: 1 Chronicles 25:1-6).  Worship and anointed music create an atmosphere for the prophetic:

…Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, which poured water on the hands of Elijah.  And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the Lord is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, What have I to do with thee? get thee to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him, Nay: for the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab.  And Elisha said, As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward thee, nor see thee.   But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him.

(2 Kings 3:11-15)

After anointing Saul as king of Israel, the prophet Samuel gave him this prophetic word:

Then shalt thou go on forward from thence, and thou shalt come to the plain of Tabor, and there shall meet thee three men going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine: And they will salute thee, and give thee two loaves of bread; which thou shalt receive of their hands. After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man.  (1 Samuel 10:3-6)

The prophets were traveling along worshipping God, playing instruments, and prophesying.  When Saul joined them, he too began to prophesy.

Praying.  The most basic definition of prayer is “talking to God.” Prayer is communicating with the Lord.  As in any conversation, there is two-way dialogue, so often prophetic messages will come while you are praying.  Prayer can be audible or silent, private or public, formal or informal. All prayer must be offered in faith (James 1:6); in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26); and in the name of the Lord Jesus (John 16:23).  Intercessory prayer often leads to prophetic insight.  If you want to study prayer further, obtain the Harvestime course entitled “Intercessory Prayer” available free at http://www.harvestime.org

Meditating.   One Hebrew word for “meditate” is “hagah” which  means to speak, utter, study, rehearse, and muse over something internally.  A second Hebrew term is “siyach” which is translated “meditation”  which can be either internal musings or spoken aloud.  Both terms mean to ponder something until barriers to understanding are eliminated and to return repeatedly to a subject to carefully consider it.  Both involve dwelling on, thinking about, remembering, and considering the truths of God’s Word.

Biblical meditation involves reading, contemplating, personalizing, visualizing, and praying  God’s Word.  It focuses on a word or phrase and examines it from different perspectives.  It is like placing the Word under a microscope instead of viewing it through a telescope.  For the believer, meditation means having “the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16).

If you are not familiar with Biblical meditation, obtain the free Harvestime course by this title at http://www.harvestime.org

-Studying God’s Word.  If you are to minister in the prophetic, you must know the Word of God intimately.  Being rooted in the Word safely anchors your prophetic ministry to divine revelation and protects from doctrinal error.

If you do not have a passionate desire to study the Word, then you will not progress far in  prophetic ministry because every message you receive must be tested by the Word of God.  It is the prophetic that is rooted in God’s Word that has inherent power:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  (Isaiah 55:11)

If you want to learn more about studying God’s Word, obtain the Harvestime course entitled “Creative Bible Study Methods”  available free at http://www.harvestime.org

PROPHETIC COMMUNICATION

The following are biblical ways of receiving prophetic communication.

-A prophetic word.  The Holy Spirit gives you a message of encouragement or exhortation for an individual or a group (Jeremiah 1:9).   David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and his word was in my tongue (2 Samuel 23:2).  Repeatedly in the Old Testament the phrase is used, “The word of the Lord came unto me…”

The prophetic word may include a revelation through the gift of discernment or the gift of the word of knowledge.  For it to come forth however, you must step out in faith and give the message.  The Lord said, “…open your mouth wide and I will fill it”  (Psalm 81:10).

Remember how powerful the tongue is (James 3:5-12) and that death and life are in your words (Proverbs 18:21).  If your words are this powerful, then imagine the significance of a prophetic message from God.

-A prophetic prayer.  When you are praying about something or praying for someone or a group, God may give you a prophetic message for them.  An example is when Zechariah was praying and received a prophecy regarding the coming of Jesus and the ministry of John the Baptist (Luke 1:67-79).

-A prophetic song.  God may give you a prophetic word in a song.  This might include Scriptures set to song.  God’s people are admonished to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).   Habakkuk included a song at the end of his prophecy which is an example of how music and the prophetic are linked together (Habakkuk 3:1-19).

-Prophetic Scriptures.  The Lord may give you a specific verse or passage to be shared with an individual or group that is applicable to their circumstances. "Logos" is a Greek word that refers to the written Word of God through which God speaks to man.  "Rhema" refers to the living or life-giving Word of God.  The "logos", or written Word, always agrees with the "rhema" life-giving Word that applies to a specific situation, meets a personal need, and provides individual guidance in harmony with the written Word of God.

-Prophetic preaching and teaching.  The Holy Spirit may give you unique prophetic insight for a message you are preparing to teach or preach.  The Spirit may also give you spontaneous prophetic insights as you are delivering a sermon or lesson.

-Angels. The title "angel" means messenger, so by definition, an angel is a messenger.  The angels are "all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). Angels are dispatched from the throne room of God to minister to Believers who are the heirs of salvation.  It you are a true Believer, then that includes you!  Angels minister to you and deliver prophetic messages for you to share with others.  A message from angels will always agree with the written Word of God (Galatians 1;8).  To learn more about angels, obtain the Harvestime course entitled “Angels of God” available free at http://www.harvestime.org

-Dreams or visions.  A vision is seen while you are awake.  It is similar to viewing something on a television or computer screen.  A dream is also visual imagery, but occurs when you are asleep.  The Prophet Jeremiah is a good example of the former (Jeremiah 1:11-13), and Joseph is an example of the latter (Genesis 37:5-7).  A dream or vision includes the revelation itself, which is the dream or vision from God.  It also includes the interpretation and its application to a person, group, or specific circumstance.

Sometimes you will receive a dream but you will not understand the interpretation or application.  This means there is a future timing to share it.  Wait until God makes the interpretation and application clear to you.  The interpretation of any prophetic revelation comes from God, not human reasoning (2 Peter 1:20-21).  Sometimes a dream may come to someone who cannot understand it. They may bring it to you and you will become a prophetic team seeking God for the interpretation and application.

A dream from God may contain symbols.  In a simple symbolic dream, the interpretation is clear.  In a complex symbolic dream such as Daniel received, interpretation will be needed. Likewise, a simple dream such as Joseph’s dream regarding the danger to Jesus from King Herod will need no explanation.  A complex dream may need interpretation

The Bible states that revelation comes…

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while slumbering on       their beds, then He opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction. (Job 33:15-16)

When you sleep, your mind is quieted but your spirit is still cognizant (Psalm 121:4).  The Lord declared:   “Hear now my words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, shall make Myself known to him in a vision. I shall speak with him in a dream” (Numbers 12:6). Keep  a notebook or an audio recorder by your bed.  Write down or record your dream as soon as you wake up.

Remember that every dream is not from God.  Sometimes you will have a crazy dream just because you ate too much dinner!  Also remember that if a dream is tormenting, it is not from God because He has not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

-Trances.  Trances are a dream-like state while you are still awake. The Greek word for trance is ekstasis which means a displacement of the mind, being out of yourself.  The Bible describes it as hearing and/or seeing the message of the Lord while having your eyes wide open (Numbers 24:4).  An example is when God took Peter into a trance to mandate that the Gospel should be preached to the Gentiles as well as the Jews (Acts 11:5-9).

-A written message.  Habakkuk is a good example of a writing prophet.  God told him to…

…Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.  (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

The major and minor prophetic books of the Old Testament are all examples of messages from writing prophets.

God may direct you to write down a prophetic word for present or future times.  Writing out a prophetic message helps clarify it and preserves it for future reference.  You may also feel led to write a letter, email, text, or card to a specific person.

-Prophetic actions.  Some message are acted out symbolically.  Here are some examples of prophetic actions in the Word of God:

-Jeremiah placed a heavy wooden yoke over his shoulder to illustrate what would happen       to the nation of Judah when Babylon invaded (Jeremiah 27).

-Ezekiel cut off his hair and threw it in clumps in the air, attacking it with a sword as it       blew away in the wind.  He also laid on his side for 300 days, eating animal dung and       drawing pictures of Jerusalem under siege  (Ezekiel 5:1-4; 4:1-17).  His prophetic actions       warned of the judgment to come on the city of Jerusalem.  God even used his dirty       undergarments to illustrate a prophetic message (Ezekiel 13).

-Hosea lived out a prophecy when God told him to marry a prostitute as a symbol of       God’s faithful relationship with His unfaithful people (Hosea 1-3).

-Agabus tied Paul’s hands with a belt to predict his future arrest in Rome

(Acts 21:10-11).

God may give you an illustration, object lesson, demonstration, or action that illustrates a message. The preaching or teaching of illustrated messages are often prophetic, providing a visual image of what God is saying to His people.

-A prophetic sensation.  You may have a sensation in a certain part of your body. When Mary came to visit her cousin, Elizabeth felt the sensation of her baby leaping within her womb and began to prophesy:

And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.3 And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.  (Luke 1:41-45)

Elizabeth’s prophetic word loosed the spirit of prophecy in Mary, and then she too gave a prophecy which is recorded in Luke 1:46-55.  Sensations also happen when God wants to minister healing.

-Impressions.  Impressions are an inward witness of the Holy Spirit. An impression is not a voice, but it is a powerful sense of “knowing” or “feeling” about something. Impressions are a common way that the Lord communicates in the prophetic.

-Tongues and interpretation.  A prophetic message may come forth through tongues and interpretation.  The Holy Spirit will speak through you in other tongues and then give an interpretation which is specifically for the person or group to whom you are ministering.

-A prophetic oracle.  Old Testament prophets spoke as though the Lord was actually speaking through them, which indeed He was as their words became part of the written Word of God.  Most often their messages began with the phrase “Thus saith the Lord”.  In the New Testament, the prophet Agabus did the same  (Acts 21: 11).  The prophecies of New Testament Believers are not the same level of inspiration as biblical prophets, although of course they are inspired by the Holy Spirit of God.  Because the New Testament advises Believers to test prophecies, use of the phrase “Thus said the Lord” might be considered premature.

Peter said:

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. (1 Peter 4:11)

PROPHETIC MESSAGES

The following are classifications of common prophetic messages.

-Edification.  The message will edify, commend, or comfort a person:  1 Corinthians 14:3.

-Conditional.  The prophetic word may be an “if/then” word.  If the person responds appropriately, then the prophecy will be either fulfilled or retracted:  Deuteronomy 28.

-Impartation.  The Holy Spirit uses prophecy to impart spiritual gifts and confirm ministries to Believers:  1 Timothy 4:4.

-Correction.  These words call for a Believer to make corrections in their lives: Proverbs 3:11.  Remember that correction is different from condemnation, and that in the New Testament such prophetic guidance is based on grace rather than law:  Romans 8:1.

-Revelation.  These messages reveal something that is not known through the intellect and give insight into God’s plans and purposes:  Deuteronomy 29:29.

-Deliverance.  A prophetic word of deliverance may free people from rejection, fear, depression, demonic influences, illness, etc.:  Psalm 107:20.

-Warning.  These messages warn of things to come and what should be avoided or done in preparation: Exodus 4:22-23.

-Confirmation. Prophetic words of confirmation address what a recipient has already heard from God, removing doubt and assuring that they are on the right path:  Acts 13:2.

-Past.  Prophetic messages that focus on the past bring resolution and deliverance from past issues that are hindering the recipient spiritually.  Prophetic words that focus on the past may also confirm the previous faithfulness of God, giving the recipient faith and hope for the future:

Deuteronomy 4:32-37.

-Present. These messages address current issues affecting an individual, ministry, or Church.  The prophetic messages to the churches in the book of Revelation are good examples:

Revelation 2-3.

-Future.  These messages deal with what is to come in an individual’s life or corporately in a ministry or Church.  Prophetic words regarding the future may also address national, political, and worldwide events to come.  These prophecies also focus on “new things” from God:

1 Corinthians 2:9-10;  Isaiah 43;19.

PROCESSING A PROPHETIC WORD

The following are steps for processing a prophetic word:

-Revelation.  A prophetic revelation comes from God.  He reveals something to you through a  word, vision, dream, oracle, angelic messenger, etc.

-Interpretation.  You ask the Holy Spirit what it means, as He is the one who teaches and reveals truth. There may be symbolic elements in visions and dreams that need interpretation. Jesus often spoke in parables to hide truth so that only those hungry for God would gain understanding. He said, “I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matthew 13:13).

Proper interpretation is vital.  Remember that when it was discovered that there were giants in the Promised Land, ten out of the twelve spies misinterpreted what they had seen.  They saw themselves as grasshoppers and told the people there was no way they could conquer the enemy. Only Joshua and Caleb gave a correct interpretation, declaring that the people were well able to take the land (Numbers 13).

Application.  Application is the action that is to be taken based upon the interpretation of the  revelation.

These three components are equally important.  You may receive a revelation, but if you interpret it incorrectly it will not accomplish God’s purposes.  You may receive a tremendous revelation and its interpretation, but if it is not properly applied then again, God’s purposes will be aborted.

This process can occur instantaneously, meaning you can receive the revelation, interpretation, and application within a few moments time.  The process may also be over a period of time.  You may receive some revelations and, like Joseph, not understand the interpretation until sometime later.  God may also use someone else to interpret a prophetic message, as Daniel did for King Nebuchadnezzar and Joseph did for Pharaoh.

Confirmation. Confirmation is the last stage of processing a prophetic word.  Confirmation  comes when the prophetic word is fulfilled; when  a person to whom you minister states that the word confirms what God has been revealing to them; or when the leadership confirms a message as valid direction for the corporate body.

BIBLICAL ASSURANCES

You do not have to fear what the Holy Spirit speaks through you.  Jesus said:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?  Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:8-11)

The Heavenly Father wants to give you good gifts. When you seek to minister in the prophetic, you can be assured that you will not be deceived as long as…

-You are grounded in the Word of God.  That is why it is important to be proficient in       the Word of God if you want to be used in the prophetic.

-You are not walking in known sin.  Sin interferes with your relationship with God.

Check out the prophetic pitfalls in Chapter Eleven.

-You are not involved emotionally with the issue.  Sometimes you can get emotionally       entangled with circumstances to the point that you prophesy out of your own spirit.  You       desire something so much that you begin to believe God is confirming it through       prophecy.

-You are a voice and not an echo.  Do not just repeat prophetic messages you have       heard from others. God said: “Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the       Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour” (Jeremiah 23:30).

TESTING MESSAGES

Before you deliver a prophetic word, use these filters to evaluate it:

-Is it scriptural?  If it is not in complete harmony with the written Word, then it is not a       prophetic word from God.

-Is it in harmony with the nature of God? Is the word you have received just,       compassionate, edifying, instructive, or lovingly corrective?

-Do you have peace in your heart?   Peace is a gift from Jesus Christ given through His       Holy Spirit.  If you do not have peace in your heart regarding a prophetic word, it may       not be the proper time or place for it to be given or the proper recipient(s) of the message.

-Is it in harmony with the spirit of prophecy?  “For the substance (essence) of the       truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all       inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine       and yours]”  (Revelation 19:10, TAB).

-Is it in harmony with the purposes of prophecy?  Review chapter five of this manual       for the purposes of prophecy.

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      Explain how to create a prophetic environment.

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3.      List various ways God communicates prophetic messages.

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4.      Using the list provided in chapter seven, discuss classifications of prophetic messages.

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5.      Explain how to process a prophetic word you receive.

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6.      How can you be assured that the messages you receive are from God?

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7.      Explain how to test a prophetic word you receive.

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8.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter use Appendix Three to make prophetic confessions that will prepare yourself to receive a word from God.

CHAPTER EIGHT

DELIVERING A PROPHETIC MESSAGE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Explain what is meant by your sphere of ministry.

-Discuss how to recognize prophetic promptings.

-Discuss guidelines for delivering a prophetic word.

-Discuss various responses to a prophetic message.

KEY VERSE:

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.  (Romans 12:6)

INTRODUCTION

The young man was dying of tuberculosis.  He had called on several of his gods for help, to no avail.  Finally he prayed, “If there is a God out there, show me how to die.”  That day, a young college student was walking through the neighborhood and felt led of the Lord to approach a certain house.  When a woman answered the door, the student said,  “Is there anything I can pray with you about?”  The woman burst into tears, told the student that her son was dying, and asked her to pray for him.  The student prayed for the young man and God healed him and restored him to health.  That young man was David Yonggi Cho who eventually became the pastor of the largest church in the world.

This true story illustrates the importance of not only receiving a prophetic word from God, but also of being faithful to deliver it.   When God leads you to an individual or group in need of a prophetic word, He will give you the message but you must know how, when, and where to share it.  It may be as simple as asking “Can I pray for you?” to a more extended word that will edify and encourage.   This chapter explains how to properly deliver a prophetic message.

YOUR SPHERE OF MINISTRY

In the previous chapter, you learned how to receive a prophetic word.  You may be wondering, to whom will you minister prophetically?  You can be assured that God will connect you with people who need the word of the Lord that is in your mouth.  A great example is Peter, who was waiting for dinner and experienced a prophetic trance that opened up the evangelization of the Gentile world. At the same time, a Gentile man named Cornelius received a prophetic word through an angel of God preparing him and his household to receive Peter’s ministry (Acts 10).

God will faithfully direct you to your specific place of prophetic ministry and to the individuals to whom you are to minister.  He will assign you to your “watchtower”, or your  “ward” as the King James Version calls it.  The Prophet Isaiah declared:   “I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights” (Isaiah 21:8).  As you study the Old Testament prophets  (Appendix One of this manual), you will discover that God directed each one to their specific sphere of ministry.  He will do the same for you.  You move in circles of people unique to you:   Your friends, your family, your church, your co-workers, and your community.  This is your sphere of ministry.

Sometimes people will come to you seeking a “word from the Lord.”  God may graciously give you a message for them, but you are not called to “prophecy on demand”.  You are called to minister in the prophetic under the direction of the Holy Spirit.  Believers seeking a prophetic word should be encouraged to look to God instead of the prophets for guidance, as they have the same Holy Spirit living within them.  Sometimes, spiritually undisciplined Believers seek a prophesy instead of seeking the Lord in prayer and studying His Word to receive guidance.

RECOGNIZING PROPHETIC PROMPTINGS

When you receive a prophetic message from God, you must learn to recognize prophetic promptings regarding when to deliver it.  Here are some guidelines shared by those ministering in the prophetic:

-You may experience a profound stirring inside.  It may feel like a bubbling up of a message in your spirit.  As one Old Testament prophet expressed, it is like “fire” shut up in your bones, a divine compulsion to bring forth the message:

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. (Jeremiah 20:9)

-You may hear a voice in your spirit.  It is almost like someone is whispering in your ear.  Elijah experienced this on the mountain top (1 Kings 19:12). God previously moved in Elijah’s life prophetically through a strong wind in the valley of dry bones, with fire from heaven before the prophets of Baal, and with an earthquake on the mountainside. In the account in 1 Kings 19, however, God spoke in a still, small voice.  A prophetic message may not always come in the same way.

-You may receive only a few words at first.  It might be just the beginning of a sentence.  As you share these first words, the remainder of the prophecy will come forth.

-You may see a vision or a picture of something.  God created the visual imagination that inspires artists, architects, designers, and inventors.  He uses this same visual imagination for spiritual purposes.  If He gives you a vision, remember that you must understand the revelation, the interpretation, and the application before speaking it forth.  For example, if you simply say, “I saw a gun,” it most likely will mean nothing to anyone.  It is just visual imagery.  In an actual case of a Believer who did see a gun in a dream, the interpretation was that a deadly force was going to come against them and the application was that the weapon would not prosper.

-You may receive a specific biblical text.  One minister was used by God to give prophetic messages using only Scriptures.  Passages were quickened to him for a specific individual or group.  The Lord may direct you to a biblical passage to share in a letter, on social media, in a text, or personally to an individual or group.

-You may experience physical sensations.  For example, trembling is a frequent response to the moving of the Holy Spirit.  You may also experience physical sensations in your body when there is someone in need of healing.

DELIVERING A PROPHETIC MESSAGE

You have received a prophetic word and the timing is right.  So, how do you deliver the message?  These guidelines will help you gain confidence in delivering the word God has given you.

-Prophesy according to your proportion of faith.  Romans 12:6 states:  “Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith” (TAB).

Do not imitate someone else.  Emulation is a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:20).

-Wait for the interpretation and application.  When God reveals something to you,

wait for the interpretation (what it means) and the application (how recipients are to respond to it).  Revelation, interpretation, and application are the three components that are part of a message from God.  As you mature in the prophetic, they will often happen in quick sequence and immediately at times.

-Wait for the peace of God.  The peace of God is like an umpire, letting you know that something is right or wrong.  Do not deliver a message until you feel peace in your heart: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”  (Philippians 4:7) .

-Wait for the proper timing.  These are the basic components that most often compose a church service: Praise and worship, preaching or teaching of the Word, testimonies, baptism, communion, prayer, giving, and announcements.   In a corporate group setting, you should flow with the order of the meeting.  For example, normally, the gifts of the Spirit operate during worship—not in the middle of announcements.

Flowing with the order of service also means being sensitive to how the Spirit is moving.  For example, if the congregation is involved in the high praises of God, an interruption with a message to be silent before the Lord would likely be inappropriate.  That prophetic word may be deemed for another time in the service.

Some churches have a regular “programmed pause” to provide an opportunity for prophetic ministry. Their service begins with praise and worship and at some point there is a pause to allow for the manifestations of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul discusses proper use and order of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians chapter 14.  He states:

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

He states specifically regarding prophecy:

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.  (1 Corinthians 14:29-31)

Paul also states that “…the spirits of the prophet are subject to the prophets,” meaning that although the Holy Spirit inspires the message, you have the option of when and how it is to be delivered  (1 Corinthians 14:32).

Paul’s final admonition regarding spiritual gifts in a group setting is: “Let all things be done decently and in order”  (1 Corinthians 14:40).  The proper timing of a prophetic message is vital. There is a time to keep silent and a time to speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7).

-Take a step of faith and release the message.  You may have just a few words to start.  Remember that when you started to talk in the natural world, your parents were thrilled when you said even one word.  When you first begin to minister in the prophetic, you may speak only a few words.  It may be only one word, one sentence, or a scripture.  Your Heavenly Father is thrilled at your obedience!  Your prophetic word may also come forth as a song, if you are gifted with a good voice. The Apostle Paul said, “…I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15).

-Use clear language.  It is not necessary to prophecy using the formal English that is used in the King James Bible, i.e., “Thus, thou art, etc.” or phrases like “thus saith the Lord.”  It is not necessary to shout, although the message in a group setting should be given loud enough or by using a microphone so that all can hear.  Do not imitate  a “holy voice”, trying to make your voice sound prophetic.  The authority of a prophetic word is not in the style of your delivery, it is in the content of what is said.

-Use terminology that helps others receive what you say.  If you declare phrases like “I have to obey God”, it indicates that the recipients are required to accept the message.  People are more receptive when you use phrases like: “I sense that..”; “I am receiving an impression that…”;  “I believe the Lord is saying…”; or “I believe I have a word from the Lord…”.

-Minister in order.  Respect the authority of those in charge of a group meeting.  Do not interrupt.  Do not compete with others.  The prophetic protocol for ministering in a group is clear:

Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints...If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

(1 Corinthians 14:29-33,37-40)

-Write the message.  The prophet Habakkuk was told to write down the prophetic word he was given (Habakkuk 2:2).  This can help you gain confidence when you first begin to minister in prophecy, as you can submit the message to be judged by the prophetic leadership of the Church.  They can help you learn to recognize a word from the Lord and suggest the proper timing in which it should be given.  If they reject a word that you really feel is from God, then that is their responsibility.  True prophets are submitted to the leaders over them:

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-6)

-Minister in pairs in personal prophecy.  If possible, team up with another Believer who is moving in the prophetic when you are ministering to an individual.  This provides accountability, and if you are misrepresented later, then there is a witness as to what was said.  This is mandatory if you are delivering a prophetic word to someone of the opposite sex when no one else is present.

-Seek confirming permission.  If you are ministering in personal prophecy, do not lay hands on someone without asking permission.  It is also good to ask, “I believe the Lord has impressed me to give you a word.  May I share  it with you?”  Rarely is the answer “No”, but if it is, then the person would not have been receptive had you given the word.

-Do not ask questions.  Do not ask the person questions about their life before ministering to them in personal prophecy, as this may influence the content of the prophecy.  Rather than inquiries, make statements as the Holy Spirit gives you discernment and knowledge.

-Minister in love.  If you truly love people, you will want to help them.   Your motivation for ministry is to share God’s love through spiritual gifts.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)

Remember that the foundation of prophetic ministry is love of God and love of others (Matthew 22:35-40).

-Stop when the Holy Spirit stops.  Do not be tempted to add your own input to make the message longer or manipulate it to make it more impactful. Do not add your own interpretation or opinion. The word you give may make no sense to you. Avoid the temptation to explain or add to it.  The Disciple John was given many amazing visions that are recorded in the book of Revelation, but at one point he was told not to interpret the vision of the thunders (Revelation 20:3-4).   Deuteronomy 29:29 states “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever…”  Learn to stop when the Spirit stops.

RESPONSES TO THE PROPHETIC WORD

Jesus told a parable about varied responses to the Word of God which is also applicable to reception of the prophetic word of God.

The parable:  And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.  (Matthew 13:3-9)

The interpretation:  Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:18-23)

When you minister the written Word or a prophetic message, it is like planting spiritual seeds.  Here are the varied responses of recipients:

-Seeds beside the road. This describes the response of those who receive a message but do not take time to properly meditate on it and apply it to their lives.  The enemy comes and snatches away the word.

-Seeds sown in rocky places. This describes those who happily receive a message, but they do not allow it to take root in their lives.  When difficult circumstances arise, they are offended because the promises of God were not immediately fulfilled.

-Seeds sown among the thorns. These are those who allow God’s Word and prophetic messages to be choked out by the cares of the world and negative circumstances.

-Seeds sown on good soil.  This represents those who receive the Word of God and prophetic messages into good ground where it brings forth abundant spiritual fruit.

“Utterance in prophecy has a real lifting power and gives real light on the truth to those who hear…By means of prophecy we receive that which is the mind of the Lord; and as we receive these blessed, fresh utterances through the Spirit of the Lord, the whole assembly is lifted into the realm of the spiritual.  Our hearts and minds and whole bodies receive a quickening through the Spirit-given word.  As the Spirit brings forth prophecy, we find there is healing and salvation and power in every line.  For this reason it is one of the gifts that we ought to covet.”  Smith Wigglesworth

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      Explain what is meant by your sphere of ministry.

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3.      Discuss how to recognize prophetic promptings.

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4.      Discuss guidelines for delivering a prophetic word.

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5.      Discuss various responses to a prophetic message.

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6.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, use Appendix Two of this manual to pray for the manifestation of the prophetic in your ministry.

CHAPTER NINE

JUDGING A PROPHETIC MESSAGE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Provide scriptural confirmation that Believers are to judge prophecies.

-Identify four voices that operate in the spiritual world.

-Identify three types of prophets.

-Explain the difference between a false prophet and a prophet who errs.

-Discuss how to judge a prophetic word.

-Discuss how to identify a false prophet.

KEY VERSE:

Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.  And don’t be one who scorns prophecies, but be faithful to examine them by putting them to the test, and afterward hold tightly to what has proven to be right. (1 Thessalonians 5:20,TPT)

INTRODUCTION

Old Testament prophets spoke the inspired oracles of God, thus their messages are recorded as part of His written Word.  As you have learned in this study, after the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 all true Spirit-filled Believers can minister in prophecy.  There are also those who are given the gift of prophecy, and those who function in the office of a prophet.

New Testament Believers are commanded not to despise prophecy, but are told to examine and judge prophetic messages:

Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)

The Apostle Paul directs “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge”                      (1 Corinthians 14:29).

If prophecies under the New Covenant equaled the inspiration of those in the Old Testament that became part of the Scriptures, then we would not be admonished to judge them.  As New Testament Believers, we know in part and prophesy in part (1 Corinthians 13:9), meaning we prophesy partially and imperfectly at times.  This is why we are commanded to judge prophecies. That is the subject of this chapter.

FOUR VOICES

There are four voices that operate in the spiritual realm:  The world, the flesh, the devil, and the Lord.  These are aptly illustrated in an encounter between Jesus and His disciples:

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven…From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

(Matthew 16:13-17, 21-23)

In response to Christ’s question “Who do men say that I am”, the first answer given by disciples echoed the voice of man.  The disciples answered, “Some say…others say”.

Then Jesus asked, “What about you?  Who do you say I am?”  In response,  Peter answered with amazing insight proclaiming Jesus as the Son of the Living God.  Jesus confirmed that this revelation did not come through human wisdom, but it was from God.

As Jesus began to share additional insights as to what this actually meant in terms of His forthcoming death, Peter rebuked Him.  Jesus responded to Peter saying,  “Get thee behind me Satan.”  Jesus did not mean that Peter was possessed of the devil, merely that he was listening to the wrong voice.  Because of these sometimes conflicting voices, it is necessary to test the prophetic word.

TYPES OF PROPHETS

There are three types of  prophets identified in Scripture.

Demonic prophets.  The first type are those who have invited a demonic spirit of divination into their lives and predict things through horoscopes, tea leaves, palm reading, tarot cards, and other means of occultic communication.  An example is the demonically possessed woman who followed Paul:

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.  (Acts 16:16-18)

What she said sounded right, but she was actually receiving the messages through divination.

False prophets.  The second type of false prophets are those who prophesy lies, deception, and false doctrine, seek personal gain, desire to exalt themselves, and try to manipulate and control others.   Jesus warned that in the last days “…many false prophet shall rise and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).  The Apostle Paul warned that “… men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).

True prophets.  These are truly born-again, Spirit-filled Believers who minister in the prophetic either in the spirit of prophecy, the gift of prophecy, or the office of a prophet.  This does not mean they cannot make mistakes, however, so this is why we are admonished to judge prophecies.

PROPHETS WHO ERR

Under the New Covenant, those ministering in the prophetic can make errors without being false prophets.  An example is a prophecy given by the New Testament Prophet Agabus:

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.  And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.  (Acts 21:10-14)

Agabus prophesied that Paul would be bound by the Jews who would turn him over to the Gentiles.  What actually happened was that the Gentiles rescued Paul from the Jews, and they are the ones who bound him in chains:

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.  (Acts 21:30-33)

The prophetic word from Agabus was correct about Paul being taken captive, but the details were inaccurate.

Another example is when  the Apostle Paul gave a prophecy to the crew of a doomed vessel saying, “I see only disaster ahead for cargo and ship — to say nothing of our lives! — if we put out to sea now."  (Acts 27:10, MSG).  He warned that they would all die if they sailed at that time. The King James Version says that Paul “perceived” this message. This word describes the difference between Old and New Testament prophecy.  In the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord would come upon a prophet and what they declared was accurately fulfilled if they were a true prophet.  God’s people had no Holy Spirit discernment residing in them at that time to be able to perceive whether a prophet was true or false, so fulfilled prophecy was the only way to judge the validity of a message.  In the New Testament, we prophesy through perceptions given by the Holy Spirit who dwells in all true Spirit-filled Believers, and we are able to judge prophecies through the Spirit.

Paul’s first prophetic message to the crew was corrected by an angelic messenger and Paul shared a revised word of prophecy:

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. (Acts 27:22-23)

Those ministering in the prophetic may make errors just like those who are learning to preach or teach God’s Word.  Instead of cutting them off, mature Believers should come alongside and instruct them as Priscilla and Aquilla did for Apollos:

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.  (Acts 18:24-26)

We are to evaluate the teachings, sermons, and prophecies we hear by comparing them to the Word of God and observing whether or not they are accurate. Accept what agrees with the Scriptures and is fulfilled and reject everything else.

Just because someone makes an error in delivering a prophetic message does not make them a false prophet.  There is a process of maturing in the prophetic just as there is in learning to teach and preach.  Instead of branding a person as a false prophet, excluding them from fellowship, and aborting their ministry, see that they are provided with further instruction that will help them develop their proficiency in the prophetic.

Believers should not be dismissive of those who err, but neither should we relax our vigilance and accept everything from an established prophet.  According to the scriptures, every prophetic word should be tested.  If a person is operating in a true prophetic spirit from God, they will be open to correction from God’s Word.

We must also remember that the fulfillment of a prophetic word sometimes depends on the response of those who receive it and whether or not they act upon it.  For example, Jonah prophesied that the city of Nineveh would be destroyed, but because the people repented the promised judgment did not come.  Isaiah prophesied that King Hezekiah should set his house in order and prepare to die (2 Kings 20:1).  Hezekiah prayed, and God added fifteen  years to his life (2 Kings 20:2-6).   In Deuteronomy chapter 28, Moses gave many if/then prophecies that were based on the response of the people to God’s Word.  So prophecy that might appear to be unfulfilled may actually be a result of how people responded to the message.

JUDGING A PROPHETIC WORD

The Bible says:  “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).  New Testament Believers can judge prophetic messages by using the following standards:

-Is it scriptural?  If a message is not in complete harmony with the written Word of God, then it is not a message from God even if it seemingly comes to pass.  God said:

If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.  (Deuteronomy 13:1-4)

-Is it in harmony with the nature of God?  Is the message just, compassionate, instructive, and lovingly corrective?

-Do the recipients of the prophecy have peace?   Peace is a gift from Jesus Christ given through His Holy Spirit to guard our hearts from deception.  True prophecy will not leave recipients feeling manipulated, fearful, or anxious.  Even a prophetic word of correction will be given in love and will inspire a recipient to respond positively.

-Does the message glorify Jesus Christ? All prophecy should glorify Christ.

For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine and yours].  (Revelation 19:10, TAB).

The Holy Spirit always glorifies Jesus Christ:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (John 16:13-14)

-Is it in harmony with the purposes of prophecy?  The major purposes of prophecy are to strengthen, edify, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).  Review Chapter Five for other scriptural purposes of prophecy.

-Do prophetic leaders confirm the message?  Do mature leaders accept the prophetic word, its interpretation, and its application?  The Apostle Paul admonished “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge” (1 Corinthians 14:29).

-Does the prophetic word bring life?  Death and life are in the power of your tongue  (Proverbs 18:21).  When the prophet Ezekiel prophesied to dry bones, it resulted in life (Ezekiel 37).  The Holy Spirit always speaks spiritual life:

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

(2 Corinthians 3:56)

IDENTIFYING FALSE PROPHETS

The Bible repeatedly warns of false prophets (Matthew 24:11,24; Mark 13:22). A person called "the False Prophet" will be paramount in events at the end of the world (Revelation 13:11-17; 16:13; 19:20; 20:10).  Here are some questions to help you identify false prophets.

-What do they believe about Jesus Christ?  The Bible is clear:

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)

-Is their message in harmony with God’s written Word?   The Bible says that false prophets teach sexual immorality and permissiveness (2 Peter 2:1-3). They lead people away from obedience to God's Word (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).  They do not prophecy according to the proportion of faith, meaning in right relation to God's Word (Romans 12:6).  A false prophet often emphasizes a few scriptures to support his beliefs rather than considering the total revelation of God’s written Word.

-Is spiritual fruit evident in their lives?  Jesus warned:

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 17:15-20)

Are the fruits of the Holy Spirit manifest in their lives  (Galatians 5:22-23)?  Are they accountable to leadership?   Are they open to correction?  Are they living an exemplary, godly lifestyle?  Do they exhibit self-control in both life and ministry?    False prophets are arrogant

(2 Peter 2:18), deceitful (Acts 13:6-10), and often minister for profit (2 Peter 2:3,13).

-Are their messages consistently fulfilled?  Are predictive prophecies consistently fulfilled?

If you wonder, 'How shall we know whether the prophecy is from the Lord or not?'

this is the way to know: If the thing he prophesies doesn't happen, it is not the Lord who has given him the message; he has made it up himself. You have nothing to fear from him.

(Deuteronomy 18:20-22, TLB)

-Do they make false claims?  Jesus said:  : “…if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets…” Matthew 24:23-24a). False claims confirm the identify of a false prophet.

-Do they practice deceiving signs?  Jesus said that false prophets would “…shew great signs and wonders;       insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect”  (Matthew 24:23-24).  You will recall that the sorcerers in Egypt imitated some of the miracles done by the Prophet Moses (Exodus 7:8-10).  Jesus said:

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.  (Matthew 7:22-23)

Miracles alone are not evidence that one is a true prophet.

-Are they accountable to authority?  Are they submissive to spiritual authority?  Are they in covenant relationship with the Body of Christ.  Do they have accountability?  Are they open to correction from spiritual leaders? The Bible directs:

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. (1 Peter 5:5-6)

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      Provide scriptural confirmation that Believers are to judge prophecies.

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3.      Identify four voices that operate in the spiritual world.

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4.      Identify three types of prophets.

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5.      Explain the difference between a false prophet and a prophet who errs.

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6.      Discuss how to judge a prophetic word.

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7.      Discuss how to identify a false prophet.

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8.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, use the standards you studied to judge prophecies given by others.  If you have internet access, view some Christian prophetic sites and judge the prophecies using these guidelines.

Study and analyze the following unusual prophetic events recorded in the Bible:

-In 1 Samuel 19:18-24, David and Samuel were dwelling at Naioth, where the School of the Prophets was located.  Saul sent messengers to capture him, but the prophetic Spirit was so strong that the messengers began to prophesy.  Finally, Saul went to retrieve David himself, but the prophetic spirit was so strong that he too began to prophecy.  This did not mean Saul was approved as a prophet, but that God used the strong prophetic spirit to protect David from harm.

-In 1 Samuel 18:6-11, King Saul was in a rage and intended to kill David.  An evil prophetic spirit operated through him, attempting to lull David into a snare.  It didn’t work, as David recognized the spirit for what it was.

-Always remember that God is sovereign and He uses whoever He pleases to accomplish His purposes.  The Prophet Balaam was a man with flawed character and wrong motives, but God used his prophetic gift to bless Israel instead of cursing them (Numbers 22-24).  Saul, another man whose character was lacking, also experienced the prophetic Spirit of God upon him (1 Samuel 10:6-7).  Even the political power-hungry high priest, Caiaphas, was supernaturally inspired by God to give a prophetic word (John 11:50-51).

CHAPTER TEN

ENGAGING IN PROPHETIC WORSHIP

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Define Spirit-led worship.

-Define prophetic worship.

-Summarize principles of soaking worship.

-Summarize principles of harp and bowl worship.

KEY VERSE:

Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals…(1 Chronicles 25:1)

INTRODUCTION

God requires sincere worship, not only from your own spirit, but worship that is done by the empowering of the Holy Spirit and based upon the truth of God’s Word (John 4).  Many Believers claim, “I don’t know how to worship.”  The Holy Spirit does, and He will teach you:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

In this chapter you will learn how to worship prophetically.

SPIRIT-LED WORSHIP

Spirit-led worship is simply allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your worship in an unstructured way.  The way you worshipped yesterday or last Sunday, may not be the way the Holy Spirit directs your worship today. Spirit-led worship is a passionate response to God that never becomes routine.  It is in this environment of Spirit-led worship that prophetic worship occurs.

It is easy to worship when things are going right.  But what about when things go wrong?  When you lose your job or your home, when you are going through a divorce, or a loved one has died.  What about the tragic accident, the murder, the mass shootings?

Such difficult circumstances of life require Spirit-empowered worship. You cannot do it in yourself.  You don’t feel like it.  You don’t want to worship.  This is when the Holy Spirit  empowers you to worship in the Spirit rather than in the flesh.

We see this type of response when Abraham was preparing to offer his only son as a sacrifice and called it worship (Genesis 22:5).  We see it when Job lost all he had, yet bowed His head and worshipped  (Job 1:20). We see King David, after losing his beloved son, rising up to worship God (2 Samuel 12:20).  We witness it when God’s people began to sing and praise the Lord as a mighty enemy coalition advanced towards them (2 Chronicles 20:22).  Worshipping in the Spirit is supernatural worship.  You can’t do it apart from the enabling of the Spirit of God.

Spirit-led worship goes beyond your natural abilities.  This is worship aided by the gift of the Holy Spirit which was given by Jesus and manifested on the day of Pentecost:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  (Acts 2:1-4)

Spirit-led worship enables you to worship in known languages, other tongues, and heavenly languages, all of which releases prophetic worship.  Prophetic worship follows the leading of the Holy Spirit instead of performing rituals and traditions.  Needless to say, such worship is the exclusive privilege of those who have been experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit and who have embraced spiritual gifts.  Prophetic worship will greatly enhance your time with the Lord. It will never become routine, and it will strengthen your prophetic ministry.

PROPHETIC WORSHIP

Prophetic worship is spontaneous worship under the direction of the Holy Spirit.  Prophetic worship is hearing and communicating what God is saying to the Church through speaking, dancing, singing, or playing an instrument under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The biblical foundation of prophetic worship was established by King David when he

“…separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals”(1 Chronicles 25:1). The prophet Joel later prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit, including the spirit of prophecy, upon all flesh (Joel 2:28).

Jesus Christ is the focus of all true prophetic worship, “…for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10).  When you worship in the prophetic, it testifies of Jesus.  True prophetic worship is also in harmony with the written Word of God, never in conflict.

One may give a prophetic message through tongues and interpretation during times of prophetic worship.  One may also act out a prophetic message as some prophets did in Old Testament times, or perhaps do an interpretive dance that communicates what God has done or what He is saying to His people (Exodus 15:20).  God spoke to the prophets at many times and in various ways (Hebrews 1:1).  Do not try to limit how God wants to speak prophetically to His people during worship.

The music and lyrics that come forth during prophetic worship are often new to those who are leading the service because they are inspired by the Holy Spirit in real time.  Such  inspiration is not like the inspiration of the infallible written Word of God, but it is inspired in that it is new and fresh.  These songs are referred to as “spiritual songs” in Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. They are spontaneous and arise from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

There is an emphasis on spontaneity in prophetic worship. There are no programs to follow, no lyrics on the screen, and no rehearsals. Words to the songs or the melody just come to the singer, as the Spirit directs. A worship leader may also alter the prepared song list because the Holy Spirit moves in a different direction than planned, or a certain song may be repeated as it is emphasized by the Holy Spirit.

Flags and banners are often used prophetically in worship, with colors having symbolic meaning.  As Believers use banners and flags, they are declaring that we are strengthened, encouraged and victorious in Jehovah Nissi who is called “The Lord our Banner”.

Prophetic worship changes you.  When Saul was first anointed king, the prophet Samuel told him:

After that you will go to Gibeah of God, where there is a Philistine outpost. As you approach the town, you will meet a procession of prophets coming down from the high place with lyres, tambourines, flutes and harps being played before them, and they will be prophesying. The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person.

(1 Samuel 10:5-6, NIV)

Prophetic worship changes the spiritual atmosphere.  When King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit…

…Saul's servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me…And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.

(1 Samuel 16:15-17,21-23)

Spirit-empowered worship ushers in prophetic ministry. When the Prophet Elisha was seeking a  word from God, he requested that a minstrel be brought to him.  When the minstrel began to play, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha and he began to prophesy (2  Kings 3:15).

Prophetic worship praises God before the manifestation of His promises.  When Israel was seeking water in the desert, they sang an impromptu song regarding God’s promise.  As they sang,  “Spring up, Oh well”, the princes dug a well and the water flowed (Numbers 21:16-18).

A biblical example of prophetic worship is also found in Habakkuk 3:1-19,  where the prophet includes a song at the end of his prophecy, demonstrating a link between music and the prophetic.  Another example is David’s spontaneous, unrehearsed dance before the Lord

(2 Samuel 6:14).

If you are a worship leader, prepare like the worship service depends on you, but lead like it all depends on the Holy Spirit—which it does!  Some leaders fear prophetic worship, thinking they will lose control of the service.  If it is truly Spirit-led worship, however, all will be done in order and a mature spiritual leader will be able to address any concerns (1 Corinthians 14:40).

When you worship prophetically, you do not lose control of your spirit.  You move appropriately when and how the Spirit directs as“…the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints”

(1 Corinthians 14:32-33).

The biblical directive to the early Church was to  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord”  (Colossians 3:16).

Paul told Believers: “…when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying”

(1 Corinthians 14:26).  This is the essence of prophetic worship.

SOAKING WORSHIP

The term “soaking worship” is used to describe a special type of worship conducive to prophetic ministry.  Although the term is not used in the Bible, its principles are evident in the psalms of David which speak repeatedly of waiting in God’s presence (examples in Psalm 25:5; 27:14; 39:70).

Soaking worship is an unstructured time of solitude with the Lord which can occur in both private and corporate settings. Christian instrumental music that is soft and worshipful usually plays in the background. Music affects your emotions—that is why movie producers use fast or scary music in various scenes and slow, sad, or romantic music in others.  For soaking worship,  meditative Christian music quiets your mind, spirit, and emotions.

During soaking worship, you give your undivided attention to God as you are quiet in His presence. You spend quality, unhurried time with the Lord.  There is no set formula or agenda, no prayer list.  Time spent in God’s presence in this type of worship fosters intimacy with God.  It facilitates rewarding encounters with Him and allows the Holy Spirit to speak prophetically.   It is spiritually and physically refreshing.

Soaking worship can occur in a corporate setting where soft instrumental music plays as people sit, stand, kneel, or lay in the presence of the Lord.  There is no commentary from the leader, no agenda. Soaking worship is a great blessing in seasons when people are weary, tired, at a crossroads, and when they desperately need an answer from God

In a private setting, soaking worship should be done in seclusion in an environment free from interruptions. This may be a special room, a location outside, or a favorite chair. Soaking worship is an addition to your devotional life, not a replacement for it.  It should be balanced with times of study of the Word of God, meditation, and prayer.

As the prophetic ministry flows in this soaking environment, you will leave times of soaking in God’s presence echoing the words of the psalmist:

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Psalm 84:10)

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. (Psalm 24:4-5)

HARP AND BOWL WORSHIP

Harp and bowl is another recent model of prayer and worship that facilitates corporate prayer, worship, unified intercession, and prophetic ministry.  This biblical model is derived from Revelation 5:8 where “the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song…”

Harp and bowl worship is a mixture of worship music combined with prayer.  The harp represents music and the golden bowl represents prayer. Music and prayer, when combined, become a powerful way to worship God and intercede for others prophetically.

The harp and bowl model includes reading scriptures, praying, and singing with instrumental accompaniment.  The person leading the worship session will often start by reading the Word on a particular theme.  Often the passages selected will come from the Psalms or the New Testament.

Next, the worship leader will begin to pray and sing around the particular focus of the Word that was read.  Soon, a spontaneous prophetic song emerges which allows all to join in.  After focusing on a particular theme for a time, the music will quiet to allow space for the Holy Spirit to continue to move, perhaps in a different direction.

By alternating between harp and bowl (worship music and prayer), different themes are developed and spontaneous songs erupt which create an environment combining prophetic worship and intercession. People will begin to prophecy,  intercede in prayer prophetically, or sing or play prophetically on instruments.

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the key verse.

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2.      Define Spirit-led worship.

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3.      Define prophetic worship.

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4.      Define soaking worship.

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5.      Define harp and bowl worship.

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6.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, spend some time engaging in prophetic worship.  Soak in God’s presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak prophetically to you. Use the harp and bowl model.  Intercede prophetically for friends, family, nations, and leaders.

Worship prophetically with banners and flags.  Here are the symbolic meanings of Biblical colors:

-Yellow: Faith, the glory of God, and anointing.

-Orange:  The fire of God and deliverance.

-Fuchsia: Joy, right relationship, and communion.

-Red/Scarlet: Blood of Jesus, love of Christ, and redemption.

-Wine: New birth, overflow, mercy, and new wine.

-Purple: Royalty, kingship, majesty, mediator, wealth, and authority.

-Blue/Sapphire: Law, commandments, Heaven, priesthood, prayer, the river of God,

overcomer, living water, Holy Spirit, and divine revelation.

Turquoise/Jasper/Aqua: Sanctification and healing.

-Brown: End of a season.

-Green: A new season, new life,  health, growth, prosperity, restoration, fruitfulness, and

flourishing.

-Gold: Foundation, sanctification, value,  glory, majesty.

-Silver: The Word of God, divinity, righteousness, and salvation.

-White: The Bride of Christ, holiness, the Holy Spirit.

-Black: Rebuking darkness, evil, sin, affliction, humiliation, calamity, death, famine,

and mourning.

For further teaching on worship, obtain the Harvestime course entitled “Biblical Worship” available free at http://www.harvestime.org

CHAPTER ELEVEN

AVOIDING PROPHETIC PITFALLS

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to discuss pitfalls to the prophetic ministry.

KEY VERSES:

So Timothy, my son, I am entrusting you with this responsibility, in keeping with the very first prophecies that were spoken over your life, and are now in the process of fulfillment in this great work of ministry, in keeping with the prophecies spoken over you. With this encouragement use your prophecies as weapons as you wage spiritual warfare by faith and with a clean conscience.  (1 Timothy 1:18-19)

INTRODUCTION

The key verses of this chapter were given by the Apostle Paul to a young Believer named Timothy, admonishing him to pursue the prophetic ministry “by faith and with a clean conscience”.  There are many spiritual pitfalls that will abort prophetic ministry.  This chapter discusses issues that would prevent you from fulfilling your ministry by “faith and with a clean conscience”.

David, the prophet, king, and sweet psalmist of Israel, said:  “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).   Make this  your prayer as you study this chapter.

If you have already experienced one or more of these pitfalls, remember that “..a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again…” (Proverbs 24:16).  Ask God to forgive and restore you.  As the Message version states: “No matter how many times you trip them up, God-loyal people don't stay down long; Soon they're up on their feet…”

PROPHETIC PITFALLS

-Being an echo instead of a voice.  Some people repeat messages they have heard from others and call it a “prophetic word”.  They are simply being an echo of what they have heard from others who minister in the prophetic.  Here is what God says about this:

Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.  (Jeremiah 23:30-31)

-Believing character equals giftedness.  Character is important to prophetic giftedness, but prophetic gifts are not earned by your conduct.  They are given by the grace of God.  Just because someone is gifted in the prophetic does not mean that God endorses their conduct in other areas of their lives.  We are all in the process of progressive sanctification.  Accuracy of revelation does not equal godliness of character and lifestyle. The Old Testament prophet Balaam is an example, in that he had a prophetic gift but lacked character and led Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16).

-Circumstances of life.  In order to flow freely in the prophetic, you must relinquish attitudes of self-pity, depression, misery, unforgiveness, bitterness, and other negative thinking that is fostered by circumstances. One of the things the spirit of the antichrist will do is "wear away" the saints of God with cares of the world.  Internalizing cares of the world interferes with the prophetic flow (Daniel 7:25 and Mark 4:19).

-Competition.  Competing with others who minister in the prophetic is the sin of emulations which is defined as the “desire to copy others to equal or excel them”.  It is a spirit of rivalry and a form of jealousy. Emulations is one of the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21.

-Compromise.  True prophets will speak what the Lord says, not what a recipient wants to hear.  They will not compromise.  When Nathan rebuked David for his sin, it was not an easy message to give to his friend, but he faithfully delivered it.

The Prophet Isaiah spoke of…

…a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits.  (Isaiah 30:9-10)

Prophets must obey God rather than man (Acts 5:29).  They must seek His approval only:

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10)

-Critical spirit.  Although prophets are called to deal with sin and injustice at times, this does not mean they are to have a critical, judgmental spirit.  The Apostle Paul said:

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

(Romans 2:1)

The Prophet Isaiah said that God would hear prayer when His people stopped being critical (Isaiah 58:9).   Michal, David’s wife, was barren physically because she criticized David

(2 Samuel 6:23).  A critical spirit results in spiritual barrenness and definitely affects the prophetic flow.

-Criticism.  You will not be the first to endure criticism.  The prophet Amos faithfully fulfilled his prophetic mandate despite the constant criticism of Amaziah, the priest at Bethel.  Amaziah

misrepresented Amos’ message, denied his call and prophetic credentials, ridiculed him, and even attempted to evict him from his spiritual territory  (Amos 7:10-17).  Many other prophets in the Bible endured criticism and persecution.  King Ahab called Elijah a troublemaker  (1 Kings 18:17) and Jesus was accused of having a devil (John 8:48).

Do not be surprised--criticism is bound to come.  Here is how to face it proactively:

-Deal with a critic face-to-face, not through rumor.

-Respond calmly.

-Do not take criticism personally.

-Realize that it is impossible to make everyone happy.

-Evaluate the criticism to determine if there is any truth in it.

-Pray about it.

-Check with your spiritual leader (pastor or bishop) regarding the matter.

-If the criticism is valid, make adjustments accordingly.

-Do not be embarrassed by mistakes. Learn from them.

-If  the criticism is invalid, release it to God.  When you are given a compliment, you               don’t take credit for it.  You lift it up to God, thanking Him for His power and giftedness         flowing through you. Do the same for criticisms.  Lift criticisms up in prayer to God.

-Minimize time spent with those who have a critical spirit.

And always remember:  “…We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

-Despising prophecies.  Proverbs 3:12 states:  “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.”  Sometimes if a prophetic word doesn’t come true immediately, you may become heartsick over unfulfilled expectations.  Review the message to see if it was misinterpreted and/or the timing has not yet occurred. Do not stop ministering in the prophetic and quench the flow of the Spirit  (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).  Maintain faith in God’s promises.

-Discouragement.  Discouragement often results when you overextend yourself and become tired (Elijah: 1 Kings 19).  Take time to rest and restore yourself spiritually.  Rebuke the spirit of discouragement and, like Elijah did, return to ministering in the prophetic.

-Disharmony with your spouse.  Disharmony with your husband or wife hinders your prayers and disrupts the prophetic flow (1 Peter 3:7).

-Distraction.  The Bible says to set your mind on things above and not earthly things.  To minister in the prophetic you must set aside time to be with God.  You must regularly sequester yourself away from distractions like media, entertainment, phones, and even friends and family.

-Doubt.  After 400 years of silence which occurred after the prophecies of Malachi, God sent a powerful prophet named John.  John the Baptist prophesied about the One who was to come after him and, when Jesus came on the scene, John immediately recognized Him as “…the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world” (John 1:29,36).  Later, when John was imprisoned, he began to doubt the prophecies he had given:

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he Jesus) cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. (Luke 7:19-23)

When you doubt, look to Jesus. Look to His promises. Review the manifestations of the miraculous power of God.

-Equating style with anointing.  Ministry style does not produce the anointing.  The Holy Spirit produces the anointing. Some Believers who move in the prophetic adapt a style that draws attention to themselves instead of the Lord and/or they become manipulative.  Some try to recreate something that occurred previously which resulted in an outpouring of God’s power.  (An example would be pushing a person until they “fall under the power”.)  Imitating methods is not the key to operating in the power of God.

-Excuses.  The first major pitfall to prophetic ministry is never beginning in the first place because of excuses.  You may think you are too young.  That was Jeremiah’s excuse (Jeremiah 1:6-8).  God told him to go, and He would be with him.  You may feel unqualified like Gideon, who said…”Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house” (Judges 6:5). God called him a mighty man of valor.  You may think people will not accept you.  God told Jeremiah that his prophecies would not be accepted, but to prophesy anyway (Jeremiah 1:19).  Moses said he was not an eloquent speaker and God eliminated that excuse by sending Aaron as a spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16).  Perhaps you tried it once and failed.  Failure is never final.  You only fail when you quit trying.

-Fear.   In order to minister in the prophetic, you must overcome fear including the fear of the opinion of others, fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, and fear of failure.  Paul told Timothy:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  (2 Timothy 1:7)

If God has not given you the spirit of fear,  then who is it from?  (Right answer:  Satan!)

God told the Prophet Jeremiah: “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:8).

Jesus said:

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear       him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)

The Bible says that “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).

Whenever you step out in faith in ministry, you must step over fear.  Faith energizes. Fear paralyzes.

-Formalism, rituals, and traditions that hinder freedom.   The Bible speaks of those with a form of godliness who deny God's power  (2 Timothy 3:5).  Formalism, rituals, and traditions can hinder the prophetic flow.  Legalistic rules of man, meaningless routines, and vain repetitions all hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit  (Matthew 6:7; Philippians 3:13).  Many churches would rather sacrifice hearing the prophetic voice rather than eliminate their rituals.

-Fostering disunity.  The presence of the Lord abides where there is unity:

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. (Psalm 133)

The anointing and commanded blessing of the Lord is present when there is unity, and that creates a spiritual atmosphere where prophetic ministry can thrive.

-      -Idolatry. Anything that takes more of your time, attention, and affection than God does is an idol. Job speaks of materialism as an idol of "gold and silver" (Job 31:24-28).  Even ministry can become an idol if it becomes more important than your personal relationship with the Lord

(Luke 10:41).

-Ignorance of God’s Word and His power.  Hosea 4:6 states: ”My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”  Jesus said:  “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). A knowledge of God’s Word and His power are essential to the receiving, delivering, and testing of a prophetic word.

-Interference by the Satanic kingdom.  Demonic spirits, distractions, interruptions, conflict,  and confusion are used by Satan to interfere with prophetic ministry.  Just as the names of God the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit reflect their nature, so do the names of Satan reflect his nature and how he operates in the spirit world.  For example, he is called an adversary, a deceiver, a liar, etc.  If you are not familiar with the names and strategies of Satan, obtain “Spiritual Strategies:  A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare” available free at http://www.harvestime.org

-Intimidation.  Intimidation means to coerce, deter, and threaten into compliance and submission.  Read the account of the prophet Micaiah in 1 Kings 22.  The messenger sent to bring him to the king told him to say what the other 400 prophets had said to encourage the ruler,  In the end, Micaiah spoke the truth and delivered God’s message.  Prophets must be able to stand against the majority when necessary.

A sad story of intimidation is recorded in 1 Kings 13.  God sent a prophet from Judah with a  message for King Jeroboam.  God told the Judean prophet to deliver the message and then return home the same way he came, not stopping to stay overnight or eat or drink along the way.  An older prophet living in Bethel met the Judean prophet and told him that he too, was a man of God.  He persuaded him that it was okay for him to come home with him and have something to eat and drink.  The Judean prophet complied, and it resulted in his death.  Once you know that you have heard from God, do not be intimidated into violating what you have been instructed to do.

Also, do not let people intimidate you into “prophesying” when God has not given you a word.  You are not called to cater to their expectations or “prophesy on demand”.  You are called to respond to the Holy Spirit’s revelation.  A.W. Tozer noted:  “The man or woman who is intimate with God cannot be intimidated by man.”

-Insincere worship.  To the Israelites who were doing only lip service to worship, the Lord said:

“Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols” (Amos 5:22-23).  Only sincere worship ushers in the presence of the Lord and the ministry of the prophetic gifts.  For further study of worship, obtain the Harvestime course “Biblical Worship” available free at http://www.harvestime.org

-Jezebel spirit.  The Bible does not use the words “Jezebel spirit”, but her spirit was one that wreaked destruction on anyone who got in her way.  Jezebel was queen during the reign of King Ahab.  She worshipped foreign idols and re-introduced them to Israel (1 Kings 18).  She threatened the Lord’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4) and wrongfully had a man killed in order to take possession of his vineyard (1 Kings 21-22).  The connotation of the Jezebel spirit arises from Revelation 2:20 which states “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.”  The Jezebel spirit is one that claims to be a true prophet while advocating immorality, idolatry, and exerting a controlling spirit.

-Lack of accountability.  Those who minister in the prophetic must be accountable to the leadership over them.

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.  (Hebrews 13:17)

Those who minister in the prophetic must be open to judgment and correction: “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge” (1 Corinthians 14:29).

-Lack of self-control.  Self-control is required in both lifestyle and ministry.  Your lifestyle should be an example of godliness. The Holy Spirit is subject to the prophets, so you must also exhibit self-control in ministry so that all things are done in order (1 Corinthians 14:28-40).

-Manipulating others.  James warns us that…

…if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:14–18).

Manipulative prophecies are the product of earthly wisdom and not from God.

-Media that hinders the prophetic flow.  Be careful about what you read, watch, and listen to.  Negative media can interfere with the prophetic flow of the Holy Spirit.

-Ministering in the flesh instead of the Spirit.  It is not appropriate to give a prophetic word when you are angry or have negative feelings toward an individual or group.  It is wrong to use prophecy as a “platform” to try to validate your own personal beliefs.  You can also want something so badly that you think you have a word from God to confirm it, so be careful about allowing your emotions to influence your prophetic ministry.

-Opposition. Opposition usually arises out of traditions of men and teaching that rejects the biblical revelation regarding the prophetic word.  Know what the Bible teaches about prophecy and stick with it despite the opposition.

-Overemphasis on the prophetic.  Every church needs balanced input from different types of personalities, ministries, and spiritual gifts in order to maintain stability.  Ministry is not just about the prophetic, but about all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit working together to accomplish God’s purposes.

-Personal sin.  Sin of any kind will interfere with the prophetic flow:

If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.  (Psalms 66:18)

Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that he will not hear.  (Isaiah 59:2)

-Presumption.  Presumption is going beyond what God has revealed prophetically and presuming to add your own input.  Presumptuous prophets may actually hear from the Lord, but  they add to what the Holy Spirit is saying.  Stop when the Spirit stops!

-Pride.  One of the greatest sins that affects the prophetic is pride.  People who are prideful because of their giftedness think that because God’s power is being manifested through them  they are not accountable for things like integrity, honesty, etc.  Actually, the opposite is true because to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48).

The Bible says that God resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5).  A proud person who is being resisted by God certainly cannot hear from God consistently and deliver a prophetic word. Pride also sets you up for a spiritual fall:  “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).  Pride draws attention to you.  Prophecy draws attention to Jesus who is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10).

Watchman Nee noted that…

“Spiritual gifts may take on a special significance, but they are not in themselves a mark of maturity, and they are certainly never something of which to boast.  Only the foolish are proud of the words God gives, for has He not shown that He will speak if need be through a donkey?”

-Prostituting the gift.  One big prophetic pitfall is prophets who love profits, meaning that they try to profit materially from their prophetic giftedness.   The Old Testament prophet Balaam is an example (Joshua 13:22;  Acts 8:20;  Jude 1:11).  Jesus said:  “…freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

-Rejecting unconventional prophetic methods.  Unconventional methods are sometimes used by God, so do not reject them as invalidating a prophetic message.  Old Testament prophets drew diagrams, laid on their sides, and even used dirty underwear to illustrate prophetic messages.  There was no precedent for Paul to send out cloths to sick people or for Jesus to put spit on a blind person’s eyes, but both were Spirt-led actions and they worked.  There is no established standard of how God will speak prophetically to His people.

-Rejection.  Dwelling on rejection can make you self-centered, self-conscious, and fearful.  Rejection causes you to focus is on what man thinks about you rather than what God sees in you and desires to do through you.   Prayerfully examine the rejection for valid reasons and if there are none, then continue to minister (Ezekiel 2:5).

Remember the words the Lord spoke to Samuel “…they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me” (1 Samuel 8:7).  Also remember that even Jesus was rejected by people in his home town of Nazareth.  If church leadership rejects the prophetic ministry, like Jesus, it may be time to move on.   Do not internalize the attitudes of bitterness and unforgiveness that often accompany rejection.

-Releasing judgmental and negative words.  Life and death are in your words.  Prophecy should release life and hope into the people to whom you minister.  “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3).

-Self-promotion. Closely related to pride, self-promotion is emphasizing yourself and your ministry.  Resist the temptation to establish a personal reputation as a prophet.  It is not about you, it is about fulfilling your prophetic mandate so that God receives glory. You do not have to promote yourself, as your gifts will make room for you (Proverbs 18:16).  Rick Joyner notes:

“Every bit of influence we gain from self-promotion or self-seeking will end up being a stumbling block.  We will end up falling off every platform that we build for ourselves, and the higher we build it, the father we fall.”

-Self-reliance.  If you are used consistently in the prophetic, people may come to you expecting or requesting a prophecy.  You cannot perform on demand, nor should you try to conjure up something to say when asked.  When the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat went to the prophet Elisha to receive a word from God, the prophet refused at first.  He did not minister to them until he knew he had a word from God  (1 Kings 3:12-15).

-Trivializing prophetic ministry.  You don’t need prophetic direction to know which parking space to use or what color of shirt to wear today.  Common sense is also part of God’s wisdom.  By refusing to make simple decisions without a prophetic word, people are paralyzed into inaction and the prophetic ministry is trivialized.

-Unbelief. Many people do not minister in the prophetic because they do not believe that God wants to speak to them and through them.  If that is you, pray this prayer: “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

-Unforgiveness.  An unforgiving spirit interferes with your relationship with the Lord and it affects the prophetic anointing.  Jesus said:

… if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(Matthew 6:14-15)

Ephesians 4:30 speaks of grieving God’s Spirit and then lists things that cause this, including bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice.  You cannot speak forth a pure prophetic word when you are harboring unforgiveness against others or against God Himself.

-Worldly influences. Although you live in this world, you are not to be of this world.

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

(John 17:15-16)

You are not to love the world:

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verses.

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2.      Discuss the following prophetic pitfalls:

-Being an echo instead of a voice.

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-Believing character equals giftedness.

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-Circumstances of life.

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-Competition.

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-Compromise.

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-Critical spirit.

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-Criticism.

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-Despising prophecies.

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-Discouragement.

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-Disharmony with your spouse.

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-Distraction.

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-Doubt.

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-Equating style with anointing.

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-Excuses.

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-Fear.

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-Formalism, ritual, and tradition that hinders freedom.

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-Fostering disunity.

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-Idolatry.

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-Ignorance of God’s Word and His power.

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-Interference by the Satanic kingdom.

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-Intimidation.

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-Insincere worship.

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-Jezebel spirit.

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-Lack of accountability.

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-Lack of self-control.

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-Manipulating others.

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-Media that hinders the prophetic flow.

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-Ministering in the flesh instead of the Spirit.

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-Opposition.

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-Overemphasis on the prophetic.

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-Personal sin.

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-Presumption.

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-Pride.

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-Prostituting the gift.

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-Rejection.

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-Rejecting unconventional prophetic methods.

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-Releasing judgmental and negative words.

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-Self-promotion.

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-Self-reliance.

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-Trivializing prophetic ministry.

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-Unbelief.

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-Unforgiveness.

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-Worldly influences.

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3.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, be aware that the main hindrance to prophetic ministry is being a spectator instead of a participator. You will never learn to minister in the prophetic until you start functioning in the prophetic.  So if you are not already doing so, get moving! “The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully…” (Jeremiah 23:28).

Take time to review the following prophetic pitfalls.  Ask God to reveal any that are hindering your ministry in the prophetic.

-Being an echo instead of a voice.

-Believing character equals giftedness.

-Circumstances of life.

-Competition.

-Compromise.

-Critical spirit.

-Criticism.

-Despising prophecies.

-Discouragement.

-Disharmony with your spouse.

-Distraction.

-Doubt.

-Equating style with anointing.

-Excuses.

-Fear.

-Formalism, ritual, and tradition that hinders freedom.

-Fostering disunity.

-      -Idolatry.

-Ignorance of God’s Word and His power.

-Interference by the Satanic kingdom.

-Intimidation.

-Insincere worship.

-Jezebel spirit.

-Lack of accountability.

-Lack of self-control.

-Manipulating others.

-Media that hinders the prophetic flow.

-Ministering in the flesh instead of the Spirit.

-Opposition.

-Overemphasis on the prophetic.

-Personal sin.

-Presumption.

-Pride.

-Prostituting the gift.

-Rejecting unconventional prophetic methods.

-Rejection.

-Releasing judgmental and negative words.

-Self-promotion.

-Self-reliance.

-Trivializing prophetic ministry.

-Unbelief.

-Unforgiveness.

-Worldly influences.

CHAPTER TWELVE

GROWING IN THE PROPHETIC

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Explain how decisions determine destiny in prophetic ministry.

-Identify and discuss the key to spiritual growth.

-List and discuss biblical guidelines for spiritual growth.

-Discuss how spiritual growth occurs.

KEY VERSE:

God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of       Christ Jesus  (Philippians 1:6, NCV)

INTRODUCTION

Your beginning in prophetic ministry may be small, but as the Lord said to the Prophet Zechariah at the time of the rebuilding of the temple, “Who [with reason] despises the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10, TAB).  God assures that what He has started will proceed to an expected end,  “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit” (Zechariah 4:10).  You can be confident that “… God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus”  (Philippians 1:6, NCV).

The Bible states that Jesus kept increasing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God during His earthly ministry, and you can do the same (Luke 2:52).  Believers are admonished to “… let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)” (Ephesians 4:15, TAB).

This chapter presents biblical guidelines for growing in the prophetic ministry.

DECISIONS DETERMINE DESTINY

In the Old Testament, there is a sad account of a fateful decision made by the people of Israel and described by Moses:

And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?  Go thou near, and hear all that the Lord our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.  (Deuteronomy 5:23-27)

Fear overcame the desire of the people to hear directly from God.  They wanted an intermediary. Why were they so fearful?  Because of their sinful lifestyle.  Moses continues the story…

And the Lord heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the Lord said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! Go say to them, Get you into your tents again. But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.  (Deuteronomy 5:28-31)

The people wanted Moses to communicate God’s messages to them rather than change their ways.  It is tragic to realize that had the people been willing to repent of their sin and correct their lifestyle, they could have heard directly from God.

Decisions determine destiny.  This is true in every area of your spiritual life.  Your eternal destiny is determined by your decision regarding Jesus Christ.  Your decisions also affect your spiritual growth in the prophetic and other areas of spiritual life.  Do you want to be like Israel and have others hear from God in your behalf, or do you want to hear God speak prophetically directly to you?

If you want to grow in the prophetic, then you must respond as God desired for Israel to respond.  You must have a heart to fear God and keep His commandments (Deuteronomy 5:29).  Whether or not you make this decision will definitely affect your destiny in prophetic ministry.  Prophetic voice is of little value without a proper lifestyle.

THE KEY TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

In Acts 3:25, Peter says, "It is you who are the sons of the prophets...".  As a Believer, you are a spiritual descendent of the prophets who have gone before you.   As you learn to minister in this powerful prophetic heritage,  you are to be a good steward of all God reveals to you.  The greater your revelation, the greater your responsibility to share and develop it.  Jesus said:  “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”(Luke 12:48).

Jesus gave an important spiritual key regarding increasing your spiritual gifts in the parable of the talents:

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.  Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. (Matthew 25:14-29)

The key to spiritual growth is clear in this passage:  If you use what you have received, more will be given to you.  If you do not use what you have been given, then you will lose it.  This principle applies to every spiritual gift and natural talent with which you have been entrusted, including the privilege of ministering in the prophetic.  If you want to advance to a new level of  revelation, then you must be faithful to function at your current level.  Use it or lose it.

BIBLICAL GUIDELINES

In addition to the key of “use it or lose it”,  here are some additional biblical guidelines for growing in the prophetic.

-Begin each day in the presence of God.  Study His Word. Pray and sing in the Spirit and with understanding.  Listen and talk to God.  Quiet yourself in His presence and ask for guidance for the day.  The Bible gives this assurance:

My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:1-6)

-Be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit.  Pray in tongues, interpret, and prophesy over your day during your personal devotions.

-Watch and wait.  Watching and waiting means paying attention to what the Spirit is saying to you and what He wants to say through you.  Be attentive to the impressions, promptings, and words that He gives you.  Heed these admonitions:

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

(1 Peter 4:7)

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

(1 Thessalonians 5:6)

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me…(Habakkuk 2:1)

-Believe that the works that Jesus did, you can do also.  Jesus said:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.  (John 14:12-14)

As you go forth each day, expect to do the works of Jesus.

-View each new day as an opportunity.  Each day, you have a new opportunity to minister in the prophetic  Ask God to lead you to those to whom you are destined to minister to that day.  Before you go into a staff meeting, a worship service, a Bible study, or any other group meeting ask the Lord:  “Is there anything You want to say to me or through me? “

-Build relationships with prophetic people.  One of the best ways to grow in the prophetic is to observe and learn from those who are functioning in this ministry.  Godly prophetic people will encourage your spiritual growth and provide opportunity for you to minister in the prophetic in a safe, non-judgmental atmosphere.  This is a biblical concept established by the School of the Prophets in Old Testament times (1 Samuel 10:5-6;19:20 and Appendix Five).

-Be obedient to the Holy Spirit in the small things. Greater spiritual responsibilities and revelations will be given to you as you are obedient and faithful in the small things.

-Be teachable and accountable to spiritual leaders.  All true authority has accountability.  You have much more to learn about the prophetic, so be accountable and teachable!

-Exercise your prophetic giftedness.  Just as exercise benefits your physical body, spiritual exercise will help you grow spiritually.  As you minister regularly, you will grow in the prophetic.

-Above all, love God and love others.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.  (1 Corinthians 13:1-2)

HOW SPIRITUAL GROWTH ADVANCES

The Bible gives specific guidelines on how spiritual growth advances:

-Spiritual growth advances from grace to grace.  The grace you are given to minister today will increase to greater grace for future ministry.  You receive greater revelations as you mature spiritually: “And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” (John 1:16).

-Spiritual growth advances from small to great. The seed of prophetic ministry that is being sown into your spirit through this study will continue to increase as you nurture it:

Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew  13:31-32)

-Spiritual growth advances from faith to faith.  As you exercise your faith and witness the results, your faith will increase for greater things:

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)

-Spiritual growth advances from glory to glory. As you keep your focus on Jesus who is the Spirit of Prophecy, you will be changed from glory to glory:

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

-Spiritual growth advances from bright to brighter.  As a Believer ministering in the prophetic, spiritual darkness is dispelled when you arise and let your light shine:

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  (Isaiah 60:1-2)

The more you allow the prophetic light to shine through you, the brighter it will become.

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.  (Proverbs 4:18)

-Spiritual growth advances from strength to strength.  You won’t go from problem to problem or defeat to defeat in your spiritual life.  No matter the challenge, you will face it and become stronger for doing so:

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools. They go from strength to strength…(Psalm 84:7)

-Spiritual growth advances from a trickle to a river. God gave the Prophet Ezekiel a tremendous vision that is applicable to spiritual growth:

Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.  Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over. (Ezekiel 47:1-5)

Most interpreters agree that these waters signify the Gospel of Christ, which went forth from Jerusalem and the signs and wonders of the Holy Spirit which accompanied it and produced miraculous results.  Let us walk with the prophet and his guide as they follow the stream as it issued from the house of the Lord.

The waters came from the side of the altar.  From the side of Jesus Christ flowed the blood and water as His life was sacrificed on the altar of Calvary.  All that flows through you, including the prophetic ministry, emanates from this sacred altar.  "The streams proceed from the throne of God and the Lamb" (Revelation 22:1).

The waters were ever increasing.  As the waters flowed from the altar, they were continually increasing.  As you allow the prophetic ministry to flow from the altar of God to you and through you, the level will increase in depth and intensity. When the waters were first measured, they were to the ankles.  When Ezekiel checked again, it was up to his knees.  Another test showed water up to the loins.  At the final testing, the waters had risen to a depth to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.  The more Ezekiel waded into the waters, the deeper they became.  The prophetic flow will continuously increase as you wade deeper into the waters of the Holy Spirit.

The river was moving.  The river was not standing waters.  No stagnant Dead Sea without an outlet. The prophetic anointing increases as it flows through you.  Don’t dam up the flow.

The waters signify the movement of the Holy Spirit.  Spiritually, you must observe the direction God is moving and flow with it.  Search out new depths in God.  There is always more to explore:

Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.  How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out.  (Romans 11:33)

-Spiritual growth advances from death to life.  Let us continue our journey with Ezekiel and his guide again as they follow the flow of the river of God:

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.  (Ezekiel 47:6-12)

On the bank of the river of God’s anointing, will you be content with ankle, knee, or loin deep waters or will you plunge in and experience the fulness of the Holy Spirit? If you dare to take that plunge into the depths of the prophetic, you will bring life where there was death and you will witness the following results.

The waters brought life.  The waters described by Ezekiel ran into the Dead Sea which was named that for a reason...nothing lived in it.  But when the River of God flowed into it, everything the waters touched lived!  The stagnant waters became fresh.  As you allow the prophetic to flow through you, stagnant spiritual waters in the lives of men and women will be refreshed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  You will bring life to the places of death.

There was a multitude of fish.  A great multitude of fish came because of the fresh waters, and fishermen lined the banks to pull in the catch.  The Dead Sea, which was shunned previously because it was noxious, was now frequented by fishermen.   Fish are symbolic of men.  Jesus called His disciples to be "fishers of men". The Gospel and the power of the prophetic word makes those persons and places which were unprofitable and good for nothing become serviceable to both God and man.

Trees lined the banks.  Christians are called "trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord"  (Isaiah 61:3).  As trees of the Lord ministering in the prophetic, you serve the same purposes as these symbolic trees in the vision of Ezekiel:

-The trees were for meat.  With the prophetic ministry, you have something with       which to nourish the spiritually hungry.  Note that these trees constantly bore       fresh fruit.  The prophetic ministry continuously births fresh things that bring       new life to the spiritually hungry.

-The trees were for miracles.  The leaves of these trees were for healing.        Healings and miracles occur when the prophetic ministry flows as it did on the       day of Pentecost when Peter gave a prophetic word and the greatest miracle of all       occurred as 3,000 people were saved (Acts 2).

You can sit on the dry river banks and discuss the previous moves of God, or you can wade into the flowing river of what God is doing now. Launch out into prophetic ministry.  Take the plunge. Go deeper yet. There are waters to swim in!

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      Explain how decisions determine destiny in prophetic ministry.

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3.      Identify and discuss the key to spiritual growth.

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4.      List and discuss biblical guidelines for spiritual growth.

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5.      Discuss how spiritual growth occurs.

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6.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter, make the biblical confessions for growing in prophetic ministry which are listed in Appendix Three.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

PASSING ON THE MANTLE

OBJECTIVES:

Upon completion of this chapter you will be able to:

-Discuss three symbolic truths represented by Elijah’s mantle.

-Explain how the truths represented by the mantle apply to Believers.

-Summarize how Jesus passed on the mantle of the prophetic anointing.

-Make a plan for passing on the mantle of the prophetic anointing.

KEY VERSE:

So he (Elijah) departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.  (1 Kings 19:19)

INTRODUCTION

Jesus promised His disciples:

But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

The disciples were to be witnesses of the Gospel, sharing this message:

...Thus it is written, and  thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things.

(Luke 24:46-48)

After the Day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2, the disciples went out into the world to witness with the Lord confirming their ministries by signs and wonders:

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to His own will.  (Hebrews 2:4)

Like the disciples, you are commissioned to go into the world giving witness to the Gospel with confirming signs of God’s power.  A witness is someone who can testify and present evidence of something experienced firsthand.  He is one who personally sees, observes, and produces proof of what he has experienced.

Through “Ministering In The Prophetic”, you have learned about the supernatural, how to know God’s voice, and you have studied spiritual gifts with an emphasis on  prophetic giftedness.  Now it is time to bear witness to the things you have learned and experienced in this course. You must pass on this prophetic anointing to others.  The Apostle Paul told Timothy:

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.  (2 Timothy 2:2)

THE MANTLE OF PROPHETIC ANOINTING

In First Kings 19, we meet a young man named Elisha who is to become the protege of the Prophet Elijah (1 Kings 19:19-21).  When we first meet Elisha, he is working on the family farm. He probably came from a wealthy family, because plowing with so many oxen represented being in the upper class.  He was not irresponsible or lazy because of his family’s wealth, as he was hard at work in the field with the hired laborers.

This is exactly the kind of person God chooses to use in His Kingdom.  God calls busy men and women, not the lazy and slothful. He knows you are already occupied, but He wants you to be willing to lay aside your plans for His purposes.  The Believers that God is raising up to receive and pass on the prophetic anointing  will often be busy people.  They will have important jobs, ministries, families, and responsibilities.  But as the mantle of this anointing is placed upon their shoulders, they will respond to the call and rise up to minister in the prophetic in their sphere of influence.

God called Moses in the midst of tending a flock of sheep.  He called Matthew at the tax office.  He called Peter, James, and John from their thriving fishing enterprise.  Like these men, you will experience changes in your plans, purpose, and destiny as this prophetic anointing is placed upon your life.

As Elisha was busy plowing that day,  Elijah walked by and threw his mantle on his shoulders.  The word “mantle”, as used in this passage, means “covered with a covering.”  But Elijah’s mantle was more than just a piece of cloth.   It very possibly was the traditional prayer shawl worn by Hebrew men. Most importantly, this mantle  was a divine token that was symbolic of three powerful spiritual truths essential to those who desire to minister in the prophetic.

-The mantle represented divine intimacy. The first mention we have of Elijah’s mantle is in

1 Kings 19:13 when Elijah fled to Mt. Horeb, exhausted from his conflicts with Ahab, Jezebel, and the evil prophets of Baal. It was here that God spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice and comforted him...

...And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?  (1 Kings 19:13)

Elijah wrapped himself in his mantle while he communed with God and the mantle became a symbol of their intimate relationship.  You cannot minister in the spirit and power of Elijah and function effectively in the prophetic without an intimate relationship with God. This is developed in the inner chamber, alone with God in prayer, study, and meditation--wrapped in the spiritual mantle of intimacy with God the Father.

-The mantle represented invested authority. The authority of God was invested in this mantle.  Elijah had used it to smite rivers and cross on dry ground.  He used it to perform the miraculous, for the mantle was symbolic of the authority of Almighty God which rested upon him.

-The mantle represented a supernatural calling.  This supernatural calling resulted in a supernatural response:

So he (Elijah) departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.  (1 Kings 19:19)

There was something so powerful about this mantle that when it descended upon Elisha, he immediately left his family, his farm, and his future.  He killed the oxen with which he had been plowing, closing the door to any temptation to return to the old life. He didn’t ask for a career path.  There was no discussion or debate.  He simply responded in obedience, stepped out into the unknown to do God’s will, and never looked back. There was something so powerful that when Jesus walked by and said “Follow Me,” Matthew left his tax collecting position and Peter, James, and John abandoned their fishing business.

THE MANTLE RESTS ON YOU

There is something so powerful about the prophetic mantle that has descended upon you that it will cause you to leave everything in order to follow the destiny God has for you.  You may not be called to go into full-time ministry as a pastor or evangelist or relocate geographically, but God has placed the prophetic call upon you as you studied this manual and it will change your life and destiny.

This mantle of the prophetic ministry that is being placed upon you is a mantle of divine intimacy.  Jesus has given you the gift of the  Holy Spirit to abide with you forever (John 14:16).  The Holy Spirit teaches you all things, brings all things to your remembrance, makes intercession through you according to the will of God, and leads you into a new depth of intimacy with God.

The mantle upon you is one of supernatural calling, as Jesus said “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21).  Jesus mandated you to do as He did--to do the same miracles, work the same and even greater works, and accomplish the same purposes.  He wants you to pick up the mantle of His calling and use it as He used it.

It is a mantle of invested authority.  Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus left Believers with invested authority:  “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high”  (Luke 24:49).

Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were endued with power.  If they

couldn’t go out to minister to a lost and dying world without it, then neither can we!  It was this mantle of the Holy Spirit that empowered the early Church to accomplish its mission.  Jesus said:

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

Through the mantle of the Holy Spirit, you have the same authority Jesus had to do the works of God:

Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.  And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.  (Luke 9:1-2)

Jesus has given you the mantle of invested authority over all the power of the enemy:

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  (Luke 10:19)

God is calling forth a new generation, a new breed of people, and as they go forth we are going to see tremendous manifestations of the power and glory of God. It will be greater than the  anointing on Elijah, for it is the double-portion anointing that rested upon Elisha. It is the time for the “greater works” that Jesus spoke of to be manifested.

You have received the anointing, you are being blessed and blessing others through the prophetic ministry.  Now it is time for you to take this mantle and pass it on to a multitude of “Elishas” who will minister to a lost and dying world in the power of the prophetic.

The divine mantle of power Jesus left behind was the power of the Holy Spirit with which we are endued to carry on His work.  It is the anointing of the Holy Spirit that takes you beyond the place of blessing into the realm of power.  The mantle of this anointing is being passed into your hands through this study of prophetic ministry.  The question is, what will you do with it?

PICKING UP THE MANTLE

There came a day when the Prophet Elijah ascended to Heaven in a chariot of fire.  The mantle representing his prophetic anointing fluttered to the ground at the feet of Elisha.  What would Elisha do?

Elisha picked up the mantle and began where Elijah left off:

(Elisha) took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;  And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? And when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. (2 Kings 2:13-14)

Elisha takes the mantle, representing the double-portion anointing, and walks to the banks of the river.  Like Elijah had done, he takes the mantle and smites the water.  He cries out, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah.”  It was not Elijah he wanted, but the Lord God of Elijah. It was not the works of God he sought, but God Himself.  When Elijah struck the waters with the mantle, they immediately parted as they had for his mentor.

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.(2 Kings 2:15)

There were fifty prophets of God watching from a distance on the other side of Jordan.  When they saw the waters part for Elisha as they had for his mentor, they acknowledged that the spirit that had empowered Elijah rested upon him.  When you are functioning in the anointing of God’s power, you won’t have to advertise yourself as a prophet, evangelist, or teacher.  People will recognize the manifestation of God’s power in your life.

These same men, despite Elisha’s protests, decided they would search for Elijah in the mountains, believing that surely he could not be gone:

And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the Lord hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.  And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not.  And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?

(2 Kings 2:16-18)

Those standing at a distance never got it.  They didn’t realize what was happening between Elisha and Elijah.  They did not receive the double-portion anointing, and they didn’t even understand the finality of Elijah’s departure.  They went searching for the anointed one instead of receiving the anointing that one had left behind. They sought the prophet with the “big name”.  After all, Elijah was known for his miracles and his fantastic demonstration of power over the servants of Baal.  These men returned discouraged and sad because the mantle is not in Elijah--the mantle is the Spirit and power of Elijah.  It is in the Spirit and the power of the prophetic which rests upon you.

PASSING ON THE MANTLE

Now it is time for you to pick up this prophetic mantle, use it to accomplish your spiritual destiny, and pass it on to others.  If you are in leadership in your Church as an apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher, then pass this mantle of the prophetic anointing on to those you serve.

If you are a leader of a Bible study or home group, share this prophetic study with your members.  If you are a Bible school teacher or director, make prophetic studies part of your curriculum using this manual.  If you are not a group leader, share what you have learned with individual Believers in your sphere of influence so that they can experience the power of the prophetic in their lives and ministries.

The mantle of the prophetic anointing descended on the day of Pentecost.  You will either be one of those who stands afar and observes, or one of the anointed ones who picks up the mantle and uses it to reach the world in a demonstration of God’s power.  Use it or lose it.  The choice is yours.

SELF-TEST

1.      Write the Key Verse.

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2.      Discuss three symbolic truths represented by Elijah’s mantle.

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3.      Explain how the symbolic truths represented by the mantle apply to Believers.

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4.      Summarize how Jesus passed on the mantle of the prophetic anointing to Believers.

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5.      How will you apply what you learned in this chapter?  Make a plan for passing on the       mantle of the prophetic anointing to others.

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(Answers to tests are provided at the conclusion of this manual.)

PROPHETIC ACTIVATION

At the conclusion of each chapter in this manual, “Prophetic Activation”  challenges you to take  additional steps to grow in the prophetic.  As you conclude this chapter write out a plan for passing on the mantle of the prophetic anointing to others.

If you are a leader of a Bible study or home group, share this course on prophetic ministry with your members.  Give them a non-judgmental place to grow in the prophetic.  If you are a Bible school teacher or director of a school, make prophetic studies part of your curriculum.   Ask God to lead you to an “Elisha”  to disciple in the prophetic.

Take the initiative to pass on what you have learned to other Believers so that they can experience the power of the prophetic in their lives and ministries.

EPILOGUE

THE FINAL PROPHETIC WITNESS

The Church is on the threshold of the return of Jesus Christ.  As we approach these final days of time, there will be a great increase of the prophetic ministry and the prophetic acts of God in nature:

But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.  (Acts 2:16-21)

God is pouring out--without measure--the prophetic anointing.  Watch for increasing signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth.  Eventually, there will be a final witness from two prophets during the Tribulation:

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days in sackcloth…These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.

(Revelation 11:3, 6)

When the last prophetic warning concludes, then the greatest prophecy ever given and the greatest sign that will ever be seen in the heavens will be manifested:  The return of the Lord Jesus Christ:

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, 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. (Matthew 24:29–30)

Even so, come Lord Jesus!

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely…He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

(Revelation 22:1, 20)

APPENDIX ONE

PROPHETS IN THE BIBLE

Use this appendix to study further on the prophetic ministry.  Seek answers to these questions.

1.      To whom did the prophet minister?

2.      What was the purpose of the prophecy?

3.      What was the response of the people to whom he/she ministered?

4.      How did the prophet receive the prophetic word? (Through visions, dreams, trances,       angels, hearing God’s voice, etc.)?

5.      How did the prophet deliver the prophetic word?   (Verbally, through song, acted out,       written, etc.)

For the writing prophets of the Old Testament, study the Old Testament books of prophecy.

Study the prophetic book of Revelation in the New Testament, written by the disciple John.

NAME                              MENTIONED AS A PROPHET

Aaron                                    Exodus 7:2

Abel                                    Luke 11:50-51

Abraham                              Genesis 20:7

Agabus                              Acts 21:10

Agur                                     Proverbs 30:1

Ahab                                    Jeremiah 29:21

Ahijah                                    1 Kings 11:29

Amos                                    Amos 7:14-15

Anna                                    Luke 2:36

Asaph                                    2 Chronicles 29:30

Azariah                              2 Chronicles 15:8

Azur                                    Jeremiah 28:1

Barnabas                              Acts 13:1

Daniel                                    Matthew 24:15

David                                    Hebrews 11:32

Deborah                              Judges 4:4

Eldad                                    Numbers 11:26

Eliezer                                    2 Chronicles 20:37

Elihu                                    Job 32-35

Elijah                                    1 Kings 18:36

Elisabeth                               Luke 1:41

Elisha                                    2 Kings 9:1

Elymas (Bar-Jesus)                        Acts 13:6-12

Enoch                                    Jude 1:14

Ezekiel                                    Ezekiel 1:3

Gad                                    1 Samuel 22:5

Habakkuk                              Habakkuk 1:1

Haggai                                    Haggai 1:1

Hanani                                    2 Chronicles 16:7

Hananiah                              Jeremiah 28:5

Hosea                                    Hosea 1:1

Huldah                                    2 Kings 22:14

Iddo                                    2 Chronicles 13:22

Isaac                                    Genesis 26:2-5

Isaiah                                    2 Kings 19:2

Jacob                                    Genesis 28:11-16

Jahaziel                              2 Chronicles 20:14

Jehu                                    1 Kings 16:7

Jeremiah                              Jeremiah 20:2

Jesus                                    Luke 24:19

Job                                    Job 19:25-27

Joel                                    Acts 2:16

John the Revelator                        Revelation 1:1

John the Baptist                        Luke 7:28

Jonah                                    2 Kings 14:25

Joseph                                    Genesis 37:5 - 11

Joseph (foster father of Jesus)                  Matthew 1:20

Joshua                                    Joshua 1:1

Judas Barsabbas                        Acts 15:32

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon            Daniel 2:1

King Saul                              1 Samuel 10:10

King Solomon                              1 Kings 3:5

Lucius of Cyrene                        Acts 13:1

Malachi                              Malachi 1:1

Manaen                              Acts 13:1

Mary, mother of Jesus                        Luke 1:26-28

Medad                                    Numbers 11:26

Micah                                    Micah 1:1

Micaiah                              1 Kings 22:9

Miriam                                    Exodus 15:20

Moses                                    Deuteronomy 34:10

Nahum                                    Nahum 1:1

Nathan                                    2 Samuel 7:2

Noadiah                              Nehemiah 6:14

Noah                                    Genesis 7:1

Obadiah                              Obadiah 1:1

Oded                                    2 Chronicles 28:9

Paul the Apostle                        Acts of the Apostles 9:20

Peter                                    2 Peter 3:1-18

Philip the Evangelist                        Acts 8:26

Samuel                                    1 Samuel 3:20

Shemaiah                              1 Kings 12:22

Silas                                    Acts 15:32

Simeon Niger                              Acts 13:1

Simeon of Jerusalem                        Luke 2:25, 26

Simon Magus                              Acts 8:9-24

The false prophet                         Revelation 16:13, 19:20, 20:10

The four daughters of Philip                  Acts 21:8, 9

The seventy elders of Israel                  Numbers 11:25

Two Witnesses                        Revelation 11:3

Urijah                                    Jeremiah 26:20

Zechariah, father of John the Baptist            Luke 1:67

Zechariah, son of Berechiah                  Zechariah 1:1

Zechariah, son of Jehoiada                  2 Chronicles 24:20

Zedekiah                              Jeremiah 29:21

Zephaniah                              Zephaniah 1:1

PROPHETIC BOOKS OF THE BIBLE

Isaiah:  Warns of coming judgment against Judah because of their sins against God.

Jeremiah:  Written during the decline and fall of Judah.  Tells of the coming judgment and urges surrender to Nebuchadnezzar.

Lamentations:  Jeremiah's lament over Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem.

Ezekiel:  Warns first of Jerusalem's impending fall and then foretells its future restoration.

Daniel:  The prophet Daniel was captured during the early siege of Judah and taken to Babylon.  This book provides both historic and prophetic teaching important in understanding past and future prophecies.

Hosea:  Theme of this book is Israel's unfaithfulness, punishment, and restoration.

Joel:  Tells of the plagues which foreshadowed future judgment.

Amos:  During a period of material prosperity but moral decay, Amos warned Israel and surrounding nations of God's future judgment on their sin.

Obadiah: God's judgment against Edom, an evil nation located south of the Dead Sea.

Jonah:  The story of the prophet Jonah who preached repentance in Ninevah, capitol of the Assyrian empire. The book reveals God's love and plan of redemption for the Gentiles.

Micah:  Another prophecy against Israel's sin.  Foretells the birthplace of Jesus 700 years before the event happened.

Nahum:  Tells of the impending destruction of Ninevah which was spared some 150 years earlier through Jonah's preaching.

Habakkuk:  Reveals God's plan to punish a sinful nation by an even more sinful one. Teaches that "the just shall live by faith."

Zephaniah:  Judgment and restoration of Judah.

Haggai:  Urges the Jews to rebuild the temple after a 15 year delay due to enemy resistance.

Zechariah:  Further urging to complete the temple and continue spiritual development.  Foretells Christ's first and second comings.

Malachi:  Warns against spiritual shallowness and foretells the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Revelation:  Authored by the disciple John.  End-time events, tribulation, and the return of Christ.

Old Testament Prophets

Prophet                  Prophesied To                  Dates

Jonah                        Assyria                        Before Captivity (800-650)

Nahum                        Assyria                        Before Captivity (800-650)

Obadiah                  Edom                              Before Captivity (800)

Hosea                        Israel                              Before Captivity (750)

Amos                        Israel                              Before Captivity (750)

Isaiah                        Judah                              Before Captivity (800-606)

Jeremiah/Lamentations      Judah                              Before Captivity (800-606)

Joel                        Judah                              Before Captivity (800-606)

Micah                        Judah                              Before Captivity (800-606)

Habakkuk                  Judah                              Before Captivity (800-606)

Zephaniah                  Judah                              Before Captivity (800-606)

Ezekiel                        Judah                              During Captivity (606-536)

Daniel                        Judah                              During Captivity (606-536)

Haggai                        Judah                              After Captivity (536-400)

Zechariah                  Judah                              After Captivity (536-400)

Malachi                  Judah                              After Captivity (536-400)

APPENDIX TWO

PRAYERS FOR

PROPHETIC REVELATION

Use the following Scriptures to pray for prophetic revelation.

-Give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation and let the eyes of my understanding be enlightened.

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, (Ephesians 1:17-19)

-Lord, reveal Your secrets unto me.

But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets.  (Daniel 2:28)

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

(Amos 3:7)

-Let me understand things kept secret from the foundation of the world.

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.  (Matthew 13:35)

-Open my eyes to behold wondrous things out of Your Word.

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalm 119:18)

-Let me know and understand the mysteries of the kingdom.

And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without… (Mark 4:11a)

-Let me speak to others by revelation.

Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

(1 Corinthians 14:6)

-Let hidden things be made manifest.

For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.  (Mark 4:22)

-Reveal your truths to me.

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.  (Matthew 11:25)

-Let spiritual cataracts and scales be removed from my eyes.

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight…

(Acts 9:18)

-Talk to me in the night and let me awaken with revelation.

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. (Psalm 16:7)

The Lord God gives me the right words to encourage the weary.  Each morning He awakens me eager to learn His teaching.  (Isaiah 50:4, CEV)

-Let me be a good steward of Your revelations.

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

-Let me be able to explain the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ… (Colossians 4:3)

-Let me receive Your hidden wisdom.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. (1 Corinthians 2:7)

-Make known unto me the mystery of Your will.

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. (Ephesians 1:9)

-Let me understand Your parables.

I will incline mine ear to a parable…  (Psalm 49:4)

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. (Proverbs 1:6)

-Give me the treasures of darkness and hidden riches in secret places.

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

(Isaiah 45:3)

-Let me understand deep things.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)

-Let me comprehend Your deep thoughts.

O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (Psalm 92:5)

-Let your mind dwell in me.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.  (1 Corinthians 2:16)

-Let your Word dwell in me.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

(Colossians 3:16)

-Enlighten my eyes with Your Word.

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.  (Psalm 19:8)

-Enlighten my darkness so that I may arise and shine as your prophetic light.

For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

(Psalm 18:28)

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.  (Isaiah 60:1-2, NKJV)

APPENDIX THREE

PROPHETIC CONFESSIONS

You were born again by repenting of sin, confessing the Lord Jesus, and believing the Gospel message (Romans 10:9).   Other spiritual experiences are also gained through confessing and believing.  The confessions of your mouth are important spiritually because death and life are in the power of your tongue (Proverbs 18:21).  Make the following prophetic confessions on a regular basis during your devotional time.

-I desire to know God intimately.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…(Philippians 3:10)

-I believe the prophets and I will prosper in the prophetic ministry.

Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. (2 Chronicles 20:20)

-I am God’s willing prophetic messenger.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.  (Isaiah 6:8)

-I am God’s mouthpiece.

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

(Exodus 4:12)

-I speak prophetic truths in love.

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.   (Ephesians 4:14-15)

-I minister in the prophetic as an oracle of God.

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11).

-I have spiritual ears that hear God’s voice clearly.

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:22).

-I listen when He speaks, I obey, and I am blessed.

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

(Deuteronomy 28:1-2)

-I minister with prophetic wisdom from heaven.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  (James 3:17)

-I have the mind of Christ.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.  (1 Corinthians 2:16)

-I guard my communication so that the prophetic flow will not be hindered.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.   (Ephesians 4:29)

-I have God’s prophetic word in my heart.

The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach,  (Romans 10:8)

-I edify, exhort, and comfort others with the prophetic word.

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

(1 Corinthians 14:3)

-I will do His will and I will finish His work.

My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.  (John 4:34)

APPENDIX FOUR

PROPHETIC JOURNAL

Reproduce these forms to record your prophetic experiences so you can review what God is doing in your life through the prophetic ministry.

DREAMS AND VISIONS

Date received:_____________________

Synopsis of the dream or vision:____________________________________________________

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Interpretation:__________________________________________________________________

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Application:____________________________________________________________________

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Date received:_____________________

Synopsis of the dream or vision:____________________________________________________

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Interpretation:__________________________________________________________________

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Application:____________________________________________________________________

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PROPHETIC MESSAGES

Date:_________________ Message given by:________________  Given to:____________

Synopsis:

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Date:_________________ Message given by:________________  Given to:____________

Synopsis:

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Date:_________________ Message given by:________________  Given to:____________

Synopsis:

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APPENDIX FIVE

THE SCHOOL OF THE PROPHETS

It was under the administration of Samuel that the Old Testament School of the Prophets was developed.  These were training centers where young men could be taught the Word of God and how to minister in the prophetic (2 Kings 2:1-6).  These students were likely Levites who served in roles related to the tabernacle and ceremonial worship.  The following scriptures refer to this Old Testament School Of The Prophets, also called the “sons of the prophets” or a “group or company of prophets”.  Study each reference in your Bible in its context.  Observe their lifestyle, their leaders, and how they functioned in the prophetic.

Samuel 19:19-24

It was told Saul, saying, “Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.” Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied. When it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. So Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

1 Samuel 10:5-6

Afterward you will come to the hill of God where the Philistine garrison is; and it shall be as soon as you have come there to the city, that you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with harp, tambourine, flute, and a lyre before them, and they will be prophesying. Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily, and you shall prophesy with them and be changed into another man.

1 Samuel 19:20

Then Saul sent messengers to take David, but when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came upon the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied.

1 Kings 20:35

And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.

2 Kings 2:3

And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

2 Kings 2:5

And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.

2 Kings 2:7

And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.

2 Kings 2:15

And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.

2 Kings 4:1

Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the Lord: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.

2 Kings 4:38

And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

2 Kings 5:22

And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.

2 Kings 6:1

And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

2 Kings 9:1-3

Now Elisha the prophet called one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Gird up your loins, and take this flask of oil in your hand and go to Ramoth-gilead. When you arrive there, search out Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat the son of Nimshi, and go in and bid him arise from among his brothers, and bring him to an inner room. Then take the flask of oil and pour it on his head and say, ‘Thus says the Lord, “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’ Then open the door and flee and do not wait.”

APPENDIX  SIX

PROPHETIC REFERENCES

Continue your study of prophecy using the following biblical references:

SEER

1 Samuel 9:9,11,19

2 Samuel 15:27

2 Samuel 24:11

1 Chronicles 9:22

1 Chronicles 21:9

1 Chronicles 25:5

1 Chronicles 26:28

1 Chronicles 29:29

2 Chronicles 9:29

2 Chronicles 12:15

2 Chronicles 16:7,10

2 Chronicles 19:2

2 Chronicles 29:25;30

2 Chronicles 35:15

Amos 7:12

PROPHESY

Numbers 11:27

1 Samuel 10:5,6

1 Kings 22:8,18

1 Chronicles 25:1

2 Chronicles 18:17

Isaiah 30:10

Jeremiah 5:31

Jeremiah 11:21

Jeremiah 14:14-16

Jeremiah 19:14

Jeremiah 23:16,25,26,32

Jeremiah 25:30

Jeremiah 26:12

Jeremiah 27:10,14,15,16

Jeremiah 29:9, 21

Jeremiah 32:3

Ezekiel 4:7

Ezekiel 6:2

Ezekiel 11:4

Ezekiel 13:2,16,17

Ezekiel 20:46

Ezekiel 21:2,9,14,28

Ezekiel 25:2

Ezekiel 28:21

Ezekiel 29:2

Ezekiel 30:2

Ezekiel 34:2

Ezekiel 35:2

Ezekiel 36:1,3,6

Ezekiel 37:4,9,12

Ezekiel 38:2,14

Ezekiel 39:1

Joel 2:28

Amos 2:12

Amos 3:8

Amos 7:12.13.15.16

Micah 2:6,11

Zechariah 13:3

Matthew 15:7

Matthew 26:68

Mark 14:65

Luke 22:64

Acts 2:17,18

Acts 21:9

Romans 12:6

1 Corinthians 13:9

1 Corinthians 14:1,24,31,39

Revelation 10:11

Revelation 11:3

PROPHECY

2 Chronicles 9:29

2 Chronicles 15:8

Nehemiah 6:12

Proverbs 30:1

Proverbs 31:1

Daniel 9:24

Matthew 13:14

Romans 12:6

1 Corinthians 12:10

1 Corinthians 13:2

1 Timothy 4:14

2 Peter 1:19,20,21

Revelation 1:3

Revelation 11:6

Revelation 19:10

Revelation 22:7,10,18,19

PROPHESIED

Numbers 11:25,25

1 Samuel 10:10.11

1 Samuel 18:10

1 Samuel 19:20.21.23.24

1 Kings 18:29

1 Kings 22:10,12

1 Chronicles 25:2,3

2 Chronicles 18:7.9

2 Chronicles 18:11

2 Chronicles 20:37

Ezra 5:1

Jeremiah 2:8

Jeremiah 20:1,6

Jeremiah 23:13,21

Jeremiah 25:13

Jeremiah 26:9,11,18,20

Jeremiah 28:6,8

Jeremiah 29:31

Jeremiah 37:19

Ezekiel 11:13

Ezekiel 37:7,10

Ezekiel 38:17

Zechariah 13:4

Matthew 7:22

Matthew 11:13

Mark 7:6

Luke 1:67

John 11:51

Acts 19:6

1 Corinthians 14:5

1 Peter 1:10

Jude 14

PROPHECIES

1 Corinthians 13:8

1 Timothy 1:18

PROPHET

Gen 20:7

Ex 7:1

Numbers 12:6

Deuteronomy 13:1,3,5

Deuteronomy 18:15,18,20,22

Deuteronomy 34:10

Judges 6:8

1 Samuel 3:20

1 Samuel 9:9

1 Samuel 22:5

2 Samuel 7:2

2 Samuel 12:25

2 Samuel 24:11

1 Kings 1:8,10,22,23,32,34,38,44,45

1 Kings 11:29

1 Kings 13:11,18,20,23,2,26,29

1 Kings 14:2,18

1 Kings 16:7,12

1 Kings 18:22,36

1 Kings 19:16

1 Kings 20:13,22,38

1 Kings 22:7

2 Kings 3:11

2 Kings 5:3,8,13

2 Kings 6:12

2 Kings 9:1,4

2 Kings 14:25

2 Kings 19:2

2 Kings 20:1,11,14

2 Kings 23:18

1 Chronicles 17:1

1 Chronicles 29:29

2 Chronicles 9:29

2 Chronicles 12:5,15

2 Chronicles 13:22

2 Chronicles 15:8

2 Chronicles 18:6

2 Chronicles 21:12

2 Chronicles 25:15,16

2 Chronicles 26:22

2 Chronicles 28:9

2 Chronicles 29:25

2 Chronicles 32:20,32

2 Chronicles 35:18

2 Chronicles 36:12

Ezra 5:1

Ezra 6:14

Psalm 51:1

Psalm 74:9

Isaiah 3:2

Isaiah 9:15

Isaiah 28:7

Isaiah 37:2

Isaiah 38:1

Isaiah 39:3

Jeremiah 1:5

Jeremiah 6:13

Jeremiah 8:10

Jeremiah 14:18

Jeremiah 18:18

Jeremiah 20:2

Jeremiah 23:11,28,33,34,37

Jeremiah 25:2

Jeremiah 28:1,5,6,9,10,11,12,15,17

Jeremiah 29:1,26,27,29

Jeremiah 32:2

Jeremiah 34:6

Jeremiah 36:8,26

Jeremiah 37:2,3,6,13

Jeremiah 38:9,10,14

Jeremiah 42:2,4

Jeremiah 43:6

Jeremiah 45:1

Jeremiah 46:1,13

Jeremiah 47:1

Jeremiah 49:34

Jeremiah 50:1

Jeremiah 51:59

Lamentations 2:20

Ezekiel 2:5

Ezekiel 7:26

Ezekiel 14:4,7,9,10

Ezekiel 33:33

Daniel 9:2

Hosea 4:5

Hosea 9:7,8

Hos 12:13

Amos 7:14

Micah 2:11

Habakkuk 1:1

Habakkuk 3:1

Haggai 1:1,3,12

Haggai 2:1,10

Zechariah 1:1,7

Zechariah 13:5

Malachi 4:5

Matthew 1:22

Matthew 2:5,15,17

Matthew 3:3

Matthew 4:14

Matthew 8:17

Matthew 10:41

Matthew 11:9

Matthew 12:17,39

Matthew 13:35,57

Matthew 14:5

Matthew 16:4

Matthew 21:4,11,26,46

Matthew 24:15

Matthew 27:9,35

Mark 6:4,25

Mark 11:32

Mark 13:14

Luke 1:76

Luke 3:4

Luke 4:17,24,27

Luke 7:16,26,28,39

Luke 11:29

Luke 13:33

Luke 20:6

Luke 24:19

John 1:21,23,25

John 4:19,44

John 6:14

John 7:40,52

John 9:17

John 12:38

Acts 2:16,30

Acts 3:22,23

Acts 7:37,48

Acts 8:28,30,34

Acts 13:6,20

Acts 21:10

Acts 28:25

1 Corinthians 14:37

Titus 1:12

2 Peter 2:16

Revelation 16:13

Revelation 19:20

Revelation 20:10

PROPHETS

Numbers 11:29

1 Samuel 10:5,10,11,12

1 Samuel 19:20,24

1 Samuel 28:6,15

1 Kings 18:4,13,19,20,22,25,40

1 Kings 18:40

1 Kings 19:1,10,14

1 Kings 20:35,41

1 Kings 22:6

1 Kings 22:10,12,13,22,23

2 Kings 2:3,5,7,15

2 Kings 3:13

2 Kings 4:1,38

2 Kings 5:22

2 Kings 6:1

2 Kings 9:1,7

2 Kings 10:19

2 Kings 17:13,23

2 Kings 21:10

2 Kings 23:2

2 Kings 24:2

1 Chronicles 16:22

2 Chronicles 18:5,9,11,12,21,22

2 Chronicles 20:20

2 Chronicles 24:19

2 Chronicles 29:25

2 Chronicles 36:16

Ezra 5:1

Ezra 5:2

Ezra 9:11

Nehemiah 6:7,14

Nehemiah 9:26

Nehemiah 9:30

Nehemiah 9:32

Psalm 105:15

Isaiah 29:10

Isaiah 30:10

Jeremiah 2:8,26,30

Jeremiah 4:9

Jeremiah 5:13,31

Jeremiah 7:25

Jeremiah 8:1

Jeremiah 13:13

Jeremiah 14:13,14,15

Jeremiah 23:9,13,14,15,16,21,25,26,30,31

Jeremiah 25:4

Jeremiah 26:5,7,8,11,15

Jeremiah 27:9,14,15,16,18

Jeremiah 28:8

Jeremiah 29:1,8

Jeremiah 29:15,19

Jeremiah 32:32

Jeremiah 35:15

Jeremiah 37:19

Jeremiah 44:4

Lamentations 2:9

Lamentations 2:14

Lamentations 4:13

Ezekiel 13:3,4,9,16

Ezekiel 22:25,28

Ezekiel 38:17

Daniel 9:6,10

Hosea 6:5

Hosea 12:10

Amos 2:11,12

Amos 3:7

Micah 3:5,6,11

Zephaniah 3:4

Zechariah 1:4,5,6

Zechariah 7:3,7,12

Zechariah 8:9

Zechariah 13:2,4

Matthew 2:23

Matthew 5:12,17

Matthew 7:12,15

Matthew 11:13

Matthew 13:17

Matthew 16:14

Matthew 22:40

Matthew 23:29,30,331,34,37

Matthew 24:11,24

Matthew 26:56

Mark 1:2

Mark 6:15

Mark 8:28

Mark 13:22

Luke 1:70

Luke 6:23,26

Luke 9:8,19

Luke 10:24

Luke 11:47,49,50

Luke 13:28,34

Luke 16:16,29,31

Luke 18:31

Luke 24:25,27,44

John 1:45

John 6:45

John 8:52,53

Acts 3:18,21,24,25

Acts 7:42,52

Acts 10:43

Acts 11:27

Acts 13:1,15,27,40

Acts 15:15,32

Acts 24:14

Acts 26:22,27

Acts 28:23

Romans 1:2

Romans 3:21

Romans 11:3

Romans 16:26

1 Corinthians 12:28,29

1 Corinthians 14:29,32

Ephesians 2:20

Ephesians 3:5

Ephesians 4:11

1 Thessalonian 2:15

Hebrews 1:1

Hebrews 11:32

James 5:10

1 Peter 1:10

2 Peter 2:1

2 Peter 3:2

1 John 4:1

Revelation 10:7

Revelation 11:10,18

Revelation 16:6

Revelation 18:20,24

Revelation 22:6,9

BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF:

-Prophetic oracles: Isaiah 1:1–9; 15:1–9; 45:14–17; 48:17–19; 49:5–7; 50:1–3; Jeremiah 2:1–3; Ezekiel 34:1–31; Acts 13:1–3.

-Prophetic exhortations: Isaiah 12:1–6; 19:25; 29:22–24; 30:18; 35:1–10; 40:1–31; 41:1–4; 42:1–9; 54:1–3; 55:1–13; 56:1–8.

-Prophetic prayers: Ezra 9:6–15; Nehemiah. 9:6–37; Isaiah 25:1–12; 38:9–20; 64:1–12; Jeremiah 12:1–6; 20:7–18; Luke 1:67–69.

-Prophetic songs: Deuteronomy 32:1–43; Isaiah 5:1–30; 26:1–21; 27:1–11; 42:10–13; Ezekiel 19:1–14; 27:1–36.

-Personal prophecies: 2 Samuel 12:1–7; Isaiah 37:21–35; 38:1–8; 45:1–7; Jeremiah 20:1–6; 21:1–14; 34:1–5; 45:1–5; Acts 21:10.

-Prophetic visions: Jeremiah 1:11–19; 24:1–10; Ezekiel 1:1–28; 8:1–18; 9:1–11; 10:1–22; 11:1–13; 37:1–11; 40:1–49; 41:1–48:35; Daniel 2:19; 4:1–18; 7:1–28; 8:1–27; Acts 16:9–13; 10:1–33.

-Prophetic actions: Isaiah 20:1–6; Jeremiah 13:1–11; 19:1–15; 27:1–22; Ezekiel 14:1–17; 5:1–17; 12:1–16; 12:17–25; 24:1–27; 37:15–23; Hosea 1:1–11; 3:1–5; Acts 21:9–14.

APPENDIX SEVEN

ANSWERS TO SELF-TESTS

Chapter One:

1.      For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.       But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use       have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)

2.      Man exists in two worlds:  The natural world and the spiritual world.

3.      Compare your summary to the discussion under the subheadings in this chapter entitled:

-The spiritual sense of seeing.

-The spiritual sense of hearing.

-The spiritual sense of tasting.

-The spiritual sense of smelling.

-The spiritual sense of touching.

4.      Pray for activation.

Surrender to God.

Embrace the mind of Christ.

Associate with prophetic believers.

Practice using your spiritual senses.

5.      Personal response.

Chapter Two:

1.      My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me... (John 10:27)

2.      There is the voice of man, Satan, self, and God.

3.      Compare your answers to the discussion in chapter two:

-His Word.

-Prayer.

-Christian counselors.

-Circumstances.

-Open and closed doors.

-Angels.

-Miracles.

-Dreams.

-Visions and trances.

-An audible voice.

-An inner voice.

-Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

4.      Personal response.

Chapter Three:

1.      But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be       witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the       uttermost part of the earth.  (Acts 1:8)

2.      On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down from Heaven and completely       immersed [baptized]  believers assembled in the upper room of a house in Jerusalem       Previously, the Holy Spirit was with them.  After the Baptism He was in them.  The       evidence was spiritual power and the sign was other tongues.

3.      -Repent and be baptized.

-Believe it is for you.

-Accept it as a gift.

-Yield to God.

-Request the prayers of other Believers.

4.      The word "spiritual" means "characterized or controlled by the Holy Spirit.”   A spiritual       gift is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to a Believer to minister as part of       the Body of Christ

5.      The main passages identifying spiritual gifts are Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31,       Ephesians 4:1-16, and 1 Peter 4:7-11.  A composite list of the gifts mentioned in these       passages includes apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, prophecy, teaching,       exhortation, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, serving, help, leadership,       administration, giving, showing mercy, discerning of spirits, faith, hospitality, tongues,       interpretation, miracles, and healing.

6.      According to Ephesians 4:12-15, the purposes of spiritual gifts are to:

-Perfecting of the saints.

-Promoting the work of the ministry.

-Edifying Christ and the Church.

The objectives are that we will:

-Be united in the faith.

-Develop our knowledge of Christ.

-Develop in perfection, with Christ as our model.

-Become stable, not deceived by false doctrines.

-Mature spiritually in Christ.

7.      Some people claim that all of the gifts are not for today.  Deal with objections by pointing       to the biblical purposes and objectives of the gifts.  God would not give spiritual gifts for       these purposes and objectives and then remove them without these things being       accomplished.

8.      Personal response.

Chapter Four:

1.      But when the truth-giving Spirit comes, he will unveil the reality of every truth within       you. He won’t speak his own message, but only what he hears from the Father, and he       will reveal prophetically to you what is to come.  He will glorify me on the earth, for he       will receive from me what is mine and reveal it to you.  (John 16:13-14, TPT)

2.      The Hebrew word “to prophesy” means “to speak, spring forth, to bubble up like a       fountain. The Greek word used in the New Testament for prophecy literally means to       “speak for another”.  Prophesy is supernatural revelation from God which results in       edification, exhortation, and comfort of the recipients (1 Corinthians 14:3).

3.      God, who reveals His messages through the Holy Spirit.

4.      The foundation of prophetic ministry is love of God and love for others (Matthew 22:36-      40).

5.      The levels of prophecy include the prophetic spirit that should be manifested in the lives       of all Believers; the gift of prophecy which is given by the Holy Spirit as He will; and the       office of the prophet to which some are appointed by God.  Compare your answer to the       discussion under the heading “Levels Of The Prophetic” in Chapter Four.

6.      The Hebrew word for “seer” is one who receives communications from God through       visions and dreams rather than audible words.   A prophet most often says, “The Lord       spoke to me” or “thus saith the Lord”.  A seer most likely says, “The Lord       showed me”       or “I saw” and then follows with an explanation.

7.      -Healing.  A believer with the gift of healing has the ability to let God's power flow       through him to restore health apart from the use of natural methods.

-Miracles.  Through a person with the gift of miracles, God performs powerful acts       which are beyond the possibility of occurring naturally. This type of healing is called       "divine healing" because it is done by the divine power of God rather than through       natural means.

-Word of knowledge.  The word of knowledge is the ability to understand things which       others do not know and cannot comprehend and to share this knowledge with them under       the inspiration of the Spirit. A word of knowledge gives insight about a person or       circumstances that is not apparent to normal reasoning.

-Discerning of spirits.  Discerning of spirits is the ability to evaluate people, doctrines,       and situations as to whether or not they are of God.

8.      Personal response.

Chapter Five:

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

(1 Corinthians 14:3)

2.      There are distinct differences between prophetic ministry in the Old and New Testament       eras including:

-Limits of prophetic ministry.  In the Old Testament era, priestly and prophetic                   ministries were reserved for a select few. Under the new covenant, instead of a                   limited few every Believer is a priest, and the spirit of prophecy is diffused                   throughout the entire body of Christ.

-Functioning of the Holy Spirit.  In the Old Testament era, the Spirit came upon                   God’s servants for specific purposes. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit                   dwells permanently within every born-again, Spirit-filled Believer.

-Accuracy of prophecies.  During the Old Testament era, prophets were required                   to be 100% accurate because their prophecies became part of God’s written Word.

New Testament prophecies are done “in part” and by perception through the Holy             Spirit so they must be judged.

-Grace vs. law.  Old Testament prophecies were often messages of rebuke and                   judgment. The law brought people face-to-face with the severity of sin and the                   need for a Savior.  Now, under grace, we have that Savior in Jesus Christ. In the                   New Testament, prophecy is for edification, exhortation, and comfort

(1 Corinthians 14:3).  When we confront sin, we do so with grace instead of law.

3.      Compare your answers to the discussion on each point under the subheading “The       Purposes Of Prophecy” in chapter five.

4.      Personal response.

Chapter Six:

1.      The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to       the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the       captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To       preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  (Luke 4:18-19)

2.      To "anoint", as used in the Bible, means to dedicate or consecrate someone or something       by applying oil which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

3.      The three symbolic anointings are:

-The leper's anointing:  Relationship.

-The priest's anointing:  Holiness.

-The leader's anointing:  Power.

Compare your answers to the discussion in chapter six.

4.      The source of the anointing is God.

5.      Anointing is on the basis of the condition of the heart, not on outward appearance.

6.      The purposes of the anointing:

-The anointing fulfills God's purposes.

-The anointing teaches you all things.

-The anointing destroys the yoke

Compare your thoughts on these points to the discussion in chapter six.

7.      Compare your discussion to that in chapter six regarding the following points:

-Recognize the value of the prophetic.

-Immerse yourself in the Word of God.

-Pray and meditate.

-Ask God for prophetic giftedness.

-Place yourself under the five-fold ministries.

-Establish relationships with prophetic people

-Ask trusted prophetic leaders to lay hands on you.

-Stir up the gift.

-Learn how to receive and give a prophetic message.

8.      Personal response.

Chapter Seven:

1.      And Moses said unto him…would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that       the Lord would put his spirit upon them.  (Numbers 11:29)

2.      Create a prophetic environment by:

-Waiting.

-Worshipping.

-Praying

-Meditating.

-Studying God’s Word.

3.      -A prophetic word.

-A prophetic prayer.

-A prophetic song.

-Prophetic Scriptures.

-Prophetic preaching and teaching.

-Angels.

-Dreams or visions.

-Trances.

-A written message.

-Prophetic actions

-A prophetic sensation.

-Impressions.

-Tongues and interpretation.

-A prophetic oracle.

4.      Classifications of common prophetic messages include:

-Edification.

-Conditional.

-Impartation.

-Correction.

-Revelation.

-Deliverance.

-Warning.

-Confirmation.

-Past.

-Present.

-Future.

5.      The following are steps for processing a prophetic word:

-Revelation.

-Interpretation.

-Application.

-Confirmation.

6.      You do not have to fear what the Holy Spirit speaks through you (Matthew 7:8-11).

You can be assured that you will not be deceived as long as…

-You are grounded in the Word of God.

-You are not walking in known sin.

-You are not involved emotionally with the issue.

-You are a voice and not an echo.

7.      Ask these questions:

-Is it scriptural?

-Is it in harmony with the nature of God?

-Do you have peace in your heart?

-Is it in harmony with the spirit of prophecy?

-Is it in harmony with the purposes of prophecy?

8.      Personal response.

Chapter Eight:

1.      Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy,       let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.  (Romans 12:6)

2.      You move in circles of people unique to you:   Your friends, your family, your church,       your co-workers, and your community.  This is your sphere of ministry.

3.      -You may experience a profound stirring inside.

-You may hear a still, small, insistent voice in your spirit.

-You may receive only a few words at first.

-You may see a vision or a picture of something.

-You may receive a specific biblical text.

-You may experience physical sensations.

4.      -Prophesy according to your proportion of faith.

-Wait for the interpretation and application.

-Wait for the peace of God.

-Wait for the proper timing.

-Take a step of faith and release the message.

-Use clear language.

-Use terminology that helps others receive what you say.

-Minister in order.

-Write the message.

-Minister in pairs in personal prophecy.

-Seek confirming permission.

-Do not ask questions.

-Minister in love.

-Stop when the Holy Spirit stops.

5.      The various responses to prophecy are like those described as responses to God’s Word       in the parable in Matthew chapter 13:

-Seeds beside the road. This describes the response of those who receive a message but do not take time to properly meditate on it and apply it to their lives.  The enemy comes and snatches away the word.

-Seeds sown in rocky places. This describes those who happily receive a message, but they do not allow it to take root in their lives.  When difficult circumstances arise, they are offended because the promises of God were not immediately fulfilled.

-Seeds sown among the thorns. These are those who allow God’s Word and prophetic messages to be choked out by the cares of the world and negative circumstances.

-Seeds sown on good soil.  This represents those who receive the Word of God and prophetic messages into good ground where it brings forth abundant spiritual fruit.

6.      Personal response.

Chapter Nine:

1.      Never restrain or put out the fire of the Holy Spirit.  And don’t be one who scorns       prophecies, but be faithful to examine them by putting them to the test, and afterward       hold tightly to what has proven to be right. (1 Thessalonians 5:20,TPT)

2.      1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 14:29.

3.      The world, the flesh, the devil, and God.

4.      Demonic prophets, false prophets, true prophets.

5.      A false prophet is one who prophesies lies, deception, false doctrine, seeks personal       gain, desires to exalt themselves, and tries to manipulate and control others.  A prophet       who errs is one who is sincerely ministering in the prophetic, but who may make errors.        Mature believers should give them further instruction.

6.      To judge a prophecy, ask these questions:

-Is it scriptural?

-Is it in harmony with the nature of God?

-Do the recipients of the prophecy have peace?

-Is it in harmony with the spirit of prophecy?

-Does the prophetic word glorify Jesus Christ?

-Is it in harmony with the purposes of prophecy?

-Do prophetic leaders confirm the message?

-Does the prophetic word bring life?

7.      To identify a false prophet, ask these questions?

-What do they believe about Jesus Christ?

-Is their message in harmony with God’s written Word?

-Is spiritual fruit evident in their lives?

-Is their prophetic word consistently fulfilled?

-Do they make false claims?

-Do they practice deceiving signs?

-Are they accountable to authority?

8.      Personal response.

Chapter Ten:

1.      Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of       Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries,       and with cymbals…(1 Chronicles 25:1)

2.      Spirit-led worship is allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your worship in an unstructured       way instead of adhering to rituals and traditions.

3.      Prophetic worship is spontaneous worship under the direction of the Holy Spirit.        It is       hearing and communicating what God is saying to the Church through speaking, dancing,       singing, or playing an instrument under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

4.      Soaking worship is an unstructured time of solitude with the Lord which can be done in       both private and corporate settings. Christian instrumental music that is soft, worshipful,       and relaxing usually plays in the background.

5.      Harp and bowl worship is a mixture of worship music combined with prayer.  The harp       represents music and the golden bowl represents prayer. Music and prayer, when       combined, become a powerful way to worship God and intercede for others prophetically.

The harp and bowl model includes reading scriptures, praying, and singing with       instrumental accompaniment.  The model is based on Revelation 5:8.

6.      Personal response.

Chapter Eleven:

1.      So Timothy, my son, I am entrusting you with this responsibility, in keeping with the very       first prophecies that were spoken over your life, and are now in the process of fulfillment       in this great work of ministry, in keeping with the prophecies spoken over you. With this       encouragement use your prophecies as weapons as you wage spiritual warfare by faith       and with a clean conscience.  (1 Timothy 1:18-19)

2.      Compare your answers to the discussion of each topic in Chapter Eleven.

3.      Personal response.

Chapter Twelve:

1.      God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of       Christ Jesus”  (Philippians 1:6, NCV).

2.      Your eternal destiny is determined by your decision regarding Jesus Christ.  Your       decisions also affect your spiritual growth in the prophetic and every other area of       spiritual life.

3.      If you use what you have received, more will be given to you.  If you do not use what you       have been given, you will lose it. This principle applies to every spiritual gift and natural       talent you have been given.

4.      Compare your discussion to biblical guidelines for spiritual growth in chapter twelve.

5.      Spiritual growth advances:

-From grace to grace.

-From small to great.

-From faith to faith.

-From glory to glory.

-From bright to brighter.

-From strength to strength.

-From death to life.

-From a trickle to a river.

6.      Personal response.

Chapter Thirteen:

1.      So he (Elijah) departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing       with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him,       and cast his mantle upon him.  (1 Kings 19:19)

2.      The mantle of Elijah represented divine intimacy, invested authority, and a supernatural       calling.  Compare your answer with the discussion in chapter thirteen.

3.      This mantle is one of divine intimacy.  Jesus has given you the gift of the  Holy Spirit to       abide with you forever (John 14:16).  The Holy Spirit teaches you all things, brings all       things to your remembrance, makes intercession through you according to the will of       God, and leads you into a new depth of intimacy with God.

The mantle upon you is one of supernatural calling, as Jesus said “as my Father hath       sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21).  Jesus mandated you to do as He did--to       do the same miracles, work the same works, and accomplish the same purposes.  He       wants you to pick up the mantle of His calling and use it as He used it.

It is a mantle of invested authority.  Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus left Believers       with         invested authority:  “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye       in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

4.      Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were endued with power.  If they

couldn’t go out to minister to a lost and dying world without it, then neither can we!  It       was this mantle of the Holy Spirit that empowered the early Church to accomplish its       mission (Acts 1:8)  Through the mantle of the Holy Spirit, you have the same authority       Jesus had to do the works of God (Luke 9:1-2).  Jesus has given you the mantle of       invested authority over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19).

5.      Personal response.

6.      Personal response.