THE PROPHETIC MINISTRY.

The book of Ephesians tells us, Jesus is the One who appoints the five-fold ministry offices. We don’t choose to occupy one. It’s a calling given from God Himself!

It also tells us that each office is for us today in the church - “until we all come in the unity of the faith...”

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT) “11 He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, 13 until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 14:1, 39 (NLT) “1 Let love be your highest goal, but also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives, especially the gift of prophecy. 39 So, dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophecy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues.”

The office of prophet (or the persons who God has called to prophesy - which is to speak out His Word), is still in operation today, for the “building up of the Church.” Also, the Gift of Prophecy may come through any one of us to deliver a Word or message from God. Sometimes we are not even aware that God is speaking through us, but to the one who hears the Word it explodes in their spirit - if they are seeking God!

John the Baptist operated in the office of a Prophet - in Luke 1:16-17 (NLT) “16 And he (John) will persuade many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah, the prophet of old. He will precede the coming of the Lord, preparing the people for his arrival. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.”

The name Elijah means “the strength or might of Jehovah, the one true God.”

We see in Malachi 4:5, Malachi was prophesying that before Jesus returns, God would send a prophetic ministry in the strength & might of God Himself! Luke 1:16-17 says that John the Baptist, in the spirit of Elijah, would prepare peoples hearts for the Lord. His preaching caused people to repent & turn their hearts back to God (this is what all true prophets do)

Matthew 17:10-13 (NLT) “10 His disciples asked, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?” 11 Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to set everything in order. 12 But I tell you, he has already come, but he was not recognized, and he was badly mistreated. And soon the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples realized he had been speaking of John the Baptist.”

Jesus is saying that there is still a prophetic ministry that will take place in the spirit of Elijah. A true prophet is a spokesperson, a messenger of the King.

So now we know that prophecy is still for us in the church today. We know what a true prophet is. Sometimes their words may not be “nice” or comfortable on our flesh, but the Word will always come from a heart filled with love for God and His people! Popularity, power, influence, or money will not affect what they say. Their only desire will be to say what God wants the person or people to hear, and for people to walk free in the truth of the Word of God!

If you have attended spirit-filled churches, you may have had “words of the Lord” spoken over you. It seems some ministers think it’s what they’re supposed to do in a church service. I believe this is a product of “Prophet School” teachings, a lack of knowledge, or just plain pride. When we pay a fee to receive the gift of Prophecy, or we are told you can learn to prophesy, you are setting yourself up to be used of the enemy.

I believe that you can be taught to hear God’s voice. After developing a relationship with the Father and renewing your mind with the Word, you can discern the true Word you are about to give. It is only then; Holy Spirit may use you to prophesy.

I have had many “words” spoken over me. How many of these “words” was really God speaking through them? TWO! One other word of prophecy was spoken over Dale, but was actually for me (he didn't even hear it spoken over him, as he was worshiping the Lord at the time).

About 9 years ago, God asked me to get the book “Thus Saith The Lord?” by John Bevere. He had already instructed me to read through Jeremiah, and had revealed many things to me through this prophet, but I still had more to see. Now, I know some people say “they only read the Bible“. Smith Wigglesworth was an example of someone who only read the bible. I don’t judge him, but when asked by Holy Spirit to do something, I know that He has a divine purpose. He knew I would grow by reading other anointed books, as He led me to them.

Anointed preachers & authors have gained revelation and truths from studying the Bible and by personal ministry experiences. This in turn brings revelation to the body of Christ. God can (when we are willing to learn) supernaturally impart this revelation to us, as we listen to their preaching or read their books. Time is short and the harvest is ripe, our maturity and renewing of our mind can be accelerated from the years of study of other men and women of God.

Heb. 4:12 (KJV) says, “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”.

We need the prophetic Word of God today to pierce and reveal the true motives of our hearts. By uncovering our hidden motives we can be strengthened by the truth (the Word). This is usually uncomfortable and hard on our flesh, but the result is always deeper intimacy with Jesus

Whenever there is truth, Satan will try to twist things into the false. We see this in Jeremiah 23:21-22, 28 (NLT) “21 “I have not sent these prophets, yet they claim to speak for me. I have given them no message, yet they prophesy. 22 If they had listened to me, they would have spoken my words and turned my people from their evil ways. 28 Let these false prophets tell their dreams, but let my true messengers faithfully proclaim my every word. There is a difference between chaff and wheat!”

Jesus warned us many times in the gospels to be wary of false prophets. In Matt. 24:4 He says “Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error].” It’s our own responsibility that no one misleads us! Yes, the Lord will hold the false prophets accountable, but we have the responsibility to discern which words are true and which are false.

If you read through the New Testament prophecies you see many were to bring correction to people who had gotten off course. Or, if they were on the right path, (in the will of God) this Word of the Lord strengthened them for battles ahead. We see this in

1 Timothy 1:18 (NLT) “18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they give you the confidence to fight well in the Lord’s battles.”

This is exactly what the two true words from the Lord were to me. Both were correction for me. I had a spirit of timidity and intimidation that had to be dealt with. The one spoken over Dale was to strengthen me for an ongoing battle we had been in, but which would continue for some time yet.

The Word was prophetically describing Dale, as God sees him, which was very different to the man I had come to know. What was God doing? He was speaking faith for me! “The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” What this did was bring faith to me to stand on - who He said Dale was and not what I could see in the natural. Has Dale arrived? Not completely in the natural, but he is growing from Glory to Glory.

We also see in the New Testament that prophetic words were given to impart gifts and by the laying on of hands. These prophetic words were received to set believers apart for ministry. In Acts 13:1-4 we read, “1 among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work I have for them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

4 Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Saul and Barnabas went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.”

Notice, these words were spoken by mature Christian leaders in the local church, tested and tried Elders, who knew these individuals lives! They were not given by visiting ministers who called them out of the congregation, had them stand, and spoke the “word” over them! Neither were they given by someone within the congregation who had their version of the “gift of prophecy”! One test of the Prophet is, do they submit to leadership? False prophets will eventually prove they are not submitted to leadership.

Why are there so many “words” given that aren't really from the Lord? Why have we tolerated and sometimes welcomed false prophecy? Two reasons:

1) Because we haven’t used the true biblical prophecy as our guide. Always go to the Word and especially the New Testament to find the truth.

2) Because these “false words of prophecy” feed the secret desires and motivations of our heart if we don’t love the truth of God’s word. They feed the souls’ desire for gain or promotion, or both.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 we read of a counterfeit power, “7 For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 8 Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendour of his coming. 9 This evil man will come to do the work of Satan with counterfeit power and signs and miracles. 10 He will use every kind of wicked deception to fool those who are on their way to destruction because they refuse to believe the truth that would save them. 11 So God will send great deception upon them, and they will believe all these lies. 12 Then they will be condemned for not believing the truth and for enjoying the evil they do.”

What will keep us safe is a genuine love for the truth of God’s Word and seeking His perfect will for our lives.

Psalm 40:8 (NLT) “8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,

for your law is written on my heart.”

Psalm 119:47 (NLT) “47 How I delight in your commands!

How I love them!

Loving the truth will sharpen our discernment and keeps us free from error. This truth is only found in Jesus, who is the Word (John 14:6). Also, this love of truth always chooses to submit to obedience, even when we can’t see any personal benefit from doing it.

Looking at the examples, of the lives’ of Jesus and King David, we see in 1 Samuel 26:9-11 (NLT) “9 “No!” David said. “Don’t kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord’s anointed one? 10 Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die in battle or of old age. 11 But the Lord forbid that I should kill the one he has anointed! But I’ll tell you what—we’ll take his spear and his jug of water and then get out of here!” David knew the Word of God.

In Matthew 26:42, Jesus shows His desire for the will of God - “42 Again he left them and prayed, “My Father! If this cup cannot be taken away until I drink it, your will be done.”

It is easier to pursue the “perceived power” of the gift, than to pursue the purity and the holiness of the Lord, which brings the true power!

False prophecy is present when there is a lack of the fear of the Lord (or a reverence for God). King Ahab didn't want to hear the truth so he had gathered 400 prophets of Israel to prophesy to him. Notice - they were all prophets of Israel, not of a false god! The prophet Micaiah feared God more than the wicked king Ahab. This kept his word pure and he operated free from the flattery that the other prophets operated in. He only spoke what God said.

In 2 Chronicles 18:18-22 we read, “18 Then Micaiah continued “Listen to what the Lord says! I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the armies of heaven on his right and on his left. 19 And the Lord said, ‘Who can entice King Ahab of Israel to go into battle against Ramoth-gilead so that he can be killed there?’ There were many suggestions, 20 until finally a spirit approached the Lord and said, ‘I can do it!’

“ ‘How will you do this?’ the Lord asked.

21 “And the spirit replied, ‘I will go out and inspire all Ahab’s prophets to speak lies.’

“ ‘You will succeed,’ said the Lord. ‘Go ahead and do it.’

22 “So you see, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouths of your prophets. For the Lord has determined disaster for you.”

We must take the warning from 2 Timothy 4:3-4 “3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.

Scripture tells us to judge the word of prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:29 “29 Let two or three prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.”

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 “20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”

We are also to judge or test, according to scripture the person delivering it, before we receive it as from the Lord. 1 John 4:1 “1 Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.”

Do we have a witness of peace and reverence for the Lord when they speak it? Is there the presence of God? What is the motive of the person delivering it? We should ask ourselves these questions to help judge “the word” that is delivered.

How then, can we tell if a word is truly from the Lord? First of all it will never contradict the Word of God, the bible. And second, we must have an inward witness of the Holy Spirit - peace. We will we have peace that it was God and it also will confirm what He has been saying to us, if we have been truly seeking Him. Colossians 3:15 (NLT) “15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”

I’m not saying to disregard all the Words spoken over you in the past or in the future. There is invaluable insight, strength or correction that comes from the spoken Word of God. What I’m saying is, by learning to recognize the true Word of prophecy we will not be deceived by the false!

Whenever God truly speaks, we don’t forget it! There is a peace and presence of God Himself, a reverence. I can still remember vividly each time a true word was spoken to me. I know what was said and I will not forget it.

When Do I Give A Prophetic Word?

We must use wisdom when giving a word to someone. What are our motives in speaking it? We may truly want to help them, but are they ready to receive it? Let’s be wise and discerning as to when we should deliver the message - or if we are to deliver it! Some people are not ready and it will actually only drive them further away from Jesus - if we push it on them.

What I am saying is, sometimes we may get “a Word” for someone, but it may not be for them. Rather, it is discernment for you that you may effectively minister God’s Word in their lives to help them get to where they can receive that Word. At that time Holy Spirit Himself can deliver it to them, you may not ever need to. That way the Glory goes to Him, not you.

Words carry spiritual forces with them - they can carry life or death. This is evident throughout the bible. Is. 54:17 says words spoken can actually be weapons formed against us. An example of this is when people pray things for us that are not the will of God, or when false prophetic words are spoken over us.

When we pray (or say) our will (our opinion of what is best) over the will of the person you are praying for - this is Witchcraft. We are to condemn any words spoken against the will of God over our lives. Cast them down and render them inoperative in the name of Jesus! On the other hand, we are to accept a true prophetic word like Mary did in Luke 1:38 (NLT) “38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.” And then the angel left.”

To conclude, we are not to ignore, or condemn the true word of prophesy. It is an important ministry in the body of Christ today. We are to judge all things according to the truth of God’s Word. It will never contradict itself. When we pursue the character and the glory of God above all else, it is then, our prophesying will always be pure!

I like the way John Bevere puts it, “A false prophet uses his God-entrusted gifts to draw others to himself. A true prophet draws them to the heart of God.” “When you leave the meeting of a false prophet you will find yourself wanting to go back for another word any time you need encouragement or direction! When you leave the meeting of a true prophet you should feel an intense desire to seek God.”

Kenneth Copeland’s ministry slogan is, “One Word from God can change your life forever”. Let us be sure it is from him!

Submission by

Pastor Rena Mae