“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10).
The spirit of prophecy is essential for believers to consistently and effectively represent Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit of prophecy is Holy Spirit imparting revelation and anointing to believers who then release declaration and actions in the natural realm which in turn causes a spiritual reaction that manifests supernatural results. The spirit of prophecy creates a “boomerang effect” which is the key to the working of miracles (1 Cor. 12: 10).
Jesus Christ demonstrated the spirit of prophecy in His earthly ministry. Jesus did nothing of Himself, but only what He saw the Father doing (Jn. 5: 19). He spoke only what He heard the Father saying (Jn. 12: 49-50). Jesus’ actions and words were Holy Spirit inspired resulting in supernatural occurrences. The spirit of prophecy was not for Jesus only, but also for believers today! Jesus said that those who believed in Him would do His same and even greater works through the power of the Spirit (Jn. 14:12). For believers to do Jesus’ works, they too, will have to live in the spirit of prophecy.
Many misunderstandings exist about the spirit of prophecy. It is a spiritual weapon that releases the power of God manifesting supernatural results (miracles). There should be no wonder then that Satan attempts to cause controversy, confusion, and division over this tremendous power point and the other manifestations of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12: 4-11). “Prophecy” stirs up many diverse images for some believers. Cessationists reject anything related to prophecy saying that all the manifestations of Holy Spirit ceased with the original apostles. My understanding of Heb. 13: 8 is that Jesus Christ (the Anointed One and His anointing) is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I do not believe Jehovah Elohim (Creator God) suddenly lost His ability to speak to men after He wrote His book. Holy Spirit was not just in operation when the “logos” was written, but the Spirit of truth brings “rhema”, a revelation from the Word of God spoken through Holy Spirit to believers for them to live in victory today!
Others relegate prophecy to eschatology (end-time events). They do not understand that prophecy has a “now” application for our daily activities. Another extreme are believers (Pentecostal, Full Gospel, and Charismatic) with an Old Testament mind-set regarding prophetic utterances and actions. Prophets under the Old Covenant spoke 100 percent under the unction of Holy Spirit or 100 percent from the flesh. The penalty for false prophecy was death to the prophet because he misrepresented God to the people. New Covenant prophecy is different in several ways:
1. The simple gift of prophecy is for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3). Any “word” that brings forth accusation or condemnation has not been authored by Holy Spirit.
2. New Covenant prophecy is to be judged (1 Cor.14:29). Any prophetic word or action must not violate scripture. If it does, it should be dismissed as invalid. Many spirits exist (1 Jn. 4:1), and words are to be tested as to their source. The initial judgment is for the source of the revelation. Is it from Holy Spirit or another source? Secondly, an accurate interpretation of the revelation must be received. Many “words,” visions, or impressions come in symbolic form and require interpretation. A faulty interpretation results in false prophecy. Finally, once the revelation is determined to be from Holy Spirit and the interpretation validated, now the application must be Spirit-inspired as well. How should the “word” be handled, in other words? The “judging” of prophecy is the spiritual determination concerning these three elements of prophecy. There is a great likelihood that there will be a percentage of flesh involved in one or more of the three elements of prophecy. Spiritual discernment will “judge” the difference between flesh and Spirit. A seasoned prophet once said that believers should be as smart as mules. They eat the hay but spit out the sticks.
3. New Covenant personal prophecy is conditional. A faith response is necessary from those to whom a “word” is given. Many believe that because they were given a “word” from the Lord that it will automatically come to pass. This is not the case! Faith must always be present in the transfer of spiritual substance to natural reality. No faith, no manifestation. Faith requires action behind it. This faith action must always be directed by Holy Spirit to attain the desired result. Many prophecies have been short-circuited because they were not properly responded to by believers who were unaware that a response was necessary. Often prophetic revelation brings warnings of satanic attacks and traps which can be avoided when heeded.
4. Directional prophecies should be confirmed by multiple sources. Many aspects of directional prophecy such as timing, training, resources, and other areas must be considered. Knowing God’s ultimate will in a particular situation is important, however often directional prophecy omits some very important details necessary before a person should act on it. I have seen too many young believers damaged by directional prophecies because they acted prematurely and missed God’s timing.
5. Prophetic gifts require maturing. Unfortunately, too many leaders limit or even prohibit the operation of spiritual gifts because of the potential for abuse. This is the primary reason there are very few acts of power in churches in America today! Believers must have a safe outlet to exercise and develop their gifts. There needs to be room for training and even mistakes. Prov. 14: 4 states that “where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” In other words with the ox much work is done. I grew up on a farm and know exactly what this proverb is saying. Livestock create nasty messes that have to be cleaned up. This proverb is especially true when it comes to the training and operation of the gifts of Holy Spirit. Many churches want clean stalls without the operation of Holy Spirit. If clean stalls are the expectation, there will be very little productivity. Prophetic power is costly and causes messes along the way, but there is no substitute for the anointing.
Prophetic actions are demonstrated throughout scripture. Moses’ rod stretched over the Red Sea caused the parting of the waters (Ex. 14:21); brought water from the rock (Ex. 17:6); assured victory over the Amalekites (Ex. 17: 9-13). Elisha instructed Joash to strike the ground with arrows assuring victory over the Syrians (2 Kgs. 13: 14-19). Seven dips in a dirty river healed a leper (2 Kgs. 5: 10-14). Jesus not only spoke words that acted but also took actions that spoke of Father’s love. Whether making clay with saliva and creating new eyes for a blind man (Jn. 9:6-7) or speaking to waves and wind, Jesus demonstrated the spirit of prophecy through His actions and declarations.
John describes the “boomerang effect” in Rev. 8:3-5. John’s vision described metaphorically angels holding bowls filled with prayers and prophetic declarations to which was added fire from the golden altar. The resultant effect was noise, thunder, lightening, and earthquakes.
Daniel fasted and prayed to receive God’s revelation and was visited by an angel who told Daniel that his words were heard from the moment he began praying. However, the prince of Persia withstood him until Michael, the archangel, battled through. Daniel’s fasting and prayer empowered Heaven’s forces to break through in the natural realm.
God is changeless as is His Word and His plan for mankind. Jesus Christ is our model for living in power of Holy Spirit. Like Jesus, believers must also take actions that speak and speak words that act. AMEN.
The spirit of prophecy is essential for believers to consistently and effectively represent Lord Jesus Christ. The spirit of prophecy is Holy Spirit imparting revelation and anointing to believers who then release declaration and actions in the natural realm which in turn causes a spiritual reaction that manifests supernatural results. The spirit of prophecy creates a “boomerang effect” which is the key to the working of miracles (1 Cor. 12: 10).
Jesus Christ demonstrated the spirit of prophecy in His earthly ministry. Jesus did nothing of Himself, but only what He saw the Father doing (Jn. 5: 19). He spoke only what He heard the Father saying (Jn. 12: 49-50). Jesus’ actions and words were Holy Spirit inspired resulting in supernatural occurrences. The spirit of prophecy was not for Jesus only, but also for believers today! Jesus said that those who believed in Him would do His same and even greater works through the power of the Spirit (Jn. 14:12). For believers to do Jesus’ works, they too, will have to live in the spirit of prophecy.
Many misunderstandings exist about the spirit of prophecy. It is a spiritual weapon that releases the power of God manifesting supernatural results (miracles). There should be no wonder then that Satan attempts to cause controversy, confusion, and division over this tremendous power point and the other manifestations of Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12: 4-11). “Prophecy” stirs up many diverse images for some believers. Cessationists reject anything related to prophecy saying that all the manifestations of Holy Spirit ceased with the original apostles. My understanding of Heb. 13: 8 is that Jesus Christ (the Anointed One and His anointing) is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I do not believe Jehovah Elohim (Creator God) suddenly lost His ability to speak to men after He wrote His book. Holy Spirit was not just in operation when the “logos” was written, but the Spirit of truth brings “rhema”, a revelation from the Word of God spoken through Holy Spirit to believers for them to live in victory today!
Others relegate prophecy to eschatology (end-time events). They do not understand that prophecy has a “now” application for our daily activities. Another extreme are believers (Pentecostal, Full Gospel, and Charismatic) with an Old Testament mind-set regarding prophetic utterances and actions. Prophets under the Old Covenant spoke 100 percent under the unction of Holy Spirit or 100 percent from the flesh. The penalty for false prophecy was death to the prophet because he misrepresented God to the people. New Covenant prophecy is different in several ways:
1. The simple gift of prophecy is for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3). Any “word” that brings forth accusation or condemnation has not been authored by Holy Spirit.
2. New Covenant prophecy is to be judged (1 Cor.14:29). Any prophetic word or action must not violate scripture. If it does, it should be dismissed as invalid. Many spirits exist (1 Jn. 4:1), and words are to be tested as to their source. The initial judgment is for the source of the revelation. Is it from Holy Spirit or another source? Secondly, an accurate interpretation of the revelation must be received. Many “words,” visions, or impressions come in symbolic form and require interpretation. A faulty interpretation results in false prophecy. Finally, once the revelation is determined to be from Holy Spirit and the interpretation validated, now the application must be Spirit-inspired as well. How should the “word” be handled, in other words? The “judging” of prophecy is the spiritual determination concerning these three elements of prophecy. There is a great likelihood that there will be a percentage of flesh involved in one or more of the three elements of prophecy. Spiritual discernment will “judge” the difference between flesh and Spirit. A seasoned prophet once said that believers should be as smart as mules. They eat the hay but spit out the sticks.
3. New Covenant personal prophecy is conditional. A faith response is necessary from those to whom a “word” is given. Many believe that because they were given a “word” from the Lord that it will automatically come to pass. This is not the case! Faith must always be present in the transfer of spiritual substance to natural reality. No faith, no manifestation. Faith requires action behind it. This faith action must always be directed by Holy Spirit to attain the desired result. Many prophecies have been short-circuited because they were not properly responded to by believers who were unaware that a response was necessary. Often prophetic revelation brings warnings of satanic attacks and traps which can be avoided when heeded.
4. Directional prophecies should be confirmed by multiple sources. Many aspects of directional prophecy such as timing, training, resources, and other areas must be considered. Knowing God’s ultimate will in a particular situation is important, however often directional prophecy omits some very important details necessary before a person should act on it. I have seen too many young believers damaged by directional prophecies because they acted prematurely and missed God’s timing.
5. Prophetic gifts require maturing. Unfortunately, too many leaders limit or even prohibit the operation of spiritual gifts because of the potential for abuse. This is the primary reason there are very few acts of power in churches in America today! Believers must have a safe outlet to exercise and develop their gifts. There needs to be room for training and even mistakes. Prov. 14: 4 states that “where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” In other words with the ox much work is done. I grew up on a farm and know exactly what this proverb is saying. Livestock create nasty messes that have to be cleaned up. This proverb is especially true when it comes to the training and operation of the gifts of Holy Spirit. Many churches want clean stalls without the operation of Holy Spirit. If clean stalls are the expectation, there will be very little productivity. Prophetic power is costly and causes messes along the way, but there is no substitute for the anointing.
Prophetic actions are demonstrated throughout scripture. Moses’ rod stretched over the Red Sea caused the parting of the waters (Ex. 14:21); brought water from the rock (Ex. 17:6); assured victory over the Amalekites (Ex. 17: 9-13). Elisha instructed Joash to strike the ground with arrows assuring victory over the Syrians (2 Kgs. 13: 14-19). Seven dips in a dirty river healed a leper (2 Kgs. 5: 10-14). Jesus not only spoke words that acted but also took actions that spoke of Father’s love. Whether making clay with saliva and creating new eyes for a blind man (Jn. 9:6-7) or speaking to waves and wind, Jesus demonstrated the spirit of prophecy through His actions and declarations.
John describes the “boomerang effect” in Rev. 8:3-5. John’s vision described metaphorically angels holding bowls filled with prayers and prophetic declarations to which was added fire from the golden altar. The resultant effect was noise, thunder, lightening, and earthquakes.
Daniel fasted and prayed to receive God’s revelation and was visited by an angel who told Daniel that his words were heard from the moment he began praying. However, the prince of Persia withstood him until Michael, the archangel, battled through. Daniel’s fasting and prayer empowered Heaven’s forces to break through in the natural realm.
God is changeless as is His Word and His plan for mankind. Jesus Christ is our model for living in power of Holy Spirit. Like Jesus, believers must also take actions that speak and speak words that act. AMEN.