TableofContentsEndorsementsCopyrightPagePrefaceIntroduction:TheSituationPart11.Overview2.ChurchProphetImportance3.AHistoryoftheProphetic4.ResidentProphetMinistryOrigin5.TheProphetic’sAgencyStatus6.TheChurchProphet’sRole7.TheChurchProphet8.YourChurchProphet9.ProphecyClass10110.TheProphet’sJobDescriptionPart211.GettingStarted12.AHistoryofWhatGodExpectedfromHisProphets13.DivisionsofPropheticAuthority14.PreparingtheProphettoServe15.FalseProphecy16.ThePropheticCompanyAppendixAAppendixBGlossaryofKeyTermsandPhrasesBooksResearchedandStudiedAbouttheAuthorTestYourSpiritualIQ

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Preface

GodisreinstatingtheofficeoftheprophetasastandinginstitutionintheNewTestament church. The pervasive rise in occult activity, coupled with thechurch’snaivetéinspiritualmatters,aretwoofthemainreasonswhyHemustdo so. In view of His divine agenda, questions concerning the office of theprophetand itsmodern-dayfunctions in the localchurchareonmany leaders’minds.Discussionsareheldregularlybychurchofficialswhoaskhowtoengageprophetsinthelocalchurchwithoutsurrenderingauthorityovertheirsheepandcontrolofthechurch’smandate.Theirquestionsincludehowtheyshouldinstalltheirchurch’spropheticinstitutionandadministrateiteffectively.Theyask,“Isthere some sort of ceremony that should be held for inaugurating those whooccupytheplaceofthechurchprophet?”Furthermore,theywonderifthereareprofessional credentials for prophets. If there are credentials to certify andauthenticatethem,whodevisesthecriteriaandhowistheofficertobeequippedtosucceed?Should thechurchhave itsownprophetic trainingprogram,and ifso,whodeliversit?

Oncetheissuesofinstallingthepropheticinthelocalchurchasaninstitutionareresolved,thenextmostpertinentquestionbecomes,“Whataretheprophetsto do?” This generationwants to know how contemporary prophets are to beemployed in theirchurches,andhowtheyare tobenefitandprofit thechurch.AccordingtoJeremiah23:32,prophetsexistinthehousesoftheLordtoprofitthem.Thatisapowerfulstatementonitsown,becausepeoplerarelythinkaboutprophetics and profitability going hand in hand. Yet, that is what they areintendedtodo,basedonthewordingof2Chronicles20:20.

The Prophet’s Handbook shows how churches can multiply their harveststhrough a quality prophetic institution. It boldly delves into thesematters andanswersthequestionsaboveandmanyothersessential tovalidatingpropheticstodayandtheofficersandministerswhohandleit.Forthepastorwhowantstoknow how to comply with the Lord’s new and insistent prophetic move, thisbook can be an indispensable tool. No longer do devoted shepherds have tochoose between ignoring the imposing unction of the Lord to open theirchurches up to the prophetic or risk exposing their flocks to irresponsibleprophets. With this book, it is now possible to evaluate the propheticmessenger(s) you engage and confirm their eligibility and compatibility with

your church before they are presented to your congregation. It is suggestedreadingifyouareapropheticeducator,minister,ortrainer.Inthisbook,yougethelpasapastor indevelopingbuddingprophets, redefining theseasonedones,andeducatingthecongregationonthesubjectasawhole.

The Prophet’sHandbook frankly addresses pastors’ concerns over installingthe prophets they feel are assigned to their congregations. In response to theLordsteadilyadvancing theprophetic in these lastdays, thisbookclarifies forchurch leaders the best way to integrate resident prophet ministries in theirchurches.Youwillfinditcontainssound,balancedguidelinesfortheinstitutionand regulation of the officer in the churches of God using His wisdom. Thisbooktakesyouintotheworldofthepropheticandshowsyouhowtheprophet’sministryandmantleareinvaluableforpastorsandothers.Youreceivedetailsontheresponsibilities,duties,andprivilegesofprophetsinthehouseofGod.

Youareprovidedwith suggestions for compensating staff prophets, trainingandqualifyingthemforservice,fine-tuningtheirbehavior,andfixingtheirrangeofauthority.Also,thereareguidelinesforassessingprophets’performanceandeffectiveness,aswellasstrategiesformanagingdifficultoruntrainedprophets.There is counsel for resolving conflicts with difficult prophets and advice onhowtoprotectyourflockfromthem.Emergingprophetsinthechurchwhoreadthis book can find themselves, understand what the Lord is doing with andthrough them, and receive guidance on how to approach andworkwith theirpastors in their new callings. Such information helps churches determined tohaveaqualityandprofessionalpropheticinstitution.

Candidly discussed are other prophet-related issues, such as the godly churchprophet,propheticprotocols,parameters,limits,andgovernment.Besidesthese,themostcriticalsubjectofallistreatedforthrightly:therelationshipbetweenthepastor and the prophet. This vital discussion encompasses advice on theboundariestobeputontheprophet’sinteractionswiththesheepandcorrectingerrantprophetics.Ittalksopenlyaboutthenecessaryshiftsinnormalpropheticauthority thatmust takeplace if a congregation is to be edifiedby the churchprophetwithoutsacrificingthepastor’sposition.Alsocoveredarehowandwhythe pastor is not subject to the prophet but is urged to create a cooperativealliance between the two mantles. The common recurring theme of the bookstresses the importance of quickly establishing a functional pastor-prophetrelationship.Itisnecessarythatthefirstlinkinthepropheticinstitution’schainofeventsbeforgedbetweenthepastor-prophetministry.Suchrequirementsarevitalifthearrangementistobenefitthechurch’svisionandedifyitsmembers.

Introduction:TheSituation

Whywasthisbookwritten?Whatmakesitadvantageousatthisperiodinthe

Christian church’s existence? There are three answers to these questions. ThefirstoneistheLord’simposingandrelentlessrevivalofHispropheticinstitutionto serve, recover, and secure His church in this era. The second is thatcontemporary prophets need to learn how the Lord operates prophetically asdistinguished from how He moved evangelically over the past century or so.ThisdistinctionisvitaliftheyaretorespondtoHisheavenlyinitiativesthewaytheirpredecessorsdid,asYahweh’svoicetoancientIsraelandtheworld.ManyoftheprophetsansweringGod’spropheticrestorationcallhavebeentrainedbyevangelists andpastors.Theirministries have been standardized and regulatedby the Lord’s derived mantles of pastor and teacher, which came from theapostle.As a result,His prophetic overtures are largely unfamiliar to prophetsandthereforeseemforeignandhardtoaccommodate.

The third answer is this generation’s criteria for fulfilling God’s mandatetoday. To beginwith,modern prophets should first divest themselves of theirsociety-imposed fear of backlash and become fearless. To face off with whatawaits their readiness, they should become competent and shrewd enough totacklewhat vies for this prophetic era’s seats of authority.Prophets answeringGod’s call today require unique training, government, empowerment, andorganizationtobeusedbyHimthewayHealwayshasusedHisprophetssincetime began. The dark, archaic spirituality of the BC world now popularizingitself rivals this by blanketing the earth with its devious ilk in an effort toovershadowChrist’sholdonit.SuchadeadlyvisionmorethansubstantiatestheLord’sglobalreinstatementoftheprophet’smantle.Intheprocessitalsoimpelsprophets’needforhighqualityeducationtoequipthemtocounteractitwiththeAlmighty’swisdomandrighteousness.

Moreover,witchcraft and demonism’s invasion of the (heretofore)Christianworld is especially ruinous because of its declared strategy, which is tosyncretize traditionalChristianity toblend its faith andpracticeswith thoseoftheoldreligionsChristdeposedbythecross.TheireffortappearstosucceedinlargepartduetotheNewTestamentchurch’sslumber,alackofbiblicaltraining,and an absence of spiritually sound exposure or experience with thesupernatural.FearofthedarkdrovetheChristianchurchintoacornerandsealed

itofffromspirituality,favoringinsteadanintellectualstronghold.Theresulthasbeenthemainstreamingofprimordialdemonismthatsaturateseverystratumofmodernsociety.

Not since Christ restored the world to the Almighty after His triumph onCalvary has such a brazen effort to convert it to the old destructive gods andreligionsthatfelledancientcivilizationsbeensowell-orchestrated.Overthelastseveraldecades,agentsof thisdestructivecampaignhaveworkedfeverishly tohaltthespreadofChristianityandtoneutralizetheChristianchurch’simpactintheworld. They infiltrated all of its systems and institutions to do so. Boldlythesedarkagentsdeclared theircampaignmission: to return themodernworldunderChrist’s light and life to itsBC era, and to return its dethroned gods totheir pre-Calvary seats of power. Using the media, politics, education, andamusementssuchascunninglydownplayedvideogames,theseforcesconditiontheiradherentstocravethismovement.Fornearlyhalfacentury,theystealthilywaged war on Christianity while numerous Christians never caught on to it.Idealistically, they were deceived into embracing the romanticized notions ofpagandreams, surrendering themselves, their influence,andcredibility toNewAge, occult, and witchcraft movements. Without ever realizing it, seducingspiritsbeguiledmanyofourChristianancestors intodisplacingChrist’s thronewiththevirtuallyextinctdeitiesoftheoldworld.

Naively, many Christian churches and leaders, as well as many Christiansthemselves,adoptedbeliefs,practices,rituals,andotheroccultgenresundertheguiseofreligiousfreedom,God’slove,andpeaceonearth—threeobjectivestheLordJesusHimselfpersonallyrepudiatedasnotHisprimaryaims.Yet,becauseofthewidespreadabandonmentofGod’sWord(seeLuke18:8)andthedumbingdown of the Bible and its principal doctrines, the church has becomedesensitized to its calling and disconnected from its Founder. The redemptivegraceJesusbrought to theplanet isnowtaught licentiously,withGod’speoplebecominglibertinesinsteadofHisliberatedsonsanddaughters.Admittedly,thestrategy against true Christianity has been brilliant and its damnable resultsinarguablyimpressivetodate,butGodisnotgoingtoletitstopthere.HesetoutonHiscampaigntowineonsago,andHeisnowherenearreadytogiveupHisfight. Insistently, over the last several decades, theLordhasbeen encroachingupon the secularists’ stronghold, stealthily taking back territory promised andgrantedtoHisSonforHisvictoryonthecross.

Mainly through the prophets, the Lord has been addressing the devil’sattemptedcoupforsome time.His initial stepwas to reactivate themantlesof

Histwoprimeministers(see1Corinthians12:28)ofHisnewcreationchurchinanattempttocurtailSatan’srampage.However,ateverystageofHisrevivalandrestorationprogram,Heconsistentlymeetswithacommonobstacle,naiveté—theoblivionofthoseHesummonstoHistrueproblemanditssolution.

Asaconsequenceofthechurch’smyopicoveremphasisonGod’slove,worldpeace, and religious harmony (even to the exclusion ofHis stipulated plan ofsalvationandsanctification),manyof thoseansweringthecall to theprophetictoday are conditioned to relegate the Lord’s program to the world’s politicalagenda. Incognizant of thebattle raging against their faith’s freedomgoingonbehindthescenes,manyaredeludedbyfantasiesofwhatawaitstheminGod’sprophetic ranks. They aremisguided by incompatible training, and what theycall prophetic service is drastically different from the age-old institution GodestablishedunderSamuel.Manyprophets’mantlesarepresentlyunprepared toface and overturnwhat lies ahead forGod’s people. Quite a few of them areunenlightenedonwhatthewordoftheLordisforthistimeinhumanhistoryandcannotconnecttheBible’sprophecieswithcurrenteventstorecognizetheworkthisgenerationneedsthemtodo.

ModernChristianprophets,havingbeenunpropheticallytrained,operateandthinkverymuchlikeevangelists.Theywanttosaturatetheworldwithprophecy,exercise some spiritual gifts, and hold prophecy sessions the way evangelistsholdaltarcalls.Afterthesemeetings,theysendtheiraudiencesbackhomewithnothing but a prophecy to fix their lives. In subscribing to this approach toministry,manyearlierprophetsofthismoveoverlookedthatevenathirty-pageprophecyisbutasinglemoment(aday,hour,oryear)intheirhearers’lives.Theabsence of criteria, standards, protocols, and even a valid position descriptionprevented them from discerning what else their hearers needed from them asprophets beside their predictions. Because, as first-and second-generationtransitionalprophets, theyentered theministryon theevangelist’s fundamentalcredo,“Winthelostatallcosts,”oftenGodHimselfwasincludedintheircostsand risks.After their prophetic careers tookoff, these earlymessengers addedthepastor’sministrymodetotheirservicetomaintaintheirministries.Whilenotallofthempastored,theirmentalityresemblednonethelessthefourthmemberoftheEphesians4:11staff.

Forthesakeofclarity,theaimandfunctionofthepastor’sofficeareakintoanation’sdomesticagents.Pastorsaretheequivalentofthekingdom’shouseholdministers. Based on this comparison, previous prophets took up the pastor’sministrytypebecausetheduties,responsibilities,outlets,andevencompensation

oftheirmantles’spherewereasyetunopenedtothem.Soinsteadoffunctioningas divine communicators for God’s kingdom, all prophecy became predictiveandconfinedtothelocalchurchanditspastors, ignoringtheworldoutsidethechurchwalls.Limitingprophecy to the localchurch left theworld’s interest inGod and the supernatural to be handled by psychics, an attitude completelyopposed to the ancient prophets’ mind-set. They understood their propheticcharge to be to summon God’s people back to His fold and faith because aswatchmen,theywerealsogatekeepers.

TrueguardiansoftheLord’sgatesequatetoHisspiritualborderagents.Theyare not inclined to admit whosoever will come into the Lord’s family orcommunity(ortousherthemintoHispresence)anyoldway.Unlikeevangelists,the prophets’ call is to filter and sanctify. They demand that candidates forChrist’s blessings, deliverance, and other spiritual provisions reserved for HisfamilyofcitizenscomebywayofCalvary.Prophetsvalidatepeople’ssalvationand thus divine citizenship by requiring proof of their repentance andconversion.Entrants intoChrist’seternal lifeshoulddeclare their faith toenterHis kingdom as He stipulates. To remain in His house, they should liveaccordingtotheAlmighty’sgovernmentintheirlives.Jesusisnotjustthedoortosalvation,butHe is theguardianof itsentrywayaswell.Doorsswingopenandshut,andtheLordsaysinRevelation3:7thatHeshutsaswellasopensthelife’sdoors.(SeeIsaiah22:22.)

Therefore, theLord’sconvertsareexpected toprovedaily to the indwellingHolySpiritthattheirnamesremainwrittenintheLamb’sbookoflife—Christ’seternal registry of redeemed souls. Prophets, as well as all loyal ministers ofJesusChrist, demandGod’s kingdom and church entrants renounce their faithandservicetoothergodsandconverttheirentirepublicandprivateexistencetotheLord JesusChrist.Why?Because prophets are sifters.Theirmantles filterand screen outwhat does notmeet the criteria of heaven for its citizens. Theevangelistsmayacceptallwhocome,butitistheLord’sprophetsandapostleswhodetermineallwhostay.Fromtimeimmemorial, theLord’srepresentativeshave accepted thatHe is holy and that only thosewho shareHis holiness canenterandpartakeofHisfamily.

AscommittedofficersoftheAlmighty’skingdom,prophetsupholdHislawofrighteousnessandrefusetoallowanytoescapesin’sdeathsentenceapartfromrepentance, JesusChrist’s justification, andHis righteousness. TruewatchmenreveretheSaviorasthedoortoeternallifeandwillnotallowthosewhowouldbetransformedintoHisimageandlikenesstoforgoHisrequirements.Prophets,

asGod’sgenuinecustodians,areeternity’scustomsagents,permittingentryintoGod’s kingdom only to thosemodeling His pattern of the perfect human anddivinecitizen.Ephesians3:5says that theLordmanifested therevelations thatenablethisworktobedoneinthesainttoHisapostlesandprophets.

WhenJesuscameastheGreatProphet,justasHisOldTestamentpredecessorMosesprophesiedcenturiesbefore,HetookuptheverypropheciesthatpredatedandforetoldHim.Asaprophet,HespearheadedtheLord’splantoofferIsrael’scommonwealth blessings, privileges, and provisions to the whole world andcompetently executed the office with resolve, strength, solidarity, and skill.Resolutely, Jesus went about His ministry duties, manifesting the prophet’smantletothefullineverydetail,forthosewhowanttoseeit.Hewasthensenttotaketheworldfromthesavagegripofdarknessthatabusedit;andtodayinresponse to what Satanists want to accomplish in this era, the mission is thesame.

The Lord once again revitalizes the mantle of the prophet to deliver Hispeople and beloved planet from the barbarity of the fallen spirits that prey onthem. FromAbel to Christ, this is what the Creator did to either recoverHispeople from devilish strongholds or authority over a geographic territory orsphere of humanity’s existence. In this movement, His objective is both. TheonlydifferenceishowtheLordexecutesthisphaseofHisplaninmoderntimes.Prophetsaregoingtobeuseddifferentlyinthisnextdispensation,andbecauseofittheywillbemorestringentlyregulatedanddirectlymanagedbyHimthaneverbeforeinthechurch’shistory.

Not deviating fromHis biblical precedents, in transitioning from this era toHis next age of humanity, God’s commencement of His program with theprophets stays with His well-documented, scriptural methods. From the OldTestamenttotheNew,itisshownthatGodinvariablymarkscreation’schangeswithHisprophets.Theyare the timepieces that set the tempoandpaceofHismomentum.Forexample,intakingHispeoplefromtheoldtothenewcovenant,the Lord marked the change with John the Baptist, a prophet. When Johnappeared on the scene, the Lord’s people were infused with paganism anddemonics,andenslavedtoothergods.Soindisputablewasthisfactthatthefirstencounter Jesushadwith anypoweron earthwaswith thedevil, “who takethHimupintotheholycity,andsettethhimonapinnacleofthetemple…intoanexceedinghighmountain,andshowethhimall thekingdomsoftheworld,andthegloryofthem…inamomentoftime”(Matthew4:5,8;Luke4:5).AstheProphetsentbyGodwithapowergreaterthantheirown,He

wasabletofreepeoplefromsin’sgrip.

To deliver His people after a long period of apparent silence, the LordresumedHis prior actions and set out to recapture thehearts and souls ofHisbelovedfamilyagain.Wecan recognizeHishistoricalwayofmovingbecausetheLord stays true toHimself.He always regainsdominionofHisworld andcontrolofHiskingdomthroughHisprophetsbecauseHeneverdidawaywithAmos 3:7, and the “Scriptures must be fulfilled” (Matthew 14:49). ScripturerecordsGod’spropheticepisodesfromEnochtoNoah,fromNoahtoAbraham,fromAbrahamtoJoseph,andfromJosephtoMoses.JosephwasGod’sprophetinEgypt,whereMoseswasinducted.

Themantlewas resurrected inSamuel,who restartedGod’sprophetic clockand standardized the institution for Him under Moses’ Law. Since him, thepatternhasremainedthesame.WhentheearthisthreatenedtobeoverrunwithSatanism and the potential for Satan to bully and abuse humans reachesproportionsthatrecallGenesis6:5,theLordreactsbyraisingupHisprophetstocounterbalance thedarknesswithHis lightand life.When theMosaicerawasreplaced with Christ, the pattern varied somewhat as Jesus instated anddispatchedHisapostles.Thischangetoowasinitiatedwiththeprophets.

Another impressive fact thatmakes this book timely is the advent ofGod’sapostolic restoration. Keeping with His biblical pattern, since the NewTestament’sinceptionithasbeennotedthattheLordalwaysforerunsapostolicreinstatements with the prophets. He does so because only His prophets canverify His emerging apostles. To be successful in this duty, this generation’sprophets must possess a means of assessing, rightly placing, and regulatingthemselves to accurately and uniformly identify God’s true apostles. TheProphet’sHandbookfacilitatestheircapacitytodojustthat,andmuchmore.Asa practical tool, this handbook allows kingdom leaders, especially apostles,prophets,andseniorchurch leaders, to introduceandpractice thisdispensationofChrist’spropheticscapablyandresponsibly.Usingitasaguide,prophetsandpropheticministers can now be screened and intelligentlymade to understandwhat the prophet in God’s service exists to do. An instrument such as thispermits kingdom leaders to train, govern, guide, structure, and supervise theirpropheticofficersandaffairs.

Asaprophet,futureprophet,orkingdomleader,yougetfromthisbooksoliddirection in the education, mentorship, coaching, and development of yourpropheticpeopleforyourservice.Thiscompendiumofguidelines,explanations,

policies, strategies, and procedural regulations aids your administration andexecution of God’s supernatural spheres, being specifically created with theLord’s prophetics in mind. You hold in your hand today a powerfulorganizational, operational, and supervisory tool as a means of properlyjustifying the existence of the prophetic and instructions for establishing apropheticcompany.Thismanualguidestheassessmentandscreeningallleadersshouldconductwiththeirprophetsandpropheticcandidates.Itoffersaprudentwaytomeasuretheircapacityforreliableserviceandgivessomecluestowhereeach prophet’s unique giftswould serve best. Equippedwith this information,prophets can be better utilized in their organizations and properly placed inGod’sservice.NowthepropheticcanfinditsplaceanddutyinalloftheLord’srealms and enterprises. The examples and illustrations contained in thishandbook demonstrate the powerful difference a well-tooled and organizedpropheticinstitutioncanmakeinourtimes.

From situations to simulations, this instrument of quality prophetic serviceshows how to apply God’s historical and spontaneous wisdom in modernsocieties. Itskeen insights,profound truths, andpragmaticguidelineshelpanyorganization orient itself to the prophetic and ably install a quality propheticdivision topreserve itsexistence.With theskillsandabilitiespresented in thisbook,God’sprophets,propheticpeople,andtheirleaderscanidentifywhatbestserves His interests and theirs to facilitate prophets’ ministerial purpose intoday’sworld.Sometimesatextbookandatothertimesatrainingdocument,thistext is structured to enable you to institute spiritually and biblically soundpropheticbylawsandpoliciesthatactuallyfunctionintherealworld.

NexttoyourBible,thiswillbecomeaconstantcompanionthatyouwillstrivetobecomewell-versedinasaprophettodoyourjobeffectively.Assimilatingitswisdomintoyourreadinesspathenablesyoutoexcelinyourprophetictraining.Leaders will discover how to prove and verify their prophets using realisticmethods,suchasaprobationaryperiod.AnyonecalledbytheLordtotouchthisministryinanywaywillfeelequippedandsecureinhisorheractionsanddutiesasaprophet.Thosecalled tobechief,global,orsupervisoryprophetscanfeelsecureintheiroversightofthoseassignedtothem.

Prepared under the auspices of theHoly Spirit with the Lord’sWord as itswisdom,thishandbookdisseminatesGod’sjudgments,decisions,anddecision-making policies and procedures on the prophetic so prophets and theircolleagues can flood the earth with His mind. Expect to receive from thismaterialinsightintotheLord’smotivesandsovereigngovernanceofthisworld.

KnowledgegainedfromitgivestherationaleofHisgovernmentandencouragesitsincorporationinallprophetictasksandduties.

PartOne

TheChurchProphet’sRoleintheWorldToday

Chapter1

Overview

TheOverviewcoversthefollowinginformation:

How pastors can accept and manage the prophetic in theirchurches

Howtoselectandproveprophetsfortheirchurches

Whatpeoplewanttoknowabouttheprophetic

God’spropheticsphere

WhyallChristiansshouldlearnabouttheprophetic

Propheticsubjectmatter

AboutGod’sprophetsandprophecies

Fullpropheticknowledge

Areprophetsfortoday?

Dreaming,advanceknowledge,andtheprophet

Pastors wanting to fulfill the will of God concerning the prophetic in theirchurchesregularlyaskmehowtogoaboutitandwhatcriteriatheyaretousetodoso.Theywant tograspthewisdomofinstallingandworkingwithachurchprophet beforehand in order to protect their congregations. Generally, pastorsdesiresomereliabletoolstoevaluatetheirpropheticministers(past,present,andfuture) and guidelines that enable their proper use of theministry in the localchurch. Whenever questions arise over the matter, it is not resistance I mostoftenmeet,butconfusionandcuriosity.

Many pastors say they would gladly comply with the Lord in His presentpropheticmoveiftheycouldjustunderstandhow.Theyarerightfullyconcernedabouthow to install churchprophetswithoutdisrupting theirchurchorderandundulyexposingtheirflockstoimmatureorincompetentprophets.Theywanttounderstandfurtherhowtosetthemantleoftheprophetwithinanexistingchurchstructurewhilekeepingthebalanceofcontrolandpowerintact.Intactmeansnotletting pastoral authority be swept out of their hands by prophetic fascination.Frankly, I agreewith them andhold similar reservationswhen acknowledgingand developing budding prophets entrusted to my care. Before all else, Iemphasize the importance of knowing the prophet’s history. Factors like thecharacter and ability of ministers should be thoroughly explored. Theirbackground, prophetic track record, and relations with others, if they are notmembers of the congregation, shouldbe investigatedwith care anddiscretion.Such information is helpful in gauging the potential success of propheticcandidates.

Forexample,itisdefeatingtouseaprophetwithlessexperienceandexpertisethanthenumberofyearsthechurchhasbeeninexistence.Itisalsoimprudenttouseaprophetwhohasnoheartforthesheep,whosetimeisspentdoinganythingbuthelpingtonurturetheflockofGod.Ifthepastoristheonlyonewhoarousesthe prophet’s responses or interest, and he or she remains unaffected byeverything else related to the church, then such a person may not be a goodchurchprophet.Heorshemayservewellasanitinerantministerbroughtinatstrategictimesinthechurch’sprogressbutshouldnotbetrustedwithlong-termpropheticdutiesor authority.Factors like these requiremeticulous attention toqualifytheprophetsthemselvesandprotectthosewithwhomtheywork.

Theunderlying aimof stringent investigation is prudence. It is necessary toassurethefacilitationoftheprophet’sministryinthechurchandtoenableGod’sunimpededaccesstotheears,hearts,andmindsofHispeople.Whatmakesthisprocess indispensable is its ability to curtail prophetic incompatibility andexpandthepresentlynarrowministryfieldofpropheticsordainedbyGodtothisgeneration. Beyond that, it furnishes earnest church officials with reliablemeasures for their developing prophetic institutions and promotes healthypropheticgrowth,maturity,andstabilityatthesametime.Inaddition,itprotectsthisall-importantministryintheNewTestamentchurch.

This chapter gives you a quick overview of the essential elements of anyserious prophetic discussion. It shows the important pieces of the puzzle forthose seeking to learn about the prophet in God’s church. As you review the

pages to follow, you will get a true picture of the ministry, mantle, andoperationsofthechurchinsnapshotform.

Followingisanoverviewofwhatyoushouldstudytohelpyouconnectwiththediscussionsinthisbook.Thetopicsare:

1. FAQs—FrequentlyAskedQuestions

2. ConcerningtheProphetic

3. KeyTermsandPhrases

4. AboutGod’sProphetsandProphetics

5. TheFullSpectrumoftheProphetic

6. AreProphetsforToday?

7. AmIaProphet?

WhatPeopleAlwaysWanttoKnowabouttheProphetandtheProphetic

Ifyouaregoing to installaprophetic institution,enter theprophetic,and/orfulfilltheofficeoftheprophet,youneedtobeawareofthequestionsthatlodgein people’s minds concerning it. Below are frequently asked questionsconcerningtheprophetsandpropheticsoftheofficeandtheofficer,dreamsandvisions, and the validity of themantle’s operations today. Familiarize yourselfwiththem,becausetheconsensusisthatifoneisgoingtoprophesyandexpecttobebelieved,oneshouldatleastbeabletoanswerthesequestionswithclarity.Althoughnot addressed in the listedorder, theanswers to thesequestionswillunfoldasyoureadthroughthebook.Taketimetojotthemdownasyoucomeuponthem.Checkoffeachoneasyougettheanswertoit.

FAQs—FrequentlyAskedQuestions

Whatisaprophet?

Whatexactlyisprophecy?

Howdoesonebecomeaprophet?

Howdoprophetsdowhattheydo?

IfI’mnotaprophet,doIstillneedtolearnaboutprophetics?

WhydoweneedprophetstotelluswhatGodissayingwhenwehavetheHolySpirit?

Howcanpsychicsaccuratelytellthefuture?

Areprophetsreallyfortoday?

Idreamandknowthingsinadvance.AmIaprophet?

Wheredoesprophecycomefrom?

God’sPropheticSphere

Themostchallengingthoughttograspaboutthepropheticisthattheofficeismore than a prediction center. Since prophecy is where most people usuallyencountertheinstitutionoftheprophetic, theypresumethegistof theofficeisexclusively prophesying—seeing and saying, predicting and interdicting.However,manythingsgointoenablingaprophettoprophesyaccurately.

WhatEquipstheProphet?

Before God releases the officer, He puts the prophet through an extensivetraining program. God’s way of equipping someone for ministry is mainlyspiritual.Theprophet’sfunctionislargelysupernatural,andpeoplethinkthereisnothingmoretogettingaprophetreadyfortheLord’sservicethanhearingandsaying,“ThussaystheLord.”Formanypeople,propheticpreparationamountstoGodisolatingbeginnersandstreamingpropheticdreamsandvisionsatthem.Truthfully,itissomewhatthatway,butusuallydownthelineabit.Nonetheless,dreamsandvisionsarehowGodusuallypresentsHimself to thenewprophet.The reasonvisions anddreams are the startingpoint of prophetic education isthat God introduces Himself and awakens the prophet’s revelatory facultiesthrough them. “If therebe aprophet amongyou, I theLordwillmakemyselfknown unto him in a vision, andwill speak unto him in a dream” (Numbers

12:6).

Oncethenoviceprophetismadeawareofthecalling,theLord’spreparatorymethodsshifttomorestringentanddemandingactivities.“ThefearoftheLordis the instruction ofwisdom; and before honour is humility” (Proverbs 15:33)and “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour ishumility”(Proverbs18:12)becometheprimarylessonobjectives.ReadthetwoshortpassagestodiscovertheLord’steachingobjectivesandthenrelatethemto1Peter5:10:“ButtheGodofallgrace,whohathcalledusuntohiseternalglorybyChristJesus,afterthatyehavesufferedawhile,makeyouperfect,stablish,strengthen,settleyou.”FromthesepassagesyoucanseethatGoddiligentlygoesaftertheinherentandnurturedpride,arrogance,andindependenceoftheyoungprophet since submission is the predominant requirement of prophetic service.Oncethisbegins,thingsreallyheatup.

Foraseason,itmayappearthatprophesyingisthelastthingGodwantsofHisnew student. Resetting the newcomer’s attitude, perspectives, and priorities toperformreliablepropheticservicestakesprecedenceoverallelse.

The initial classes are largely experiential, the curriculummultidimensional,andthetestsexcruciating.YettheLordfinallydoesgetHismessengersreadyforHis service. The requisite areas of learning are spirituality,morality, integrity,discipline, and obedience. Integrated in their dynamics are ancient propheticsandhistory,revelatorytechniques,andthescopeofpredictiveprophecy.Trainersandmentorsareselectedfromeveryareaofhumanlife,sincethatisthefieldtheprophetic targets. The developing prophet encounters and interactswith everysphere of human existence so that the mantle is equipped to treat its everycondition.Verbalizingmaybe themediumofadministration,but theaimsandoutcomesofpropheticministryarefarmorediverse.

QuickStudyChart

PropheticTraining

FollowingisalistofpropheticsubjectmatterthatGodteachesHisprophetstomake sure they are competent in their positions.Review it to comprehend therationaleofGod’sprophetictrainingpathforyou.

PropheticSubjectMatter

The prophetic as the second most important office in God’ssupernaturalbranchofministry

Thepropheticasanagency

Thepropheticasacommissionedoffice

TheprophetasanagentoftheGodhead

Thepropheticasanagencywithindeliblefunctionsinthechurchandtheworld

TheroleandplaceofthesecondmostimportantofficeinGod’sministry

Theprophetic’sagencystatusandauthority

Thenatureofapropheticcommission

WhathappenswhenprophetsbecomeGod’sfunc-tionaries

The prophetic’s impact on Creator God’s immutable creationcodes

IfI’mNotaProphet,DoIStillNeedtoLearnaboutProphetics?

The answer to this question is an emphatic “Yes!” Everyone who is savedshould know about the prophetic because that is how the church came intoexistence and how the Lord speaks to, and through, His people. The CreatorspokeHisplanstohaveafamily,apeople,andanationforHimselflongbeforeanyof it came intobeing.Thosepropheticwords actedon creation everydayuntilthevisionofGod’sheartcametobe.

Based on God’s method of bringing His word to pass in our times, byspeaking and thereby causing what He said to come into being, prophecyapparentlyholdsahighplaceinHismind.WhentheLordspeaks,Hisspiritualwords encompass natural bodies, making prophecy the only way to get Hiseternalprovisionsfromtheretohere.Thisishowitgoes.Firstcomethewords,whichareutteredoutsidetime.Fromthatseeminglyinsignificantactcomesthenaturalbodyforthemintime.

Allthatgoesintomakingavisionarealityandmaterializinganideaaresetinmotion by this simple means. What leaves God’s mouth is incubated andmatured inmuch the samewayanembryoprogresses toa fetusanda fetus isborn as a baby.Here is themain reasonwhymuch ofwhatGod says to andthroughHisprophetsisequatedwithimpregnation,gestation,travailingwomen,andbirth.TheinvisibleprocessofGod’swordcomingtopassispreciselylikethevisibleprocessofconceivingandbearingachild.(SeeIsaiah55:11;61:11.)Isaiah 60:22 speaks of God’s words having their time, and Jeremiah 1:12answers this with prophecy’s timing coincidingwithHiswords’ performance.Following are some significant words that are helpful to understanding thismaterial.

ImportantPropheticTerms

KeyTermsandPhrases

Agent•PropheticAuthority

Agency•PropheticDelegations

BiblicalProphetics•PropheticFeatures

Commission•PropheticFunctions

Divination•PropheticJurisdiction

Divine•PropheticMantle

Dreams•PropheticMinistrations

FoundationalStudies•PropheticSkill

Functionary•PropheticStudies

Ministry•PropheticSphere

Office•Protocol

Officer•Protocratic

Official•Psalmist

Prophecy•Seer

Prophet•Symbols

PropheticAttributes•Vision

Throughoutthisbook,youwillseethesetermsandphrasesbecausetheybestdefine the prophetic.These terms are important for your grasp of thematerialand for identifying the language applied to propheticministry. It is suggestedthatyouresearchthemonyourownandgetfamiliarwiththeirusageingeneral.Abriefglossaryoftheirmeaningsisinthebackofthebook.Weencourageyou,as you go through the book, to refer to them again and again to use theirmeaningsinthepropheticofficeanditsmantlewhilelearningaboutthesubjectfromyourreading.

Ifyouare a class, a learninggroup,or aprophetic study team, take time toexplore the previous list of words and their relevance to competent propheticministry.Youcanfindmorespecificmeaningsandapplicationsof thesewordsinmybookTheProphet’sDictionary.

AboutGod’sProphetsandProphetics

The listbelowshowsyou thesubstantialamountof informationpacked intothis book. To operate as a professional prophet people can trust, you needanswerstothelistofFrequentlyAskedQuestionsofthosewhoinquireofGodthroughyou.Thishandyresourceisaconstantcompanioninyourprofessionalministry.Whenyoucomplete thisbookand its recommendedstudies,youwillbeabletointelligentlydiscussthefollowing:

Whattheprophetis

Thenatureofthepropheticinstitution

Office/giftdistinctives

Office/vesselcriteria

Propheticduties

Propheticterritories

Propheticsinthelocalchurch

Theproperpropheticlifestyle

Twenty-firstcenturypropheticsandhowtheworldandthechurchmustbeprepared

TogetwhereGodneedsyoutobeprophetically,youneedtounderstandthefollowing:

Prophetsandthechurch

Prophetsandtheworld

Prophetsversuspsychics

Prophetsofold

Prophetstoday

Theproperpropheticlifestyle

Propheticfeaturesandfunctions

FullPropheticKnowledge

When one thinks about the full spectrum of the prophetic, the followingshouldcometomind:

Nativepropheticabilitiesborninallprophets

Propheticpersonalitiesthatindicatethecalltotheoffice

Supernaturalattire,theinvisibleinsigniaofpowerandauthority

Angelicdelegation

Miraclesandsigns

Propheticdreams

Propheticorderandprotocol

Supernaturalorders

Eternalreasonsfortheprophet

Propheticstreams

AreProphetsforToday?

Prophetsarefortodayasmuchasanythingelsethathaseverbeen.HerearesomegoodreasonswhyprophetsareandwillcontinuetobeneededbyGodforsometime.Revelation11declarestheywillbeactiveuntil theendofthisage.Thereasonsare:

God, the devil, man, and the world are all interrelated, andprophets arehoweachonecontacts andconveys information totheother.

Itdoesnotmatterhowmodernweappear,closerscrutinyshowswehavenotprogressedsofarafterall.

Technologynames itsworkafter thesamedemons theLordhasfoughtwithsinceantiquity.

Prophetsstillconfront thesamesin inhumanity thathasexistedsincetimebegan.

Televisiontoday,andtheentertainmentmediaingeneral,candolittlewithoutthesamevulgaritythathaspervadedtheplanetsince

timebegan.

Sexual perversion—immorality, obscenity, homosexuality, andlewdness—runsrampant.

Lustandgreedareincreasing.

Thedevilandhischildrenstilloperateindeception,delusion,sin,andperversity.

Allinall,onecansaythepeopleofeartharestillboundbythesamesinsthathave always populated the planet. Heaven is still in control, hell still waits,Adam’sseedcontinuestobeformed,andthedevilwaitsat theirbirthtoclaimthemforhisfate.

IDreamandKnowThingsinAdvance—AmIaProphet?

Possibly,butremember,prophetsareprophetsfrombirth.Goddepositedtheirgifts in them from eternity and developed them over time.What constitutes abonafideprophetistheprophet’sspirit,whichwillbediscussedlater.Youmay,however,beaseer.Thiscanbesoifyouareanintenseprayerwarrior,relentlessintercessor, or are highly responsive to spiritual matters. Under thesecircumstances, seers or intercessors can easily bemistaken for prophetswhenthey are not. Psalmists too have been mistakenly declared prophets. In allinstances, the common denominator is unusual supernatural interactions,responses,andinformation.Whatallthreecaseslackisthedistinctenforcementpowerandspiritualauthorityintrinsictotheprophet’smantle.

Morethanjustseeingandsaying,identifyingandcombating,orhearingandsingingmakesoneaprophet.Theofficialprophetexceedsallthesesupernaturalmanifestationswithpowerfulspirituallatitude.TheprophetreceivesfromGod,uponcompletedtraining,significantlicenseinthespiritualrealm.Theministerisalsogivenapotentangelicguardthatperformshisorherwords.Withthese,he or she enjoys a rank inGod’s kingdom to compel obedience to his or herpropheciesovertime,unliketheseer.

A seer, compared to the prophet, sees things with his or her inner being(spiritualeyes)beyondthefivesenses.Aseereasilybypassesthenaturaleyestoaccuratelydetectwhatisaroundhimorherinthespiritualworld.Thisabilityisnot limited to timeandspace. Ifyouareaseer,youmayalsobeadreamerofdreams, although the two can be exclusive of one another. The dreamer of

dreamsissimilartoaseerexcepttheinformationreceivedfromthespiritworldisonly receivedbydreamsor inadreamlikestate.Historically thismethodofrevelatorycommunicationhasbeendeemedthemostunreliableformofspiritualreception. Prophetic dreams mix too easily with the dreamer’s emotions,personality, daily events, and life experiences, and can contaminate themessage’s purity. However, the dream remains nonetheless a valid tool ofpropheticreceptionusedbytheLordfromtimetotime.

In the prophet, all the preceding faculties work together as one, operatingeitherintermittentlyinanactivepropheticenvironmentorrandomlyinspecificprophetic situations. What distinguishes the prophet is the officer’sinterpretative, translation, and application ability that enhances his predictionsand empowers his faculties. Together these render the prophet’s word moreuseful.

ChapterSummary

1. Pastors aremore confused and curious about the prophetic thanresistant.

2. Pastors should use experienced and available prophetic types intheirchurches.

3. People’squestionsaboutthepropheticfocusontenissues.

4. In God’s prophetic sphere, prophecy is more than seeing andsaying.

5. Manytoolsareusedtoequipprophets.

6. Propheticsubjectmatterspansatleastelevenareas.

7. EverymemberofChrist’sbodyshouldlearnabouttheprophetic.

8. Atleastthirty-twotermsexplainandactualizetheprophetic.

9. God’sprophetsandpropheticsrequirequalityknowledgeinnineareasandunderstandinginsevenareas.

10. Fullpropheticknowledgeencompassesatleasttentopicalareas.

11. Eightreasonsweregiventosaythatprophetsarefortoday.

12. Dreamingandknowing things in advancedonot, on their own,makeyouaprophet.

PropheticActionItems

1. UsethechapterintroductiontohelpapastoryouknowtrustandembraceGod’spropheticmove.

2. Develop a ten-point checklist from what you read to screen achurchprophetcandidate.

3. Use the list of FrequentlyAskedQuestions to help four peopleunfamiliarwiththeprophetictounderstandit.

4. UsethepropheticsubjectmatterQuickStudyCharttotellanon-prophetic Christian why he or she should still learn about theprophetic.BlendthesectionsonImportantPropheticTerms,God’sProphetsonProphecies,andFullPropheticKnowledgetoanswerthequestion,“AreProphetsforToday?”Includeifdreamingandforeknowledgealonemakeoneaprophet.

Chapter2

ChurchProphetImportance

This chapter concentrates on the importance of the church prophetic. Thechaptercovers:

Theimportanceofthemodernchurchprophet

Whyprophets?

Believenoteveryspirit

Theantichristspirit

Spiritualequipmentforprophets

Whatmakesprophets

Areprophetsfortoday?

Whatisaprophet?

ThefeaturesoftheNabi

Howonebecomesaprophet(seechangeinstructions)

Keypropheticdistinctives

TheProphesier’sQuickStudyChart

WhyweneedprophetswhenwehavetheHolySpirit

Theologicaldoctrine

Hiddendangersofself-prophecy

WhyGodcontinuesHispropheticinstitution

The importance of the church prophet in our present times cannot beoverstated.Risingoccultism,witchcraft,andsorcerycreateadomainofdarknessineverystratumofsociety.IgnoranceoftheCreator’spropheticsalongwiththe

church’sresistancetotheofficer’sreinstatementcanbeblamed.Addtothatthechurch’s apostate stanceoncritical spiritual andmoral issues, andyou see theconflictingduality.Ononehand,theseissuesclearlysetforthGod’sneedfortheprophet,andontheother, theyanswerwhyandhowprophetsareshunnedandrelentlesslypersecuted.

Still,therisingtideofdemonism,loominggreaterthaneveronthehorizonsofour last days,means the prophet, asGod’s level-two powerministry,must beraisedupandequippedtoconfrontit.Tobetterunderstandthis,thinkabouttheworldsofElijahandElisha,tworenownedprophetsinancientIsraelduringtheeraofthekings.RecallthestateofaffairsthatmotivatedthemandyouseewhyGod’sonlyresponsetoearth’sdeteriorationtodayispropheticreinstatement.

The light in Israel had virtually been snuffed out by paganism, and God’speoplenolongerknewtherealfromthefalse.TheirentirespiritualclimatewasblackwithdemonicforcesthathaddisplacedYahweh’struthandgloryintheireyes. It startedwithSolomonbut reached its zenithofdestruction throughhissuccessor,Jeroboam.

If you remember, Jeroboam, who replaced Solomon as king of Israel, wasextremelyinsecureabouthisnewpostasIsrael’sfourthking.Heknewhewasnotofnoblebirthandreallyshouldnothavebeenconsideredforkingship.Yet,Jehovah saw fit to install him,whichHe did by the hand of a prophet.Aftersurveying the situation, Jeroboam imagined unreal threats to his kingdom.TerrifiedthathewouldlosehispositionifJudahcontinuedtoservetheveryGodwho put him in power in the first place, he concocted a deadly solution. Theaccountofthestoryin1KingssayshisemotionalinsecuritydrovehimtorebelagainsttheLordandhandthekingdom,whichYahwehhadcausedhimtoreignover, todevils.Hisdefection,entirely spiritual,wasnonethelessdeadly.Todaywewouldcallitanewreligiousmovement.

Whateverthename,JeroboamreturnedGod’sfavorbyplungingHistreasurednation of Israel into a darkness from which it would never fully recover. Inselfishparanoia,hecreatedhisownreligioussystem,takingthecountryrightoutofJehovah’shands,anddeliveringitsdominiontotheverygods(anddemons)the Lord had rescued Israel from in the beginning. Jeremiah 2:11 calls itchangingone’sgod.

PickingupfromSolomon’sdefection,JeroboamexpelledtheLeviticalpriestsfrom the Lord’s temple and put in their place those he chose out of his ownheart.Heinstalledallwhoshowedaninterestinthejob,thusshiftingtheorder

of priestly progression from its Aaronic dynasty to commoners. He furtherchangedIsrael’sholydaycelebrationsfromwhatGodordainedbyMosestohisown. The tragedy of his treason is seen in 2 Chronicles 11:14–15. Instead ofministeringtoandbytheHolySpiritthatpreservedandsanctifiedthem,thenewdemonicpriestsnowtaughtandpromotedworshipofdevils.Read theaccountyourselftolearnhowtheworldoftheprophetsunderJeroboamwasmuchliketheworldtoday.RepeatingcyclesofperversionandheathenismmaskedasNewAgerevelationsolidifytheneedfortheprophetmorethananythingelse.

False teaching, perverted truth, humanism, and worldliness all crowd theconsciousness of the twenty-first century church. Mirroring Jeroboam’s era,large-scaleclassespublicizegloballytheancientgods,goddesses,religions,andsorcery that history says destroyed every nation that worshipped them. Themodernmedia, financedby the antichrist spirit in theworld, crams thoseveryEasternreligionsdownourthroatsastheyproselytizefordarkness.

WhyProphetics?

Theprophetic is theonlyprimechoicebecause theLordprepared it tostemthe tide of demonism stalking our generation. What makes this so are therevelatoryteachingsof1Corinthians14:32,Ezekiel13:1–3,andNehemiah9:30.Together, these passages unmask a largely discounted reality concerning theprophet’smakeup.Thedistinctionsetstheofficialprophetabovetheprophesier.It is the spirit within the prophet—not just the Holy Spirit but the uniqueprophet’s spirit alluded to earlier. The prophet’s spirit makes the prophet aprophet, whether or not he or she becomes born again. The Holy Spirit in apersonfurthersthedistinctionbyestablishingwhetherornottheprophetuseshisor her spirit for the kingdom of God under the dominion of Jesus Christ.Otherwise, the capacity to receive prophetic revelations and the ability toprophesyaregenerictotheprophet’snaturalbirth.SeetheministryofBalaaminNumbers 23–31.Hewas not under Israel’s covenant, and yet hewas used byGodtoseewithhisspiritualeyeswhatGodplannedforthenationhewaspaidtocurse.Theprophetsays thathiseyeswerefinallynowwideopen.ThatmeansthatitwasintheinstantthattheprophetcameincontactwithHisMakerthatheknewforthefirsttimethevisionshesawthenwererealandthosehesawpriortothatmomentwerefalse.

Thedifferencesbetweenthetwospheresofoperations—savedandunsaved—canbenarroweddowntothreedefinitethings:spiritualauthority,divinelicense,andenforcementpower.IfaprophetconvertstoJesusChrist,hisorhergiftsare

sanctified and inspired by the entirely new impulses and objectives of God’sHoly Spirit. Now, because of the officer’s love for the Lord, operating theserevelatorygiftsservesahigherpurposeandtargetsaqualityoflifethatexceedsthetemporalandmaterial,goingallthewaytotheeternal.

BelieveNotEverySpirit

Humanism scorns any hint of spirituality tied to Jesus Christ or the livingGod.Theofficialprophet’ssignsincitepowerful,divineintervention.Therefore,theycryoutforanequallypowerfulprophetictreatment.Asyoumaywellseefrom our Jeroboam discussion, the same devils and sorceries are beingproliferated today under the guise of spiritual enlightenment, personalempowerment, and independence from religion and theCreator.Manypeople,unlearnedintheWordoftheLord,areseducedintothinkingtheyarefindingabetter,easierway toGodand/or redemption through thesedevious traps.TheyarebeingdupedintobelievingtheydonotneedHimbecause,asmastersoftheirowndestinies or fates, they create their ownheaven andhell.These souls fallprey to themost fiendishofall seductions, spiritualism,because they lumpallinvisible and intangible encounters into one. Being enticed by metaphysicalknowledgeandpsychicenlightenment,theydroptheirguardandaresuckedintoservingsinanddeath.What’smore,manyofthosedrawndowntheyellowbrickroad tosee theWizardofOzareChristians,orat least theyclaim tobe.Suchsaints, in lovewith the idea of spirituality, overlook the reality that not everyspirit is of God. (See 1 John 4:1.) Poor discernment and still poorer Bibleeducationmake them unable to tell whether something spiritual is of CreatorGod or not. Jesus, however, gave us a clue, and it is that clue that prophetsdecipherforus,asseeninJohn6:45:“Itiswrittenintheprophets,andtheyshallbeall taughtofGod.Everyman therefore thathathheard,andhath learnedoftheFather,comethuntome.”Prophetsdecrytheblurringofthelinesseparatinggodlyandungodlyspiritualism.TheyreiterateChrist’swordsintheaboveverse,reminding us today that it is still all about the Lord Jesus Christ. One thingoccultistshateandshudderatisthenameofJesus.ThatiswhyChristdistilledthewholeoftheredemptivestrategydowntoHimselfandfaithinHisname.

AnAntichristSpiritFuelsDemonicFlames

Occultism’sinsidious,renownedelevationinsociety’smindpromotessinanddemonismblatantlythroughthemostcovetediconsofourculture.Theghastlyandtheghostlyhaveunitedtoclutter thelandscapeoftheinvisibleworldwith

horrificpowerswithwhichmortalhumansarenotequippedtocontend.Ungodlyuse of the supernatural and perversion of true spiritual power togetherdemonstrate for us God’s need for official prophets. The enormous spiritualenablement the Creator instilled in them drives back the hellish onslaughtbrewingtotakeholdofthemodernworldlikeneverbefore.

Toshowthesestatementsarenotmerepaniccriestodefendreligionandthechurch,askyourselfhowmuchofwhatyouencounterinyourdailylifesmacksof demons, witchcraft, sorcery, and mysticism. The academic curriculum ofpublicschoolsisfloodedwiththem,whilethetruthofthegospelofJesusChristisdeniedequalexposure.Mediaadcampaignsandprogrammingforceancientreligions and pagan rituals on you and your children. The after-school andSaturday-morningcartoonswealloncetrustedarenowagentsofthiscrudeandcruelcrusadeofoccultism.AndletusnotforgettheInternetandthetechnologyworld.Gosurf theWebandseehowoften thenamesand teachingsofancientpaganism are flaunted. Then you will know how drastic the situation is. Thedevilish campaign has been so relentless that it overwhelmsmany people andnumbs Christians. Unaccustomed to such exposure to sin, they become sospellboundthattheyareatalossforwhattodo.Somewonderifanythingneedbedoneatall.

Truthfully,manypeoplesensesomethingisdrasticallywrongwithallthis,butwithoutpneuma(spiritual)educationand training toenlighten theiracademics,they just cannot seem to figure outwhat is is. Again, here is wherewe needGod’s true prophets to shed light on the devices of darkness and instruct Hispeopleonthemarkersoftrueandfalsespirituality.

QuickStudyChart

SpiritualEquipmentforPropheticService

The prophet’s work after the new birth in Jesus Christ brings hearers andlearnersaliveduetotheprophet’s…

1. loveforGod.

2. commitmenttoholiness.

3. righteouszeal.

4. apprehensionofdivinetruth.

5. acceptanceofhumanity’ssincondition.

6. realizationoftheresidualsininthefleshofallbelievers.

7. understandingofthechurch’sneedtomatureinGod.

8. recognitionthatallmankindmustrepentandbesaved.

9. allegiancetoGod.

10. determinationtoupholdGod’struthonearth.

11. fearless rebuke of God’s people to warn them of impendingdanger.

12. givingGod’sjudgmentonsin.

13. surrendertoatotallossofindependenceandidentityinChrist.

14. compliance with God’s wishes—obedience, submission, orsurrender.

15. seekingandreceivingproper,God-approvedtraining.

16. nurtureandtrainingoftheflockofGod.

17. peculiarhumaninsightforpropheticservice.

18. strengthandconvictioninthingsofGod.

19. defensivenessaboutChristandHisgospel.

20. protectionofGod’skingdomandpossessions.

21. zealoussafeguardingofGod’ssheep.

22. reverenceforGod’ssovereignty.

23. righteousrespectforGod’sjudgments.

24. disregardofworldlinessindevotiontoGod.

25. contemptforworldlinessinthebodyofChrist.

26. constantlongingforaheavenlyhome.

27. achingfortheredemptionofGod’slostsheep.

28. certaintyofGod’sfinaljudgmentonmanandearth.

29. eagernesstoseetheendofthisage.

30. needforGod’scontinuousfellowship.

31. strongsenseofduty.

32. regardforthegravityofofficialministryservice.

33. knowledgeofthescopeofresponsibilityofpropheticoffice.

34. knowledge of the full impact of the office’s demands andinfluenceonselfandtheworld.

35. comprehensionoftheoutcomeofpropheticwork.

36. relentlesshungerforGod’spresence.

TheseallsanctifyandempowerbythechrioanointingthebasictraitsandthecharacterofallprophetsirrespectiveoftheirsalvationinJesusChrist.

HowDoesOneBecomeaProphet?

Strictly speaking, one cannot, in the classic sense, become a prophet.According to Scripture, primarily Jeremiah 1, people are born prophets fromtheirmothers’wombs.Godmerelyawakenstheprophetspiritineveryonecalledto theministry.Hedoes thisbysummoning them throughvisionsanddreams.(SeeNumbers 12:6.)The idea that a person can just step into andoccupy theofficeoftheprophet,nomatterhowmuchtheministryisdesired,isnonbiblical.WhileitispopulartoleadChristianstobelievethatiftheywanttoprophesyorserveasprophets,alltheyneedtodoistowantitbadlyenough,Scripturesaysthis cannothappen.Prophetsmusthave the spirit for theoffice.Theymustbeable to receive and interpret divine communications, convey them to those oftheir era, and fortify their giftswith the license to enforce theirwords on thestubbornforcesthatwouldobstructtheirmanifestations.

QuickStudyChart

WhatMakesProphetstoBeProphets?

Heightenedbythesalvationprocess,thefollowingtraitsarecalledthenativesoftheprophet’smakeup.Theyare:

1. Propensity for visions and dreams—Dreams of a predictive,revelatory,andhighly insightfulnature thatarehard toforgetordismiss.

2. Sensitivitytospiritualthings—Abilitytopiercethespheresoftheflesh and spirit, the visible and invisible layers of creation, toperceiveGod’struthinaction.

3. Comprehension of prophetic matters—Grasping the apparentlysuperficial to identify and isolate its divine, supernatural, andapocalyptic roots and/or to surface its predictive and revelatoryelements.

4. Apprehensionofroleandplaceofprophecy—Givingcredencetothe subtle yet lofty position and imposition of prophecy uponhumanlifeandearthlyexistence.

5. Awareness of God, most specifically Jesus’ testimony, asprophecy—UnderstandingthatthereisaCreator,acceptingwhathappens in thenow is thedirect resultofwhatHehasordainedandinscribedonHishandiworkfrometernity.

6. Capacity for revelation discovery—The ability to pull back theveilsofhumanismandsecularismtouncoverthehallowed,holytruthsoftheAlmightyinagivensituation.

7. Peculiar interpretative skills—Seeing things at face valuewhileinstinctively applying the probe of the Creator’s truth to theirmeaningsandoutcomes.

8. Extraordinary wisdom and human insight—Knowing that thewisdom from above, as James’ epistle says, is first pure, thenpeaceable,andeasytoentreat.(SeeJames3:17.)Assuch,itisastheonlyanswertothewoesandtroublesoftheworld.

9. Greatsenseofpracticalapplication—NotbeingonlyaheareroftheWordofGod,butalsoa resolutedoerof itswork, resolvinglife’s thorny issues with heaven’s eternal remedies. (See James1:23.)

10. Heightenedspiritualdiscernment—Recognizingthatwhatisseenwiththehumaneyesanddiscernedbyhumansensesismerelythe

tip of the iceberg, beneath which the truth lies as a deeplyembedded reality that must be weighed against God’s creationlawsasofficiatedbyHisprotocraticgovernment.

11. InordinategraspofScripture—Regardlessof thesacredwritingssubscribedtoinitially.,itmeanstoacceptthattoserveGodapartfromwhatiswrittenasHiswill,programs,andconditionsofthatservice is futile. Plainly, serving the risen Lord is vain withoutdueregardtothewrittenWordofGod.

12. DeephungerfortheknowledgeofGod—ExemplifyingtheneedfortheLordastheGodofone’sministryandcalling,abovetheneedforministerialexpressionandfame.

13. Potential for inspired utterance—Inexplicably speaking forthtruths,wisdom, andmaxims that can only spring froma highersource, because they show themselves to be obviously relevant,timely,andaccurateinthesituationsthatinspirethem.

14. Remarkable accuracy of divine communication—A deep-rootedsense of important Creator truths. An unbiased and objectiverepresentationofthethingsofthespiritrealmandofGod.

15. Strong literary skill—An uncanny knack for writing what isdiscernedfromtheSpiritofGodwhetherornotit isunderstoodorseenasrelevantatthetimeofitswriting.

16. Impressive elocution and oration ability—The ability to sayfearlessly what must be said on behalf of the Lord clearly,concisely, andpersuasivelywithoutpersonal fillers,opinions,orbias,whetherthecommunicationisspiritualorpracticalinorigin.Thisissodespiteitsevidentialorimpliedpowertoalterthestatusquo.

17. Unusual judicial aptitude—The peculiar and rare ability todiscern the difference between right andwrong on the basis ofwhat Creator God ordained, sanctioned, shunned, and rejected;instinctively knowing how andwhy the good ismore excellentthantheevil.

18. Notable organizational ability—Apprehension of the reality thatGodisorder,andtorightlyrepresentHimandportrayHishighly

intangible aptitudes, one must be organized and prone toorderliness.

19. Outstandingleadershipability—Comprehendingtheministryasaposition of trust and leadership where sound principles andpractices of getting the will of the Lord into followers andperformedbythemisachieved.

20. Influential government ability—The wisdom to enact, legislate,andregulate theconduct,behavior,andpursuitsof thebenefitedgroupswithoutsacrificingtheLord’sbestinterests.

Ifyouaregoingtobeachurchprophet,oraprophetofanytypefortheLordJesus Christ, you should be naturally exhibiting the twenty traits describedabove.Thatis,theyshouldnothavetobeinstilledinyou,butratherberefinedthroughyourpropheticeducationandservice.

Whydoyou think the first thirty-sixpointsand the last twentypointsgivenareimportanttoaprophet’sministry?Whenyouconsideryouranswers,reviewthe lists again, and think about the problems or issues they address. Considerhowthe listed traitsandcharacteristics translate topropheticaction thatbegetsGod’ssolutions.Ifyoucanseethepracticalityofthetwo,youarewellonyourway to understanding the prophetic and the ministry of the official prophet.Thesetraitsarecoveredmorefullyinchapter13.

AreProphetsReallyforToday?

Aswestatedpreviously,prophetsare for todayasmuchasever.As longasGod, thedevil, andmanall stay the same, theneed for theprophet continues.Revelation11saystheywillcontinueuntiltheendofthisage.Thesethreeandtheworldareall interrelated,andprophetsandthepropheticlawarehoweachone contacts and conveys information to and through one another. It does notmatter howmodernwe appear; closer scrutiny showswe have not progressedthatfarafterall.Wehavenoticedhowtechnologynamesitsworkafterthesamedemons the Lord has fought with since antiquity. When you purchase manycomputerprograms,nottomentioncomputergames,youaremetwiththenamesof ancient demons in theguise of theirmythological images.Beyond this, theInternet floodsuswithungodly figuresandpractices, reviving themforanewround of age-old wizardry. In fact, the word wizard appears in nearly everycomputerprogramasiftocompelustoembracetheminoursociety.Forthesereasons, God still needs prophets, especially since they balance the effects of

psychicspresentlydominatingtheirplaceonthesupernaturalfront.

WhatIsaProphet?

AprophetisadivinemessengerofGod(oranygod).Heorsheisanofficialspokespersonforthedeityservedonearth.Aprophetinvokesthewill,destiny,plans, andpowersofGod tomanifest the spiritual and the supernatural inourworld.Althoughprophetsdothismainlybyspeaking,sometimestheyresorttodrama, theatrics, song, or other demonstrative modes to depict and otherwisemanifestthewordoftheLord—theirsolerevelatoryobjective.

AccordingtoStrong’sConcordance,theGreekwordforprophetisprophetes,thewordmostacceptedby theNewTestamentchurch.However, inconcept itfalls short of the ancient origins of the prophetic in its usage and applicationsbecausetheGreekssawthepropheticpredominantlyinoracularcontexts.Bythetime they controlled theworld, religious and therefore spiritual extremeswerebeingpushedtothebackground.Therefore,theystressedmostlytheprophesyingrather than theperformanceandprovocativeworkof theministry.Mostof thedefinitionsweusetodaytoexplain thepropheticcomefromtheir limitationoftheofficeanditsofficerstothisnarrowfieldofrevelatoryactivity.

The era of theHebrews, on the other hand, had a fuller connotation of theprophetic as conveyed in their meanings of the word. Their term shows anexpansive understanding of themantle in all its contexts. Their word is nabi.Unlike theGreek perception of the prophetic, theHebrews,who derived theiruse of theminister from the ancientswho preceded them, saw the prophet asmuchmorethanasimplepredictor.Forthem,theministryhadapower-wieldinginfluencethataffecteddestinyanddramaticallyimpactedtheworldaroundthem.Thenabicanbetracedthroughouthistory,itsfunctionsdocumentedasfarbackas man, religion, and God are recorded, after the Edenic transgression. TheIsraelites drew from these ancient models to operate their prophetic ministryunderJehovahGod.

TheDistinctiveFeaturesoftheNabi

Theconfusionoverwhatmakesaprophet,andwhatsignifiesoneasavesselofprophecy,orprophesier,isunderstandable.Whenoneisstrictlyguidedbythedefinition of a prophet most commonly given, confusion cannot help butengender deeper confusion. If one defines the prophetic exclusively by givingthewordoftheLord,thenanyonewhosays,“ThussaystheLord,”or“theLordtoldme,”maybeaprophet.Butwhenonetakesintoaccounttheprophetes-nabi

definitions,otherimportantfactorsmustbetakenintoaccount,suchas,doestheprophet invoke the gods? Is the necessary covenant thatGod ordinarily bindsHimselftoatwork?Doestheprophesierexhibitthesignsandexecutionsofanofficial?Thesequestionshelpyousee thatmuch isneededbyonewhowoulddeclarehimselforherselftobeaprophet.TheQuickStudyChartbelowgivesafewmorenecessarypointstoconsiderwhenmakingthedecision.

KeyPropheticDistinctions

The nabi is expressly accepted as a divine agent of the supernaturalworld.Themessenger’spower is inherent in thespiritandflesh.Thenabi,notunliketheprophetes,isthespokespersonforadeity—andsomuchmore.Thisofficerisalsoateacher,predictor,andvisionarywhointerpretsdreamsandvisions,peersintothesupernatural,andcompelsitsinvisiblepowerstoperformandmanifestthemselves in thenow.Thenabi actuates spiritualpowers to set inmotion theevents that takeplace inourworld. (SeeDaniel1–4;Zechariah3;Amos3:7.)All theseactionsare inaddition to thepropheciesmanyofourchurches todayareaccustomedtoreceivingfrommodernprophets.

Thedefinitionsofboththeprophetesandthenabiinclude“onewhostandsintherestrictedofficeoftheprophet.”Thatmeansonecannotarbitrarilydecidetobecomeaprophetnomatterhowmuchheorshemimicsthemantle’soperations.However,nabi’smeaningaddsnoteworthydimensionsthatbetterinstructusontheubiquitousrangeoftheprophet’spowerandauthority.Itsmeaningincludes,from ancient texts, “one who invokes the gods.” Hence, when Yahweh toldMoses his mouth would be as God to Aaron, and Aaron would function asMoses’prophet—mouthpiece—tothepeople,bothmenfullyperceivedwhatHemeant.(SeeExodus4:15–16.)

Thissaystousthatiftheprophet,localchurchornot,iswithoutadeitywhovowstoperformtheprophet’swords,thetitleofprophetisinvalid.Theofficialtitle is how prophets accomplish what they do. The ancients understood thisabouttheprophetsufficientlyenoughtoincludeintheirdefinitionoftheofficerthe power to “invoke, summon, andmarshal the powers and resources of thegods.”Inourcase, thatwouldbetheGodofgods.Theprophet, likeanyotherauthorized priest, does this by invoking the name of the god. The propheticdimensiondiffersinitssphereofenforcement.

Based on this information, we, as Christians who are the New Creationpriesthoodof theLord JesusChrist, invokeHis omnipotence and authority byusing His name and doing all that we do in His name. (See John 14:14;

Colossians3:17.)

QuickStudyChart

SummaryofProphetandProphesierCharacteristics

TheProphesier

The most common question of all is that of the difference between theprophesier—theonewhouttersprophecy—andtheonewhostandsintheofficialsteadoftheprophet.

Thedifferenceisthesameasthatbetweentheofficialevangelistand the one who witnesses Jesus or shares the message of thegospel.

PropheticvesselsareconfinedtotheHolySpirit’smanifestationsasspelledoutin1Corinthians12:3–11,whiletheprophetisnot.

Prophets are considered byGod to be officers ofHis kingdom.That means they are commissioned by God and delegatedauthoritythattranscendsthemereverbalizationofamessage.

ThevesselofprophecyislargelyconfinedtoprophesyingandthespontaneousunctionoftheHolySpirit.

TheOffice

Theprophet as an officer, in contrast to the vessel of prophecy, is onewhoactually exercises all the functions and activities of the office with minimaldivinerestraint.Heemploysbroaddiscretionarylatitude.

The immediate factor that sets one apart from the other is thepresenceoftheprophet’sspirit,discussedelsewhere.

The prophet’s spirit empowers and enables the prophet as anofficer to move in and out of God’s supernatural realms andterritoriesalmostatwill,uponHisrelease.

The power and authority a prophet walks in and exercises areakintothatemployedbytheLord’sangels.

Prophets have, based on the above, invocative, actuative, anddemonstrativeauthorityandpower.

Anothermajordifferencebetweenthetwoisthattheprophetalsohas enforcement power with that authority to provoke theperformanceofhisotherwordsintheearth.Thisisdueinparttothesupernaturalcontingentofangelsassignedtotheministry.

MimickingtheProphet

Unfortunately, many people want to be prophets so badly that they intrudeinto the office’s spheres with no capacity, aptitude, or resource for it. Whathappens in thesecases is that theyoperateon theirgifts rather than theirNewCreationspirits.Thismakesthemsusceptibletodiviningdevilslookingtogivevoice to theirwillsandactions in theearth through thepowerofaborn-againsoul. Unintentionally, and often unknowingly, these people become vessels ofdivination.

Since the deity performing their words is not the Lord Most High, suchprophetsbecomeadeptatdiviningfromdevilsandthusoperatemoreaspsychicsthan prophets. Recall Balaam’s words when he finally met the Almighty. Herecognizedadefinitedifferenceinhispropheticabilities.(SeeNumbers24:15–16.)Whilehewasoperatinghisprophetics,hedidsobythepowerofwhateverdivine spirit happened to be in his vicinity. While Balaam did not know thedifference before the Almighty’s enhancements, he surely discovered thedistinctiononcetherealGodputawordinhismouth.

Generally speaking, the only onewho can really identify and articulate thatsomethingiswrongwithsuchpropheticsisanotherNewCreationprophet.Thisis according to the tenor of 1 Corinthians 14:29. Others may sense thatsomething is wrong, but they are often unable to detect or expresswhere theproblemlies.Ittakesanotherprofessionalprophetwhocantellpreciselyhoworwhyapropheticoperationhewitnessesiswrong.Manyprophetscanonlydosowithsound,reputableprophetictrainingandeducation.

HowProphecySetsThingsinMotion

Birthing spiritual products is a direct result of the word of the Lord in aperson,agent,orforce.God’sauto-verbalactsandtheirprocessesarewhattheCreator calls prophetic. Auto-verbal means, in this case, that which is set inmotionbyaspokenword, toactbyanembeddedsignandpower.WhenGod,

whoiseternal,andthusoutsideoftime,speakstotheworldlockedintime,thatby definition is prophecy. Such speaking is what the Father calls propheticbecausethemessageoriginatesoutsideoftheworld’stimezones(frometernity)and finds its chronology in humanity. Its events, once they leave the Lord’smouth,areencodedincreation’scalendars,andreflectGod’sscheduledmyriadofearthlyevents.Bythismeansisprophecysetinmotioninitsappointedtimesand seasons. Review Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes 3:1–11 for biblicalamplification.

Prophecy is set in time by way of the human medium who utters it. Thatmediummaybeaprophet,propheticvessel,prayerwarrior,intercessor,psalmist,orseer.Whileangelssometimesdothis,prophecystillhastobeempoweredonearth through the utterance of the human voice. By their utterances, prophetsactivatetheirwords’implantationinthelifeorsphereoflifeofthehearer.HereiswhatGodmeansbyIsaiah41:4regardingthegenerations.

WhyDoWeNeedProphetsWhenWeHavetheHolySpirit?

Over the years, amisunderstanding of the scope of propheticwork has ledmanyshortsightedBibleteacherstodeclarethatthedwellingoftheHolySpiritinalifeeliminatestheneedfortheprophet—theofficialprophet,thatis.ManyhavecontendedthatthepresenceoftheHolySpiritwithinmakeseveryonewhoissavedhisorherownprophet.OthersaddthattheoperationofthegiftsofGodas specified in 1 Corinthians 12:3–11 more than establishes the church’sindependence from the prophet as integral to fundamental New Testamentministry. Nonetheless, they are emphatically named in Ephesians 4:11 and 1Corinthians12:28–29.

Practically speaking, even though we have the Holy Spirit, people oftencannothearGodclearlyenoughorfrequentlyenoughforthemselves.Moreover,those who do hear God frequently find they misunderstand what the Lord isactuallysaying.Howmanytimeshaveyoureceivedaspiritualmessagethatyoucouldneitherexplainnorinterpret?ThisisbecauseGod’slanguageisdifferentfromourown.

TheLord’swordandwillarenotobligedtoourcultureoritsmoresbecauseHis speech has otherworldly purposes inmind.Aside fromHis beingCreatorandtheauthorofalllanguage,GodisSpirit;weareflesh.Hisbeingandworldare of an order and complexity completely different from our world. God asSpiritmeansHeisinvisibleandwecannotseeHim.Hemustspeaktousfrom

His tangiblemedia.His celestial naturemeans thatwhenHe does speak, it iswithoutconcretemeansofsubstantiatingHissoundsand theirmeanings,orofsensitizingHiswordsforourreceptionandinterpretation.Forthesereasons,anddue to prophetic inexperience, people invariablymisunderstandwhat theLordsays to them.Theirhumanfilters,passions,andmentality,beingconformed tothis world, translate His meanings and intents to their personal advantage. Itbecomes easier to do thiswhen they have little or no biblical knowledge andonlydevotionalexpertisewithGod’sHolySpirit.ThinkaboutthetimethatJesusspoke to His Father and God answered Him in John 12:28–29. Some peopleheardthesoundaswords;othershearditasthunder.Thatishowitistoday.Forotherexamples,readJohn8:41–43andHebrews12:19–20.

InthepassagefromJohn8,Jesusspoketothereligiousleaders,presumablyintheir own language, yet the content ofwhatHe said completely escaped theirspiritual understanding.This is similar toYahweh’s Sinai experiencewithHisnewlyfoundednationasretoldinHebrews12:18–24.

IntheHebrewsreference,theentireaccountisinterpretedbytheHolySpiritfromGod’sperspective.ItseemsthestrictnessoftheLord’swordonthehearersbackthenwasmorethantheycouldbear.TherigidityofGod’swordwouldnotbend for what they perceived as unjust punishment on an animal thought tooignoranttostayoutofharm’sway.Tothosewholookedon,ananimal’sdeathonaccountofinfringingupontheLord’sholinesswasnothingbutJehovahslayinganinnocentvictim.Thatitwoulddiewithoutknowingwhywastooharshforthepeople to accept, so they begged Moses not to make them hear the Lordfirsthand anymore. These examples point out the reasons why the prophet isneeded in the local church, and how those who inquire of God should do sothroughthem.PeoplelackGod’sloftyrighteousness,whichPsalm71:19saysisveryhigh.Unlesssomeoneofunderstandingandwisdombringsitdowntotheearth realm’s understanding, there is no way for people to grasp or regard it.When people cannot lay hold of the Lord’s truth, there is less hope of theirobeyingwhat theyhear fromHim,or at least performing their obediences thewayHeintended.

Lookathowdifferentlyyouhear andunderstand information fromhow theLorddoes. Ioncesaid toagroupofpeoplewhomIwas teaching thatwecantakeyearsordecadestocomprehendonecompletethoughtfromGod.Tomakemypoint,Igaveanexample.

TheLordcanstart inJanuary,deliveringawordHeneedsustofollowbya

certaintime.Becauseofhowhumansinterpretspirituallanguage,whichisfromtheearthupinsteadofGod’sway,fromheavendown,itcouldtakeawhile.HewillprobablyhavetowaitayearormoreforustounderstandwhatHesaidandthewayHemeantit.Takethefollowingasacaseinpoint.InJanuaryweprayandhear theLordsay,“Go.”Our immediateresponseis tofigureoutwhatHemeant.DidHemeangotothestore,tothemissionfield,tothechurch?What?Afterstrugglingonourownforawhile,wefinallysettledowntogettherestofthemessage.WeeventuallyreturntotheLordtoask,“Where?”

Remembernow,severalweeksmayhavegoneby.Thenextwordcomes:“Gototheplace.”Ah!Wenowhavemore informationtogoon,but there isstillafinalpiecemissing.Youthink,Whywon’ttheLordjustsaywhatHemeansandget it over with? Why does He put you through these games? Again, a fewweeksofpersonalprobinggoesby,andthenyoudecideyoucangobacktothesubjectwiththeLordagain.

AtlastHegetstheentiresentenceout:“Gotothechurchonthecorner.”Youarestunned.Thechurchonthecorner?youwonder.Whatchurch?Nowyouareplayinggamesbecauseyouknowthatthereisonlyonechurchonthecorner,andit is the little storefrontoneyouwouldnotbecaughtdead in.Godknowsmyheart,youthink.Oh,ImusthavemistakenwhatHesaid.Hecouldnotpossiblyaskme to sinkdown to that level.You inwardly regret pressing thepoint andwishyouhadnotheardwhatHesaid.SincenooneelseheardHimbutyou,youbegin themostdangerousof allpropheticgames.Youbegin to twist thewordyouheard tocause it to saysomethingyoucan livewith.Who is toknow thetruthanyway?yourationalize.Threemonthshavegoneby,andyoupressedtheLordintoanansweryounowdonotlike.Silently,youdeterminenottodoitandputtheentirematterbehindyou.What’snext?Judgment.

God must send you through an assortment of excruciating, pride-breakinglessonsforyoutoobeyHim.Heknewallalongthatyouwouldreactthisway,but now that it is out in the open, He is forced to correct this flaw in yourcharacterandendyourflagrantdisobedience.Itgetshard,andafteryears,whatshouldhavebeenatwenty-secondinquiryandresponsehasturnedintoaterribletestofwills,yoursagainsttheLord’s.Yearsgoby,andyoumisstheblessingHehad buried for you in that little, unattractive, no-name church. Still, thestrongholdoveryoursoulmustnowbebroken.Couldtheprophethavemadeadifference?

Although youmay not have listened to the prophet, thematter could have

been greatly expedited by your hearing the entire command the first time.Perhaps you would have shaved three to six months off the search time andmaybebeenpersuadedtoobeyintimetoreaptherewardofobediencetheLordhadforyouintheplaceyousecretlydespisedbeforethewindowofopportunityclosed.ProphetsgraspGod’sthoughtsandintentsmorequicklythanothersdo.They are attuned to His way of communicating because that is how Heconstructedthem,andovertheyearstheirtrainingconditionedthemtothinkHisthoughts His way and not according to their own. Grasping, processing, andactinginChrist’smindcomesmorenaturaltoprophets.Thatprophet’sspiritwespoke of connects to God’s consciousness and adapts to His communicationstylemorereadilythanmost.Let’slookatsomeofthedifferencesbetweenhowthe Lord thinks and speaks and how we do, and how to discern the distinctdifferencestheprophetmakes.ReviewtheQuickStudyChartbelowforadeeperappreciationofthedifference.

QuickStudyChart

God’sThoughtsthroughProphets

Ifyouareinaschool,class,orpropheticstudygroup,spendtimediscussingthe statements here and explaining how they are important to what the Lordneedsfromtheprophetsingeneral,andthoseHesetsinthechurch.

Theprophetlearnsearlythat:

Godthinksinwholethoughts.Wethinkinfragments.

God says what He means in one statement. We often find itdifficult to digest His statements all at once. It takes, incomparison,stringsofstatementstomakeourpoint.ForHim,it’sasfastaslightning.

Weunderstand theLord andHis style of communication bit bybit.Godknowsourthoughtsandintentsbeforethefoundationoftheworld.

God thinks and operates omni-creationally. We are primarilylimitedtoHisearthlywisdom.

GodapproachesHishandlingoftheearthfromheavendown.We,ontheotherhand,processwhatHesaysanddoesfromtheearthup.

See Isaiah 55:8–11;Hebrews 4:12, 5:12–14; and Jeremiah 10:23 as a studysession to see the difference between the two modes of thought—God’s andours.

Prophets are trained tohelppeoplegraspwhatGod is thinking, saying, andwillingfortheirlivesfromHisperspective.EvenwiththeHolySpiritwithinus,ourbusylives,difficulties,andcrisescanallcauseustomisunderstandGodatdifferent times. It is then thatweneedGod’sprophets to injectHisobjectivityinto our dilemmas. Prophets compel us to face the truth about ourselves, ourmotives,andourpersonalagendas.Theymakeus,whetherweadmititpubliclyor not, recognize when we are imposing our will on God to have our way.Prophecy makes it hard for us to explain away our manipulations under areligiousveneer.

TheLordispursuingapredefinedoutcomeandaparticularendproductfromHiscreation,andwithHissubsequentdealingswiththehumanrace.ThatiswhyHehasofficesandministries.ItisalsowhyHehassubdividedministries.(SeePsalm103:19–21;Romans8:38;Ephesians3:10;Colossians1:16;2:15.)

AfinalthoughtonthissubjectisthetwospheresofhearingGodthatsettheprophet apart from the devotee. The prophet is trained by God to be Hiscommunication agent—a liaison. Being members of His high governmentalstaff, prophets speak as divine officials and not merely as transmitters orcommunication terminals. Prophets speak as public officials charged withupholding the Lord’s statutes and legislations, assuring that His righteousnessandtrutharepreservedandperpetuated,andthatHisencryptedwordthroughoutcreation is fulfilled. Prophesiers andHoly Spiritmanifestation vessels are notprivy to such high information. They are also not authorized to process itsufficientlyenoughtoyieldorenforce theirwords’activationor incarnation intheflesh.Moreover,theprophesierisnottrainedtooverrundemonicoccupationnorcollaboratewithangelichosts.Lastly, forprophesiers to invoke theLord’s(actuallyangels’)powersthatareessentialtopropheticsuccessisdifficult.Theirlicense from God usually does not involve mobilizing the spiritual powersneeded to perform God’s will. They are usually not released to obey theprophet’svoice.

When it comes down to it, prophesiers have neither spent time nor beengranted the privilege of acquiring and perfecting such skills, so they lack thecapacitytodomorethanvoicewhattheyseeandhearformtheSpirit.Expertiseiswhattrueprophetsbringstotheirofficialoccupation—expertisegainedfrom

trials,tribulations,extensivestudy,andfrequent,sometimesharsh,correctionbytheLord’sSpirit.

TheologicalDoctrineNeedsWisdom’sPrudence

As longas theologyanddoctrineseparate themselves fromhumannecessityand life application, wisdom will usually be lacking in the church’s ministryapplications. However, that is not the case with God. His Word and Hisrequirements are not merely intellectual in object, although they are quiteintelligent.GodispursuingadefiniteaiminourliveswithHisWord:thatofHiswork, holiness, righteousness, and eternal qualification of the redeemed foreverlasting life. For every principle, precept, function, and activity detailed intheBible,thereisacorrespondinghumancondition,attitude,conduct,orbeliefthatinspiredit.Prophetseasilygraspthistruth.Itsubstantiatestheircallinganddefinestheirjobs.ThatishowtheycantellyouwhytheLordcalledthemandempowered theirmantles. Prophetics are God’s way of gettingHis word intosociety,andHiswill towork in itscultures.Dependingupon theirgenerationsand the eras inwhich their words are assigned, prophecies are ignited by themouthsofGod’sprophets.TheirministriesactuateandcraftthepropheticwordsGodimplantedincreationfortheirtimes.(See2Chronicles36:22–23.)

Remember,thispatternoftheLordgoesbacktoeternity,aswehaveshown.PropheticsarehowGodbroughtHisSonJesusontotheplanet.TounderscoreaNewTestament place of beginning, it beganwith the angelGabriel’sword toZechariahannouncingthebirthofJohntheBaptist.SixmonthslateritrepeateditselfwithMary,whowasalsovisitedby theangelGabriel.Botheventswereoccasioned by the Lord’s use of prophecy to fulfill the string of crypticpredictionsthatbroughtthepromisedMessiahintotheworld.

CenturiesofpropheticwordsbroughttheSaviortoearth.HisconceptionwastheculminationofGod’sconstantstreamofencoded,inflexiblepropheciesfromthemouthsofHisservants.TheirwordsshapedtheeventsandbirthedthepeoplewhoeventuallybroughtJesustoplanetearth.

Today,thechurchscarcelydarestothinkthatJesusarrivedontheearthbytheinvisiblevehicleofcontinuousprophecyspokenbytheprophetsoverthousandsof years. For prophets, this becomes crucial and validating information. ItunderscorestheirusebyGod.Torespectandhavefaithinprophecy,youneedtobegintothinkofitasmorethansoundsfromhighlyspiritualpeople.Youhavetoseewithyourspiritualeyestheteamsofangelsandthehostsofsupernatural

resourcesthatgointoactionatthemomentthewords“ThussaystheLord”aredeclaredbytheSavior’slegitimizedprophet.

Atthebeginningofthepropheticprocess,itseemsthewordsarenotgoingtohappen,butifthemessengersaretrueprophetsofGodwiththeprophet’sspirit,then rest assured that thewordwill come to pass. In prophetic language, thatsays their words will manifest in their physical state in our world at theappointedtime.Whatoccursbehindthescenesofthisworldaretheearlystagesof prophecy—its manifestation development. Prophets’ words initially act asblueprintsingatheringresourcesandagencyactivatorsthatsetthestageforthegestatingprocessthatbirthsthemessage’sphysicalform.AnelaboratenetworkofepisodesandproceduresgointoactionwhenagenuinepropheticwordleavesGod’s mouth. Isaiah 55:9–11, referenced earlier, gives some insight into thechain reactions the Lord’sword ignites to give earthly life toHis prophecies.Study it and, with your study group, discuss how this looks, and may berecognizedoracknowledged,intoday’sworld.

SituationsandCircumstancesThatBringUsGod’sProphets

When the season for something the Lord has inscribed upon the tablets ofcreation arrives, heavenly blueprints begin to act in their earthly embeddedcodes.Tounderstandthis,thinkbacktoHisengravingtheTenCommandmentson stone. Those ten sayings had always been how the Lord governed humanconductonearth.TheywerejustneverlegislateduntilHecarvedtheminstoneforMoses. The time had come for humanity to become acquaintedwith, andaffectedby,God’sunseencreationgovernance.Thisprincipleholdstruetoday.

ItisatthesetimeswhenGodsendsusanotherprophetorpropheticword.HisaimistotransmittousbysupernaturalmeansHiswordsandwilltokindleourfaith enough to cooperate with His ordained circumstances. Sometimes theyintroducewhatGodisdoingorwilldo.AtothertimestheyconfirmwhatHehasbeen tellingusallalong.Here isanother reasonwhyweneedprophets.TobesurethatwehaveheardfromGod,HesendsusprophetstoreiteratewhatHehasbeen saying in our spirits. The prophets decode God’s spiritual language andarticulate it aloud for human comprehension. This is especially truewhen thematterisimportanttodestinyandthedivinewillofourLord.Itdoesnotmatterif theword ispositiveornegative inoureyes; if it comes from theLord, thatmakesitprophecy.Whetherornotitisgoodtous,inGod’smindandbasedonHispre-designedactions,itisgoodforus.

HiddenDangersinSelf-Prophecy

Sincemost people do not like to confront or hear the truth, many of themavoid it anyway they can.This character traitmeans thatwithorwithout theHolySpirit, theywillcertainlynotbeinclinedtoprophesytruthtothemselves.WhentheyinquireofGodregardingadirematterorsomethingtheyreallyfeeltheymusthave,theprincipleofEzekiel14:14willmostlikelykickintoskewwhat they claim to hear to their advantage. In urgent times or inmoments ofgreat need or desire, the conflict of interests becomes so great that theircustomarilysounddiscernmentcanfailasthedrivetohavetheirwayoverridesallelse.IfsuchpeoplearehonestwiththemselvesandtheLord,theywilladmittheir vulnerable state and seek God’s answer from credible prophets. If theirchurch has a properly functioning prophet institution, they can turn to such agroup for quality guidance and accurate prophecy. That is why God needsprophetsoverall,andinHischurchparticularly.

Prophetsarea rare specieswhen theyareyielded toGod.Because theycantakeGod’s truth for themselves, nomatter howhard it is, they find it easy toadministerthattruthtoothers.Trulythelawof“firstpartaker”iswellingrainedin them prior to public service. The prophet is compelled byGod to use thispracticetoensuretheprophecies’primeobjectiveisalwaystoministertoandforHimintruth.

WhyDoesGodContinueHisPropheticInstitution?

BecausewewillspendeternitywiththeMostHighGod,wemustlearnallwecanabouthowHedoesthingsinHisworld.Whiletheneedforprophecymaybealteredinthefuture,itsfunctionalconceptsgoon,basedontherewardstheLordpromisedto thoseof thechurchwhoendureto theend.Whenyouthinkaboutthe Pergamos church (see Revelation 2:17), for instance, the eternal stonepromised to those who overcome is symbolic of a revelation instrument. ItequatestotheOldTestamentUrimandThummimoftheLeviticalpriesthood.Inotherwords,thatstoneetchedwiththenewnameofthebearerdesignateswhothebearerisinChrist’snewkingdom,howheistoserve,andhowhereceiveshis instruction and insights from the Lord. Remember, we said earlier thatprophecyisthecommunicationsmediumofthespiritworld.Itishowitscitizenspass thoughts, activities, plans, and the will of God to one another, betweenthemselves,andtous.God’seternalprotocol,beingfixedineternity,bindstheearthtothesameparametersforinformationexchangesbetweenthetwoworlds.GodwillalwaysretaintherighttospeaktoHispeople.Actually,it isasmuchHisdutyasitisHisright.Hecannotchange,andsothroughouteternityHewill,

fromtimetotime,utterthingsnoteveryoneinearshotorinHisrealmcanhearorcomprehend.Inshort,notallofHismystiquewillfadejustbecauseweenterHisworld.Hence, some equivalent of prophecywill continue, as omnisciencewillnotbegrantedtoallcitizens.

GettingBacktoOurEternalRoots

Inanticipationoftheireternaldestinyanddestination,thepeopleofthisworldhavetoreturntotheirCreator-endowed spiritual roots of communicating. Spiritual communication relies onmorethanthesixsenses.Whenonerealizesthatfiveofthesixsensesdependonthefleshandthesixthoneisconfinedtothesoulrealm,itiseasytoseehowandwhymankindwasshutoutofspiritualknowledge.Itisalsounderstoodwhytheextentoftheethereal informationwereceiveis limitedtothepsuche(psychic)realmofhumanexistence.WhatislackinginourreconnectiontotheCreatorisamediumofpneumatic(spiritual)communication.TransmissionsfromtheSpiritofGodtothespiritofmanareoutsidethecustomarymeansimposedonusforreceiving supernatural knowledge. This helps explain howwitchcraft, sorcery,anddemonologyingeneralare,accordingtoGod,mereworksoftheflesh.(SeeGalatians5:19.)

Sincesixisthenumberofman,andthefivesensesservethebody,thatleavesonly one sense to serve our immortal soul and nothing to expedite God’sspiritualexchanges.Thatis,nothingexistsuntilJesusChrist’ssalvationrevealsourspiritsandobliterates thewallofpartition thatseparatesandveils thesoulfrom the spirit. For these reasons, what mortals deem as supernatural is stilllight-yearsawayfromtheCreator.Thesixthsenseandthefleshhavemoretodowiththesoulrealmthanthespirit,requiringhumanstoaccessanotherspheretointeractwithGodAlmighty.The justification for this comes from Isaiah26:9,where the Lord, through His prophet, identifies the difference between theactivitiesofthesoulandthespirit.ThespiritishowoneseeksandworshipstheLord.Jesusconfirmsit inJohn4:23–24.Whenitcomestotheoccult,sinceitspracticesareallproductsofthesoulrealmandtheearth,theirsareworksoftheflesh.Furthermore,bothpassagesgiveinsightsonhowtheirpowerscametobedesignatedasfleshlyworks,despitetheirmasqueradingasspirituality.YouonlyneedtorereadRevelation12:12–13toseethepicture.

As much as the devil’s clan wants you to believe that he is the height ofspiritualpower,inrealitythatiswhathelostwhenhewascastoutofheaven.Heandhisdevilswereleftwithonlyearthlypower,suchasthatconferredonAdam

untilhe lost thecontest inEden.Here iswhat theLord JesusmeantwhenHesaidHe sawSatan fall as lightning fromheaven. (SeeLuke10:18.)Satan fellfromhiscelestialstationintothespheresoftheterrestrial,andterrestrialmeansearthly,worldly,andphysical.TomatchIsaiah’sdescriptionoftrueGodcontact,onemustdrawon the spirit.Any spiritual connection isprovidedby themostHigh God, according to John 1:11–12 and 3:5–8. Safe and secure eternalconnectionscanonlybemadewhenoneisbornagain.Distinctively,thismeansborn from God alone. (Study John 5:24.) Apart from this Creator-providedmethod,allsupernaturalinteractionsremainsoulishandfleshly.

Humans’SeventhSense

The New Testament, on the other hand, gives us a better analogy. It talksaboutthehiddenmanoftheheartandthespiritman,andmentionstheabolitionofthewallofpartitionbetweenthemthattheSavioraccomplishedforusonthecross.Thismeansthatthedividerbetweenthesoulandspirit(seeHebrews4:12)thatveiledthelatterfromtheformerwasdisintegratedbytheworkofthecross.Atleastitslegitimacyandnecessityweredisintegrated.AllpeoplemustacceptChristandbebornagaintomakeitarealityforthemselves.However,Christ’sdeathallowedsomethingtohappenthathadnotbeenpossiblesinceAdam’sfall:thecommunicationand informationexchangebetweenboth intangiblepartsofhumanity’smakeup—thesoulandthespirit.Becauseof thework theLorddidon the cross, the spirit cannowcommunicate to the soul andviceversa.Purestreams are possible, whereas before Christ, they were neutralized due to theeternalrisksinvolved.

Thenamefor thespirit’s role in thesupernaturalaffairsof thehumanlife is“seventhsense.”Itspeakstospiritualknowledgeandintelligence.Whatmakesthistrueisthatsevenisthenumberofthespirit—God’sspiritworld—whilesixisthenumberofmanandSatan.Betteryet,itisthenumberofhumanity’sfusionwithSatanviathefallensoul.(SeeRevelation3:18;1:4;4:5;5:6.)Theseshowthedifferencebetweenthesixth(soul’s)senseandseventh(NewCreation)spirit,andhowtheyrelatetopeople’ssupernaturalfaculties.Prophetsareobligedtobecognizant of this truth to discern when an utterance originates from the LordGodorfromoneofHisfallencreatures.Theabilitytodosoisvitaltorevealingthe dark side of the human heart, as Ezekiel 13:1–3 and 1 Corinthians 14:25share.

Whatmakes thisknowledge relevant toprophets‘validity is the reason theyareseenasimportanttosocietyandtothechurch.Theprophets’importanceto

the world stems from the human inability to hear from and comprehend thecommunicationsofthespiritrealm.Godcompensatedforthebarrierseparatingthesoulfromthespiritinmostofhumanitybyendowingaselectclassofpeoplewith the ability to pierce theveil that blindsus toHisworld. In doing so,Hepermits their access to eternity’s information streams. Essentially, this is whypeopleneedprophets.

Inthechurchtheprophets’valuemaynotappearevidentuntiloneconsidershow biased humans typically are to our own views, feelings, desires, andpursuits.Theinstitutionofthepropheticcountersthisbyconferringobjectivityon themembersofChrist’sbody so theygetGod’sunbiasedpositionon theircircumstances and matters. Through His reliable prophets, the Lord impelstruthfulresponsestoourinquiriesregardlessofwhatwefeelordesire,becauseHe knows that the desire for our best is naturally seated in the soul realm.Salvation installed theLord’sSpirit of truth in you so the soul can finally tapinto it toaccess theAlmighty’s lifeandwisdom.When the two, the spirit andsoul, actively communicate and exchange information, the answerswe receivefromtheLordareaccurate.

EthicalprophetsforceustohearthewordoftheLordonamatter,andifwearehonest, toknowandacceptwhatwehaveheardasbeing fromGod.Theybring you to the Christ of John 6:44–45, whose testimony is the Spirit ofprophecy.

ChapterSummary

1. OccultismisamajorreasonwhytheLordneedstheprophetic.

2. The spiritual realm is occupied and handled by many, manydifferenttypesofspirit.

3. FallenspiritsthatrivaltheAlmightyarefueledbytheAntichrist.

4. ThepropheticiswhattheLordusestostemthetideofdemonismstalkingourgeneration.

5. Thirty-sixspiritualqualitiesequipprophetstodowhattheydo.

6. In addition to their thirty-six spiritual equipment qualities,prophetspossesstwentydistinctattributesfortheirservice.

7. ProphetsarefortodaybecauseGod,mankind,andSatanallstaythesame;thus,theneedforprophetscontinues.

8. Aprophet isGod’sdivinemessengerwho isdefinedby the twoBiblewordsnabiandprohetes.

9. Peoplecannotreallybecomeprophets.

10. Prophesiersareendoweddifferentlyfromofficialprophets.

11. HolySpirit-filledChristiansalsoneedprophets.

12. Self-prophesyingisdangerous.

PropheticActionItems

1. Use the chapter’s opening statements to outline a persuasivediscussion that exposes the antichrist spirit that rivals Christ’sspiritualityandexplainswhyHispropheticsaretheonlyeffectiveanswertoit.

2. Illustrateagenuineprophetforthoseunexposedtothepropheticsand thoseaspiring toenter itbyprofiling theministerusing the

twocharts:SpiritualEquipmentandWhatMakesaProphet.

3. Buildontask#2bydescribinghowonebecomesaprophet.

4. Prepareafive-pointrationaleforwhyevenSpirit-filledChristiansneedprophets.

5. Use the chapter summary discussion to depict what can berecognized as self-prophecy, its dangers, and its conflict withGod’struth.

Chapter3

AHistoryoftheProphetic

Inthischapter,youwillreadabout:

Mankind’s relation to spirituality and earth’s need for thesupernatural

Eternity’sprotocratsandtheirroleintheprophetic

God’ssevenprotocraticspheres

God’suseofprophets’faculties

Thespectrumoftheprophet’sword

Theprophet’smantle

Whatamiracleisanddoes

Propheticimageryandsymbolism

Earth’sContinuedNeedforHeavenlyAssignedSpiritualPowers

Littlehaschangedinmankind’srelationtospiritualitysincetimebegan.Theearth still needs supernatural agents and human representatives to spirituallyinspire its conduct. (See Job 32:8; Isaiah 11:1–5; Ephesians 1:17.) Prophetsintermediate earth’s transactions with God’s spiritual citizenry. Sin, sickness,disease,error,lies,lewdness,andunbelief,aswellasdeathanddarkness,areallstanding reasons for prophets’ work in the world and protection in the localchurch.

The world’s historical chronicles all cite primitive cultures’ beliefs in aninvisibleforceofpowersbackingthephysicalcreation.Inancienttimes,itwasacceptedthattheycontrolledallitsactivitiesandevents.Exodus23:23,Exodus32:34,Joshua5:13,Daniel10:21,andRevelation22:16allshowthetruthofthatbelief.IhavedubbedthisforceGod’ssupernaturalprotocratics.AsHisspiritualpowers of eternity, they see to the provisions He allocated to the earth. TheapocalypseofJesusChristpennedbytheapostleJohnunveilsthemforusunder

theNewTestamentdispensation.IntheOldTestament,manybooksdidso,butnonemore poignantly than thewritings of the prophetsDaniel andZechariah.Collectively,allbiblicalwritingsshowusthatwhattheancientpeoplebelievedwastrueaccordingto theCreator.Angelswerewatchingover themandtakingcareoftheirhumanmatters.

Actually,itwouldmakegoodsenseonGod’sparttodososinceHeknewthathumanitywouldbe confined in theirworldprimarily towhat their five sensescould touch.God knewAdam’s fallmeant thatmuch ofwhatHe had createdwouldbeunknownandinaccessibletomen.So,Heansweredtheproblemwithprophetsactingoneternity’sbehalfandinChrist’ssteadonearthtocompensateforhumanity’slostspiritualroots.TheLordenabledprophets’invisibleselvestoleadtheirworldtodiscoverthattheywerenotaloneonearth.Hisaimwastogetpeople to perceive that all earthly events were the direct result of thesupernatural initiatives of His powerful, invisible creatures. Hence, theprincipalities and powers in heavenly places spoken of by the apostle Paul inEphesians6.

Toserveeffectivelyasaprophetinthisandthecomingageofmankind,onemust be educated in these truths, a requirement the prophets of Samuel andElijah’s day accepted. If the names and ministries of these Bible figures areunfamiliar to you, it is because you are not scripturally literate enough. As aprophetorprophesier,youshouldbeknowledgeableofthehistoricrootsoftheprophetic to justify its need in today’s and future generations. To appreciateprophets’ presentworth, youmust relate it to their original value toGod andpeople.DoingsoimplantsBibleprophets’importanceinthemindoftheLord’schurch.

Theneed forprophets is endorsedby the apostlePaul’s revelationofGod’sinvisibleprincipalitiesandpowers.Thesearethespiritualprotocratswespokeofearlier.TheirpresencetellsGod’sapostlesandprophets,thetwomostpowerfulofficersoftheNewTestamentchurchaccordingto1Corinthians12:28–29andEphesians4:11,thattheyarenotalone.Thesetwoofficersarenotonlypartofanelaborate earthly regime, but they are also supported by complicated andinfinitelymorepowerfulheavenlybeings.Titus3:1sayswearetoobeythemaswellasthoseweseeintheflesh.Whatarethey?Theywereknownofoldasthesevenarchonsofcreationtotheancientworld.YouwilllearnfromthissectionthattheyaresuggestiveofthesevenangelsoftheNewCreationekklesia.

The apocryphal book of Enoch discusses eternity’s supernatural archons in

great detail, and until John’s Apocalypse, they were scarcely uncovered inScripture—but they are there. Zechariah’s prophecy mentions them almostcasuallyasthe“seven-eyedpriestlystoneofthehighpriestJoshua.”Whatsubtlemetaphorsof theLord Jesus andHis church!Revelation5:17 resurfaces thoseseven eyes, but this time they are on the seven horns of the Lamb and aredefinedasthesevenspiritsofGodthataresentforthintoalltheearth.Buthowarewetoknowthemasantiquity’sarchons?Theanswerismostlybywhattheydo.ThesearethepowersthatamazinglycoincidewiththesevenchurchesoftheLordJesusChristdiscussedinScripture—thosesevenspiritstheRevelationtellsusthateventuallyblanketedtheearth,whichendedupbeingdividedintosevencontinents.

TheImportanceoftheNumberSeven

Seven isan importantnumber inScripture; it isappliednearly fivehundredtimes. In most of those cases, seven is used in religious, prophetic, andapocalypticcontexts.ThatmakesitquiteimportanttotheLordinsettingtime,inlimitingevents, and inother significantCreatorordinances.Beyond this is theobvious—there are seven days per week, and the seventh day is doublyimportant,beingtheSabbath.Nowthisisbiblicalgenrewearetalkingabout,notoccultic.Goddecreedthenumberas theunitofcompletion, thoroughness,andspiritualdominance.Amongtheseisthemostprofoundofall,thosesevenspiritsbeforeGod’sthrone.However,whattheydoorhowtheygovernmaynotmakesensetoyou.Thefollowingisalistofwhatthosesevenpowersoverseeasfirsteternity’s seven archons and today the seven angels of the New Creationekklesia. Their names and areas of effect are followed by a brief description.Bearinmindasyoureadthemthatnosocietyorcultureonearthexistswithoutevery one of them functioning, no matter the names by which they may becalled. I call them the seven spheres of creation over which God’s spiritualprotocratsrule.

QuickStudyChart

God’sSevenProtocraticSpheres

Worshipandritual

Familyandcommunity

Businessandcommerce

Mammon:moneyandeconomy

Governmentandadministration

Militaryandwarfare

Educationandcommunication

Nomatterwhereonegoesontheplanet,orinwhatsocietyonesojourns,heorshe will find that these seven spheres of human life prevail. Here is a briefexplanationofeachone.

1.Worshipandritual—Theworshipandritualsystemordainedbyadeity.Thisis based on the character, functions, abilities, and authorities of the spiritworshipped, and coincide with the ways the deity or spiritual power wasdesignedtoaccessoremployGod’ssupernaturalresources.UnwrittenprotocolsestablishthatworshipandreligiousobservancearetheonlywaysforhumanstoaccessGod’shigherpowersandtheirresources.Thesearecraftedandimposeduponthecitizensofourworldbythespiritsthatgovernthemortheirterritory.UndertheNewCreationchurchdispensation,Melchizedek, thepriestwhometAbram after the slaughter of the five kings, is the principal officiate of thisrealm.Heresurfaces indetail inHebrews7.He too isconnectedwithChrist’schurch,asitseternalpriestlyorderoverwhichtheFatherGodmadeJesusHighPriest.TheLionofJudah’sekklesiapriesthoodisderivedfromthislineage.

2.Familyandcommunity—Thespherethatreplenishestheearth.ItconformstotheLord’sprocreativemandatetomultiply.Everyculturehasfamiliesandamultiplicityoffamiliestocreatecommunities,tribes,nations,etc.Thehouseholdculture that evolves from obedience to God’s command to “be fruitful, andmultiply” (Genesis 1:28) makes this a perpetual sphere in creation. Everyinstitutionborntomanaroseasaresultofthefamily.

3.Businessandcommerce—Populationgrowthgeneratesneeds thatdifferentcitizens’ gifts and talents must supply. These form the basis for an exchangesystem that over time establishes business and commerce. What one personmakestranslatestowhatanotherbuys,becauseheorsheseesitasvaluableoressential.Buyingandsellingsystemsemergeasmakerschargesellerssomethingofvaluefortheirgoodsandservicesandpaythemtodiscoverandconnectwiththosewhoneed them.Marketingwasborn toget the rightmerchandise to therightbuyer.

According to Proverbs 8–9, LadyWisdom, a principality herself, rules this

sphereofhumanresources.Later,weseethatitwas,andis,Christallalong.InHim are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (See Colossians2:3.) Deuteronomy 8:18 says this sphere releases a specially endowed abilityimpartedbyGodundercovenantalcircumstances.TheprophetIsaiahwrotethatitwastheLordwhotaughtHispeopletoprofit.(SeeIsaiah48:17.)

4.Mammon:moneyandeconomy—Athrivingcommercialsystemeventuallydevelopsacurrencythatturnsintoamonetarysystem.Theplaceswheremoneyis stored are called banks, and their management of money in relation to thegoodsandservicesmadeconstitutethesphereoffinance.ItiswhatChristcalledmammon.Whencommunitiesgrowandaccumulatewealthand riches throughexchanges, a spiritual principalitymanages this function that goes all thewayback to eternity and Lucifer’s kingdom, according to Ezekiel 28. The naturalcounterpart to this supernatural function from Ezekiel 28 is found in Psalm107:23.

5.Government and administration—Rules transformed into laws controlcitizens’wrongdoing,curbdestructionoftheland,andpreserveitsbestinterests.Once drafted, the laws comprise the people’s constitutional code of living,successfullyestablishingorderlygovernment.NoticethatthefirstthingtheLorddidwhenHebroughtHisnewnationintoexistencewastoissuealawforthem.Judah,basedonPsalms60:7and108:8, isGod’s lawgiver.TheNewCreationchurch,likeitsfounderJesusChrist,whosprangfromthetribeofJudahasLordof all, emerges from all these references as the Almighty’s lawgiver. Thisconforms to Isaiah 7:6–9, which places the Creator’s governmental systemsquarelyuponChrist’sshoulders.

6.Military and warfare—A government’s power and authority, sure to bechallengedbylawbreakersandthatmakesenforcementnecessary.Preservingthegovernment and protecting its community is done by a military—communal,civil,andnationalforce.Theseincludealand’spoliceandarmedforces.WhenJoshuawastotakeoverMoses’rulership,hewasinauguratedontwolevels.(SeeNumbers 27:19; Deuteronomy 31:14.) After his inauguration, the LordintroducedJoshuatothespiritualpowerthatwouldseetohismilitaryconquests.Joshua5:13–15 saysa spiritualmanappearedas captainof theLord’s armies.That host never left Israel, as 2Kings 6:17 shows.Deborah, amilitary judgeunderJehovah’shand,experiencedthemalso.(SeeJudges5:20,23.)

7.Education and communication—Productive citizens make a societyprofitable.However,theymustlearnskills,talents,andtradestocontributetoits

wealth.Educationequipsacommunitytoaffordwhatitneedstobuytosurvive.Communication addresses the basic need to transmit thoughts and understandothers. A uniform way of transmitting thoughts, feelings, and ideas creates acommunication system. An organized means of assimilating the community’slogic, wisdom, skill sets, and abilities form the basis of a viable educationsystem. Since education must be communicated, the two pair to form acomprehensiveoutreachsphere.

Thesesevenfeaturesarefoundineverysocietyandarejointlyadministratedbytheirrespectiveheavenlyandearthlyprincipalagentsandbytheprophets.Itdoes not matter how crude, primitive, or sophisticated the system, these allprosperwithinathrivingcivilization.

Prophets are made aware of their principalities early in their training. Godseestoitthattheyknowandcanrecognizethespiritualforcesthattrulygovernandcontrolourworld.TakeasacaseinpointthewatcheroverNebuchadnezzarandhiskingdominthebookofDaniel.Zechariah3:1–9givesanexampleofthisinaction,asdoEzekiel9:1–11and2Chronicles20:20.

Spend time as a study group or class identifying human activities andprovisionsthatcoincidewiththefunctionsandinfluencesdescribedinthesevenspheres.

FunctionalDivisionsoftheProphet’sOffice

Basedon the recognitionofGod’screationspheres,andconsistentwith thispremise, the prophet’s office is divided into similar spheres that reflect theseinvisible powers and distinguish prophetic personalities and anointings asassignedby theLord. Interestingly, since they trackwith the seven spheres ofcreation, by studying them you can identify a prophet’s distinct propheticconcentration. Prophetic divisions benefit the particular area of prophetictreatment dispensed through the Lord’s various prophetic mantles. No matterhowversatile, prophets generally concentrate themselves intodiscrete areasofthe human experience. Thus, prophetic assignments are the footprints ofcreation’s spheres and are supported by Scripture. For instance, take Daniel’sministry.Itiseasytoseethatthesphereofpropheticshismantleconcentratedonwasgovernment.

OtherexamplesareEzekielandIsaiah,whoseemtohaveservedthesphereofthe ecclesiastical. Amos fits the category of agriculture, or in our terms, the

laborer. Moses’ call centered on monarchy, while his brother Aaron’s mantlesettled on the priestly. Deborah and Joshua manifested their prophetics asmilitary leaders. The prophetessHuldah appeared to concentrate on educationwithElijahandElisha,whosemantlesdoubledaspowerprophets.AgabusandSilas both showed themselves as prophets called to apostolic companionship,while Gad, Iddo, and Shemaiah were seer prophets. Samuel emerges as ashepherding prophet, David’s Nathan a temple prophet. Jeremiah illustrates areformation prophet. Isaiah’s mantle doubles as our evangelistic, redemptiveprophet. Daniel is reflected as a presidential prophet, and Zechariah as anapocalypticprophet.

Itishelpfultonotethisdiversityofpropheticgiftingstorecognizewhereyoufit in God’s revelatory service or to identify the prophetic sphere of thoseprophetswhoserveyouinGod’skingdom.Thechartbelowoutlinesthetypicaldistributionofpropheticwork.

Contrary to what most believe, prophets do more than just walk aroundprophesyingeveryday.Iftheyaretodotheirjobs,theymustleavetheirprayerclosetsandserve theLord’sbest interestsbyministering toHispeople.Beloware some of the elements that go into prophetic work. As you can see, theybroadenthetraditional,narrowstreamoftheministryconsiderably.

QuickStudyChart

God’sUseofProphets’Faculties

Visions—Open-sighteddivinecommunications.

Dreams—Divinecommunicationsreceivedwhileasleep.

Symbols—Translation of icons and emblems that representsomethingGodwantstouseinpropheticlanguage.

Parables—Communicationofprophecyusingdailylifeimagery.

Similitudes—Divulging supernatural knowledge by way ofcomparisonsandcontrasts.

Words of wisdom—Conveying prophetic insight and appliedunderstandingforGod’spracticalityineverydayaffairs.

Words of knowledge—Declaring something God knows to

another that is unable to be known or discovered by naturalmeans.

Prophecy, prediction, and revelation—Unveiling the Lord’shidden information and truths, regardless of the era, andforetellingthemasprophecy.

Divine decrees—Actuating and turning the events of thisworldso they line upwith the embedded commands and programs oftheLord.

Declarations and commands—Provoking the will and works ofGodtotheextentofoverridingtheworksofdarknessandalteringthenormalcourseoflife’seventswithoutpropheticintervention.

Intercessory prayer—Intervening with God and His spiritualactivitiestoalterundesirableoccurrencesintheworld.

Supernatural intervention—Positioning oneself through prayer,service, and sacrifice between impending catastrophe and itsvictims to reverse the enemy’s assault with the Lord Jesus’authority.

Spiritual watch care—Patrolling and stationing oneself in one’sassigned prophetic ward to guard and prosper those in one’spropheticcharge.

Spiritual guardianship—Encircling a territory either by divineassignmentorchurchpositionasthesupernaturalpowerforcetostay thehandsof judgment and/orobstructdemonic infiltration.Exertingtheprophet’sauthoritytoenforcethewilloftheLordonhumansituations.

Praise war—Conducting formal or informal spiritual worshipsessions to facilitate the spiritual battles behind the scenes thatone’spropheticguardisengagedinonbehalfofthosewithintheprophet’swatch.

Practice identifying and simulating each one of the above after creating ascenario that depicts it. Conclude with the most obvious talents or traits aprophetwouldneed toperform them. Justifyyour resultswithexplanationsofyourdecision-makingrationale.

QuickStudyChart

SpectrumoftheProphet’sWord

Fromwhatwehavediscussedsofar,youcanseethatbeingaprophetishardwork.Butthereismore.Hereareafewmorethingsprophetsmustbeoccupiedwiththatmanyofthemdonaturally,thoughonlyafewcanexplainwhyorhow.

Tonguesandinterpretation—SupernaturalprayerintheSpiritthattransforms itself into the tongues of angels and sometimes theancienttonguesofoldspiritualpowers.

Discerning spirits—The ability to see physically or discernintuitively the presence of God’s invisible creatures, angels, ordemons.

Psalms and poetics—The activation of the aesthetic side of theprophet’s mantle that resorts to songs, rhymes, and rhythmicsoundstoreleaseorgivethewordoftheLord.

Seers—Interactionwith the spirit realm as a visual deliverer ofmessagesfromtheSpiritofGod.

Dreamer of dreams—Receiving or confirming the word of theLordasrevealedthroughdreamsandnightvisions.

Supernaturalstratagems—MeetingswithGodinspecialpropheticsessions(awakeorasleep)togetHismindandplansonthetasksHeispresentlydispensingtoHispropheticstaff.

Spiritual offerings, sacrifices, and servitude—Performing,confirming,and instructingothers inGod’s truespiritualservicerequirementsandtheirmethods,value,andbenefits.

Spiritual warfare—Joining by prayer, praise, or intercessionGod’s invisible forces deployed to the earth to compel thefulfillment of His word, or to invoke their actuation throughpropheticpower.

Power sieges—Relentless praise creates supernatural barriersaroundtheenemy’scamptohalthisprogress.

Power confrontations—Confronting sin, error, heresy, and

perversionwiththeauthorityoftheprophet’smantleandstandingoffwith theworksand forcesofdarkness todefend thechurch,faith,andflockofGod.

Discernmentofheresyandhereticalmessengers—Detectingandcorrecting erroneous teaching, trendy doctrine, or Scripturedilution; marking and publicizing what is emphatically errantteachingasmeasuredagainstthewordoftheLordinScripture.

Propheticdrama—Portrayingthewordof theLordinaction,settomusicordance;depictingtheinvisibleactivitiesofeternityinpublic theatrics to demonstrate toworshipperswhat theLord isdoingbehindthescenes.

Illustrate the signs that manifest each one of the above and the particularsituationthatcallsforit.

TheProphet’sMantle

Onecaptivatingthingabouttheprophet’sministryisthemantlethatanofficerwears. It designates him or her as God’s servant. Outward garments worn byservants reflected everyministry position in times past. Theywere important,andnoseriousworkerwouldstartatourofdutywithoutwearingamantle.Itismuchdifferenttoday.Theattiredonnedinearliertimeswasmeanttoconveytheessenceoftheworker’sprofession,hisorhersender,orprincipal,suchasinthecaseofasoldier,judge,orsurgicalphysician.

Inthecaseofmostancientofficers,thesenderwasadeityandwasthereforeinvisible.Thegod’sinvisibilitymadeitnecessaryforphysicalsymbolstodepictitspower,authority,reputation,andimagetofollowers.AsthebookofLeviticusshows, thiswasusuallydonewithclothingandpower tokens.Swords,clouds,stars,lightningbolts,animalfigures,andsuchwerecraftedtoportraythedeity’sattributes.JehovahdidasmuchwithHispriesthood.Ineveryculture,thesehadtobemadetoshowthepeopletheirgodsandidentifytheirworkersasmembersof the deity’s staff. Call to mind on this subject the Lord’s meticulousinstructions to Moses about the priest’s garments, His tabernacle, and itsfurnishings.

Thus, the servants of Baal in the Old Testament wore distinctive garb thatremindedhisworshippersofthegodtowhomtheybelonged.Headdresseswornwere usually etched with an image—an animal, fish, or lightning bolt—to

symbolizetheinherentpresenceandpowerresidinginthedeity’sminister.Withgoddessesitwasnodifferent.Theirservantstoodressedinattirethatrepresentedthemandtheirkingdomsandportrayedthepowertheypossessedandwielded.Forinstance,Ishtar’spriestsoftenweretransvestiteswhoworefeminineclothingtoimitatetheirgoddess.

When the Lord God Jehovah established Himself as Israel’s God, He tookgreatpainstotelltheIsraeliteshowtheywouldandwouldnotlooktotheothernations.Likewise,Hispriestswereadmonishedtoadorn themselvesexactlyasHecommandedwithnovariationwhatsoever.Nofertilityemblemsthatimagedpagan godswere to beworn beforeHim. The peoplewere not to look at thepriests’attireandbe inspired to resort to theirpaganritualsandorgies.Again,thepurposewasnotonlytodepictYahweh,Israel’sGod,butitwasalsotonotmisrepresentHisimagetoHispeopleandcausethemtoserveanotherdeityinHis place. Often, during humanity’s darkest eras, priests of one tribe’s godsdresseduplikethegodsoftheirenemiestoinfiltratetheirtemples,spyouttheirwealth, and plunder their goods.With the sacred and profane being so tightlyfused in those days, it made a good warfare tactic for a takeover. Naiveworshippers,movedbysight,easilysuccumbedtotheseploys.

Todaywewouldcallsuchoutfitsthatdepictalineofwork,rankofauthority,orreligiousstatement,“serviceuniforms,“andtheywouldbetheequivalentofthosewornbymoderncivil,religious,andmilitaryworkers.

MantlesSignifiedtheProphet

Throughout all history, the mantle signified the prophet. Every prophetdispatchedbyadeityworeselectgarmentsthatbroughttomindhisstatureandepitomizedthenatureofhismessagesasdeliveredtohimbyhisorhergod(s).Elijah’shairygarment is agoodexampleof this; John theBaptist inherited it.WhileweallknowsuchoutfitsmaynotbeneededundertheNewTestamentera,theirsymboliccounterpartsdoapply.Otherwise,howelsecouldJohntheBaptisthavebeenrecognizedastheresurgenceofElijah’smantle?

AMantle

Amantle, first of all, is a cloak, a covering, andan emblemof authorityorpower.Itdenotesanoffice’sinsigniaofservice.ThespecificHebrewwordforthe prophet’s mantle is addereth. It comes from the root of their word addir.Together the two words mean, and inform us, of the following things aboutmantlesingeneral,andtheprophet’smantleinparticular.

QuickStudyChart

WhataMantleIsandDoes

Adderethandaddirrefertotheprophet’smantle,andtogethermean:

Acovering,acloak,agarment,amantle

Amantleasthesourceofsustenance,establishment,power,glory,andhonorthatcomefromservinginministry

Thatwhichcausesfame,generatesmight,andcreatesworthandnobilityasaresultofpublicministry

Themanifestsplendorandmagnificenceofadelegate,official,oragentof adeity impartedandbestowedaspartof the attractionequipmentessentialtosuccessfulservice

Fromtheaboveitiseasytoseetheprophet’smantleasmorethanjustacloakor covering. Symbolically, it communicates to the spirit world everything theprophetisandhasasarepresentativeofGod’skingdomandsignifiesthatheisGod’smessenger.Thus,theprophet’smantleasaworkresourceisapowertool,aprotectivegarb,aninsigniaofauthority,andanemblemofdivinelicense.Itisaguardagainsttheelements,astylizeduniform,andastatementofservice.Itssaturation with the Lord’s anointing over time, as with Elijah’s mantle thatElishainherited,integratesfunctionalportionsofHisomniscience,omnipotence,wisdom, counsel, and might. Isaiah 11:1–5 itemizes the qualities and powersinherent in the prophet’s mantle, which is a figure of the anointing. What aspiritualmantle’spresenceuponapersonidentifiesistantamounttotheofficer’sbadgeanditsradiance.Itsdensityspeakstothewearer’sdegreeofauthorityandinherentpower.

IonceministeredtoayoungwomanIhadjustmet.AsIbegantoprayforhertogiveherthewordoftheLord,suddenly,rightbeforemyeyes,thereappearedahuge,gold,badge-shapedshield.Itcoveredherwholechestfromshouldertoshoulderandfromherneckwaypasthermidsection.SeeingittoldmethateveryvitalareaofherlifewasdoublyprotectedbyGod.Ididnotknowimmediatelywhatshedidforaliving,butthebadge,morelikeashield,indicatedshewasawomanofpresentorfuturepowerinGod.Itwasthick,anditsaid,inessence,“guarded byGod.” It had taken hits because thereweremany dents in it, butoddly they were distributed evenly and looked more like engravings than

damage.Ilaterlearnedthewomanwasofconsiderablerankinthemilitary.Thisvisionhashappenedtomemorethanonce.

Onanotheroccasion,IdeliveredthewordoftheLordtoayoungman,alsoastranger to me. Again, I stood before him to prophesy and saw all theseoccupational signs. Iwas initially confused and thought, I cannot figurewhatGodwantstofocusonwiththisman.Suddenly,inthemidstofthepanoramaofwork symbols, an officer’s hat appeared. I knew he would be an importantperson in themilitary and that in his preordained position, along theway, hewouldhaveampleopportunity toacquire theskillsneededtobeeffective.ThepaththeLordhadhimonmeantthathewouldhavetodomanyseeminglyoddjobs that appeared unrelated to one another. But ultimately, his experienceswouldallconverge,andoncehecompletedhiscourse,hewouldservetheLordin high rank in ministry, as well. Without the imagery of well establishedoccupations or practices, it would be hard to set God’s lively stones in theirrightful place in His body. Also, knowledge of such imagery further helps invision and dream interpretation. They say silently what the Lord needs Hismessengerstovoicepublicly.

As you can see, mantles reflect more than rank in the Creator’s servicecallings.Theyindicatethelearningpathofthewearer,theultimateposition,andthe assortment of preparatory training skills that would finally comprise themantle’spowerandauthority.Usingvariousimagery,prophets’mantlessignifytheir rangeofministryand thepredecessor their callingdescended from,as inthecaseofElijahandElisha,andElijahandJohn.Themantleanditsconditioncoincidewiththemessagetheprophetconcentratesonandthepositionheorsheholdsintheeyesofthesendingdeityonaccountofwhataprophet’spredecessorexperienced.Sometimes,whatseemstatteredtohumansiscelebratedbyGodastriumphant.

Prophets’mantlesweremore than adornments to decorate them for service.They were viewed as the reflective power of God and thus worthy of honor,respect,andreward.Whenaprophet’swordfailedortheprophetwantedtoberecognized,whatdistinguishedhimwasthecloakhewore.Often,disappointedmonarchsorpeerswould tearaprophet’smantle tosignify theprophet’swordwasnotbackedbyanyspiritualpower.ThisiswhatoccurredbetweenJeremiahandHananiahinJeremiah28.ThecoarsenessofElijah’sandJohn’smantleswasmeant to indicate theharshnessof theword theypreachedand thecostof thatwordtothemselvesandtheirhearers.IsaiahandEzekiel,twoprophetsstrippedofthecustomaryprophet’smantle,werenotexemptfromthisexplanationinthat

theirnakednessrepresentedtheirmessage.Theirnudenessimagedtheoutcomeof an angry Jehovah who was about to strip His precious country bare. Theprophets’symbolismsaidthatitsinhabitantswouldbeattiredasfugitivesinsteadofkingsandpriests.

PropheticImageryandSymbolism

Aside from knowing the functions of the prophetic office and its diversemanifestations,prophetsalsoneedtounderstandthewayGodspeaksandwhy.Divine communication often comes in the form of symbolism and imagery.Picturesorsignssayvisuallywhatisspokenaudibly.GodisabletospeakinallHisnations’tongues,buttoassurethatHiswordandworksareunderstoodinalltongues forever,He uses these twowithHis agents andworkers. Their use iswhat wemean by the language of the Spirit, and its words are based onHiscreation.TheymaketheBiblefitagetoage.

When theLordspeaks invisions,HeusesHisown language in the formofimagery. Creation elements and objects make God’s thoughts visible. Forinstance, mountains represent governments and high celestial powers. Hillssymbolize high stratospheric powers. River imagery equates to flows andstreamsasininformationorrevelation,andtreesstandfornationsastheLord’splantings. Chariots exemplify war and transportation vehicles, while horsesdepictwarfare,service,competition,andtravel.Symboliclanguageisnecessaryfor God because it transcends time. Nature images tend to represent bothperpetuityandtimelessness.Humaninstrumentsbespeakaparticulareraortrendandthusaretransitory.

Sincehumanlanguagevariesfromculturetoculture,creationsymbolismseesto it that what God says over the millennia of earthly existence is alwaysrelevant.Thinkaboutit.Abirdisabird,knownaroundtheworldwithdifferentnames.Winged creaturesmean the same thing to every civilization.Likewise,animals, land andwater, foliage, dirt, sun,moon, stars, and such allmean thesame thing to every generation. God uses them when He wants to depict ahumanbehaviorthatisanalogouswithalowercreature,oraspiritualone.ItisthesamewhenGodusesangelicimagery.Theirordainedstationisassignificanttothemessageasthecreatureitself,beingheavenlyratherthanearthly.Weather,family, males, females, and children, regardless of what they are called in aparticularcountry,nonethelessconjure the same image inpeople’sminds. It isforthesereasonsthatimageryservesGod’sspiritualcommunicationpurposessowellaroundtheworlderatoera.Prophetsareveryattunedtothisrealityandare

taught by the Lord to graspwhatHe says nomatterwhat sign or symbolHeuses.

Divine symbolism also works well in dreams and visions. This is becausepictures are self-explanatory and relate to the dreamer’s world. Dreamers areinstructed byGod using images and symbolism typical of their everyday life.When prophetics are atwork their transmissions are fromGod. They useHiswaysoftalkingtoHiscreaturesintheirterms.IfatruckeristoreallyheedwhattheLordwantstosay,thenheorshehearsGod’smessageintruckingterms.Ifthewordcomesinavision,theLordcaptureshisattentionbyusingahighway,roadstop,orpayloadimagery.Inlikemanner,iftheLordneedstogetacook’sattention,Hewillusefood,recipes,cookware,andutensils,aswellashungryorsatisfiedeaters.

Visionsarealittledifferentfromdreams.Theyaremorelikebroadcaststhatdepict themind and happenings ofGod inHis expressions irrespective of ourcomprehension.VisionstellGod’sstoryGod’swayandleavetheirinterpretationand translation to the recipient to obtain from His Spirit. Visions are notinterested in our trends, idioms, slang, or language, and many times appearoutdated.TheLordresortstocontemporarytermswhentheyhelpHimmakeHispoint.Otherwise, thewords and termsHe uses are drawn from the thingsHemade: the earth, the heavens, air,water, and so forth.Goodprophetic trainingsaysprophetsmustbecomeadeptatGod’swordingandeternity’svernacular.Toseethat theydo, theLordbeginspropheticeducationwithadeepstudyofHisprophets’writings.HewalksnewcomersthroughthewordsHespokelongagoand causes trained prophets to zero in on His own interpretations. Once theprophetgets thehangof this,heor she is ready formoreadvanced lessons insymbology and later prophecy formation. This continues until the learner isskilledindivinecommunicationandpropheticenforcement.

Inthenextchapter,theancientpremiseformodernpropheticsispresented.

ChapterSummary

1. HumanityistiedtotheLord’sspiritualityandthesupernatural.

2. Prophetsmediateearth’sinteractionwithGod’sspiritualcitizenry.

3. Earthandits institutionsareguardedandsuppliedbytheLord’sspiritualprotocratics.

4. Sevenisanimportantspiritualnumber.

5. Therearesevenprotocraticspheres.

6. Theprophet’sofficehasfunctionaldivisions.

7. Historically,mantleshavealwayssignifiedtheprophets.

8. PropheticimageryandsymbolismarehowGodspeaks.

PropheticActionItems

1. In groups of three, develop a prophetic commentary on theScriptures used in this chapter. Structure it to evaluate theprophetic implications contained in these Scriptures to validatepropheticservicefromGod’sperspective.

2. Lookupthewordprotocraticasusedinthesecularworld.Applyits basic wisdom to God’s spirituality and New Testamentprophetics.

3. Relate the protocratic sphere to modern societal structures andinstitutions.

4. Group the fifteen facultiesof theprophet from theQuickStudyChart on pages 90–92 and imagine a spiritual or revelatorysituationeachmemberofyourgroupwouldserve.

5. Locate four Bible prophecies that exemplify this chapter’sdiscussiononpropheticimageryandsymbolism.

Chapter4

ResidentProphetMinistryOrigin

InthischapteryouwillreadabouthowIsrael’spropheticorderbegan.

TheLordbalancesHisspiritualpowers

Samuel,thepriestlyprophet

Samuel’smantle:achurchprophetministrymodel

Benefitofchurchprophetsineverychurch

Regulatingtheprophetic

HowIsrael’sPropheticOrderBegan

The Bible tells us when and how Israel’s official prophetics became anestablished institution in God’s principalities. It was at the dawn of Samuel’stenure.HewasthefirstprophetundertheMosaickingdomtoinstitutionalizetheorder. Presumably taking his pattern for the institution from what was inexistenceinhisdayandthatwhichpredatedhiscountry’sprophetics,Samuelsetout to refine theministry toserve theLord.Bynowweknow that theancientnabiofficiatedeverynation’sreligioushistoryoverthecenturies.Everyreligion,it seems, had its prophet, seer, shaman, priest-craft healer, or teacher whoadministrated its supernatural resourcesandmediated its access to it.These, itwouldseem,comprisedthefundamentalelementsofareligionregardlessofthegodtheinstitutionwasformedtoserve.

Consequently, the priesthood having been established and the prophetichavingbeeninitiatedbyMosesinIsrael’sdeliverance, itwasSamuelwhowaschosentosupplytheremainderofthekingdom’sspiritualcomponents.SamuelalsoinauguratedthejudgeshipsystemunderthedirectionandruleofJehovah.Inrespect to thenabisofold, present chronicles show that only Israel’sprophetsrosetolastingrenownandbecametheenduringstandardofreputedpropheticsformodernman.Theirwordsarestillactivetodayandmanyreaderscanattestthattheycametopassorareyetcomingtopass.

Although Joshua was considered a prophet, his service was mainlymilitaristic, as the kingdomhad yet to be established in Israel’s control.Untilthat time, however, the priests, using the Urim and Thummim, answeredprophetic revelation on spontaneous issues and questions requiring God’sanswers. Of course, this excludes the supernaturalmanipulation by the occultprophetssuchasBalaam,whodominatedtheancientworldduringMoses’andJoshua’s time. Accepted and respected as a social order, the demonicministrationsofthesupernaturalthatprecededIsrael’spropheticinstitutionheldlargelyuncontestedswaythroughouttheworld,civilizedoruncivilized.ThefirststunningchallengeitreceivedcamefromMosesinhisdeliveranceofthenationof God from Egyptian bondage. By Samuel’s time, the Lord Almighty hadcarved Himself a place and an enduring reputation in the world, even if Hispeople had lost sight of it. (See 1 Samuel 3:1, which talks about how rarewidespreadrevelationwasinthosedays.)

BythetimeSamuelwasoldenoughtoservetheLord,Eli’ssons’perversionofthepriesthoodandrankabuseofGod’speoplepavedthewayforadivisionofthe two functions, the priest and the prophet. Furthermore, their defilement ofGod’sofferingsintheprocessforeversettledtheseparateoperationsofthetwooffices,accordingto1Samuel1–3.TheirrepugnantbehaviorcausedthepeopletofearEli’sdeathandresisthissons’dynasticinheritanceofthepriesthood.

The combined resentment of the people from the sometimes violent abusetheysufferedatthehandsofEli’ssonssetthestageforGod’sfinaldivisionofHistwospiritualpowers.Thewisdomoftheprinciplemaybebetterappreciatedby lookingatEcclesiastes5:8.Thepriesthood,beingdeformed,hadnohigherofficial to oversee it. God’s disillusioned people had no human recourse toappeal to aside from Eli, who had already refused to discipline his offspring.Later,SamuelprovedtobenobetteratparentinghisprogenythanElihadbeen.WhenSamuel’sservicewasnearinganendanditwastimetopassthetorch,hisunrulysonsrevivedIsrael’searlierfearsandmovedthenationtoaskforakingtocounterbalancepriestandprophetabuse.

ThepeopleagainquestionedthecharacterofleadershiptheywouldgetfromSamuel’ssons.By the timehepassed the institutionof thenabiimon, the twofunctionshadpermanentlysplit,withSamuelinauguratingIsrael’sfirstking.

TheLordBalancesHisSpiritualPowers

Tocreateandmaintainagodlybalanceofpower,theLordalwaysgroupsHishierarchicalofficialsinvaryinglevelsofministersthatoverseeeachother.That

iswhatEcclesiastes5:8means.Thisstructureallowsthemtorectifyabusesandinequities inHiskingdom,and it isnot exclusive to the church.Suchwas thecasewithEli,Samuel,theprophetic,andthepriesthood.

ToassuretherevelatoryprovisionsofGodwerenotmonopolizedbyasinglegroup, the Lord distributed spiritual power among the two existing officialrevelatory institutions He ordained in that day: the priest and the prophet,respectively.

Bible accounts indicate that God’s prophetics as a ministry had beenpractically muted during the nation’s developing institutions from Moses toSamuel.TheendofJoshua’seraalsoendedthefixtureofestablishedpropheticsandthegodlyuseofspiritualpower.Divineutteranceswerelooselydeliveredbywhatever prophetwas available.The priesthood curtailed the legal exercise ofGod’ssupernaturalexploitstothepriests’personaladvantage.Theirdominancecausedtheprophetictofadeintothebackground,eventuallybecomingnostalgicwindowdressingonthenation’sspirituallandscape.

Priestlyministry, concurrentwith thismove, rapidly became presumptuous.Theyoungnation’ssecular,political,andsocialdominionseachtookitsnaturalcourseandshapeasIsraelgrew.Onlythepropheticremainedfetalinnature.Italone lagged behind as an important professional class in Israel’s culture.Blending with the priests’ teaching mandates, it became locked into theirinterpretationsandapplications.Spontaneousutteranceswererarebecausetheywerehinderedandeventuallysuffocated.ThemanipulationsofEli’ssonsreflectthis.(See1Samuel1–2.)

Since no concrete provisions were left by Moses to found and extend hispropheticinitiativesintotheculturallifeofthenewnation,thepriestsdevelopedthe function as they saw fit. Moses had made provisions, however, for theprophetic’seventual reinstatement. (SeeExodus18.)Nevertheless,hepreparednodefiniteguidelinesforitsemergenceamongtheranksoftheLord’sofficers.Ittook God’s displeasure with Eli’s ministry and His judgment on his immoralpriesthoodtochangeallthat,andHedidsowithSamuel.Godinstigatedthenewmove, spearheaded by Samuel, that would perpetually have both prophet andpriestregulatingeachother.

TointroduceHischangeinresponsetothenation’sdegeneration,GodsentanunnamedprophetwithawordtoElithehighpriest.HedeclaredthatEliandhisposteritywouldbepermanentlyobliteratedbecauseofthedepravityheendorsedintheland.Notlongafterthis,theLordawakenedtheprophetSamuel’sspiritto

undertake themandate of institutionalizing the prophetic.His charge includedrestoring Israel’s pure worship and perpetually guarding against the potentialexcessesofthepriestsinthefuture.(See1Samuel3.)Ittookaprophettodoitbecause a prophet had brought them into existence and awarrior prophet hadsettled them in their new land. Thus, the premise was set. The Lord initiateseverythingbyHisprophets.

Samuel,thePriestlyProphet

Thetaskofinstatingastandingmoralcouncilofpropheticofficerswasgivento one born expressly for that purpose. Samuel’s very name says so. Itmeans“nameofGod”or“God’sname” toshowhowhisworkwouldagainexalt thenameoftheLordinthelifestyleandworshipofHispeople.ItisnoteworthytopointouthowtheLordchoseSamuelforthejudgeship.

Providentiallycalledtobeaprophetandtorestorethenation’sworshiptoitscovenantGod, Samuelwas reared by a priest inGod’s tabernacle.The youngmanwasequallywell-learnedinallhisassignedcallings.Hewasknowledgeableoftheministriesofthepriesthood,nurturedasaprophetandjudge,andgroomedforgovernmentalleadership.Thus,Samuelwouldbebothseparatorandbridgein the nation’s new move. His appointment would paradoxically merge anddivideitspriestlyandpropheticfunctionsforintegrityandefficiency.AsIsrael’sfirstjudge,hefunctionedsymmetricallyasIsrael’spriest,prophet,andgovernor-general.

Samuel’s appointment first closed out the priesthood’s terrorist reign assupreme power in the land.He then ushered in the joint reign of prophet andpriest under the interim system of judgeship that preceded Israel’s shift tomonarchy. Deborah, in Judges 5, was the only other prophet accredited likeauthority.Sheperformedall the functionsSamueldid inher service, actingascommanderandchief,aswellasgubernatorialprophetintheland.Ascribingthetitle judge toDeborah’s office gave her the same authority and status Samuelenjoyed.Acompleteportraitofhisministryprovidesacredible servicemodelfortoday’sprophetsassignedtoindividualchurches.

Samuel’sMantle:AChurchProphetMinistryModel

Samuel’smantleofjudge,prophet,andpriestcomprisedthetransitionteamofthatera,whichconcludedtheoldorder,regulatedpriestlyauthority,andinstalledanewinstitutionatthesametime.Hisfirstofficialactwastoissuethedecrees

that judged Eli’s house, broke Israel’s ties with the occult, and establishedhimselfandhisorderasthenation’sheadofstate.Followingthis,Samueltaughtthenationaboutholyandunholyserviceandcorrectedtheerrorsofthepriests’ministry.SamuelmeticulouslyreeducatedIsraelabout theofficeof theprophetand elevated its previously incidental function to an official rank in theministriesoftheLord’sland.

Samuel led Israel’s people to war as their general, arbitrated theircontroversies as a judge, instructed them in divine service and worship as apriest, and established a school to structure and standardize their prophetics.Samuel’s work extended to inaugurating the royalty and nobility of the land,qualifyingsubsequentprophets,andverifyingandempoweringnewleadersandofficerswithGod’sapprovedauthority.

One thing is evident in this profile. Samuel pointedly depicted the diversefunctionsandactivitiesoftheprophetinstalledinachurchmorethananyofhispredecessors did. He was a commander in war, an intercessor in covenantbreaches,andanofficiaryatallthenation’sceremonies.Fromthis,itiseasytoseethequestionofdedicatedprophetsassignedtoeverycongregationforGodisnotstrictlyamatterofwisdom. It isanordination thatgoesall theway to theheartofnecessity,seeingtoitthateverygatheringofGod’speopleinHisnamereflects thefullcomplementofHisofficersandagencies.ItallowstheLordtomanifestanddemonstrateHisfullnesswhenHeiswithHispeople.Ifaministrywantstobecomeandremainbiblicallycorrect,theneverygatheringistocontainarepresentativeofthreeoutoffiveoftheEphesians4:11officers.Theapostleasfounder, as well as the evangelist, may be itinerant. In addition, churchgatherings, based on 1 Corinthians 14:19–32, should have in attendance aminimumoftwotothreepropheticvoices.God’sintegrityanddiligencesaythatthis is usually the case, even if the prophets are not allowed to speak out inservice.

BenefitofChurchProphetsinEveryChurch

If a church and its leadership want to succeed in their vision and divinemandate,thenopeningthemselvesuptothecrediblepropheticsofGodisagoodstart. If a churchwishes to excel in itspurposeand ride thecrestof sustainedvictory,establishingitsownchurchprophetsoraresidentprophets’institutionishowtodoit.

Beforegoing further, Iwant to acknowledge thatmanypeopleobject to the

title “church prophet.” For those who do, the term resident prophet, staffprophet, or sanctuary prophetworks just aswell.Regardless of the name youuse,thetitleappliestoprophetsofcongregations,whosemaindutiesandspheresofinfluenceconcentrateonalocalchurchanditscongregation.Theyarelikelytobeyourshepherdingprophetsmorethananythingelse.

Ourdiscussionhere isnot especiallyaddressing itinerantprophets servinganumberofchurches inacircuit,much like theoneSamuel traveled.Here,ourattention is primarilygiven toone in a church called to theprophetic, sent byGod to become the prophet of the church. Since not everyone is called to thenationalorinternationalrealmsoftheprophet’soffice,itiswisetodeducethoseassignedtootherlevelsarecalledtocoverindividualchurchesandministries.

Prophetsof thechurch,asanordained institution, spirituallyandsometimespractically, guard and protect local congregations. When requested, they alsoprovide the same benefit for various itinerant ministers. Under thesecircumstances,theirfunctionactsmorelikeamentorship.

In the local congregation, the prophet’s ministries are mostly limited toexercisingtheLord’sauthorityintheworkheisassignedtoandlocallyreleasingHis power from theworld of the supernatural to enhance it. The ever presentspiritual strength of the Lord is what the church prophet brings to the localchurch.HisorherpresenceensuresthatpastorandcongregationalikereapfullythenewcovenantblessingspromisedtoeveryNewCreationchildofGodintheLordJesusChrist—theverythingthatSatanandhishostsseektodivertfromtheLord’s churches.Prophetsbringbalance to theprophetic expressions that flowthrough the church.Furthermore, theyadda fullerdimensionof spirituality toroutinepropheticservicecustomarilyhandledbywhosoeverwill.

Moreover,theseofficersstandardizetheproprietiesoftheofficeandregulateits practices and developments. Well-trained and seasoned staff or residentprophets bring competence and prophetic mastery to the churches they serve.When operating in harmony with the other ministries of the church, theaccomplishedprophetcanswiftlyelevatehischurch’srankinthespiritualrealm.Easily,heorshecanincreaseresourcesandreleasepreviouslyheldupfundstoflow into the church. Prophetic intercessions can reduce community hostility,win the favor of civil authorities, anddisarmprincipal agentsworking againsttheministry.Besidethis,thechurchprophetcanenrichtheoverallspiritualandnaturalstateoftheministryinareastoonumeroustomentionhere.

RegulatingtheProphetic

Aswidespreadpropheticsarerelativelynewtothisgeneration,thepropheticiseverevolvingasavalidchurchinstitution.Findingitsreputableplaceamongthe Ephesians 4:11 officers of theNew Testament church and establishing itsparametersandprotocolisamassive,ongoingventure.Hereliesthegroundforsoundpropheticguidelines.Theyareintendedtosteertheprocessespastorsusetoinstallpropheticsintheirchurches.Athoroughtreatmentofthisprocessanditsmostprudentproceduresisfoundattheendofthisbook.

Tohelpyouperceivetheofficialnatureoftheprophet’srankandthemantle’sstatusasanoffice,adiscussionoftheprophet’sstandinginthesupernaturalisinorder.We startwith the link between the prophetic and an agency in the nextchapter.

ChapterSummary

1. SamuelfoundedandestablishedIsrael’spropheticinstitution.

2. Samuel,aprophet,wasraisedbyEli,thehighpriest.

3. Thekingseventuallybecameacounterbalancefortheprophetic.

4. Samueltypifiesthechurchprophet.

5. Church prophets help their churches succeed in their divinemandates.

PropheticActionItems

1. Conduct a thorough study of the prophet Samuel’s ministry torelateittotheministryofachurchprophet.

Chapter5

TheProphetic’sAgencyStatus

In this chapter youwill read about the prophetic—anofficial agencyof theGodhead.Itcovers:

God’sdivinecommunicationmedium

Agentsandofficers—whattheydo

Prophetsasagents

Whyagenciesandagentsexist

Theagencyprincipal

Agency/principalrelationship

Theagencyagents

Legitimatecommissioning

Roleoftheagentandagencyinthechurch

Theagentasanofficer

PropheticagencyasGod’sprincipality

Theapostolic—God’searthlyprincipalstronghold

Howpropheticmovementsbegin

Preludetoapostleship

Ministryleaderapostleship

TheProphetic—AnOfficialAgencyoftheGodhead

Allstudyonthissubjectpointstothestatusofthepropheticasanagency.Theword agency denotes a business and its operations. An agency is an official

entity that administrates andexecutes theduties and responsibilities associatedwithadelegation,usuallycalledacommission.Commissionsareusuallyhandedout by governments andmonarchs. The fact that, even in today’sworld, theymustbepetitionedforandapprovedbythegovernmentinthelandreflects thefactthatthispracticestillholdstrue.Thewordofficialisakeytermthatassertsorder, permanence, perpetuity, and solidarity as the result of an agencyarrangement.

The attachment of the word official to anything means it is backed by agoverningpowerauthorizedbyahigheronetosupport,oversee,andpolicetheactivitiesof theagency.This role includes theguaranteeof itsagreementsandthewarrantyofitsservicesandprovisions.ToaddthisdefinitiontothefunctionofacommissionshedsagreatlightonwhatthepropheticsisandmeanstoGod.

Theword commission is used regularly inScripture todesignate thosewhoare sent out on an errand for a specific purpose by one in authority. Thedistinctive feature of the commission over the errand-runner or routinemessengeristheauthoritythataccompaniesthedispatch.Toberecognizedasanagency,theideaofadelegatedcommissionmustbereal.

A commission, broadly speaking, is an authoritative, power-wielding entitythat rules or governs subordinate entities. Commissions are born when theoriginating powers or forces that initiated the business or activities thatnecessitate an agency hand down portions of their activities to delegates torepresent their interests in other religions. Those who are commissioned arechargedwithprescribedduties.Whenwespeakofadelegationinthecontextofagency service or commissioned action, its meaning is larger than what iscustomarilyunderstoodinroutineworkcircles.Anofficialdelegation’sserviceismuchbroaderandcarriesinfinitelymoreweight.Itincludesdeputationtoanassignmentunderanauthority.Takeamomenttostudythosewordsandyouwillseewhat is reallymeantby the termdelegation.Allof this informationmeansprophets and the prophetic are ranking officials of the Lord’s government,representingittothepeopleratherthanviceversa.

God’sDivineCommunicationsMedium

The prophetic is a divine agency of the Godhead. It is how the Lord Godkeeps in contact with His world. Instead of telephones, headsets, wires, andsatellites, the Lord uses dreams and visions and angelic visitations from thespiritual creatures assigned to the planet. As the Creator’s eternalcommunicationsmedium, the prophetic doubles as an effective administrative

instrument.ThroughprophecyGoddispensesHis truth, enlightensHispeople,and issues His judgments in the earth. Prophecy declares God’s plans andactuatesHiswordsandwillintheirseasons.Allthismakesitsomuchmorethanapredictivetool,establishingitasHisrodofcorrection,staffofrulership,andcreativeimplement,too.Withthese,prophecyalsoactslikeatriggermechanismwithsignalsthatcallintoactiontheembeddedcommandsoftheLorddormantincreationuntiltheirtime.ThegreatestexampleofthisistheRevelationoftheapostleJohn.Theentireevent,unfoldedtohimbyChrist’sangel,isbutaseriesofpropheticspurs thatrouseandinitialize thewordsofGodasleepincreationuntiltheirpreappointedtime.

Prophecy is howGod extendsHis hands to theworld and causeswhat Hewantstoappearinittodosoontime.Thus,itfurtherservesasHisinducementarm. The Old Testament word for the ministry used in Hosea 12:10 linksprophecytothehandofGod,translatingthewordordinarilyusedforhand(yad)as“ministry.”Together,thissaysthatprophecyistheLord’smeansofinvokingthepowersandagenciesresponsibleforexteriorizingHiswordandmanifestingHispowerandwillinactiononearth.

Beyond this, the prophetic serves asGod’s avenue of divine enactment andlegislation, according toGalatians 3:19 andHebrews 2:2.As instruments thatinvoke the terrestrial agencies, angels, principalities, and powers of creation,prophetsparticipateintheirsummonsviathemediumofprophecy.(SeeEzekiel9:1–11 andZechariah 3:1–10.)Otherwords for agent are listed below to giveyouanideaofthescopeofthefunctioninGod’smindandthatofanylegitimateorganization.Anagentis:

Executive

Administrator

Judge

President

Minister

General

Chairperson

Governor

Guardian

Custodian

Prelate

AgentsandOfficers—WhatTheyDo

Inrelationtotheprophet,agentsandofficersexerciseandexertthedelegatedauthoritytheyderivefromtheGodhead.Basedonthelanguageof1Corinthians12:28–29, prophets govern by ruling and administration beneath God’ssovereignty. Ideally, they do so according to His divine canon (written law).Aside from legislation, prophets organize the operations and structure of theNew Testament church, taking part in its discipline as needed. That is,collectively, instinctively, or punitively. The instructional mandate typical ofprophets in general and church prophets in particular further requires theprophet’smantletobeapttoteach.Prophetsshouldbeequippedtoteachpeopleabout the supernatural, the divine world, and their spiritual heritage in JesusChrist.Also,NewTestament prophets are the onesmost equipped to transmitapostles’ doctrine to the remainder of the fivefold for them to disseminate.Apostles make good sense to prophets because this mantle is the one thatcertifiesthem.

Advancing the reasons for the office’s continuance, prophets still judgeaccording to the Lord’s Word of truth. They manage His executiveadministrativeaffairs,supervisethoseintheircare,andguardthebodyofChristagainst demonic infiltration or worldly overflows. As ministers, prophetsdevelop the saints inChrist’s spirituality,officiateover itspriestly tasks in theearth,andenforcetherighteousnessofGod.Asprotectorsandservants,prophetscover,shield,andencircletheircongregations,intercedingforthemasnecessary.Asgovernors, they regulate andmanage the church’s supernatural interactionsandsiftthefalsefromthetrue.Asintermediaries,prophetsinterposethemselvesbetween the Lord and His people, and prevent dark powers from overtakingthem.Lastly,andperhapsmostimportantly,prophetsintercedeforGod’speople.

Intercede is a word that many people only partially understand. Besidesprayingforothers,itmeansinterveningintheirmatterswithone’sownauthorityand position, invoking God’s influence while doing so. Zephaniah 2:7 (nkjv)appliesthiswordtoaspecial,divinevisitationwhereGodactsonbehalfofHispeople as the word of a qualified agent. Prophetic prayer performs just thisfunction.When one intercedes for another, he is actually interposing himself

between the victim and his or her problems or crises. Prophets, as God’sintercessors,firstandforemostaccomplishexploitsofthiskindintheirprayersandwagecombat for thechurches theycover. (SeeJeremiah15:1andEzekiel14:14.BothpassagesshowGod’sregardfortheprophet’sintercessoryprayeronbehalfofHispeople.)

Inaddition,practicallyandeconomicallyspeaking,thehighintercessorydutyof the prophet disburses God’s economy, as we have seen from 2 Chronicles20:20, and dispenses His covenant provisions. Thus, the prophet’s powerfulstatus in the realmsandspheresofGodauthorizes the releaseof the resourcesand possessions hidden in His treasuries and those of other creatures. AninterestingfactaboutthismantleattributeisthateveryworkerinGod’skingdomhashisowntreasuryineternityfromwhichstreamsthesupernaturalsuppliesofhisservice.Eachminister isgivenastorehouseofweapons,finances,abilities,talents,andskillswithwhichheorsheservesGodandmeetstheneedsofHispeople.Prophets’treasuriesareusuallyquitestocked.Thisisbecausetheyaretoreleaseanddealoutgreatportionsofittothosewhocometothem.Loadedwithmore than material blessings, the prophet’s mantle contains spiritual andmiraculousresourcesthatoverturneverythingthedevilandhisangelsmaythrowatthosetheysurround.Likewise, Elijah and Elisha were both so endowed. Elisha knew that Elijah’smantlewas both powerful andwealthy. Therefore, he understood that hewasgettingmore than a cloak or a uniform.He recognized that all the power andbenefits that ever streamed from Elijah were resident in that hairy garment.Whenheaskedforthemantle,heknewthatitwouldmorethanjustcoverhim;itwouldtransform,empower,andenrichhislifeandservicetoGodaslongashelived.HadheonlygottenawordfromElijahorthelayingonofhands,hewouldnothavebeennearlyaspotentinhisministry.Thepowerthatremainedinthatmantle is revealed through the Bible’s record of Elisha’s early exploits in 2Kings.

ProphetsasAgents

LikeallthefivefoldofficersofEphesians4:11,prophetsareofficers,andthatmakesthemagents.Thepropheticasadivineagencymakesthosewhostandinthepositionagents.Bynowyouunderstandthatanagentisarepresentativeofaprincipal, usually a sovereign land,monarch, or government.Agents and theiragenciesserveasambassadors,consuls,delegates, intermediaries,and the like.When you think of the prophets and the prophecies that come from themessengers’mouths,recognizethattheirpositionwiththeLordauthorizestheir

propheciesandassures theirperformance.It is this licensefromGodthatfreesprophets to exercise His power, enforce His will, and perform (or cause theperformanceof)HisWord.

AprophetofGod,asHisagent,transactstheLord’sbusinessthesamewayanagentofaninsurancecompany,governmentofficial,ormilitaryofficerdoes.Asrecognizedrepresentativesingoodstanding,acompanyorgovernment’sagents,accordingtotheircontracts,bindtheirorganizationstotheperformanceoftheirword.As long as prophets obey the Lord’sWord and respect the bounds andlimits of their ministry covenant, the prophecies they give cannot fail.UnderstandthatexteriorizingtheLord’sspokenwordinthenaturalworldisnotonly how prophets are so designated, but is emblematic of their fundamentalreasonforexisting.IfGoddoesnothonoraprophet’swordorsubstantiate themessenger’swork,thenthepersonisnotaprophetinactuality.ThepersonneedstobeneitherfearedortrusteduntilGoddoes.

The key to prophetic honor is in all the prophets’ words. When theyconsistently come to pass, the proving deity they represent backs them in allprofessional regards. This requisite alone ordains that prophetic preeminenceshouldtaketime,preferablydecades,becausenewprophets’propheciescantakea while to come to pass. However, the time lag between a prophecy and itsfulfillmentcanmakepeoplenotacceptsomeoneasaprophet foryears. Ihavemet people towhom I have given aword contactme five, ten, ormore yearslater.Theyconfesstheydidnotreceivemywordatthetime,orrejecteditasjustme.WhatamazesthemaftersomanyyearsisthatthewordsIspoke,regardlessof their reaction to them,wereperformedbyGod.Whatamazesmeis thatHenotonlyperformedmywordintime,butHeletthemknowthatitwasaccordingto the prophecy I gave that He did so. This ought to encouragemany youngprophets.Be patient, becausematters of life take time, and even if you knowyourwordwasrightonwhenyougaveit,restinthefactthatGodwillconfirmyou.Theideathatpropheticconfirmationisalwaysaquickeventismisleading.Sometimes,thebestpartofyourtrainingisinlearningtowaitinfaith.

WhyAgenciesandAgentsExist

An agency exists to administrate the affairs of the commission, bureau, orbusiness that brought it into existence. It expedites its affairs, executes itscommands, exercises its authority, and accomplishes its purposes and aims asprescribedintheagencyagreement.Asinstruments(onesynonymforthewordagent)ofprincipals,agenciesareempoweredbytheirprincipal to interveneon

theirbehalf,intercedefortheirbestinterests,anddirectandgoverntheiraffairs.Whatanexplanation.Prophets, then,aretoseetoGod’sbusinessandnottheirown.Theirwordsare toupholdandexpediteGod’spurposeforsending them,andnotwhattheywanttobe.ProphetsmustbecomeawarethattheyareGod’sagents,andtheirministriesareHisdivineagency.

Aprophetic agency, in or outside the church, is ordinarily interposed in theprincipal’sterritoryorsettledinaremoteterritoryamidthepopulationitexiststoserve.Itscallistoestablishtheprincipal’sauthorityandstrengthenhisorherholdingsindistantlands.ThinkabouthowthepropheticistoaccomplishthisonbehalfoftheGodheadandthekingdomofheavenonearth.Aswithnaturalorsecularagents,soitiswithGod’sspiritualones.ChiefprophetsareassignedbytheLord territoriesoverwhich they ruleand spheresofministrywithinwhichtheyserve.

AccordingtothepatternsetbySamuel,theygenerallyhaveadiversemixofpropheticstaffmembers tofacilitate theiragencyassignments. Inecclesiasticalmatters, prophetic delegation and dispatch pertaining to the church’s realmonearth. Prophets under these circumstances become the embodiment of God’sexecutiveauthoritybeneathHisapostles,althoughalwaysastheircollaborators.Any genuine apostle will have a strong multifaceted prophetic staff to workalongsidehim.Inthisway,theprophetsarethefirstandmostpotentauthoritiestheapostlecanrelyupon.

ExtentofAgencyPowerandAuthority

Thewordauthoritymeansthelawfulrighttoenforceobedience,thelegitimatepower to influenceordirect thebehaviorofothers—usually subordinates.Theexercise of authority involves instruction, command, censure, and discipline.Hebrew terms for authorityconveywordsand sentiments that ascribemajesty,glory,honor,renown,andevenornamentationtoourbasicunderstandingoftheword. The ornamentation refers to the badges and other insignia of authority.Theseall signify theexaltedstationof theoneplaced inauthorityoverothers.Additionalwordsandmeaningsincludetheaccompanyinggrandeur,appearance,and excellency that impose their forms upon the one so installed. These areinherentlycontainedintheofficetowhichtheauthorizedoneattends.Thesumof thesewords explains theweight of authority and its effects on those uponwhomitisplaced.

It is not difficult to see how, based on the above, authority originatedwithGod;norisithardtounderstanditseffectinMoses’inaugurationofJoshua,one

example of prophetic authority transferred and at work. As a matter of fact,wheneverMoseswasinstructedbyGodaboutinauguratinganyone,hewastoldtodosobytakingtheauthoritythatwasuponhimselfintheformofthespirit,andplaceitupontheinauguratedone.Hereis thespiritualsignificancebehindthelayingonofhandsinceremonialpromotionsandappointments.Thegoaloftheactistheimpartationofthespiritualpropertiesofthepromoterthroughtheact of delegation. Once completed, the act is seen by heaven to transfer ortransmitagencyauthorityontheonetouched.Thatimpartationinvestsapersonwiththepoweroftheofficeintowhichheorshesteps.

Agency authority extends to setting and enforcing laws and mandatingprescribed behaviors. This consists of permitting and prohibiting certain actsperceivedbythedelegatedrepresentativeasharmful,detrimental,ornullifyingto his or her principal’s best interests. Agency guardianship extends to theagent’s assurance of the institution’s perpetuity. Thus, the agency as thedelegatedcommandauthorityistoswayandinfluenceitsrealms,territories,andregionstotheadvantageofthecommissioningprincipal.

TheAgencyPrincipal

An agency is not legitimate without the head person who ordained itsexistence.Thatheadpersonsuppliestheagency’sauthority.Thenameforsuchaperson,wehavesaid,isaprincipal.Aprincipalisachieforheadwhoempowerstheagentandagencytoactandspeakonhisorherbehalf.Asaprincipal,heorshe initiates and governs the delegate charged with carrying on business andadministrating itsvision in itsname.This isparticularlyapplicablewhenmorethan tasks and assignments are involved in the sending. Usually agencycommissionscarrywith themtheconnotationofauthorizingsatellite (replicas)oftheprincipal’sheadquartersinthedistantlocation.

Theprincipalisfirstinthelineofpowerinadelegatedarrangement.Assuch,he or she is the ranking authority who inspires, authorizes, and endorses theagencyandallthatitdischarges.Moses’inaugurationofJoshuatosucceedhimexemplifiedthistypeofdelegationinaction,asdidYahweh’sempoweringanddispatchofMoseswitha transferenceofHispowerdelegated likeauthority toJoshua at the direct command of the Lord, who may be seen as the sendingprincipalofIsrael.(SeeNumbers27:23.)

WhentheLordinductsanddispatchesHisprophets,Hedoessoasaprincipalandmakestheprophets,indeedallHisministers,functionariesrepresentingHimintheworld.Foraheightenedrespectofthepropheticandalltheministriesof

the New Testament church, adequate enlightenment must be given to theircharges,thosewhoaretoseetheirordersasdelegatedcommandsfromtheLordandnotjustassermonizersorpredictors.

Besidessending,principalsarepersonsandgroupswhoauthorize,underwrite,andguaranteetheiragencies’righttoexist,todobusiness,andtolegallyactintheir remote territories.The verifying factor is that the onewho delegated theauthority and who sponsored the agency must have sovereign power and/orlawfuljurisdictionwithintheterritorytheagencyserves.Aprincipal,asoneinauthority (a person or nation), spearheads the actions or movements thatgeneratedtheagency’spresenceintheland.TheBiblecallsthemheads(archeorarchonintheGreek),amongotherthings.

Agency/PrincipalRelationship

Trueagencies are chiefly accountable to theirprincipal.Theyhold tohisorherdominantviewsandidealsonthemissionanditsassignments,andexecutealltasks,operations,anddutiestheprincipal’sway,despiteanyprivateviewsorpersonal opinions they may hold. The agreement between the principal andagent,ideally,extendstothebestmeansofcarryingoutthesefortheprincipalaswell.Thefouraspects—mission,assignments,tasks,andduties—areallintegraltoanagency.Withoutthem,anorganizationanditsinstitutionshavenothingtopractice, no business to transact. Agencies’ remote administration andgovernment, along with their workers, called agents, are therefore illegal.Activities conducted under these circumstancesmay be construed as anarchicand dissentingwithout a lawful principal. This can also be the casewhen theprincipalhasfailedtodefinefortheagencyitsparameters.Apartfromthem,thelegitimacyneededforagencyoccupationandprofitabilityarevoid.

Hereiswherethepropheticreceivesitslegitimacy.Christ,beingtheHeadofthe church and theLord over creation, gives the prophet his or her legitimateright to act in all the world. It is Christ’s authority that is delegated to—andexercisedby—theprophet;nothisorherownauthority,asmanysuppose.Theprophet,asanagentof theGodhead, is topursue thecontentof thedelegationhandeddownbyChrist.Althoughthatdelegationismainlyspiritual,itssuccessin the physical world ends up being material. The reality of definiteconsequencesforderelictionofdutyspanstheBible.WhatgivesmostprophetstheirboldnessagainsttheLordisashortsightedself-will.SuchprophetsbelievetheLordhaslittlerecoursefortheirdisobedienceandhavebecometoofamiliarwithHis long-sufferinggrace.They take libertiesnot accorded to themasHis

representatives.ThesemessengersseeGodasoutofsight,outofmind,andoutof control. However, the Lord has dealt with this before, according to Psalm94:7, and He does not change. As the institution settles its organization andstrength,HewilladdressthesemattersthroughthefaithfulprophetsHeinstalls.

SincetherewardsandpenaltiesforserviceanddisservicetoGodpresumablycomelater,manyministersfeeltheycantakewhattheywantnowandbeartheconsequenceslater.Scripture,however, tellsus that isnotalwaysthecase(seeMatthew7:13andtheLord’sparaboliccontrastofthegoodandfaithfulservantversus theevil and faithless servant), not tomention that theymerely supposethey can painlessly suffer whatever consequence they imagine He assigns totheirmisconduct.

TheAgencyAgent

Itistheagency’sfoundingorinitiatingprincipalswhocommissionauthorizedrepresentatives for a discrete purpose. The commission is the embodiment ofwhat defines the agency’s work. It encapsulates the purpose for its dispatch,delegatesauthority,andauthorizestheirbusiness,services,anddispensationsasrelatedtothefoundingpurpose.Allmustbeclearlydefinedfortheoperativeorfunctionary (two more synonyms for agent) to complete his assignments.Becauseagencyassignmentsareusuallyapartfromtheirprincipal’sresidenceorheadquarters location, the word dispatch heads the list of what a commissionentails.

Thesendingawayaspectoftheassignmentrequiresprincipaldeputationthatsanctions thecommissionand itsagency representatives. Inwritten lawfulandoften notarized documents, the principal states how the agency is to legallyperforminhisnameindistantterritories.Itisthepowerofthecommissionthatgives the dispatched (sent ones) the permission to execute the commands andcharges of the principal as defined. An agent, as a representative of thecommissioner,actsasaninstrumentemployedbytheprincipaltobevirtuallytheprincipalawayfromthehuborheadquarterslocation.ProphetsinthiscapacityareequatedtoChristaslongasHeisinheaven,asseenbytheLord’swordstoMosesinExodus7:1.ThatistheessenceofHisMatthew28GreatCommissionthat1Corinthians12:28andEphesians4:11qualifyforHisministerialstaff.

LegitimateCommissioning

Oneimportantthingworthmentioningaboutacommissionisthepresent-daychurch’s acts of commissioning. The church has taken up the practice of

nonchalantly laying hands on people in informal ceremonies to commissionthem to go forth. To what or where is not always clear. Under certaincircumstances, such a practice, done in the name of Jesus, is not inherentlywrong. It can, however, be dangerous. Casual acts of commissioning can besomewhat misleading and can activate spiritual forces and warfare the newlycommissionedoneisnotpreparedtoconfront.Thisisespeciallytruewhenthepersoncommissionedhashadlittlepreparatorytrainingandlimitedinformationonthenature,purpose,andaimofhisorhercommission.Toperformtheritualasmerelyareligiousritestripsitof itspowerful inaugural impartation.What’sworse is that it releasesmediocre performers to perform a critical function astheyseefit.

Foracommissionertohavepowertodispatchagents,thefactorsstatedabovemustbeestablished.Thecommissionermustbealegitimateprincipal.Heorshemusthavesovereignorlegalauthoritywithintherealmofthecommissiontobeeconomically, spiritually, or otherwise able to support the agent—the one onwhomhandsarelaidfordispatch.Thus,thecommissionermustbehigheroratleastmorehighlyendowedthantheonebeingsentforth.Thereasonforthishastodowiththesuredifficulties,hardships,andobstaclestheagentwillfacewhileonassignment.

Thecommissionershouldbeabletofinance,shelter,protect,andextendhisorherreach(andaid)toencircletheagent.Heorsheshouldbemorethancapableofundergirdingtheremoteagent’sactivitiesinthedistantterritory.Theremustbe sufficient license to authorize, anointing to empower and impart, andresources to sustain the operative in the remote location. These necessitiesdemandthecommissionerbemorethanapeerorsubordinate.

Thecommissioningbodyorindividual’swordshouldberespectedandheededintheplacewheretheagentissent.Thelegitimacyofthecommissionandthereputation of the commissioner must be impeccable for the agent to serveeffectively or to have the power to enforce the principal’s commands.Additionally,aletterattestingtothelegitimacyoftheagentandtheauthenticityof thecommission isnecessary.Study for insight theaccountofPeter and theother apostles’ dispatch of Paul to hisministry to theGentiles in the book ofGalatians.ReviewalsotheirreceptionofhimwhenhewasbroughttothembyBarnabas for the first time.Re-examine aswell their protective escort ofPaulwhen the Jewish authorities sought to kill him for his defection toChrist.Alltheseexamples show that theprincipalmusthave the status in thenatural andsupernatural realms to assure the agent’s survival and success. Certification

should be based on observed or presumed spiritual exploits. It should includetraining, practice, and exposure to the rigors of the office. Approval criteriashouldbespecificallytiedtowhattheprophet’sofficeandmantleexisttodoforGod. These should be more than discernible. They should be measurableaccordingtotheposition’sprescribeddutiesandfunctions.

Theofficialrankoftheprincipalorcommissioner(sometimesthisauthorityisdelegated)mustlegallyandpracticallyexceedthatoftheagent.Principalsmusthave jurisdiction in the assigned territory for the acts and thedispensationsoftheircommissionedones,oragents, tobeofficial.Officialdomissignificant toanauthenticcommission.Thoseemployedbyanagencyareitsofficials,asthewordsofficersandagentstooaresynonymous.

Being an official also makes the agent an intermediary who bridgesnegotiationandsettlementgapsasanenvoyordeputy stationed in the land toconductbusinessfortheprincipal.Inthisstead,heorsheformsdiplomatictiesbetween the two inadistant location.Thisstatement issignificantasdistance,remotegovernment,andmanagementareintegraltomostagencies’purposes.Inthis way, some agents double as ambassadors on the principals’ behalf. Onesynonymfor thewordambassador isminister.Thiswordbrings thesubjectofourdiscussiontothechurchandshowshowtheprecedingexplanationspertaintotheprophetic.

You see, prophets are second-ranking officers of the fivefold ministryunfoldedbyPaulinthebookofEphesians4:11and1Corinthians12:28.Asofficersofthechurch,theyareimmediateministersofChrist’sgospelanditslegitimategovernmentalandpoweragents.Governmentalagentsuphold their states and their laws in theplaces theyare assigned.Theyteach, train, encourage, and guide the citizenry’s obedience to those laws topreserve the state’s wholesome existence. While all fivefold have thisresponsibility, it is on whose direct behalf that they do so that makes thedifference. Apostles and prophets, as high officials, would equate in rank asofficersofthefederalgovernment.Theevangelistandpastorwouldbeseenasstateandlocalauthorities.Theteacher,dependingonthemantletype,couldbeseenasboth.

RoleofAgentandAgencyintheChurch

In the church,ministers are servants ofGod.AsHis servants,ministers filloneoftworoles.TheycanbelayservantswhoservetheLordnotnecessarilyin

anadministrative,governmental,orexecutivecapacity,or theycanbeofficers.ThelattertermappliestothepositionsoutlinedinEphesians4:11bytheapostlePaul.Theirnamesmakethemofficerswithagencyauthorityandresponsibilities.

Being sent by the Lord Jesus certifies their service as a dispatch or acommission. For our purposes, this discussion centers on the latter definition,thatbeingtheofficerof thefivefoldoffices.Officialfitsbecauseoccupyinganofficeintrinsicallymakesoneanofficer.FirstCorinthians12:28–29settles thisfor us, as does an etymological studyof the term and application of thewordofficer.

TheAgentasanOfficer

Anofficercanbeanexecutiveordirector,amanageroravice,ageneralorachief. If you studied these words thoroughly, you would immediately see theprophet as an agent of the Godhead, and his or her service (or ministry) anagencyofthekingdomofGod.Theseconclusionsarereachedfromthesumoftheexplanativesgivenearlierforthetermagent.Prophets,alongwiththeotherEphesians 4:11 officers, do in the spirit realm supernaturally for theLord andHiskingdomwhatdiplomatic,civil,andpoliticalauthoritiesdofortheirearthlyorganizations.

ProphetsadministratetheheavenlytreasuresoftheNewCreationgovernment.Theyofficiallyhandle thedispensationsof thesupernaturalreleasedbyGodtoHischurch.ProphetsfurthermoreexercisetheLord’sspiritualauthorityonearthto keep the balance of power between the darkness and light, the lie and thetruth. They authorize and empower the church’s ministries and supply God’sheavenlyprovisionstoHispeoplebydecreeing,declaring,andteachingwhattheLordgivesthemtodispensetotheirspheres.

As agencies of theGodhead, prophetic officers are licensed tomaintain theLord’scontrolandtocommunicateHisdivineapprovalandgoodfortunetothebodyofChrist;again,thisisnotunlikewhatearthlyagentsdofortheiragencies.They stabilize, advance, and enlarge the kingdomofGod andmanage officialkingdom ventures onHis behalf. Prophets execute their commission, charges,discharges, anddutiesascommandedby theLordusingprimarilyHisword—spontaneous,written,andrevealed.

Whatmakesthisknowledgeessentialfortheadvancementofthepropheticisitsrealmofapplication.Thepropheticagencyisoneofthemanypowersofthekingdom that establishes strongholds for theLord JesusChrist.The totalityof

thesestrongholds,alongwiththeirpowersandforcefulauthorities,constitutethechurch’s grounding asHis ordainedprincipality, according toEphesians 1:15–23.PropheticwardsaresetuptostreamGod’seternallightanddivinetruthintotheworldtoreversedeathandoverturnitsedictsinthelivesofthosetouchedbyit. As the power force of the Lord’s lone earthly principality, Christ’s churchprophetsaretoseethatHischurchesprofitanddonotbankrupttheplanet.

PropheticAgencyasanOutgrowthofGod’sPrincipality

Aprincipalityistheterritoryofaprince’sdominion.Itisthesphereofdomainand authority of the offspring of a king. The offspring, insofar as God isconcerned, are His born-again children. As His servants, ministers are mostspecifically the church officers Ephesians 4:11 identifies. The church’sinstallmentasGod’seternalprincipalityreversedthecoupSatanpulledoffinthegarden of Eden with Adam, who surrendered his position as head of God’sancientprincipalities.Fromthenuntilnow,theyhavebeenworld-dominatedormanipulated.Thesonsofdarknesshaveheldswayoverthemainoftheworld’sholdings.Onlywhen the supernatural forces ofGod in the spirit realmmergewith the vessels of His Spirit on earth is the balance of supernatural poweraffected.ReferbacktoourdiscussionofGod’sspiritualprotocratics.(Also,seeDaniel10:21,Ezekiel9,andRomans8:38–39.)Thus,thedarknessisrestrainedandmodifiedbythelight.Hereiswherethepropheticfulfillsitsroleandgivesway to theapostolic.Abriefdiscussionof theapostle is inorder if theLord’spropheticandtheapostolicmovesaretointeractsuccessfully.

TheApostolic—God’sEarthlyPrincipalStronghold

John’s gospel tells us the prophet foreruns the apostle. The apostle is thehumaninvestmentofGod’sprincipalpowersandtheirdispensations.Oneofthetwomostimportantsynonymsforthewordapostleisthetermprincipaliaforourword principality. The second one is plenipotentiary. The terms collectivelyshow thescopeofapostolicauthority inGod’sworldand reveal theweightofresponsibilityChristputsupon themasofficers.JesusChrist’sdirectsummonsand commissioningof apostlesmakes themHisprincipalities on earth in theirrespective sub-realms and spheres. As such, they exhibit and exercise theomnipotenceandsovereignpowerofGodtheFatherasgiventotheSonofMan.

Before the apostle can do this, however, he or she must have the Lord’sordainedministry path prepared by the prophet.This iswhat John theBaptist

did,astoldbyLukeinhisearlychapters.LukestatedthataprophetontheorderofElijahwouldcomeandturntheheartsofthefatherstothechildren,andthechildren to the fathers. This is a fulfillment of John’s goal; it is essentially topreparethepeopletoreceiveandparticipateinthenextphaseoftheLord’splan.

Asforerunner,John’staskwastocleartheheartpathofthedebris,fallout,andcalamities the people had grown accustomed to livingwith every day for theMessiah.JohnprecededJesus,aswasforetold,preachingthewordofrepentanceandbaptizingwithwatertoforeshadowtheLord’sbaptismwiththeHolySpirit.When John effectively recognized and confirmed Christ as the Messiah, thefocusofministryactivityshiftedfromhimtoJesus.

Afterthat,thenormalcoursewouldhavebeenthatJohn’sdisciplessubmittoJesus,whichsomeofthemdid.Oncethishappened,Johnwouldhaveservedaschief prophet under Christ, the Great Apostle, and participated in helping theworld understand and adopt to Hismessage. This all could have happened ifJohn had not lost his head. TheLord allowed this because theOldTestamentprophet’s economy had to give way to apostolic leadership and governance.Underthisdispensation,theapostlesassumethatplaceabovetheprophets,asistheirright.

HowPropheticMovementsBegin

Prophetsusuallystarttheirmovementswithcallsforrepentance.TheyinvokethepeopleofGodtorenouncetheirsinsandabandontheirsecularandhumanistcontestswiththeMostHighandHolyGod.Elijah’sMountCarmelcontestwasnolessthanthis.Prophetsdothistodaytopreparepeopleforthecomingoftheapostle,whopreparesthemforthecomingoftheLord.

PreludetoApostleship

WhenthetruthandrighteousnessofGodhavebeenreinstalled,thegroundisreadyfortheapostletocomeforwardwiththenextphaseofGod’splans.Hereiswhere previous moves that limned the upcoming apostolic move take shape.ProphetsbeginthearduousinterpretiveprocessoflinkingthenowwordofGodto its precedingmove to propel saints forward intowhatGodwants to set inmotion.Thus,themoldissculptedforthearchitectureofwhattheLordwilldonext. The apostle then takes up his or her place as the present generation’sprincipal stronghold of theLord JesusChrist in human form. Ideally, the twoteamupandtakethenextlegoftheministry’sjourneyonwardintherace,withtheprophetpavingthewaybeforeeverystep.

As you can see, a close working relationship between forerunning andsubsequentprophetsandapostlesmustbeforged.Thatistheonlywayprophetswillinternalizeandhelpapostlesinculcatetheirapostolicrevelationsaspartofateam.Verycloseandstrategic teammeetingsmusthappenbetween the two tounfoldGod’splanandseetoitscontinuedsuccess.

Theapostle’shouse(thechurch,itsaffiliates,andintra-extra ministries along with its congregation) then serves God as a territorialstronghold.Furthermore, itbecomesa supernaturalwatch station for theLord,oneofHis jurisdictionalprecincts. It iswhereHis territorial angels (similar tothoseoverthesevenchurchesinRevelation)areassignedtoserve.Nowyoucansee what the opening words of the Lord’s revelation to the seven churchesindicate.Thesuperintendentof thatspiritualprecinct, thechurch, is thechurchprophet.Thepastorfunctionsasitsgovernorwhenthechurchisnotansweringtoanapostle.Inthiscontext,thepastorisovertheprophet.Ifthereisabishopoverthechurch,oranapostle,thepastorfillshisorherrolebeneathhim.

MinistryunderApostleship

The apostle or bishop licenses pastoral performance, which is neverthelessstill above the church prophet. The bulk of the church’s spiritual weight andauthority is delegated, according to God, to the prophet of the church by thepastor.God’sideal,however,isthatthetwo,thepastorandtheprophet,formabondthatmakesdelineationofeachone’sauthorityandrolesincidentalandnotparamount.

TheControversyoverOfficeversusGifting

OfthemanyissueshinderingthepropheticandGod’srightfulrestorationofittomainstreamChristian service, the question of the gift over the office is themost troublesome one.Hardly anyone affected by the prophetic today fails toquestionthedifferencebetweenthetwo.Isthegiftmorethantheoffice?Shouldtheprophet’sministryberegardedasanoffice,andifsowhatdoesthatmeantothechurch’shierarchy?IshierarchyofGod,andwhereisit intheBible?Howdoestheprophet’spositionaffectthehistoricalplaceofpastors?

On it goesyear after year,with the argumentoverwhat validates a prophetandmakes this typeofministerdifferentragingon.Distinguishingtheprophetfrom the prophesier (the office from the gift) is critical and that is what thissectiondoes.Thebestwaytoseparateanddistinguishbetweenthetwoiswitha

look at the societal systems that are already in place—those we are allconditionedtorespect.

Here is a case in point.We have all heard about gifted singers, dancers, orathletes,andhowmanyof themexhibitedaboveaverageabilityor talent fromchildhood. The musician, for instance, who just sat down and taught him orherselfthepiano.Theathletewhopickedupaballandneverseemedtomissabasketfromthefirst throw.Theartistwhotookupapencilandsketchedwhatwasseen,withnodirectionorguidancewhatsoever.Peoplesuchasthesecomeinallfields,buttheyallshareonething:anexceptionalabilitytodowhattheywere formed to do, effortlessly andwith onlyminimal outside intervention, ifany. These are the gifted ones, the prodigies; the amazingly talented minds,hearts,andsoulsthatmaketheirmarkontheworldearlyinlife.Beingcreditedwithgeniusdeemedtobeworthwhileinadulthood,theseyoungonesareusuallymentored from the day of their discovery to protect them and their gifts untilbothcanbenefittheworld.Theyarenurtured,coached,andguardeduntiltheirnaturaltalentscanbehonedtoafineart.

Unfortunately, no such wisdom characterizes those who happen upon theprophetically gifted soul. It seems that the moment anyone displays anyimpressivespecialabilityintheareaoftheprophetic,heorsheisimmediatelywhiskedtocenterstageandthefrontoftheline.Theprophet’sministrymaybepresumptuouslypracticedbywhomever,withno requirement, special aptitude,or approval systemwhatsoever.Merely by saying, “Thus says the Lord,” andhavingitcometopass(perhapsonceortwice)getsthesepeoplepromotedandrashly installed as prophets. No wonder the church fails to take the officeseriously, or to recognize that there is indeed an office for prophets at all. SoinsignificantlyisitviewedthatanyoneclaimingawordisfromtheLordisoftengranted immediate access to the body and entrance into its official spheres,usually with no questions asked. For the most part, those declaring a call toprophesy are believed and trusted based on no actual criteria. No proving,training, or apprenticeship is employed, just the ability to say somethingpredictiveandperhapsremotelyprofound.

That is not how the prophets of old saw this function, nor is it how theyenteredandexecutedtheiroffice.Theancientsoftheirdaywerenotbedazzledby the gifted; they demanded wisdom, reliability, proof of infallibility, and asolidtrackrecord.Ourpredecessorswouldneveracknowledgeaperson’srightto the prophet’s officemerely based upon a word. The Lord, throughMoses,condemnedthisattitudeandmeticulouslyoutlinedthefeaturesandeffectsofHis

ordainedprophets,stressingtothemthattherewasamarkeddifferencebetweentheofficialandthegifted.

Indeed,theofficeissuperiortothegiftbecauseitpredateseveryotherbiblicalministry.Fromthe timeofAbel to thepresentday, theprophet’schargewasaspecialonethatonlythosesuitedtoitsservicecouldbear.Theofficedeterminesits official entrants, not the other way around. As with any public service ormeans of serving the public, the offices are created for the benefit of theirauthoritiesandtheircommunity,inthatorder.Theempoweringauthorities’bestinterestsaretobeservedcontinuallyandthepublictobenefitfromthatserviceis to be provided for and protected. The offices have their own duties,descriptions,standards,performanceguidelines,andentrancecriteriathatserveaseligibilityrequirementsforthosewhoenterandserveinthem.Compatibilitywith theoffice’sstatedqualificationsmustbeexhibiteduponentryandprovensustainableovertime.

TheLord spelled out the qualificationsHe required in detail for thosewhowouldvoiceHismindtoHispeopleinearlyIsrael.Stringentqualificationsandextensive training paths were always stipulated for the one appointed torepresentanother.Youcouldnotjuststandupbeforethepublicandservethemwithout credentials that showed you were authorized to do so by a higherauthority.Inthosedays,noonewasofficiallyacceptedasapublicvoiceoragentapartfromdemonstratinghisorherpossessionofthesequalifications.Thesamecannotbesaidabouttoday’sgift-obsessedchurch.Peoplesing,write,draw,lead,andministeratwill.Theyareencourageddosofreely,andtoexercisetheirgiftsasamateurs,appearingprimarilyasentertainers.

Here is the difficulty with this practice: these gifts are not regulated andcannot be, because they are outside of an official (office) capacity. They arefreelance,independentexpressionsofone’snaturaltalentsavailabletobeusedattheowner’swill.Thatisnotthecasewithanoffice.Officesaredictatedbythosewho establish them. The entity that delegated a measure of its mission orcommissiontoanagencysanctionstheofficialuseofaparticulargiftor talenton its behalf. It usually starts by setting the parameters, boundaries, purposes,functions, and objectives for its agents’ proposed duties and responsibilities.Oncethisisdone,thedistincttalents,abilities,skills,andexperienceneededforsuccessful execution are then defined, to become, in turn, the servicequalifications for those authorized to act on its behalf. To employ the mostqualifiedpeopleforthejob,screeningtakesplacetoattractandgathertheskills,talents,andgiftsthatbestmatchtheposition’squalifications.

Youcanseenowhowandwhymorethantalentandgiftingarenecessaryforofficial functions. Professional entities require skill, experience, training andeducation,aptitude,andtheproperattitudefortheirpositions.Theywantmorethanapersonwhocanorwilldothejob.Theywanttheonewhocanbereliedontimeaftertimetodoitwell,accordingtotheirstandardsandtotheprotectionandpromotionoftheirbestinterests.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ wants the very same thing from Hisprophets.Hespokerepeatedlyaboutgettingtherightpeoplefor theright tasksand using them according to their abilities. That is what the parables of thetalentsandtheminastress,asdoesHisadmonitiontofirstcountthecostofanendeavor to assure thatwhat one starts one iswell able to complete.When itcomes to being God’s voice, these standards could not be more important.Spiritual gifts, like natural gifts, rely on offices; giftings rely on officials forvalidity. Because validity comeswith privilege and power, the responsibilitiesthatcounterbalancethemaregreat.

To qualify for the opportunity or right to affect otherswith your gift in thenameofanagency,youmustbequalifiedbymorethanyourtalents.Youmustmeet thecriteriaof theoffice.In thismanner, theofficemustregulate thegift;otherwise,howcanitsexistenceandeffectivenessbeassured?Whatothermeansdoesanofficehave toguarantee thatwhat itwascreated toaccomplish for itscreatorcanandwillbedonebythebestpersonforthejob?Therefore,theofficeitselfdiscernswhetherornotagift iscompatiblewithitsowncharge.It is theoffice thatdecideswho is able towithstand its rigorsandwhenacandidate isreadytoperformeffectivelyasaqualifiedrepresentativeoftheagencyitserves.The office determines and dictates the agent’s schedule, readiness, behavior,conduct, measurements and standards, latitude, rank, and authority. Gifts, bythemselves,neednoneof thiskindofoversight.Basedon theseprinciples, theofficeinvariablyconformsorevictsitsgiftedentrants.Apartfromtheoffice,thegifting, on its own, only scarcely affects the world outside of its immediateadmirers.Itisnotuntiltheofficialsofitsfieldofendeavorrecognizeandengageitsservicesthatthegiftcanperforminanofficialcapacity.Thatishowitiswiththeprophetic.

Thereasonpropheticministryhasbeensodisturbinguptonowisbecausethegifthasbeentoooftenelevated,used,andexercisedapartfrom(andabove)theoffice. That left the prophetic gifting to operatewith no guidelines, oversight,standards,entrycriteria,orevaluativemeasurements. Italsohadno remedyorrecourse for any damage it caused.Nothing really existed to assure accuracy,

integrity,relevance,orpurposefulfillment.Thosequalitiesareonlyavailableinanoffice.

Theprophet’sofficehasbeeninexistencesinceAbel.(SeeLuke11:49–51.)Its long-standing existence predateswhatwe have come to accept as spiritualgifting. Generally, when this term is applied to any spiritual activity, it isreferring to the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:7–11. However, that is amisnomerbecausethewordthatistakenpopularlyforgiftsinthatpassagedoesnot pertain to the independent operations of individuals, but to the arbitrarymanifestationsoftheHolySpirit.Perhapsthatiswheretheproblembeganinthefirst place.Nevertheless, Scripture establishes that long before the latest giftercame along, the prophet’s office existed and was professionally occupied bythosewhom the Lord chose. It does notmatter howmuch the propheticmayhavebeenignoredovertheyearsofthechurch’sexistence.Itsofficemayhaveremainedvacant,butinGod’sminditwasneverdefunct.Ifthisnextgenerationofprophetsisgoingtogetitright,theyaregoingtohavetorelegatethegifttotheofficeanddemandthattheprophesierandotherpropheticgiftsberegulatedandadministratedbyofficialprophets.

ChapterSummary

1. Thepropheticisanagency.

2. Agenciesincludeanofficialandacommission.

3. Acommissiongovernssubordinateentities.

4. Prophetics are God’s divine agencies of the Creator’scommunications.

5. Divine communications releaseGod’s prophecies. They declareGod’splansandactuateHiswordsandwill.

6. ProphetsareGod’sdivinecommunicationagents.

7. Agents are officers of the Godhead delegated with Creatorauthority.

8. Inadditiontoprophesying,prophetsalsointercede.

PropheticActionItems

1. Conductastudyofagentsandagenciesanduseyourinformationtodesignwhatyouconcludeyourpropheticministry shouldbe.Includepolicy,protocols,practices,andoperations,ifyoucan.

Chapter6

TheChurchProphet’sRole

Inthischapteryouwillreadaboutthedifferencebetweenchurchprophetsanditinerantprophets.Itcovers:

God’splanforthechurchprophet

Shamarprophets

Generalchurchprophettasks

Avoidingpropheticmonopolies

Thewatchmandutiesofthechurchprophet

HowChurchProphetsDifferfromItinerants

To understand the church prophet’s role, we start by giving somefundamentalsontheposition.Ourgoalistovalidatechurchorresidentprophetsbydefiningtheirroleinthechurch.Ofcourse,thebestplaceforustobeginisinScripture. The following material comes from an extensive study of Hosea12:13.Thepassage reads,“Byaprophet theLordbrought IsraeloutofEgypt,andbyaprophethewaspreserved.”The relevanceof this teachingcentersonthetwowordsusedtodescribewhatMosestheprophetdid,andcontinuedtodo,in the life of the people God sent him to deliver from Egyptian bondage.Implications behind Israel’s exodus andMoses’ subsequent guardianship overthedeliveredpeopleofGodshedlightontheprophet’sconstantworkfollowingdeliverance.ItsinclusioninHosea’sdiscoursesinstructsusfurther,beyondwhatwelearnedaboutSamuel’sministry,onhowtheprophetmaybeutilizedinthelocalchurch.Fromthesemeanings,itmaybededucedthateverychurchneedsaprophetic guard.That is a force of seasoned prophets that create the shield ofdefensethatkeepsthechurchclean,pure,focused,andoutofSatan’sreach.Thisshield takes the first hit, akin to what a government’s guard would do.Guardianshipistheprimaryandstandingpurposeofthechurchprophet.Withoutone, the church is vulnerable to humanist and demonic victimization and can

easilylapseintoitsoriginalbondagetocarnality.Thecaresofthisworldandtheprideoflifeovertakeit.

Two words that are used in this passage show what ancient prophets did.Together they enlighten us on the functions of stationary prophets in today’schurch, jointlygivingusa sketchof thisofficer’swork in themodernchurch.The twowords are alah and shamar. In this discussion,we concentrate on theHebrew word shamar. It means “to guard.” Regarding the prophet, thesedefinitions are a good guide for those who cover our churches with theirprophetic mantles and mandates in the twenty-first century. Shamar clarifiestheirfunctionalactivitiesandresponsibilitiesinlocalcongregations.

God’sPlanfortheChurchProphet

God intends that church prophets watch, guard, protect, fence in, patrol(heavenly and societal realms), war, pray, and intercede for their assignedchurches. These responsibilities include their constant purview of Christiandoctrinal and theological outpourings in their generation. Church prophetsshould not conduct their offices in a vacuum. They should be aware of newteachings and movements taking place around them so they can endorse orrenounce them. In doing this, they spiritually and supernaturally guard theLord’s church as long as it is on earth.Our description of theministry of thecontemporaryprophetastakenfromthebookofHoseainvolvesthepropheticinall of these functions because of shamar’s meaning, as defined in the nextsection.

ShamarProphetics

Thewordshamarmeans“tokeepandguardsafely;topreserveandprotect.”Thinkaboutthispropheticallytoseehowonesoassignedachievestheseinthechurch. Speculate on the probable duties, responsibilities, and positiondescriptionneededtoaccomplishthisasanofficialprophet.

Asaspiritualentityonearth,thechurchenjoysthebulkofwhatisperformedoraccomplishedforitintherealmofthespirit.Suchofficiationsareexecutedbythe prophet, who uses mostly supernatural means, such as prayer vigils andintercessions, spiritual warfare, and divine revelations. By nature, prophetsemploy these tactics formodern interpretationand translationof theold to thenew, or vice versa, for their local congregations. At first glance, the abovespiritual duties seem pitiable and insignificant in comparison to humaninitiatives because they are essentially ethereal in context and nature. Further

study reveals an inherent potency in these methods that, when compared toearthlyblessings,makesmanycarnalorhumanisttacticsimpotentincontrast.

Thus, local church prophets should, above all, endeavor to attend prayersessionsheldbythechurch.Howelsecanrevelationsimpartedtoprayergroupsbe balanced and validated by them as credible witnesses? Also, in no waybesides actual participation in the congregation’s prayer vigils can churchprophetseffectivelyandintelligentlybattledarknessfortheflock.Thisceaselessendeavor is incumbent upon them because prophets’ powerful spirits easilyreleaseblessingsandvictories to thechurch thatmayotherwisebeheldupbydemons. Their dynamic presence is respected by them on account of theprophets’numerousclasheswiththesepowersduringtheirtrainingyears.

As a recruit, thewell-trained prophet successfully learns how to guard andkeeptheterritoryGodgivestoaparticularchurchbody.Thechurchprophetwhodoesnotparticipateregularlyinacongregation’scorporateprayerlifeisaguarddisconnectedwithhisorherpurposeforbeingonthewall,andunenlightenedonthemienofpropheticministry.Manyprophetsobject tothisdutybecausetheyfeel themselves and their anointing tobe toopotent for the laymember.TheyprefertogettheirintelligenceonthecongregationstrictlyfromtheHolySpirit.Whilethereismuchtobesaidforthisapproach,itisnotenoughtoshoreupthewobblyfaithofstrugglingleadersandmembers,anditdoes little toaffirmtheprophets’interestsandconcernsfortheirhopes,goals,orpredicaments.

Church prophets should regularly participate in, and spiritually see to, theofficiations of church sacraments and special ceremonies, such as weddings,christenings, and baptisms. In this capacity, church prophets should stand bywith a ready word from the Lord on the celebrated event. Likewise, theirpresence immediately preserves the protocols, practices, and executions of theservicesandkeepsGod’saimsat theheartof it.Assupernaturalagentsof theGodheadinattendance,churchprophetswardoffungodliness,error,abuse,andneglectwhentheyarecompetentlytrained.

GeneralChurchProphetTasks

Churches and their leadership should be well versed on how and where toemploy their churchprophets.For instance, consider thechristeningofbabies.Allbabiesbornintotheworldhaveadivinepurpose,whichcanberevealedtotheparentsbyGod’sprophets.Thechurchprophet’srole,then,istodivulgethatpurposetotheparentsbeforenegativeworldinfluenceshaveachancetosubvertorinseminatethechild’sdestinywithitsChrist-lessalternative.Ideally,parents

will use the prophet’s revelation to nurture the youngster in God’s divinepurpose.ChildreninthechurchshouldhaveasampleatimetohearfromGodabout their lives as the adultsdo.Having trainedprophetsminister to themaspractice is a good developmental exercise. Church prophets should be inattendanceat,orsoonafter,ayoungster’sconversionorbaptismtoministertheLord’swordonhisorhernewlifeandtocoverhimorherwiththemantleofthechurch. The way a child’s parents were nurtured may naturally attempt tooverthrow thewill ofGod in a child’s life, so theLord’s higher powersmustintervene early to prevent needless upsets and diversions that take youngsters,noviceministers,andnewcomers toJesusChristoffcourse.TherevelationsofthechurchprophetcanplacenewcomerstoChristontheirpredestinedpathsandsettlethemintheirNewCreationdestiny.

Church members can also benefit from this resident ministry from time totime.IfchurchmemberswereabletohearfromtheLordpropheticallyintheirhome church regularly under the auspices of their pastor, then fewer saintswould be seduced to follow questionable prophets’ ministries or resort topsychicstohearabouttheirfutures.Anotherimportantfunctionoftheprophetisprophetic counsel. This embraces more than prophesying; it is advisorypropheticsthatblendpresentinsight,futurewisdom,anddivinerevelationwithpropheticacumen.

Beyondthis,thechurchprophetshouldbepartoftheclergyrepresentativesinmembershipcriseslikedeath,illness,calamity,andsoforth.Theprophet’swordensuresthat thedemonsinvolvedintheattackarehaltedanddonot treadpasttheir assigned or permitted bounds. Read over David’s penalty for countingIsraelandhowtheLordtoldtheangelonassignmentinthejudgmentwhentodrawbackhissword.Theaccountisin1Chronicles21.Anothergoodactivityforthechurchprophetisaccompanyingchurchmemberswhohavetofaceandinteractwithworld authorities like judges, police, and so forth.The respectfulpresenceofthechurchprophetintercedinginthebackgroundandupholdingthewill and word of the Lord in the matter can soothe otherwise explosivesituations.Aboveallelse,thechurchprophetshouldbepresentandinvolvedatthechurch’smajoroutreachfunctions,anditgoeswithoutsayingthatthematureones should collaborate on the church’s businessmatters. If you read 1Kings22:6–13,Ezra5:1,andNehemiah6:7,howthisallworksiselucidated.

AvoidingPropheticMonopolies

Itshouldbesaidinconclusionthat thechurchprophetinstitutionshouldnot

belimitedtojustoneprophet.Theonechosentosuperintendtheministryofthelocal church should be free to identify, nurture, and induct others into theministry to help shoulder the workload. Also, having more than one prophetreduces the possibility of prophetic monopolies in the church and allows thecongregationtohearfromGodfrommorethanonedimension.

Pastors should seek to establish the ministry of the church prophet as anordained order that includes prophetic representation from all the relevantspheresofthechurch’slife.

TheWatchmanDutiesoftheChurchProphet

Goingbacktothewordshamarthatwehavebeendiscussing,itfurthermeans“towatchoverasonewhoguardscattleorsheep,”adefinitionthatsumstheseupintheprophet.Sheep,inthiscase,referstotheflockofacongregation.IntheLord’schurch,itreferstochurchmembers.Youmayalreadyknowthatanotherwordfortheprophetiswatchman.Itsymbolizesthepatrollingandguardianshipactivitiesoftheofficerinthesupernaturalrealm.Thus,thewatchcenterofthechurchprophet’sterritorycoincideswithachurch’sdivinelyappointedsphere.

Watchman duties are accomplished through the prayer, intercession, andpetitions of the prophet on behalf of the church. They entail activation of theprophet’smantletoinvokeandmarshalthespiritualforcesassignedbyGodtokeep the balance of power and tilt the scales in the church’s favor at theprophet’sword.Furthermore,theycomprisethemanyreasonsaprophetshouldbeinstalledasthesuperintendentofthechurch’soverallprophetics,andasheadofitsspiritualguard,particularlytheprayergroup.Suchaguardwouldconsistof the prayer team, special intercessors, dedicated psalmists, seers, and, ofcourse,subordinateprophets.Thewatchmanapplicationspotlightslinksbetweenwhatprophetsdospirituallyandwhatasimilarofficerwoulddo in thenaturalrealm. Thus, the word shamar gives prophets the status of spiritual guards,warriors, supernatural enforcers, and keepers of the churches of God. (SeeJeremiah17:16and50:6–7asexamples.)

Additionally, our word shamar identifies a prophet who encircles (orsurrounds)toretainandattendto,asonedoesagarden.Theprophet’sspiritualauthorityactsasafenceorgarrisonaroundanassignedcongregationtoshielditfrom harm, attack, or demonic trespass. Protection from trespassers, asmeanthere, includes protection from the spoilage, destruction, invasion, and threatsthat result fromspiritual andhuman trespassers in thechurch.Thereare timeswhenheretical typesorwayward renegades joinachurch just to sowseedsof

destructioninit.Thewatchfuleyeoftheresidentprophetcanspotthesepeopleandbringspiritualdiscomforttobearonthemsotheyareillateaseamongtheflock and quickly leave. This tactic is always engaged by occultists in thechurch’sneighborhood.

Ontheotherhand,incongregationswherethepropheticisrefused,thesamesituationcanhavedisastrousresults.Bythetimechurchleadersbecomeawareof the sly manipulations of roaming renegades, it is often too late. Usuallyexcessive generosity, overt assistance, and frequent volunteering at the outsetobscure their tactics. Therefore, the ulterior motive that brought them to thechurch is submerged beneath a veneer of good deeds—charity work.Witchesandother destructiveoccultists relyon this tactic to infiltrate and contaminatethechurchestheytargetforattack.Months,years,evendecadescangobybeforetheschemeisuncoveredwithoutadiscerningandwell-respectedpropheticeye.In themeantime,countlesssoulsmaybe lost to thechurchbecauseof thefreecourse given a saboteur of darkness. A solid screening program with asignificantprobationaryperiodcouldreducethesuccessofsuchattacks.

Foranadditionalexampleofthedetrimentofapropheticvoid,seetheeffectof Elisha’s death on Israel in 2Kings 13:14–21. The account gives a biblicalpictureofhowtheabsenceoftheprophetisusedadvantageouslybytheenemy.NoticehowthebandofraidersattemptingtoinvadetheareawassuccessfulonlyafterElisha’sdeath.Thespiritualvoid,betteryetpropheticvoid,leftbyElisha’sdemiseenabledtheirattackonthelandtofinallysucceed.

ShamarUpheldbyKindredTerm

Ourshamarteachingissupportedbyakindredtermthatvalidatesitstruth.Itis thewordnatsar,and it legitimizes thewatchmanstatusof theprophet in thecontemporarychurchbyexpandingpreviouschurchprophetresponsibilities.

The resident or staff prophet is to spiritually and practically engage inactivitiesthatprotect,preserve,maintain,andobservethequalityofthechurch.Prophets are instrumental in helping a church secure its basis for existing, itsstability,anditscongregantgrowth.Theyareobligedtoobserveandspirituallynurture its communal life. This even includes inspecting worship andrecreationalforms,educationaldoctrines,andkingdompracticestoensuretheyareconsistentwithScriptureandcompatiblewiththenatureoftheGodheadinconduct,perspective,andmanifestation.

Natsarpropheticfunctionssurroundthechurchastheywouldawell-guarded

city. That makes the prophetic guard a human wall about the church and aspiritual shield by which the Lord hides the congregation from attack. Theprophet’scovenantedspiritualauthorityintervenesforthechurchasthemantlecloaksittoconcealitsvulnerabilities.Inthisway,thestationedchurchprophetfortifies thechurchheor shecoversasa fortress inGod’shighplaces. In thiscapacity, the prophet protects the house from the bondage and strongholds ofidolatry, spiritual intimidation, and ecumenical compromise. Prophets quicklyspot even secular holds and humanist philosophy lurking in traditional churchdoctrines unseen by most. (See Jeremiah 4:16 for a better understanding ofGod’smindonthisduty,whichisalsowhatNahum2:1talksabout.)

The preceding discussions establish that prophets are fighters. This is thenatureofthemantleandtherequirementofthetask.Prophetsmustbefearless,determined,resolute,andprotective.Ifnot,theyendupbeingmerenewscasterswhoannouncewhatisgoingonwithnogodlyeffectwhatsoeverontheeventshappening in the church.Obviously, character and temperament flaws such asthis can be harmful without divine restraint, which is why prophets must bepainstakinglyobedient and fiercely loyal to theLord.Howeverhurtful the jobmaybeattimes,prophetsaredangerousiftheyhavenotsurrenderedtheirhurtsanddisappointmentstotheLord.ThosewhodonotturntotheLordriskraiding,intentionallyornot,Histreasures.Whenthishappens,theseprophetsceasetobeservants and frightfully become supernatural mercenaries using powerfulabilitiestofinancetheirwhimsorrewardthemselvesforalltheysuffered.ReadGod’sanswertothisimproperpropheticattitudeinMicah3:5.

Despitetherisk,prophetsoverall,whenwelltrained,areworthit.Pastors,inlightof this information, askyourselves ifyoucoulduse someaddedspiritualhelpandincreasedsupernaturalcoveringforthoseentrustedtoyourcare.Ifso,youareidealcandidatesforachurchorresidentprophetinstitution.

Inthenextchapter,Iwillpresentinformationtoguideshepherdsandchurchprophets in their discovery and installation of thisministry. Also outlined aremorevaluableusesofthechurchprophetinalocalchurch.

ChapterSummary

1. Hosea12:13amplifiespropheticservice.

2. Twowords,shamarandnatsar,expandpropheticduties.

3. Thechurchprophetperformsatleasteightspecificfunctions.

4. The word shamar identifies the guardianship duties of theprophet.

5. Localchurchpropheticsrequireseveralstandardtasks.

6. Local churches should avoidpropheticmonopoliesby installingpropheticministriesthatrepresenttheentirebody.

7. The prophet’s guardianship duties fulfill themantles’watchmanactions.

8. Micah3:5depictsimproperpropheticattitudes.

PropheticActionItems

1. Showhowpropheticguardianshipshouldbecarriedoutand theparticularhumanissuesorconditionsthatnecessitateit.

2. DepicthowyouwouldrecognizeMicah3:5inaction.

3. Project what type of screening and readiness programs today’sprophetsneedinordertobeeffective.

Chapter7

TheChurchProphet

In this chapter youwill read about the church prophet and how theBible’sancientmodelsapplytoday.Itcovers:

Churchprophetsubmission

Churchprophetleadershipinteraction

Churchprophetlifestyleandposture

Benefitsofchurchprophetsubmission

Howchurchprophetsarefinanced

Standardpositionofthechurchprophet

ContemporaryApplicationofAncientGuide

You have been introduced to the validity of the church prophet in the localchurch. The office and officer were discussed from the perspective of Hosea12:13andtheHebrewwordsshamarandnatsar.Herewepickupthestudyfromthatpoint.

Fromwhatyoureadpreviouslyabouttheshamarfunctionoftheprophet,younow understand how church prophets are to fulfill spiritual and practicalfunctions.Itcanbesaid,forcomparison’ssake, that theirwatchcarefunctionsclosely resemble thoseof residentwatchers incertainsecular institutions, suchas fraternities, sororities, rehabilitation houses, and similar institutions wherepersonnelareassignedtooversee,tendto,andsafeguardresidents.

Withtheprophet,itismoresignificantbecausehisservicehasgovernmentaland priestly, as well as predictive, elements attached. Any overseer of acommunaldwellingorgatheringplacewhosepositionismorethancustodial,touse an earthly example, fits this category. Observing the functionalpreoccupations of such custodial care superintendents clearly illustrates this

aspectofthechurchprophet’sspiritualpurpose.

All-ImportantChurchProphetRequisite—Submission

In the church house, a prophet’s authority is subject to the pastor for theduration of the assignment. The reason for this is simple: the church and itsmembersweregiventotheshepherd,nottheprophet,unlesstheprophetisthepastor.ReadaboutGadandNathan’s serviceunderDavid’s reign forhow thisworks.

ResidentChurchProphetandLeadershipInteraction

NathanandGadwereofDavid’snabiiminstitution,althoughGadwasaseerandNathananabi.Theyservedasresidentorstationaryprophets,asdiscussedearlierinthebook.Nonetheless,theirpresence,assignment,orspiritualauthorityas staff prophetsdidnotnegateDavid’s regencyover the land.Although theirwords had great power and induced the supernatural, their positions did notsubjugate or supersede David’s reign. The two royal officers served him ascounselors, seers, intercessors, sages, and prophetic warriors with authorizedvoicesinthesupernatural.Theyworkedintandemwitheachotherforthegoodof each one’s assignment and their mutual service. Both prophets’ greatestcontribution was their official license to invoke the nation’s potent spiritualpowersandresponsesinthisworld.IfyoureadDeuteronomy32:9–13,youseethat the Lord established Israel in a spherical as well as natural high place.Covenantal relationshipwith theMostHighGod bringswith it the benefit ofabiding in His highest realms. David understood this, as may be seen fromreadinghiswords in 2Samuel 22:34.He saw thoseof his cabinet as spiritualhighpowersassignedtohisreign,astheywerewithSaul,andhedidnotlimitthatcabinettoonlysecularauthority.

When Saul and Jonathanwere slain,David understood that they had fallenfromtheirhighplacesandtheirdeathsweremostlikelytheconsequenceoftheirspiritualweakening.Job25:2fortifiesthistruthbydeclaringthattheLordmakespeace (indicating His sovereign authority) in His high places. Read with thisPsalm18:33.Forfutureteachingonthesubjectsoitmakesmoresensetoyou,think about “God’s highest places” reference in this light. Read Psalm 18:33,Isaiah14:14,2Samuel22:34,andHabakkuk3:19.Theyallsharethesameideaofwhatismeant.Prophetsneedtograspthisconceptsincetheyarethephysicalembodiment ofGod’s high place representatives in their churches. It does notchangeintheNewTestamentbecauseallof itswritersthataddressthesubject

speakabout the influenceof theheavenlyplacesandour inheritancecontainedthere.

Spiritually,suchhighplacereferences,tenderedbytheHebrewwordbamah,define the clouds and the highest waves of the seas. Thisword speaks to theheavenlyandcelestialspheresofGodasmuchasitreferstothehighpowersoftheearthandtheircorrespondingauthorities.

The two prophets’ (Nathan and Gad) spiritual high places occasioned theirpositions of authority with David. Their mantles gave the king direct andimmediateaccess to thespontaneouswillandwordof theLordonroutineandunexpectedmatters.Forthisfunctiontobefruitful,itisobviousthatprayermustbeagreatpartofthewatchdutiesoftheprophetthatservesachurch.

Remember,intercessionandprayer,notmerelyprophesying,arepriorityjobsof the prophet. Without a disciplined and potent prayer life, church prophetswould rely on their soulish realm for revelation. They could then riskprophesying out of their own hearts (Jeremiah 23:16) or their own spirits(Ezekiel13:1–3)whatiscalleddivination,asdiscussedlater.Theperceptionsofthe leader and the whims of the flock can prevail in these cases more thananything else. Worse than this is the church prophet who fails to read theScripturesregularlyorfailstoseektheLordfordailypropheticministrations.Inthesecases,Jeremiah23:13istheoutcome.Thespiritualprinciplesandlawsofcreationseetoit,becausewhatiswritteninIsaiah66:4andJeremiah23:13canbetheonlyconsequence.

ChurchProphetLifestyleandPostureoftheChurch

Prayer,separationfromtheworld,anddevotiontoGodarethephase-oneactsofpropheticpreparation.Afterthese,arigidadherencetotheSpiritandWordofGod alone ensures church prophets consistently deliver the purewords of theLordtothoseintheircare.Neglectingsuchrequisitesandfraternizingconstantlywiththehouseholdarethegreatestdangerstoprophets’accuracy.Hereiswhy.

Excessiveminglingwiththosetheyservecancauseprophets’devotiontotheircharge tooverrule thewill of theLord in certain situations.Hearing toooftentheirproblems,needs,andplightsfirsthandcansoarouseprophets’compassionor opinions that they can confirmwhat the Lordmay not have ordained. TheincidentofKingDavid’sdesiretobuildahouseforGodinthebookof2Samuel7:1–29makesthispoint.

Asyoucanreadfromtheaccount,theprophetNathan’sconstantinteractionswithDavidcausedhimtogiveDavidawordfromthesphereoftheobvious.Heprophesied the obviously predictablewhen asked byDavid if he thoughtGodwouldbepleasedif thekingbuiltHimahouseinwhichtodwell.NathantoldDavidtogoonandbuildGodahouse,becausehisexperiencewiththekinghadshownhimhowpleased JehovahwaswithkingDavid. In theprophet’smind,God’sgoodpleasurewassoabundantlyevidentintheking’slifethatHecouldnotpossiblydenyDavidthehonorofbuildingHimatemple.AftertheprophetgaveGod’sconsenttotheking,hewaslatersenttoreversehiswordfollowingavisionhereceivedthatnight.ItisagoodthingtheprophetNathanwasnottooproudtoreversehiswordwiththekingandgivetherealwordoftheLordonthematter. Many prophets today would not do so for fear of professionalembarrassmentorbeinglabeledfalseprophets.

Insteadofallowingtheking’ssacrificetobespurnedbyGodandwastinghistime, money, and energy on what would not have pleased the Lord, Nathanboldlygave thekingwhat he learnedwas the truemindofGod regardinghisplans. In this case, revelation could have been jeopardized by familiarity andbothcouldhavebeendangerous.Thanks to thehumilityof theprophet, itwasnot. Nathan’s willingness to admit his mistake meant the king’s desire wasdenied for hallowed reasons only. Due to David’s military career, whichinvolvedmuchbloodshedonGod’s behalf, building a house for theLordwasassignedtooneofhissons,Solomon.

Thisexampleshowsthatforthechurchprophetinparticular,thelinebetweenfriendshipandfamiliaritycaneasilygrowthinandfade.Warmfeelingsandthefortified trust that grow between the prophet and the pastor could eliminateboundaries and relax standards to the pointwhere the prophet’smantle in thechurchbecomesmerelyaspiritualprop.Itcanalsobetheotherwayaround.Thepastor’sauthorityintheunionmaygetsoweakthattheprophetdisregardsitinfavorofwhatheorsheiscertaintheLordissaying.

When familiarity takeshold, thepastor canclaim tohavea churchprophet,butovertimehemaynullifythemessenger’svaluetothechurchanditsleaders.I havebeen in such situations in thepast.When the strugglebetween the twomantles remained unresolved, the only thing left for the pastor and churchprophettodowastoseverties.Toallconcerned,thiscasemadethedecisiontodissolve treasured relationships or withdraw from comfortable fellowships forprofessional reasonsdifficult.Beingawareof thegravityofmyoffice and theconditionsunderwhichsuchrelationshipswereformed,IrecognizewhenGod’s

motivationformybeinginsomeone’slifeisjeopardizedorcompromised.Inotonlydistancemyselfwhenfamiliaritybegins toborderoncontempt,but IalsodosoforthebenefitofthepersongreatlyinneedofGod’sprophetics.Itisquiteeasy for prophets to get to the place where they commune with someone somuchthatthepersonforgetswhotheprophetismeanttobeinhisorherlife.

At these times, joint prayer sessions yield little objectivity as the prophetbegins to sit on important information received from God. Intimateacquaintances start to question the veracity of the words prophets receivebecauseofperceivingthemessengerasbeingtooclosetothesituation.Ontheotherhand, theprophetworriesabout threateningthefriendship ifhegiveshispastor-friendawordheorshewillnotlike.Asthedaysgoby,theprophetgrowsmore timid by the friendship, fearing pastoral retaliation. The pastor and thechurch’s spiritual covering begin to disintegrate.Wisdom dictates under thesecircumstances that the problem be brought out into the open and discussedfrankly.Ifthesuspicionsoftheprophetaretrueandhisorherusefulnesstothepastor is finished, good decisions should be made as the two accept that theprophet’stimewiththeministryisup.Althoughthiscansurelyprovepainful,itisnonethelessquiteprudent.Astheseveringprocessgetsunderway,responsibleplansshouldbemadetomakethetransitionfromtheoldtothenewprophetassmoothaspossible.

Evenwiththislikelihood,whichneednotbeviewedwithnegativity,GodstillwouldliketoprovideHisDavidsoftodaywiththesamebenefitastheirancientpredecessor by installing like prophets in all His churches. Truly the churchneeds a solid, competent, masterful nabiim institution operating in Christ’sintegrity. The Lord yearns to give His pastors the advantage they need overdarkness by assigning a potent spiritual watch-force to guard and defend Hischurchesfromtheironslaughts.

As operatives of the divine kingdom of the Most High, prophets’ spiritualauthority in thechurch’s realmshouldeasily supersede thatof thekingdomofdarkness.Notrestrictedtothesupernaturalalone,thechurchprophets’activitiesthat effectively impact the spiritworld can effortlessly overcome the edicts ofhumankingdomsaswell,anothervaluetheybringtothechurch.AccordingtoScripture, the prophets of God should profit those they serve, not merelythemselves. A prophet’smature presence in a land says that prosperity on allfrontsshouldbeatthechurch’sdisposalovertime.

TheBenefitofVoluntaryChurchProphetSubmissiontotheChurch

While it is true the prophet is the second-ranking Ephesians 4:11 official,thoseassignedtolocalchurchesvoluntarilysubmittotheshepherdtocooperatewith the will and purposes of God. Their decision to do so allows them tocollaborateeffectivelywith theheadof thechurchonmatterspertaining to theLord and the church, and enables all concerned toyield thepeaceable fruit ofobedience. Humble church prophets take care not to usurp the pastor or toattempttodrawawaythesheepasdisciplesafterthemselves.Theyshuntheveryappearance of evil suggested by these behaviors before the membership,deliberately giving the pastor due regard in every public instance. From theirheartstheyknowtheyareinthechurchondivineassignmentandtheirjobistoupholdthepastorineverycredibleway.Inaddition,submissivechurchprophetsmakesurethesheepdonotseethemasalternativestothepastororattempttopitthe two against each other, prophet versus pastor. Church prophets do notshepherd thesheeptheycoverandguardoutside thepastorate.Committedandinsightful churchprophets protect anddevelop themembers andkeep them intheLord’sspirituality.

Ioncehadaprophetofachurchwhoseagendawaswhollycontradictory tomine.Icalledameetingwiththisnovicetotrytogettothebottomofasimilarproblem.IthoughtthatifIdiscussedthematterwithhimpersonally,hewouldseethevalueofafunctioningcollaborationbetweenus.Itdidnotwork.Yousee,aslongastheprophetwasfreetolead,prophesy,andperform,everythingwasfine. When I imposed boundaries and guidelines on him, his attitude turnedsullen.

Inthemeeting,theyoungprophetbecamebelligerentandinformedmethathewasnotgivinghislifetoministry;hehadalifeoutsideofitandhewouldnotpermit me to tell him what to do. Taken aback, I let him know that the twoperspectives were mutually exclusive of the prophet’s office. His life was nolongerhisownandachurchprophetassignment,likeamentorship,presupposedhis being toldwhat to do.Mywordshadno effect.Theprophet counteredbyadding that hewould determinewhenhewould orwould not obeyme. Iwasstunned,asIhadneverimaginedthesedisordersbrewinginthisperson’sbeliefsystem.Hehadcometomefromunderareputableandwell-knownprophet,andI assumed thepersonhad thesebasics of prophetic character resolved.Hedidnot.

Afterafewmore“I’mgrownanddon’tneedanyonetotellmewhattodoandwhereIcango”tantrums,theprophetinformedmethathehadtoseekGodonmy request. I had asked that he give me advance notice when he would be

leavingtownorskippingaservice,andthatwashisresponse.Naturally,Isawthat the entire arrangement had grown dysfunctional and said as much. Myanswertoouryoungprophetwasthatanypositionwithanyorganizationwouldrequiresuchnotificationandthattheissueathandwasnotamatterofadulthoodor childhood. It was amatter of accountability—professional accountability. Irealizedthatthisyoungprophetwouldbeembarkingonalongroadtolearntwoveryprimitiveprophet lessons:obedienceandaccountability. If itwerenot fortheinsightintowhattheLordwasgoingtohavetodototeachhimthatthetwogohand inhand,and thatonecannotbewithout theother, Iwouldhavebeenmoredisturbed.Asitwas,IwasgrievedasSamueloverSaulbecause,knowingGodasIdid,Isawthatitwasgoingtogetroughforthisyounglearner.RatherthanwaitfortheprophettoprayandgetGod’sanswer,Iseveredtherelationshipby releasing the novice frommy tutelage. I knew this outburstmasked deep-rootedproblemsspringingfromotherissuesthathinderedhisabilitytograspthemostelementaryofpropheticprinciples.

Cases like this showwhychurchprophets shouldnotbe installedwhohaveproblemswithaccountability,withreportingtothepastorasinstructed,orwithperformingtheirdutiesaccordingtothepastor’sdirectives.Theseallamounttoinsubordinationandwillculminateinachurchinsurrection.Afterawhile,thatiswhathappenedinmycase.Theyoungprophet,convincedhewasreadytogoitalone,gatheredanumberofotherneophytesandbegantoteachthem.Ironically,theveryobedienceherequiredofhisnewfollowerswaslackinginhimself.Iamsuremanypastorshavebeeninthisplace,andthesagestanswerIcangiveyouis to cut ties early, quickly, and decisively to avoid infecting the rest of yourgerminatingleaders,shouldaprophetbeunwillingtolistenandlearnfromyou.

I am reminded at this point of those churches whose staff prophets havediverted theflock’sattentionfromthepastor to themselves. Insome instances,theactoftreasonwassogreatthateventhetithesduethechurchweredivertedtotheprophet.Ihaveexperiencedthismyself.Aprophet,afraidhewillnotgetthe opportunity to do his ministry, attaches himself to a church for only onereason. That is to ingratiate himself to the pastor long enough to seduce thespirituallyhungryorimmaturememberswithhisprophetics.Oncetheprophet’sministryhasdazzledthesusceptiblemembersofthechurch,theprophetcreatesa situation where he can retaliate against the pastor for an artificial hurt byabruptly leaving the church, freeing himself to launch his ministry with thepastor’s flock.Beckoningdisgruntledmembershehas inflamedover time, theprophet sets up aministry to rival the church and convince itsmembership to

supporthiswork.Heinstructsthemtobringtheirtithestotheprophet’smeetingsto finance his rebellion. This is error, as Scripture records that no prophet, orother itinerant minister, is authorized to receive congregational tithes andofferingsdue thechurchheserves.Moreover, theLordexpressly forbids localchurch servants, ordained or not, to splinter a church down prophetic lines. Itshouldbeunderscoredherethattithesgenerallygotothepriests(shepherds)ofthehouseholdandnottothechurchoritinerantprophetunlesstheyaretithestheprophet’sministryhasearned.Iftheprophetisthepriest(pastor),orservinginasimilarpurposeinatither’slife,thenheorsheisauthorizedtoreceivethetithes.Todootherwisecouldhaveacongregant’sgivinggounrecognizedbyGod.

Aside from the previous situation, prophets receive and are entitled toofferingsandsupportfortheirlabors,butnotthetithesfromthechurchtowhichthey have been assignedwithout the pastor’s approval. Prophets truly sent byGodwillencouragecongregantstosurrendertheirtithestothechurchandnottothemselves for the sake of obedience.Theywill also urge churchmembers toremainunderthecoveringoftheirpastorandnottoseekpropheticexperiencesoutsidethechurch.YouwillknowaGod-groomedchurchprophetbyhowheorshe leaves. If the prophet leaves the church quietly, informing only the pastorand refusing to inciteothermembersor leaders to leavewithhimorher, thenthisisagodlyandtrustworthyprophet.

HowChurchProphetsAreFinanced

Astaffprophetshouldbecompensatedregularlylikeanyotherpermanentorlong-termemployeeoftheministry.Aregularsalaryisnecessaryiftheprophetis to forgo traveling ministry to serve one church. If not, the danger of hisabandoninghisposttoprovideforhimselfisgreat,andthisendangersboththechurchanditsheadunnecessarily.Istronglyurgepastorstoproperlycompensatetheirpropheticstaff,particularlytheirchiefandassistantchiefprophets,justliketheywouldanyotherfull-timeservantofthehouse.Assoonasitispractical,thestaff prophet should be compensated routinely like any other employee of thechurchorwork.Itcannotbestressedenoughthatifyourequireyourprophettoremain in the church and to dedicate all prophetic resources to it, your pastormust compensate himor her sufficiently enough to do so. Such compensationneednotcomedirectlyorexclusivelyoutof thechurchbudget,and itmaybeonlypartly allocated fromchurch income.But pastors should allow their staffprophet to hold prophetic meetings, seminars, classes, and such under churchauspiceswhereheorshecanattractofferings.Thecostofsuchmeetingsshouldbebornebytheprophetsthemselveswithfeesassessedaccordingtowhattheir

personal ministry can afford. The prophet should also tithe from the moneyraised fromthechurch’scovering.Under theseconditions, it ishelpful tourgethecongregationtopledgetosupportthelocalchurch’spropheticinstitutionasthey would any missions team. The reason I stress prophet compensation sostringently isbecauseofmyexperiencewithpastors in thepast.Onnumerousoccasions,Ihaveheardthemcriticizetheirsupposedchurchprophet’sitinerantministry.When I ask them if the prophet is paid like any other staffmember,mostsayno.Ithenaskhowtheyexpectedtheirprophetstoservetheirchurchesandstillprovidefortheirneeds.Theanswerisusuallyashrugoraquickchangeofsubject.Prophets,liketeachers,deacons,andpraiseleaders,mustbeputintothechurch’sbudget.Thatisasurewaytokeeptheminthechurchinsteadofontheroad.

StandardPositionoftheChurchProphet

Whenoneservesasachurchprophet,heorshestandswatchintherealmofthe spiritover thepastorand thechurch for theirgood.Offendedorneglectedprophets are not to become occupiedwith the church’s demise or destruction.Shouldthechurchbeinvolvedinsomethingdangerous,GodexpectsthechurchprophettoprayandintercedeforittoturnitsheartandsoulbacktotheLord.Hedoesnotsanctiontheprophet’scursingtheworktodoomittodiebecauseoftheprophet’sdisappointmentordisagreementwithitsdirectionorplans.Hereisonemorereasonnoviceprophetsshouldnotbeinstalledaschurchprophets.Ihavefoundthatyounganduntrainedpropheticpeopleseeonlyevilanddoominthebeginningof theirministries.Theydiscernwhowilldie andwhatGod shouldjudgemore than anything else. The fundamental nature of prophetic characterinspiresituntildivinenurturingteachesotherwise.

Anearlypredispositiontothefleshcanmotivatenewcomerstotheprophetictoconfuse their soulish realmwith theSpiritofGod.Consequently,what theyhearfromGod,althoughitcomespure,mixeswiththeirimmaturity,hurts,andanger, and makes them mistakenly deliver opinions, perspectives, andperceptions as prophecy. A tendency toward this reaction to church conflictthreatens tomake churchprophetsmorepsychic thanprophetic.While it doesnotmeantheyareservingoccultism,itdoesshowthattheyaremoreattunedtothe intelligence of their soul than the revelations of God’s Spirit. At leastinitially,thatis.

Wehavehadneworunrefinedprophets inourprayergroupsand identified

their immaturity and instability in the after-prayer visions and words theyreceived. I remember remarking about one such seer that he received onlynegativewordsandvisionsfromtheLord.Itdidnotmatterwhothesubjectwas;thewordand revelationshe receivedwereconsistentlydestructive.This seer’snaturallynegativepersonalityhadyettobepurgedandsohehopedthatanythingheviewedwasalsowrong.ImmaturitymotivatedthisprophettoasktheLordtoshutdownordestroy thework. It isnotuncommonforpeoplewhohavebeenabused or dominated by overbearing authority figures to see destruction anddeathas theonlyresolutionof insurmountableproblems.Therefore,whentheycome to God, they are immediately enraptured with His power to destroy allwrongandannihilatewrongdoers.YearsoffrustrationandfutilityhavebredinthemtheneedforGodtoavengethem,eveniftheywerepermittedtowitnessashortfallinanother.Theseprophets’earlyyearsarefraughtwiththefourDsofdamnation:doom,death,disease,anddestruction.Theredemptiveandnurturingelementsoftheofficecomelater.Ittakesawhilefornewprophetstoseethisasapparentmisuseof their supernatural faculties andoutright impositionof theirpersonalcriticismontheSpiritofGod.

Seasoned prophetic servants, on the other hand, are on guard for potentialharmanddangerlurkingtoinvadetheirflocks.Matureprophetsrecognizethemasman-madetoolsofenlightenment,suchasmysticism,occultism,secularism,humanism, and thatmost insidious seducer, tradition. Veteran prophets of thechurch recognize the signs and symptoms of adversarial invaders and combatthem successfully while doing their best to keep the work intact andmovingforwardinGod.Theydonotseedemonicpresenceorinfiltrationasgroundsforthedestructionof theworkas thenoviceprophetdoes.Educationand trainingare how prophets avoid this, and so your church prophetsmust be learned intheseandotherpropheticsubjectstoexposethemtothetricksthedevilusestogetthemtoprophesyhiswillontheirassignedchurches.Trainingandeducationwill equip them to know these groups by their death to the church campaign.Anyinjuredprophetcanfallintothistrap.

Undevelopedwoundedprophetsmakereadytools,orweapons,inthedevil’sarsenal.Heonlyneeds to study thembriefly tonote thedoomandgloom thatsurroundthem.TheseprophetsareunwillingfortheLordtoforgiveandredeemHisworksbecausetheyarefullofunforgiveness.SuchprophetsremindyouofJonahtheprophetinhisdisappointmentatNineveh’sforgivenessbyGod.

WhenGodwanted to forgive and spare the land, theprophet became angryandpoutedbecausehewantedGod’sjudgmenttofallonit.Todrivehomethe

point, preventing this attitude calls for education and training.Without it, theuntrained and slightly educated church prophet, stunted inministry revelationandpropheticinsight,tendstobedoom-andgloom-minded.Suchaministercanendupbeingnomorethanamegaphoneinthecongregation,amplifyingdoom’svoice,orabusybodyinthechurch’saffairs,notimpactingitspeoplepositivelyorappreciably.

Laterwewill discuss the necessary insights, abilities, and training a churchprophet should receive. Still, the highest capacity a church prophet needs iscompassionfortheflock.Churchprophetsareinjuriousiftheyareunmovedbytheweaknesses, temptations,andtrialsof theflock.Theyaresorelywantingifthey cannot have and show mercy on those who are not granted their samedegreeofwisdomandspiritualfortitude.Ihaveseensomeprophetssointentonbeingrightthattheyarecontemptuousofthesheep’ssuffering.Itisgoodforallprophets to remain objective and responsibly detached, especially those of thelocal church. However, these professional safeguards should not overshadowbasicChristiancompassionandempatheticministerialconsolation.

ChapterSummary

1. Hosea 12:13 indicates some of the duties and actions of thechurchprophet.

2. Church prophets served their leaders, mainly leaders of thekingdomanditsinstitutions.

3. Prophets spiritually and spherically occupy the Lord’s highplaces.

4. Twomain features of church prophet submission are obedienceandaccountabilitywiththechurchleadership.

5. Youngprophetsoftenmakequestionableprophetsofchurches.

6. Churchprophetsarenottodivertcongreganttithestothemselves.

7. Churchleadersmustallowchurchprophetstofinancetheirlives.They,too,shouldreceivesalaries.

8. Thestandardpositionofchurchprophetsmeanstheyaretofulfilltheirwatchmandutiesasthechurch’sperpetuallookouts.

PropheticActionItems

1. Drawup a plan to show a group of pastors howhaving churchprophets improves their world. Be specific, practical, anddefinitiveinyourresponse.

2. Outlineaneffectiveobediencepathforanewchurchprophet.

Chapter8

YourChurchProphet

In this chapter you will see how prophets best serve their institutions. Itcovers:

Bothsidesofthepastor/prophetrelationship

Howtoexploreconflictresolutionoptions

God’sdivinechasteningoftheprophet

Veteranprophets’roleinnewprophetdevelopment

Thechurchprophet’sroles

Thechurchprophet’schiefresource

Personalprophecy

Whatprophecyis

ChurchProphetInstitution—LocalChurchProphetics

Prophetics in the local church operate very differently from the free flowmotionsoftheitinerantprophet.Thefluidityofthepropheticingeneralusuallyhasadifficulttimemoldingtothenecessaryinstitutionsofthechurch.Ofallthereasonsforthis,thechiefoneisthatthechurchprophetcomesunderthepastor,and this restricts the normal authority and latitude he or she enjoys.When itcomestothelocalchurchprophet,theassignmentisnotunliketheonebetweenacontracted,howbeitrespected,advisorandhisorherassignedorganization.IftheprophethasnotbeenbrokenandprunedbyGod,thearrangementmayprovedisastrousasthemainlyetherealmantleoftheprophetclasheswiththenurturingonepastorswear.Potentialconflictsnotwithstanding,thereismuchvaluetothearrangement.Forittowork,though,prophetsservinginachurchmustbeawarethat,forthegoodofthegospel,theyarevoluntarilysurrenderinggreatportionsof their ordinary authority and privileges to fulfill another’s mission andmandate.ThedecisionisnotunlikeChrist’swhenHecametoearthtocarryout

the Father’s mission. According to Philippians 2:7, He deliberately madeHimselfofnoreputation,knowingthatwhatHehadbeenbeforetheassignmentbecameirrelevanttothetaskathand.

WhenaprophetcomesintoalocalchurchbecauseGodhasassignedhimorherthere,theobjectofhisorhersojournistofacilitatewhattheLordwantsthechurchtodo.Thechallengecomeswhenprophetsfindithardtodosowithoutdisrupting the church’s culture andoperations, orwhen theymust discredit itspresent headship to succeed. The Lord expects the prophet to meld with thechurch’sleadershipandintegratehisorhermantleintothecustomarylifeoftheworkasa support.Whateverauthority thepropheton localchurchassignmentwieldsissubjecttothatoftheexistinggovernmentofthechurchforthedurationofthecharge.Chargeisagoodwordtouseherebecauseitincludesthepersonaland professional costs of the duty, as well as the cost of its breadth ofresponsibility.

Prophetsareerrant(andarrant)iftheyseetheircallasbeingsenttowrestthesheep from under the pastor’s covering. When one meets prophets who areextractingsheepfromthechurchandpresumingtodrawthemuntothemselves,theseareprophetswhoaregoingagainstdivineorder.Irecentlyheardsomeonesay that hewas leaving his church because a beloved friend intruded into theofficeoftheprophet.Isayintrudedbecause,iftheprophetweregenuineandnota novice, he would be of a mind to spare the flock and therefore woulddiscouragestablesheepfromleavingtheirpastoralcoveringtopersonallyservethenewprophet’scalling.Thereasonthemembergaveforselectinghisfriend’sposition over his pastor is that he viewed his friend as his personal prophet.Whatadangerousmentality.NooneismeanttohaveapersonalprophettotheexclusionoftherestofthebodyofChrist,andnoprophetisordainedtostrictlyserveanyoneindividualorsmall,isolatedclique’swill.Proverbs18:1sayswhy,while Judges 17:1 gives us such an example in the Bible of this practice’sdetriment.Whenyou read the account, you learn that only an idolatrousheartdevoidofleadershipwisdomresortstosuchaspiritualorder.

InanaccountinJudges,amannamedMicahrobbedhismotherforhisownobjectives.Hedidnottellherhetookhermoney,andshesubsequentlyreactedbyputtingacurseonthethief.Whenherealizedthathismother’scursecouldaffecthim,heconfessedhiscrime,andshenegatedhercurse.Inabizarreturnofevents,shegavehimsomeofthemoneybacktofulfillhisheart’sdesiretocrafthimselfanidol.Afterhehaddoneso,heinventedanancestralreligion,andheinstalled his own priests. Of course, we know that during that era, the oldest

maleswereconsideredheadsoftheirhouses,andsotheauthoritytodosorestedinMicah.However, thiswas not a pagan family but an Israelite one, and hisdeviationsexacerbatedthesituation.

Meanwhile, a Levite (minister) was preparing to launch out on his own.Seekingaplacetodwell,andpresumablytoofferhisservices,hehappeneduponMicahtheidolater.ThetwomenforgedacovenantwherebytheLevitewouldbethepriestandofficiateoverMicah’snewfamilyreligion.Judges17:6explainshow Israel’s spirituality so deteriorated: “In those days there was no king inIsrael,buteverymandidthatwhichwasright inhisowneyes.”Therewasnokingshiporheadship,andsothepeopledidwhatevercameintotheirheartsandminds. The Levite was supported by the idolater and lost sight of his initialcalling.He ended up stayingwithMicah the idolater to serve as his personalpriest.Readthelastverseoftheaccount.

God discourages prophets from seeing themselves as envoys of individualsrather thanenvoysof thecauseofChrist, dispatched toHis church.When thecause of Christ is intended, keeping sheep in their churches and serving thewiderbodyofChristbecometheprophet’sprimaryobjectives.Ifthisisnotso,itissafetomarksuchaprophetasawaywardusurperofdivineauthorityandtoshunhisorherdivisivespirit.

Ihavehadmanyconversationswithprophetsrisingtothecallfromwithinalocalchurchwheretheymayhavespentyears.Suddenly,theylegitimatelysensethe call to the office of the prophet. What happens next determines theircredibility and God’s long-term use of them in His service. Sadly, a greatpercentage of them respond to God’s awakening crudely. They awkwardlymanifest their gifts, abruptly sever ties, and callously crush loving pastors’hearts. Innaivezeal, theyrecklesslydisrupt theflowof thechurchwhere theygrewupintheLordsobadlythattheymustbeexcommunicated.

Inothercases,emergingprophetsfosterdivisionbyexercisingtheirnewfoundministries outside the confines of the church, refusing to be supervisedby thepastors they now feel are beneath them.A distasteful struggle begins that canfragment the loyalties of themembership and woundmany vulnerable sheep.Bothextremesareinfectiousandshouldbeavoided.

I remember talking to one church prophet who started a prophetic schooloutside of the church and declined to submit it to the pastor, even though thelion’sshareofthestudentscamefromthechurch’ssizeablecongregation.Thisisquite common, although somewhat unethical, by the way. As if starting

propheticeducationapartfromthepastor’sauspiceswerenotdamagingenough,theprophetshunnedsignificantserviceinthechurch.Heavoidedprayer,neverestablishedaserviceablepropheticinstitute,andfailedtoidentifyandparticipateingrooming emergingprophets in the church.Thosewhowere acknowledgedwerewooedawayfromthepastor’s influence.Therewasnothingbutchaos inthechurch,asapropheticvoidwascreatedbytheprophet’sdisobedience.Thatdisobediencereleaseditsseedstoflourishthroughoutthebodyandcontaminatedthefaithofmanyofitsmembers.

OnthePositiveSide

Ofcourse, therearealways twosides toeveryconflict, and theabove isnoexception.Ontoomanyoccasions,prophetsaresuffocatedintheirchurchesbyoverprotectivepastorswhomeanwellbutnonethelesssacrificetheirpropheticsto protect their flock. This happens regularly, often before the prophet has anopportunitytodisruptorsubverttheworkatall.Reactingtofartoomanyhorrorstoriesandverylittleknowledge,normallytenderandopen-mindedpastorscanunintentionally slaughter a beginning prophet out of fear and overlook morepositiveoptions.

One positive option is to nurture young prophets and seek to establish thebounds of their ministries and establish prudent service parameters for yourchurch.Requireyourprophets in thechurch tocomplete training,probationarytrial, apprenticeship,mentoring, and the likebefore you trust them to serve inyour church. Test the prophets’ intentions by assigning them an important yetnon-critical sphere of the ministry to manage and cultivate prophetically—perhapstheyoungsters,newconverts,ornewmembers,iftheyhavebeenwithyoulongenough.Ifnovicesremainwithin theconfinesof theagreement, thenyoucan increase their reach in thebodyand theweightof their responsibility.Thisprocessshouldtaketwotothreeyearsiftheprophetisnew.Ifthenovicescomplete the process, you can move forward or identify a quality propheticeducationprogramtowhichtoreferthem.Also,pastors,youdonothavetowaittwoorthreeyearsfortheirformaleducationandtrainingtocommence.Thetwoprocesses—yourtestingandtheirdevelopment—cangotogether.

Seeking the wisdom of other pastors who have successfully melded thepropheticintheirchurchesisagoodwaytohandleyours.Turningtoreputableand seasoned itinerant prophets is yet another positive step.Besides followingthese suggestions, discuss your concerns honestly and objectively with thebuddingprophetsinyourchurchtoelicitsoundadviceonhowtheofficemaybe

encouraged in the church. At the same time, have frank conversations withtrustedcolleaguesaboutyourfearstodefusetensionsandenableyoutotakeonaveryimportantandfar-reachingpartofshepherding,thatofnurturing,guiding,and facilitating a newofficer’s promotion in theLord’s kingdom. It is a greatcall,butunfortunately,manydutifulpastorsoverlookorshunit.

Pastorswhoboldlyandcompetentlytakeonthedevelopmentofthepropheticnot only facilitate its positive initiation in their churches, but alsowill reducenewprophets’potentialtoseducethemembershipwithmesmerizingprophetics.Pastors,besureyournewprophetsunderstandthatcausingachurchmembertoturnonhisorherpastorisadeadlyproposition,andaccordingtoEzekiel13:1–16,courts theLord’swrathandcancost theprophethisorherplace inGod’seternalassembly.

WhenAllOptionsAreExhausted

Conversely,prophetswhofindtheirpastorsresistanttotheircalltotheofficeand/oritsoperations,beware.Ifapastoristrulydeadsetagainstyourpropheticgrowth and manifestation in the church, seek a release from God to leave.Situations this dire can get tricky, however. Sometimes new prophetswant toexercise theirministries so badly that they believe their brief encounterswithGodandthefewearlywordsHegivesthemtosayareallthatareneededtogetgoing. They are unwilling to hear about grooming, training, seasoning, andproving,sotheybecomedifficulttohandle.Impulsiveandself-willed,theyturnsurly and unruly, becoming disrespectful and impudent. In young prophets’minds, God has spoken to them directly and that makes them just asknowledgeableofHiswaysasthosewhohavegonebeforethem.Talkingsense,especiallyGod’s sense, tomanyof themat thispoint is impossible as they sitbeforeyou,arrogantanddefiant.

Intheirminds,allyou(pastors)wanttodoissitontheirministries.Ironically,theyfeelyouareholdingthembackbecauseyouaresomehowjealousoftheirbrandnewgiftandthreatenedbyit.Theleviathanspiritisalloverthematthispointastheyreekwithpride.ReadJob41andpayparticularattentiontothelastfewverses.Theseneophytesarecreatingacasetoturnonthepastor,penetratethechurchwiththeiruntemperedprophecies,andgainasympatheticfollowingtoservetheminthebargain.

ShunningHumanInstructionCourtsDivineChastening

After several attempts to reason with headstrong prophets, pastors finally

conclude the best way for them to learn is the hard way. Either by mutualdecision or outright rebellion, the new prophet commits the first of manyspiritualblunders.ThenGod’sfierce,pride-dissolvingclassesbegin.LikeCainwhocommitteda seriousoffenseagainstGod’sdivineordinances,youryoungprophets toomustbe severed from the flock. Ifnot, theymaychoose to leaveandstarttheirministryunhinderedbyyou—theirway.AlsolikeCain,theyaremarkedbytheHolySpiritasrebels,eventhoughtheycontinuetobewell-lovedbyGodand theirpastors.ThinkaboutMarkwhenPaulandBarnabas traveledtogether.Althoughittookyears,theyoungministerfinallygotthemessageandsubmittedtoPaulafterall.Theunfortunatepartofitwasthepathhetooktodoso. Itwas tough,nodoubt,andhewastedyearsonly toenduprightwherehestarted.Itisthesamewaywithtoday’shotheads.

God’sinvisibleyettangiblemarkmutesHisfavoronthemforatimeastheybecomefairgametotheseductiveandeventuallybrutalizingforcesofdarknessassignedbytheLordtofacilitatetheirtraining.ThisspiritualanalogyconsiderstheLordJesus’workonthecross,whichpromisesthattheyoungoffender,oncetrainedandhumbled,willberestoredtoGod’susefulservice.TheapostlePeterwell understood this fromwhat he said in 1Peter 5:10.Hebrews5 shows theLord’spatternassetbyJesusChristHimself. Itsays,“ThoughhewereaSon,yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (verse 8). It is nodifferent for those the Lord saves and grooms for His service. Jesus sufferedrejection, mockery, scorn, assault, and isolation. This He did as God’s onlybegottenSon.Howmuchmorethosewhoaretrulystubborn.

VeteranProphetsDiscernDissenters

As wayward novice prophets embark upon their humility, submission, andobedience training, theyventure into theLord’s prophetic sphere andbegin tocirculateamongtheprophets.Seasonedprophetsencounteringsuchnovicesnotonly know these newcomers when they meet them, but they also discern themarkoftheLordonthem.Theyunderstandwhyitisthere.Havingbeenonthatroutethemselves,mostofthemarealerttothenovices’victimizedtonesusedtoexplainwhytheyareallaloneagainsttheworldandthechurch.Theyheartheundertone of stubbornness in them as they are determined to carry out theprophetic in their own way because everyone before them “got it wrong.”Moreover, mature leaders sense independent prophets’ subtle contempt forauthority, resistance to accountability, and delight in assaulting the establishedchurchanditsministers.

Veteranshavebeenthereandarenoteasilyfooledbytheapparentanointingon the independent prophet’s life or the amazing prophecies he or she utters.Veteranslearnedlongagothatittakesmorethanahigh-poweredgifttoaccredita prophet. It takes righteousness, the love of God, maturity, and submission.SeniorprophetsunderstandaboveallthatthefundamentalministrylawofGodis respect for authority. Though they may be called from the ranks of therebellious, if prophets are to excel in that calling, respect for authority is onerealitytheymustprize.JesusexemplifiedsuchrespectinMatthew23:1–3.

ExperiencedprophetswhohavebeengroomedbyGod’sownhandrecallthestaggering submission lessons they learned from Him in their early years.Experienced prophets learned from God why the kingdom cannot withstanddisrespect for authority.Theywill comprehendwhatmakes rebellion thebasisfor the house divided. After a fewmoments with struggling, sullen prophets,stableprophetsunderstandthelearningpaththeKingofkingshasthemonandhowusefulitwillmakethemlaterontopastorswhowanttoinstallinstitutionalprophetsintheirchurches.

Thosewhohaveconqueredwhatnewprophetsmustconfrontandwalkedthewell-paved road of the rebel knowGod’s orders and are able to identify andredress those issues inothers. If for noother reason than those just described,yourpropheticsuperintendentmustbecomparablyseasoned.

Oncedefiantprophetssilentlydeterminetowalkawayfromthechurch,hereis how to tell if they are leaving at the unction of God, or if it is their fleshreactingnegatively topastoralauthority.Studythe telltalesignsbelowandaskyourself, Is the prophet exhibiting the following signs as he or she considersleaving?Answerthefollowingquestionstofindout.

1.Did theprophet show that everyeffortwasmade to serve theLord in thechurch and the pastor simply rejected it? If so, then the Lord could bereassigningthisprophettoamorereceptiveandsupportiveleader.

2.Before the conflict, did the young prophet have a record of serving thechurch,obeyingthepastor,andsubmittingtothechurch’srules?Ifnot,thenhisorhermotiveforleavingismostlikelyselfishandnotofGod.

3.Is theyoungprophet leavingwithoutsowingdiscordamongthesaintsandwithoutdragginghisorherownlittlefollowingbehind?Thenthecall toleavecouldbeofGod.Otherwise,itdefinitelyisnot.

Thesethreefactorsreflectthespiritinwhichaprophetoranyministerleaves

a church. They can help you identify any personal ambition that may haveenteredandspoiledthemotivesofthenewmessenger.Whenthishappens,knowthatwhatever comes fromsuchprophets’mouths canbe taintedwith angerorjadedwithpersonalbias.Beforeresistorsleave,theycriticizeeverything,refusetoparticipateinanything,andleavebehindatrailofbitterness.Theiranointingatthispointmainlysupportsorexplainstheirmisconduct.Theyreekwithself-justification, aswell aspastor andchurchvilification.Organized churches andreligionarethebandofsuchanup-and-comingminister.

A good rule of thumb for assessing the propheticmotives of a potential orinstalled church prophet is to see how much the church at large voices itsrecognitionoftheprophet’spositiveinfluenceinitsvision,mission,andoverallevolvement. If the prophet is not from outside the church, then the churchcongregationisthebestjudgeofhisorherpotential.Goodcandidatesforchurchprophet are actively involved in themembers’ lives, and themembership canattest to it.Generallyspeaking, thepersonwith themost impacton thechurchoverall appears everywhere, even if he or she is not in the forefront of theministry. If aprospectivechurchprophet isgenuinely interested in thechurch,thenthatprophet’shandprint,ormantle-print,willbeasevidentinthechurch’slife as those of the pastors and its other leaders. Forefrontministers do not inthemselves translate into themost effective servants.Often, it is the propheticcandidate whose work is seen long before a discovery that makes the bestchoice. This is because the historical fruits of his or her presence are moreobviously present than the forefront prophet is, and the most credible churchprophet signature. A chain of positivity and enduring fruit definitely has thegreatestimpact.

ExploringtheChurchProphetRoles

Thechurchprophet,inadditiontowhathasbeensaidsofar,alsoservesasadivinely stationed sentinel. The mantle’s prophecies sound the alarm thatannounces approaching danger to the pastor and the flock. A sentinel is alookout,ademonstratorwithastakeintheworkheorsheguards.Prophetsseetheircallasoneswhoclose thegaps inchurches’coverings.Asasentinel, theprophetofthechurchscoutsthesupernaturalregionssurroundingthechurchtospotintruders(humanorspiritual)fromSatanandwardoffimpendingseductiveinvasions.Throughprayer,heorshepatrolsthespiritualterrainoftheministryasGod’sdivinewatcher.AgabusperformedthisfunctionfortheapostlesinActs21.StudyaswellPaul’sfinalpublicaddresstotheEphesians’presbyteryinActs20:17–31.Bothexamplesshowthesentinelworkofthestationaryprophet.

Furthermore, during times of carnal relapse, the church prophet is theHolySpirit’sgoadedobjector, staunchlyopposing the slackeningofbiblicallymorallines. He or she can turn agitator and resister to hold back the flows oflibertinismmasking itself asNewCreation liberty. Invariably, churchprophetswhoseallegiance is toGodcast the firstdissentingvotesagainst anything thatthreatenstojeopardizetheirchurches’favorablestatusintheeyesoftheLord.Indoingso,thenabiiminstitutionofthelocalchurchcanrallygodlysupportersforthe pastor’s aims or blockade in prayer whatever seeks to harm, hinder, orreverse the work. The very presence of church prophets can invisibly corralsubtleorlurkingsinandtherebyclosethebordersofachurch’sspheretoprotectitspowerlinktoAlmightyGod.Theprophets’diligenceassuresthatthestreamof priceless yet invisible treasures, coveted by darkness, is not diverted fromGod’speople.

Prophets,aspartofGod’sspiritualsurveillancenetworks,watchthelandscapeof the supernatural to report on and prevent demonic breakthroughs fromoccurring in their protective fences. They do on earth what the heavenlywatchersofDaniel4:23andZechariah1:10and5:7dointhespirit.Actually,theheavenlywatcherrevealswhatchurchprophetsmustknowtodefendtheirposts,becausematureprophetsinteractwithGod’sangels.Therefore,everyprophet’smantle isawakenedbythesesupernaturalcounterparts.Allbonafideprophets,without exception, are initiated by interactions with these powerful agents ofGod’s invisible creation. No prophet can be genuine without an irrepressibleawareness of the spiritual guard that surrounds him to supernaturally see toGod’s work and will on earth. The prophet’s presence alone validates theministerasheorsheunavoidablyspeaksinallGod’sworldsascasuallyastheone in which we dwell. Consequently, church or staff prophets should beperceptive enough to discern good from evil and thereby detect invaderswhosteal from their flocks. Seasoned prophets have broad intelligence on suchmattersandareabletoidentifytheforceswithoragainstthem.Theyskillfullycooperatewithorcountertheirmaneuversaccordingly.

Forinstance,churchprophetsspotandidentifytheproblemswithscripturallyunfounded doctrine or nouveau worship forms that steer congregations awayfromGod’s holiness. They bring the balance between praise andworship andsolidBibleteaching.ThedevilcantakeachurchoffitsemphasisonChristbypumpinguppraiseandsingingtothepointthat,weekafterweek,allthechurchdoes is sing and dance. In the beginning the changemaybe good, but after awhileitgrowsold,showingitselfasasubtletricktokeeptheBibleandbiblical

teachingoutof thechurch,and therebyforestall thesanctifyingprocess that isinherent in God’s truth. I have attended services at churches whosecongregationswereproudoftheirpraisebeingsopowerfulthattheyneverhadtimefortheWordofGod.Ireactedwithconcern,recognizingtheremarkasthestage-onetactictomakingthechurchpowerless.ProphetsknowthatthisisnotGod,asitisonlybyHisWordthatpeoplegrowandaregroundedinHistruth.ScriptureshowsthatwhenJesuscoulddonothingelse,HetaughtGod’sWord.Being theFather’svery truthHimself, itwas impossible forHimnot todoso.Over time, sensuality replaces spirituality in such churches, and thecongregationsnevernoticewhenittakesplace.AlltheyknowisthattheyhavebecometiredofsingingandwanttobefedtheWordofGod.Itisanoldtactic,butahighlyeffectiveone.

AnotherofSatan’spopular tactics tokeep thepower thatcomeswithGod’sWord out of the church is spiritual experiences. Satan does this by stressingmeditating, basking or soaking, getting “drunk,” or other physical actions thatstimulatepurelysensualresponses.SuchdeviationsareblamedonGod’sSpiritandarecunninglydevisedtoreplaceteachingandstudyoftheLord’sWord.Thegoal is to addict the congregation to sensuality by exclusively stressing whatfeels good.This serves to fosterwithin it an intolerance forScriptures and anirritationtowardwiseandintelligentChristianity.

Propheticwisdomandknowledgeenableprophetstoinform,ifnotpersuade,their churches of the inevitable outcomes and consequences of neotheology,pseudo spiritual antics, and risky ventures. Because they can easily detectwolvesinsheep’sclothing,prophets’serviceobjectivesshouldalwaysbeGod’struth, holiness, and righteousness in theHolySpirit.Trueprophets incessantlytrumpet these words as divine commands. The wholesomeness of the Lord’spurchasedpossessionemergesasforemostinresidentprophets’minds.Forthistohappen,churchprophetsmustbewell-versed inGod’sHolyScriptures,andsadly,fartoomanyoftenarenot.

Bibleknowledgeskills,vitaltocredibleprophetics,addreachanddepthtotherevelatoryword ofGodwhenmergedwith other prophetic assignments. Theyalsoenhancepropheticaccuracy.OtherwiseScripturelightprophetsjustdeclarereleases of the people’s heart desiresmore than they unfurl divine revelation.Thus, their revelatory emphasis can be restricted to the congregation’s mostpressing temporal needs and fluctuating emotional states. The membership’sspiritualstateofwell-beingisgenerallyignoredbychurchprophetsundersuchcircumstancesandsobecomesstagnantonceitsgrowthhasbeenstifled.

The fruit of carnal church prophetics is perceivable because, like theLaodiceans, it appears amaterially richcarboncopyof theworldyou thoughtyouleftbehind.Materialprophetsareworldlyintheirviews,fosteringatotallyhere and now mentality. Prophets who share like perspectives will no doubtenjoy a prominent position in some churches. However, in the end, like theprophets of Jeremiah 23 and Micah 3:5–12, neither the sensual prophet, thematerial prophet, nor the carnal prophetwill prosper eachother sufficiently intheLord.

TheChurchProphet’sChiefResource—God’sEternalWord

Many people enjoy hearing prophetic words of material possessions andsupernatural deliverance from routine trials. However, there is a depth of thepropheticGodwishesHisprophetstobringintotheirhousesthatfarexceedsthe“bless you because you are blessed” words most have sought. There is ahallowed, priestly tinge to the prophetic word that springs from Scripture,because it uses it abundantly. The prophetwho enfolds Scripture in prophecyunfoldstheLord’stimelessconnectionbetweenthehearers’callandredemptionand the Creator’s will for their lives on earth. To these types of prophets,securingyoureternallife,maturity,andstabilityinyourSavior,JesusChrist,isall-important.TheyseektoseparateyoufromsinandtopresentyouholytotheLord.

Furthermore,integratingScriptureinpropheticmessagesrenewsChristianstoGod.Life isdifficult and the trials thatbringoutGod’sbest inusarepainful.Thosewhogo throughyears of bitter trials can getweary as their fireswane.Their souls can get thirsty from the dry, parched existence they live as theybarelyholdon toGod’sWord.Suchpeople thenneedprophets to reigniteandrevivetheirpassionforGod’sserviceandsacrifice.Thatreviving,accordingtoPsalm 119, can only come from the Lord’s Word. Prophets who rely onScripturesfortheirprophecieswillfindtheLordopeningthepagesofpeople’slivesrightbeforetheireyes,manifestingaPsalm139:11–18momentwheretheLordignitesHisWordusingancienttexts.Becomingrelevantfortoday,boththeprophet and the hearer get answers that each onlywondered about until then.Such passages answer questions, release blessings, and bring healing anddeliverance.Trueprophetsshould,aboveall,answermorequestionswithGod’swisdomthantheyengender.

PersonalProphecyandPeople’sLifeBook

Since theBible tells us thatGodwrote abook for all ofus, it comes asno

surprisethatbehindeveryrealpropheticencounterthereisaCreatorrevelation.NorshoulditbedifficultforprophetsofthiseratoacceptthattheydonothavetomanufacturethewordoftheLordforHispeople.Psalm139:16emphaticallystates that God wrote down the days of our lives before they began. Thepsalmist,forexample,understoodhowhislifewouldturnoutbecausewhattheLord hadwritten before his birth concerning himwas revealed. It is acceptedthatDavid,becausehewasalsoaprophet,hadtheabilitytodiscerntheLord’seternalwritingsandinterpretthemforhisexistenceonearth.HewasthusshownbytheLordthatalltheearth’spast,present,andfutureinhabitantshadinscribeddestiniesinHisarchivesthatorchestratedthedaysoftheirlives.Davidrealizedthat the almightyGod evenwrote about thosewhowould rejectChrist beforetimebegan andpenned this truth for our time.Psalm37:13, 18 says this, andthroughouttheBibleitisrecordedhowtheLordwroteabookforthisorthat.

Forinstance,Godwrotethebookofliferegardingearthandman,thebookofthegenerationsofAdam,andthebookofthegenerationofChrist.Thereisthebook of thewars of the Lord, the book of the law ofGod, and the books ofblessings and curses. God has books on kings, kingdoms, nations, andjudgments.Themostcommononesare thebooksofHisprophets.HehadHisprophets write numerous books to chronicle His dealings with humanity andtheirdiversereactionstoitthroughouttheyears.Theprophets’writingsincludedGod’sreactions,aswellasthedetailedjudgmentsthatcorrespondtohumanity’scrimes against Him. When the priests of ancient Israel failed Him, the Lordwrote a book of remembrance to record the special deeds of those whocourageouslyfearedHimduringHisnation’sreprobatetimesundertheMosaicdispensation.(SeeMalachi3.)

TheBiblementionsorrefers tobooksnearly twohundredtimes.In thevastmajority of those references, the books contained prophecies.Apparently, thisamountofreferencestobooksandrecordssaystheLord’srespectforearthlyaswell as heavenly records is important to Him. In the New Testament, John’sApocalypsediscussesbooksinrelationtotheactivitiesofGodat least twenty-five times. Overall, God’s books contain the governmental guidelines HisspiritualprotocratsareusingtoadministrateHiswillonearthasrevealedtotheprophets to be uttered to the earth at various times. Genres such as end-timeprophecy and the second coming of Christ, the records of the living and thedead,thedeedsofeachgroup,andhowtheCreatordisposesoftheearthanditsgodlyandgodlessinhabitantsintheendcompriseitssubjectmatter.

Scripture’sdiscussionofbooksisnotjusttoshowhowimportantrecordsare

to theLord,butalso to reveal theprophets’ sourceof information.TheLord’slibraryprovidestheintelligencetheyneedtoprophesyHiswordstoothersattheappointedtimes.Thatishowandwhypersonalpropheciesarebiblical.

SincetheLordwroteabookoneverysoulHeevercreated,thereareeternalandtemporalplansforeachoneofus.Thosebornonearthbegintheirjourney,accordingtoScripture,inthebookofAdam.(SeeGenesis5:1.)Uponsalvation,a person’s life plan comes from the book of the generation of Christ. (SeeMatthew1:1.)ThewriterofHebrewsunderstoodthisbecausehemadereferencetoitinHebrews10:7.Psalm22andPsalm110,inlikemanner,containexcerptsfrom the Creator’s eternal bookswritten about the Christ andHis generation.Actually, that iswhatIsaiahmeantwhenheaskedthequestionaboutwhowilldeclareChrist’sgenerationinIsaiah53:8.

LongbeforeJesus’incarnation,AbrahamsawtheChristandwrotehisvisionbeforeHistime.JesusmadereferencetoAbraham’spre-incarnaterevelationsofHimselfastheSonofGodwhendisputingwiththereligiousleadersofHisdayinJohn8:56.NotonlywasAbrahamarecognizedprophetoftheMostHighGod(accordingtoGenesis20:7),hewasprivytotheSonofGod’sday.Genesis15–18recordshisviewingtheentireplanofsalvationforhisseedwhentheyhadyettobeborn.HisrevelationisreferredtoinGalatians3:8,aNewTestamentbook.EvenwhatDaniel received from themouthof the angelGabrielwas from theeternalScriptureofGod.Gabrielcalledit“theScriptureoftruth”(Daniel10:21).That iswhytheApocalypseandall theotherpropheticrevelationsof theLordcouldbewrittenintheirtimes.Theyalreadyexistedandwerewaitingfortheirdesignatedvesselstobeborn,livelife,andbecultivatedenoughtopenthenextbodyofrevelationtheLordhadforthisworld.

ScripturetellsuseachgenerationhasarevelationtodivulgebecausetheLordcalled His generations from the beginning and formed them for His variousworksandassignmentsintheirtimes.ReadIsaiah41:4.

TheGenerationsofAdam

Adam’sgenerationsaremany,astheBibleusesthepluralformofthewordinrelation to his offspring. Apparently, Scripture’s use of the word generationsrefers to his lineage because they keep dying out. Christ’s offspring, incomparison, is one continuous world-without-end generation. It is singularbecausethereisoneSaviorofmankindandonlyonewaytoliveinHim,andHeandHisseedliveforever.Eternalliferequiresaneternalplantocovereveryinchof a person’s everlasting existence.Therefore, theLord precedes our destinies

withHisplanforhowwewilllivetofulfillthem.

Prophecies concerningAdam’s generations are earthly and therefore soulishwhentheyarenotderivedfromGod’sSpirit’srevelationofHiseternalplanforthem. At times, the Lord will release a futuristic word to His prophet on anunsaved life so that the forces assigned to seeing tohisor her redemption areinformedof thepathGod is takingwith theperson.Thus,ababymaybe toldthathewillbethisorthat,oranunsavedpersonmayhearfromtheprophetthereasonwhyhewasborn,whytheLordwantstoredeemhim,andHisplansforhimafterhereceivesJesusChrist.However,intheabsenceofGod’sinterjection,Adam’sseedsrarelyhearfromthetrueandlivingGod.Whattheygetfromthesupernatural is chiefly soul-pleasing divination. That is why the psychics canseemtohaveasmuchknowledgeaboutpeopleasGod’sprophets,althoughtheyreally do not. The difference is the source of information retrieved from thesupernaturalthattheydeliver.

Beinglostthemselves,psychicsarelimitedtogettingtheirreadingsfromthesoulrealmandnotGod’sHolySpirit.SinceHeisnotbearingHissoultothem,theywillneverbeabletodivinewhattheLordhashiddeninChrist’sbookonalife, because that information must be spiritually discerned. Thus, the keydifference between prophecy and divination is that, by the Lord’s Spirit, theprophet speaks information that only theCreator can release toHis redeemed.Psychicdivinationscomes fromanyspirit (divinebeing) thathappens tobe inthevicinityofthepeoplewhoareutteringandreceivingapsychicreading.

Fromallthis,itissafetoconcludethatwhattheprophetsofGodspoke,theyreceivedfromtheLord’seternalrecordofworldeventsandHisScriptureonthegenerations of people’s lives.What the occultists divine is another thing. It iswhatiscontainedinAdam’sbook,andsoitisrestrictedtolifeonearth.Oftenitcomes from dead spirits, demons that mask themselves as dearly departedrelativesorgenerationancestors.This iscallednecromancy.Nowweshiftourdiscussiontoprophecyitselfandwhatitis.

WhatProphecyIs

As stated several times before, prophecy is God’s divine communicationmedium,HismeansofmakingHis inaudibleselfaudibleandhis invisibleselfvisible. Prophecy is not a vain imagination of the vocalizer, but amediumbywhich theearthcanhear fromandbeguidedby itsCreator.Aswehaveseen,prophecyisactuallyaprophet’sabilitytoreadthelifebookoftheonestandingbeforehim.Thatiswhattheprecedingsectiontookgreatpainstostress.

Prophecy is really receiving information from God on a person’s life orsituations from eternity andmanifestingHisWord on it in our natural world.What’s more, prophecy is encoded in everyday life and in all creation’sexistence. When the prophet speaks the word of the Lord, it comes to passbecause it has been incubating in the spirit realm for years, waiting for thepredeterminedtimeandlineagetoappearinnaturalform.Amos3:7isapopularverseofprophecy,butitisverse8thatenlargesourunderstandingofitspower.BothversesestablishthattheLordspeakswhatHeisabouttodoprophetically,somewheretosomeprophet,tostarttheprocessesthatmaterializeHiswordonearth.WhenHespeaks,HeimpelsHisprophetstoprophesybecausethatisthereasonHepermittedthemtohearHis thoughts in thefirstplace.ThewordforthesecretstheLordrevealstoHisprophetsinAmos3:7issod.

Summarily, sod applies to the supernatural act of God in respect to Hisprophets,wherebyHebringsthespiritsofeveryprophetintoaprivate,usuallymidnight or twilight,meetingwithHimself. Sodmeetings are closed-chambersessions where His prophets convene with His supernatural military,governmental, judicial,andpunitiveagents foraspecialmoveorwork to takeplace on earth. As used in Amos 3:7, the word refers to private councildeliberationsbetweenGodandHisprophets’spiritswhereHecommunicatesHiswillandunveilsHisplanstothemtodeclareatthepropertime.Thefollowingchapter further discusses prophecy to give you insight into how it works andwhereitoriginates.

ChapterSummary

1. Churchpropheticsoperatedifferently.

2. Church prophets cannot benefit individually; they exist for theinstitution.

3. Pastorsandtheirchurchprophetscanclashbutshouldbeopentovariousoptionstoworktogether.

4. HeadstrongprophetswillcourttheLord’schastening.

5. Veteranprophetscanhelpsettleturbulentprophets.

6. Specificdutiesandactionsjustifythechurchprophet’sroles.

7. Churchprophetsmuststayconnectedtotheirspiritualroots.

8. Personal prophecy comes from a person’s life book, written byGod.

9. ProphecyisGod’sdivinecommunicationmedium.

PropheticActionItems

1. Drawonyourownandothers’experienceswithprophets in thelocal church, anddetail the specific conflictswith prophets you(orthey)encountered.Reflectonhow:

2. theywereaddressed.

3. theycouldorshouldhavebeenaddressed.

4. theyturnedout.

5. theycouldhaveturnedoutandwhatthischapter’swisdomcouldhaveaddedtothesituation.

Beobjective!

Chapter9

ProphecyClass101

Thischapteraddressesthesubjectofpersonalprophecy.Itcovers:

Whatexactlyisprophecy

Thepowerofapropheticmind-set

Whereprophecyoriginated

Expandedpropheticabilities

Theanatomyofprophecy

NewTestamentprophecy

Propheticpreachingandteaching

Basicsofprophecy

Propheticprayer

Thesourceofpropheticpower

Professionalprophetics

This chapter contains a brief prophecy basics class to help you appreciatewhatprophecy is andwhere itoriginates.Manypeoplehavehad somuch funenjoyingprophecythattheyhavegivenlittlethoughttowhereitcomesfromandwhat makes it authoritative and reliable. Oftentimes, the hearing of prophecyalone is sufficient enough for people to delight in it. Few people realize thatprophecyismorethanpleasantorinspiringwordsbeingsaid.MostChristiansdonotknowthat thepronouncementofprophecysets inmotionahostofpowers

andevents thatcan initiallyshakeupaperson’s lifebefore thewordcomes topass.Theshake-uphappensinordertomaterializeinitstimewhatthewordoftheLordaspromisedthroughtheprophet’smouth.Hinderingforces,misguidedideasandbeliefs,andthepresenceofdetrimentalrelationshipsandbehaviorinone’s sphereof life can, andoftendo, delay theperformanceofGod’swords.Thereareseveralrationalreasonsforthis.

God’s spiritual diligence goes into action once the word of the Lord goesforth, to clear the way for its manifestation. Sometimes this can be veryupsettingorexcruciatingtotheheareroftheword.Inaddition,opposingforceswhohavesoughttoretainwhattheyhavewithheldfromthehearerforsolongarearoused. Inaknee-jerk reaction, these forces form invisiblebarricades thatblocktheflowofspiritualresourcesthehearerneedstoempowerhisorherfaithenoughtoevidencetheprophecy.Thesearenotpassiveforces,mindyou.Theyareaggressive,resolute,andviciousforces thatseektoretain theirholdonthehearer. Previously, theymay have been silent as there was no contest for thehearer’sfaith,butonceprophecycomes,theygointofierceactiontoseethattheworddoesnotcometopassortoensurethatthehearerisinthewrongplacetoreceive it. Their goal is for the hearer tomove out of the placewhereGod’spromisescanorshouldcometopass,causingthatpersontomissitbecauseheorshewasneverthereat itsfulfillment.Doyouremembertheearlierexampleofthe little church on the corner? If this happens, another person enjoys yourblessing, your children, yourministry offspring, etc., because youwere out ofthevicinityoftherelease.ItissomewhatlikewhattookplacewiththechildrenofIsrael.

The first generation that came out of Egypt did not receive the promisebecause they feared its conditions—attacking thegiants in the land.On topofthat, they made the mistake of following the wrong (usually counterfeit)prophetic voice. Even though Moses had led them for years and was theestablishedvoiceof theLord for them, they turnedand listened tootherswhopresumedtoknowbetterthanMosestheLord’splanforthem.Todayweseethishappening often, as people hear the word of God and, fearing its cost andconsequences, turn to another voice to get a prophecy they can livewith, onethathasfewerstringsattachedtoit.SimilarfearscausedtheapostlePaultotellTimothytowagespiritualwarfarewith(andover)hispropheticwordtoprovokeitsperformanceinhislife.(See1Timothy1:18.)

ProphecyClass

WhatExactlyIsProphecy?

Howmanytimeshaveyouheardthatquestion?Themajorityofthetime,theanswerissimplythewordoftheLord.Whilethatistrue,itseemstocomeshortoftheanswermostpeoplelooktoreceive.Theywantanexplanationthatfosterstheirunderstandingofthemediumofprophecysotheycanproperlyhandlethepropheticwordstheyget.Forthosepeople,asomewhatmoreintricateresponseisneeded.WhenNewCreationfaithandgodlyreasonmix,theresultisspiritualintelligenceinthesupernaturalwaysandwisdomofGod.Thus,prophecyistheLord’swordperformed,achieved,andmobilizedinthespirit,soul,andbodyofits believers. As the invisible, eternal word of God is spoken in the naturalworld,itoperateswhatHedepositedincreationtoperformorfulfillsomethingHewantstobe.

Prophecy involves the past, present, and future interchangeably. It takesspiritual faculties to hear, see, dream, and otherwise receive it from CreatorGod’sspiritualcreation.Aspecialattunementof thenormalhumanfaculties isneeded for prophetic types to receive theirmessages. To affirm thatwhat onereceivesfromthespirit realmispropheticandnotmerelypsychic takesaveryhighly constructed spiritual apparatus. It takes the uniqueness of the prophet’sspirit upgraded by the new birth. Review the section on the seventh sense tobetterunderstandthis.

Prophecyisnormallyspontaneousandcanbepredictive,revelatory,didactic,literary, or oracular. That means the prophetic can manifest itself throughforetelling, forthtelling, teaching, writings, or verbal utterances under theinspirationoftheSpiritofGod.

Asamedium,prophecy’spurposeistorevealtheinvisiblemindanddispensethematerialprovisionsofGodtoHisvisibleworld.Asatool,itisthevehiclebywhichtheLordenableshumanstoaccessHisinvisibleform,services,wisdom,and products. Once someone has gained access to heaven’s hidden treasuries,prayer and belief in prophetic utterances shape and conform his request totransformthemintodivinepurpose.Sustained,theseultimatelyattractandadornthepetition’snaturalphysiqueandappearanceinourworldsothatittakesonthesubstanceandappearanceofprophecyfulfilled.HereiswhatPaulmeantbyhiscounseltoTimothyin1:18and1:14.ItiswhathappenedwhenChristcursedthefigtree,whenElishasummonedachildfortheShunammitewoman,andwhenJesus multiplied the fishes and the loaves. Based on His covenant andcomprehension ofHisFather’sways, theywere already in existence, awaiting

Hiscommandtomanifest.

ThePowerofaPropheticMind-set

The key to accomplishing such great feats as those mentioned above is apropheticmind-set.Thatisanongoingrealizationthatwhatyouwantandneedfrom God already exists in your kingdom account and all you need to do iswithdraw it from the supernatural and embody it in the natural realm. Manythings go intomaking this happen on purpose and on command.Mark 11:24hints at it, saying that if you believewhat you ask for, youwill have it. TheGreekword for “will have it” is esomai, and it literallymeans “will be.”Thetermimpliesthatyourbeliefwillcausetheobjectoreventsofyourbelieftobe—thatis,ittoexist.Whilethereismuchmoretosayonthissubject,fornowitwill suffice to say that this is what Christ was talking about when He said,“WhateveryouaskinMynameIwilldo.”(SeeJohn14:13.)Thewordfor“willdo”ispoieo,anditactuallyhasJesussayingHewillprepare,construct,acquire,fashion,andauthoritatyourword,accordingtoyourfaith,causeyourdesiretobe.

AstheLogos—theword,intelligence,andpowerthatcreatedallthings—HegaveusaclueabouthowtobringwhatHeandHisFatherpreparedforusfromthefoundationoftheworldintoviewanduse.ThatclueisproclamationofHisWordanddeclarationofone’sdesires.ReadJob28:27,which isbasedonJob22:28. It iseasy toseefromthiswhySatanworksfeverishly todivertChrist’schurchesfromHisWordandHistruthfromitsauthenticspiritualmanifestations.You,asachurchprophet,mustbeonguardagainst this in thechurchyouareassigned.

To continue, a special collaborative arrangement between the Lord andHisprophets,accomplishedthroughtheiruniquelyempoweredspirits,enablestheircommandstocausetheirwordstoappearinnaturalform.Youonlyneedtoread2Chronicles20:20andIsaiah44:26tobepersuadedbythistruth.Goddeclaresthat He reveals His works and plans to and through His prophets. What atremendousstatement.TheMakerofallthingsbindsHispowerstothewordsofHismessengerstoproduceondemandwhattheyutterasprophecy.ThispromiseonGod’spartmakestrueprophetsmorethanmerelyHisvoiceboxes;theyareHisimplementsandinstrumentsaswell.ReviewHosea6:5andZechariah1:6.BelowaresomeofthefunctionsandobjectivesforprophecyandGod’susesofit.

Destiny

Ministry

Correction

Blessing

Admonishment

Change

Creation

Healing

Power

Possessionanddispossession

Instruction

Counsel

Impartation

Empowerment

WhereProphecyOriginated

AsIexplainedpreviously,prophecycomesfromtheCreator.Whatmakes itprophecy according to definition is its sphere of formation, which is eternity.AnythingGodsays ispropheticbecauseHespoke itoutsideofour time tobemanifestedinourera.Thisiswhyprophecyreliesmuchondreamsandvisions.These mechanisms of divine communication are not time-bound, even if thedreamer receives them on a given day or night. When they come as imagesdepicting what God is doing or wants to do, they are prophetic. Since themessages emanate from eternity, they originate outside of time and are madealiveinthedreamer’smind.Itislikethespermandeggthatmakeababy.They

alwaysexistedaspotentialpeople in themanandwoman’sbodies,butarenottime-relevant until they are first conceived. After gestation and birth into theworld,thechildissubjecttoitstempo.Aslongasababyisinthewomb,itisexemptfromtimeanditsordinancesasweknowthem.Itlives,isalive,andisaperson,but it isnotonlife’sclock—thetimepieceofearthly life, that is.Oncethebabyinthewombisborn,itreceivesabirthdateandbecomessubjecttothelawsandprocessesoftheearth.Soitiswithprophecy.

By definition prophecy is pro—“beforehand” or “time”—and phemi (orphani)—“saying”—thatwhich is saidbefore it happens. Inasmuchas theLordcreatedandformedallwesee,feel,hear,andtouchoutsidetime,everyelementofhumanexistencemaybeseenaspropheticorasamanifestationofprophecy.TheGenesisaccountofcreationsupportsthis.Beforetheworldwas,Godsaid,“Lettherebe….”TheBiblegoesontotellusthatwhatHedeclaredtobecameforth,because the recordsays,“and itwas so.”This truth isupheld in2Peter3:5,areiterationofPsalm33:6andHebrews11:3.

Once theLordGodspokewhatHewanted tomakeappear,Heobserved itsformation and outworking from eternity as it moved from there to here. Ineternity,thingsmanifestatthespeedofGod,notman.WithHiswordnotbeingconfinedtoourtimeclockandcalendar,itwasnotaproblemforHimtocreateHis world in a week. Afterward, He assigned everything its time, season,purpose, vessel, genealogy, and history, and spoke its physicality intomanifestation.TheyhadalwaysexistedresidentinHim,likethespermandeggofafuturebaby.Oncefullgestationwascomplete, theLordmerelyspokeHisphysicalcreationoutofHisbeingandintotheworld’sspaceHehadcreatedforit.ItappearedwholeatHiswordbecauseHehadcarriedthewholethingaroundwithin Himself until it could stand on its own and serve His purposes. Stillworking fromheavenandearthatonce, theLord then recorded ineternity theeventsthatunfoldedinHisearthlychronicles.Fromthenitwasallsetinmotion(albeitadrasticallyslowed-downmotion)tobelivedoutinthefleshovertime.

TheLordhasgivenus this same formula to repeatwhatHedid inourownworldandlives.Thus,prophecymirrorsGod’sbeforehandrecordofwhattookplaceatthespeedofeternity,nowunfoldinginusintime,agetoage,beforeitappeared on earth. Even the variables of human free will are known by Godbecause, for themostpart,whatwedoatasnail’spacecompared toeternity’sspeeddoneunderHisobservationbeforeHeplacedusinourclayvesselsonthisplanet.Prophetsthengettheirinformationfromthespiritrealm.ItcomesfromtheHoly Spiritwho communicates select portions and pieces of theCreator’s

divinerecordtothematprescribedperiodsinhistory.

PropheticrevelationscomefromthepagesofhumanlivesinAdamandthoseinChrist. They divulge the Lord’s purposes for our existence as onlyHe canknowit.Atanygivenstageinhuman,earthly,andindividualhistories,theLordcan open a page of a person’s book and reveal it to His prophet. This is inadditionto,butasidefrom,thenormaloperationofpropheticfacultiesthatgiveprophetstheabilitytopiercetheveilofthefleshanddetectwhatishappeninginthefuture.Prophetsdo thisroutinelyaspartof theiroccupationalduties to theLord.

ExpandedPropheticAbilities

Extendedpropheticinformationcomesfromtheovertanddirectactionsofthecitizensofthesupernaturalworld.TheBibleidentifiesthesebeingsastheangelsof theLord. Inancient times, for example, itwasaccepted that adreamangelcausedallpropheticdreams.Theexpansionofaprophet’smantledeterminesthespherical range of his or her prophetic reach and aptitude. The mantle as itappears to the invisibleworldsayswhether theprophet’ssupernatural facultiescanoperateonalocal,national,international,orevenstratosphericlevel.

Manynewprophetsarelimitedintheirprophecyscopeandrange.Theycanonly receive tiny fragments ofwhat a seasoned prophet can retrieve from thespiritrealmsofGod.Godpurposelyrestrictsthebreadthandlevelofpropheticinformation the prophet either receives or comprehends. He does this bycontractingaprophet’spropheticorbtominimizethemessenger’saccesstoHisspiritualityandtherebycontrollingthebreadthofhisprophecies.ThereasontheLord does this most of the time is developmental. It helps Him refine theprophet’sskill,fine-tunehisorherpropheticreceptors,andqualify(andcertify)thenewmessenger’spropheticmotivations.Atothertimesitispunitive.WhenprophetshaveaconstanttrackrecordofignoringGodorpervertingHiswords,Heshutstheirlightsoff.Micah3:6–7describesitasfollows:

Thereforenightshallbeuntoyou,thatyeshallnothaveavision;anditshallbedarkuntoyou, thatyeshallnotdivine;and thesunshallgodownover theprophets,andthedayshallbedarkoverthem.Thenshalltheseersbeashamed,andthedivinersconfounded:yea, theyshallallcovertheir lips;for thereisnoanswerofGod.

TheLordcancurtailorcutoffentirelyaprophet’sability so thathisorherpropheticshavetoresorttodemonstooperate.Micahalsoexplains:

Herheadsjudgeforabribe,herprieststeachforpay,andherprophetsdivineformoney.YettheyleanontheLord,andsay,“IsnottheLordamongus?Noharmcancomeuponus.”(Micah3:11niv)

AnatomyofProphecy

TechnicalPropheticInformation

Inanefforttoprovideasolidbiblicalbasisforprophecy,hereisalecturethatanatomizesitfortheprophetwhowantstothoroughlygraspthemindofGodonprophetics.

Tobegin,onewordforprophecyhelpsusunderstanditsmeaning,thepurposeitserves,anditsaim.Foundin1Chronicles9:25,itisthewordnebuwah,whichmeans“apredictiongivenorallyor inwriting.” It defines a specificpropheticword, whether true or false. Another prophecy term employed in the OldTestament is naba.Youmay also see it spellednava.Thisword is a verb, “toprophesy.”Asa root termit identifiesprophesying insong.Nabacanapply topsalmism or a predictive discourse, lyrical or not, through a genuine or falseprophet. Whatever is the case, the gist is that the message delivered isunquestionably under the direct influence of a divine spirit. (See 1Chronicles15:8andNehemiah6:12.)

Forthenabiprophet,whichwediscussedatlengthelsewhere,Daniel9:24isagood scriptural reference. It defines nabi as “a prophet, a person who is aninspiredmessenger.”Thewordincludes“thespecificallydeclaredprophecythatcomes from the official prophet as the spokesperson of a deity, true or false.”When the nabi pertains to prophesying, it stresses the propheticmessage thatspecifically comes from the one in the prophet’s office that, when uttered,establishesthemessengerasanauthenticprophet.

There is another helpful word for prophecy that is especially significantanswerstheexperienceoftheweightofthepropheticwordfromtheLord.Itisidentified inScriptureasapropheticburden.Theword ismassa,andProverbs30:1 and 31:1 passages both distinguish it as “prophecy that is carried as aburden.”MassatransmitstheessenceofwhatwewouldcallapropheticburdenasaweightywordfromtheLord.SuchprophecyflowsfromanaccompanyingspiritualchargefromtheLordthatisfeltwiththenaturalsenses.Itisrecognizedby utterances in definitive, concrete, or symbolic terms. Generally, massaprophecy is likely to use figurative (parabolic) language that expresses God’sintellectualdesiresorreflectstheprophet’sintelligentcognitionofacausethatis

ultimatelytranslatingtoaneffectorconsequence.Inthemessage,theprophetismoved by spiritual and godly aspirations to see that God’s justice andrighteousnesscorrectthesituationtorestorethescalesofbalanceandequityinthe person’s life. For this reason, a massa burden is often characterized by amessageofdoom,althoughnotexclusively.

NewTestamentProphecy

IntheNewTestamentonlytwowordsareusedforprophecy.Oneofthemisusedthreetimes.Itisthewordprophetikos,whichdefines“whatproceedsfromaprophetasprophetic.”Theending,ikos,setstheword’smeaninginthearenaof technique or systemized mechanical performance. It covers more than theprophet’s prophesying and encompasses the full range of supernatural andrevelatory activities that identify the office. Prophetikos not only constitutesprophecyasknownandrecognizedby thepeopleofGod,butencapsulates thebehind-the-scenesoutworkingoftheprophet’swordthatmanifestsaprophecyinitsliteralform.

Prophetikos also refers to foretelling prophecy and the correspondingoperations that cement its prediction or unveil its revelation. Demonstrativeprophetic techniques are likely to follow the word, such as dance, imagery,drama,poetry,orrhyme,todepictitssymbolismandcertifythatitwillcometopass in its time. Gabriel’s rendering skeptical Zacharias mute under thesecircumstances is one example of this. (See Luke 1.) See also Romans 16:26,where the term isused twice inoneverse.The lastusagecomes from2Peter1:19.

Every other term the New Testament uses for prophecy falls under themeaningofthewordpropheteia.Basicallythisworddefinesaprophecywhetherit comes from mere recitation of Scripture or from an outright spontaneousutterance from the presentmind ofGod. The propheteiaword declaresGod’sthoughts, feelings, reactions, and emotional responses to earthly affairs andhumanmatters.Prophecyofthiskindtypicallylinkstosomefutureeventwherethematters or affairs divulged are complementedwith some corresponding orsubsequentdivineactiononGod’spart.Signsappearshortlybeforeorafterthewordleavestheprophet’smouth.SincethewordsareGod’s,Heistheonewhoreleases the prophetic sign that seals its certain performance spoken by Hisprophets.Thesignmaybedisplayedbytheprophet,butmoreoftenitisasigntheLordHimselfgives toquicken to themindof thehearer to theprophecy’sauthenticitytoassurethatitwillsurelycometopass.Thesignalsodoublesasa

foretoken that reasserts itselfwhen the prophecy comes to pass to remind thehearerthatitwaswhattheLordhadinmindwhenHesentHisprophetwiththeword.

Oneexampleofsignatureprophecyis theoccurrenceofaneventthatseemsunrelatedtoanythingintheperson’slifeorexperiencetriggeredbyandrelatedto aprophecy.Prophetic signature is totally consistentwith theOldTestamentprophet’swordsthatbroughtustotheNew.Isaiah7:14orientsustotherealitythatpropheticsignsconfirmtheLord’swordsasinthecomingcrucifixionandresurrectionofourLordJesusChrist.ThebirthofthechurchandtheredemptionoftheGentilesareotherexamples.

Propheteia includes the Creator’s appropriation of the prophet’s spirit, thesource of the messenger’s predictive ability, and revelatory sight. Itcontemporaneouslypertainstodidacticprophetics,whereteachingpermeatestheprophet’s discourse to combine the wisdom of the now in Christ with theinsightfulpredictionsofancientprophetstorevealHim.Predictiveanddidacticprophecy join instruction to unfold the existence, purposes, and work of Hischurch on earth. Didactic prophetic predictions foretell how and where thechurch, itsministers, and its operations, empoweredby theHolySpirit, are tomanifest their reachanddemonstrate thepowersof theLivingGodasChrist’srepresentative.Luke24:44–49 isanexample,as isMatthew10’s recordof thetraining and commissioning of the apostles, seen also in Luke 10, where theseventywerelikewisedispatched.

PropheticTeachingandPreaching

Asidefrombringingthewordof theLord,oneof themost intriguingthingsaboutpropheticministryis itsdistinctstyleofsermonicdelivery.AccordingtoRomans 12, which mentions the gift of prophecy, revelatory and predictiveinfluences are typical of the mantle. The prophet’s style of sermonizingincorporates several spiritual and supernatural features that help stimulatehearers’ understanding.With their sometimes humorous andpragmaticwayofspeaking,prophets frequently integratesymbolism,parables,andsimilitudes intheirmessages to instruct and invigorate their audiences. The prophet’s spirit,combinedwithitsinherentactuatingforce,amplifiesthisfundamentalgift.Thecapability enables the prophet to rotate perceptively between teaching andprophesyingasthetenorandmixoftheaudiencerequires.Prophetscanslipintopredictingsomethingtocometopassorcasuallyrevealingsomethingotherwiseconcealed in God while preaching. Our Savior often used this technique to

communicatethefullnessofthegospelmessageHisFathersentHimtopreach.Luke4:23and13:4aregoodexamplesofsuchsermonizing.

Prophets also take God’s ancient Word and apply it with ease to modernsituations. Here is another capacity of their unique teaching and preachingability.Whatmay seemold and outdated to the typicalBible reader is not sowith the prophet. This unusual minister sees past, present, and future in onesweep, lookingat life through theWordof theLord.Heor shecompares it towhatisobservedintheworldaroundhimorhertoisolatethepropheticfromthemundaneandapplytoaBibleprophecy’sfulfillmentintime.Totheprophet,thechariot is notmerely outmoded transportation; it is a vehicle regardless of itsshape and engine. Prophets can see how the ancient chariot that was used intransportorbattlesymbolizestoday’smoderntank.Likewisethebowandarrowrepresentmissilestotheprophet.Rigidthinkerscaneasilyoverlookthefactthatthey are nonetheless weapons of war andmiss their use as missiles aimed atanother.SowhenthetypicalsaintreadsScripture,heorshegetslockedintotheera inwhich theWord is reporting,butnot so theprophet.Heor she sees theevents that ledup to thewar inquestion,orotherevent, asanexample forustoday. Prophets identify the attitudes and conduct of thewar and theway theweapons were fired, whether powered by humans or nuclear energy. Forinstance, it has been said that David’s stone that slew Goliath was a guidedmissile.Davidthrewit,butGod’shandguidedittoitstarget.

ProphetscanalsotakethepracticalandspiritualdoctrinesoftheLord’sWordand update them using contemporary imagery andmetaphorswithout alteringHiswordof truthonebit.Anointedpropheticwisdommakeshearers seehowwhat prophets say and teach really does fit their modern situations. To theprophet, sophistication isbut a remakingof the archaic.TheyechoSolomon’ssentiment:“Thatwhichhasbeeniswhatwillbe,thatwhichisdoneiswhatwillbedone,andthereisnothingnewunderthesun”(Ecclesiastes1:9).

FinalNotesontheBasicsofProphecy

1.Amos3:7—Emphasis:Themeaningofthewordsod.

ThewordforthesecretsGodrevealstoHisservantstheprophets.

Sod distinguishes prophetic hearing from the range of spiritual

hearingtheHolySpiritallows.

Sod designates the official character of the propheticmessage’sdeliverysystemaswhatGodusesexclusivelywithprophets.

Sod centers on the deliberations that take place among highofficialsinclosed-chambersessions.

Sod relates thedistinctionsof theprophet’smeansof revelationandgroundsforperceptionstothesphereofpropheticsinwhichheoperates.

2.2Chronicles20:20—Emphasis:Thepowerfulprosperityanointinginherenttotheprophet’smantle.

This Scripture establishes how and why the prophet’s powerextendstothesphereofprosperity.

Prophecyisprosperity’stoolintheworldofprophetics.

ThebenefitandbasisoftheprosperitylinkprophesyingatGod’swilltomoneyandtriumph.

It says how and why prophets are instrumental in the Lord’striumphsinalife.

ItanswershowthepreviousstatementrelatestoAmos3:7.

The word prosperity actually means “good fortune, fortunatelyprovidedforduetoencounteringfavorableconditions.”

3.Psalm139:15–16—Emphasis:TheeternalwritingsofCreatorGod.

Godwroteitalldowninadvance.

Foreknowledge means that the Lord wrote everything down ineternitytomanifestasprophecyinduetime.

God’swritingstranslatetoprophecy.

WhattheLordwroteinadvanceaffectstheeventsofthelivesofthoseHerecordedinHispropheticordinations.

Hebrews 10:7 exemplifies how a volume of the book inwhicheachofour livesarerecordedexists. Itsvariablesareaccountedforandyetremainimmutableforprophetstodeclare.

4.Numbers12:6—Emphasis:Thevisionsanddreamsusedtoinductprophetsintooffice.

Visionsanddreamsaretheprimarymediaofpropheticinduction.

Dreams and visions are decidedly the best ways to awaken theprophet’sspirit.

What makes prophets inherently susceptible to God’s spiritualactivationistheirprophet’sspirit.

The passage contributes to, complements, and supports theprophetic’sreceptionandtransmission.

5.Acts15:18—Emphasis:EternityandtimeareknowntoGod.

ThislinkstoHebrews10:7andPsalm139:15–16.

PropheticPrayer

Needless to say,more thanwithmostotherministers in theNewTestamentchurch, the prophet’s chief responsibility is prayer. Prayer for the prophet isaboveprophesying,forwithoutprayer,thepropheciestheprophetgivesmaynotbe totallyaccurate, relevant,or timely.Prayersynchronizes theprophet’sclock

and perspectives with God’s. It unites his or her supernatural self with thesupernatural forces assigned to the work on earth. Prayer opens the heavens,removesthedarkness,andshedsGod’slightonthemattersprophetshandle.Ashabby prayer life eventually renders prophets feeble in their ministries andhinderstheexecutionoftheirpropheticduties.

Another reason prayer is so vital to thismantle has to dowith theweightyintercessoryobligationof themessenger.Theprophet’sprimarycharge, if yourecall, istostandinthegapandmakeupthehedgeforGod’speopleonearth.ThisresponsibilityiswhereIsrael’sprophetsfailedinEzekiel13:5.Butwhatisitfortheprophettopray?

According to theBible, there isnomoreeffectiveprayergroup than thatofprophetsandapostles,collectivelyandrespectively.Iusedtowonderaboutthisuntil I had the opportunity to observe and experience the difference. Whenprophets praywith others, theymay have a productive prayer time.However,when they praywith their peers of like spirit, the results are explosive. Theirrespective mantles collaborate, and each one’s anointing and power aremagnified a thousandfold. When this group assembles, the time it takes totranscend the world and flesh is milliseconds in comparison to other prayergroups.

Prophets do not need the long spiritual prologues, extensive meditation, orempty praise-fillers that are normally required by others before they transitionfrom the human to the heavenly. In an instant, prophets’ seasoned spirits leaponto God’s plane, ready to do business as He requires. Prophets furtherunderstandwhat to expect from their prayer vigils and approach themwith aconfident determination to plow through everything in their way. With otherprayer groups it is different. Their spiritual immaturity or weakness can lagbehind in the spirit as they are unskilled or unable to shake off the flesh thatholdsdowntheirspiritualpower.Manybelieversfrequentlylackthefortitudetopushinthespiritandareeasilydrivenbacktocarnalitybyanyhintofdemonicresistanceorfatigue.

Propheticprayergroups,ontheotherhand,areabletoconfrontandconquerthespiritualbulliesthedevilassignstotheirgatherings.Theyenterprayerwithasenseof assignment, duty, and invincibility.Prophets arenot quicklyor easilycowered inprayer,andover time, theyresolve tooutgrowtheweaknesses thatmakethemvulnerabletosuchtacticsinthefuture.

Once on God’s plane, prophets are attuned to His most intimate thoughts,

being experienced in conceiving what the Lord wants to deposit in them.Prophets’ prayer companies immediately transform their environments into abattlefield, a revelationhub, amilitarycamp, andaworshipandpraise center.Throughouttheprayer,thegrouptravelsthroughallthesestagestomakehappenonearthwhattheLordhasshownthemtobeHiswillinheaven.Beforetacklingother issues, responsible prophets come to God to be healed, cleansed,empowered, and impregnated.They are conditioned to conceiveHis thoughts,commune with His Word, and be further transformed into His image andlikeness. Prophets not only seek this from their prayer times; they expect andinsistthattheLordgrantsthemthisfruitasaresultofit.Whentheprayerends,theroomischangedtoasanctuary.ThegloryispresentandthewordoftheLordflowsabundantly.

ItissadthattheleastcommunalprayergroupinthebodyofChristtendstobethe leaders, prophets, and apostles, most importantly. I have witnessed howpastorsandchurchleadersrisetofameandbegintoseeprayerasbeneaththem.TheyknowhowtoreachGod,buttheyassignspecialgroupstodoitforthem.Unlessthereisacrisis,fartoomanyinleadershipofchurchesoftheLordJesusreplacevaluableprayertimewithworkswhilestillrelyingontheLord’sSpirittosupportthemintheirventures.

Biblical prophetic prayer models, Samuel, Moses, David, Daniel, Job, andAbraham,tonameafew,wouldnevercastoffthisprivilegedduty.Whattheyallsharedwastheirconvictionforintercession.Manytimesactivepropheticprayercanhalt orderail an attackof the enemymeant tooverthrowGod’splans andpurposes. When prophets enter active prayer, visions flood their minds. TheLord’s thoughts stream at them at accelerated rates as their spirits overwhelmtheirnaturalselves.Atthistime,theLord’sbroadestandmostfinitemattersaredivulged and the sod meeting discussed earlier begins. The messengers hearGod’splan,understandthestrategy,andareenlightenedontheobjectsof theirnextpropheticassignment.Fromall this,youcanseehowimportantprophets’prayerlivesaretotheiraccuracyandeffectiveness.

Another unique feature of prophetic prayer groups is recognizing that faultandfailureforlife’scrisesliewithhumansandnotwiththeLord.ProphetsdifferfromothergroupsbecausetheyneverassignblametotheLordorwrangleHisWord toexcusehumanbehavioror rationalize their retaliationagainstGodfortheir suffering. Rather, prophets are aware that problems of sin reside withhumans. Therefore they include in their intercessory sessions vicariousrepentanceforthesinsofthepeopleofthelandstheyprayforandthenproceed

tousetheirauthoritytoreleasetheirblessings.Daniel’sintercessioninchapters9and10showsthispracticeinaction.Prayingprophetsareamostvaluabletoolinpublicministry.Withoutpropheticprayer,theinstitutionofprophecyisonlymarginallyeffective.Readaboutpastors’prayerlivesinActs2.

TheProphecyAnointing

Itmight be helpful to church prophets and their pastors to know about theprophecyanointingasitstreamsfromthebaptismoftheHolySpirit.ThenameoftheanointingthatempowersChrist’sministersfortheirservicetotheLordischrio.AsanaspectoftheLord’smanyanointings,thisoneisdistinctinthatitmayalsobecalledtheministrypoweranointing.Chriodescribestheoutpouringof theHolySpirit thatspecifically restsonHisofficersandministers inactiveservice. Chrio furnishes what is needed to perform the duties and exploits ofone’scall.

AccordingtoStrong’sConcordance,thewordchrioisusedfourtimesintheNewTestament.OnlyoneofthosetimesisitappliedoutsideofChrist,whichisnottosaythatitdoesnotapplytohumanministers,becausethatisinaccurate.Whatitistosay,though,isthatthechrioanointingspecificallyempowersdivineservice.Thesingletimethewordchrioisusedforanointingforhumanministersisin2Corinthians1:21inrelationtotheapostles.Whatmakesitrelevanttoustoday,however, is thatJesuswassent toearthas thefirstMinisterof theNewCovenant.HecameastheProphetwhowastocomeandtheGreatApostle.Allthis states that the chrio anointing to minister is more than the chrisma allbelieversget.ItgoesalongwithActs1:8,wheretheLordinstructsHisfollowerstoremaininJerusalemuntiltheyareenduedwithpowerfromonhighinLuke24:49.Otherwise,itisonlyusedintheNewTestamentoneothertime.

Withoutchrio,ministersrelyentirelyontheirhumantalentsandhavealesserdegree of potency and consequently less ministry success. Chrio is a poweranointing, period. It comes upon the Lord’s servants for one reason, and onereasononly:toempowerthemaseffectivewitnessesofGod’sWord,truth,andpower. Because of this goal, chrio also supplies what it takes to yield to themovesandwavesoftheHolySpirit.Withoutit,Christ’sministerscannotquitesubmittoGod’swill,beusedbyHispower,orexecutewhatcannotordinarilybedonebymortalhumans.Theanointing,whenmanifestedinthiscontext,usesthevessel rather than the normal course of affairs where the vessel uses theanointinginministry.Toclarifythedistinctionsbetweenthechrioanointingandtheothers,inmattersandtasksofaroutinenaturethevessel,God’sministeruses

the anointing, or employs it,which is a betterway of saying it.Chrio, on theotherhand,usesthevessel.

TheconnectionbetweentheLordandHisministersunderthesecircumstancesisrigidanddistinct.EnormouslatitudeandtrustareaccordedthosewhomJesusbaptizeswithHis chrio anointing. Their obediencemust be firmly establishedand their motives and agenda beyond suspicion. These being confirmed, theLordimpartschrio’spowerfulauthorityandpotency,becausewithoutthemthosecalled to His service would fail in the face of the severe trials and contestsassociatedwithministry.

ThePropheticandChrio

With the prophetic, the chrio anointing is centered primarily in thedispensationofprophecy,althoughnotexclusively.Severalnoticeablesensationscanaccompanytheonsetoftheprophecyanointing.Jeremiahspokeofquaking,burning, weakness, or loss of strength. In relation to the prophecy anointing,Daniel spoke of a heaviness that weighed him down and something akin topassingout—whatwecalltodaybeingslainintheSpirit.SomeprophetsvoicedadistinctweightplaceduponthemthattheyidentifiedasthehandoftheLordupon them to prophesy.Usually they felt this in the shoulder, neck, and backarea,as the termyokeissynonymouswithmantle.Others identifiedthemassaprophetic burden for the oracle. While such sensations are not essential toprophecy,theBibleoftenmentionstheweightofpropheticoraclebeingfeltbytheprophet.Itseemedtobeitsheaviestwhenthemessagewasbeingdepositedintheprophetforlaterutterance.

TheSourceofPropheticPower

Peopleinvariablyaskwhatmakesaprophet’swordscometopass.Althoughmuchdiscussionhasalludedtotheanswer,belowaresomeconcretefactorsthatensureaprophet’swordwillcometopass.

Thesourceofpropheticpowerissummedupasfollows:

The prophetic word itself. The Lord’s empowerment of theprophet’sspiritgivesweight tohisorherprophecy.Theweight,thoughimperceptible,givesoffanauradetectedbytheinvisibleforcesofcreationtocausethemtotakewhatthemessengersays

seriouslyanddoit.

Theangelicguard.TheteamofangelicforcesGoddeploystotheprophet’s sphere at the time of the messenger’s installation toguard the work and enforce the prophet’s word. This forcepowerfullyimposestheLord’swillonthedevil.

Divine license to act legitimately.The spiritual certification andvalidationtheLordconfersupontheprophetthatauthorizeshimor her to act in supernaturalmatterswithin an assigned sphere.Thelicensemaynotbediscernibletohumans,butitisrecognizedand respected by the forces of darkness. Divine license isgenerallyutteredaloudfromthemouthoftheprophetwhileitisatthesametimedeclaredbyGodtoHishosts.Jesus’instructionsto the apostles in Matthew 10, along with His response to thereturnoftheseventy’sjoyovertheirauthority,aretwoexamples.

Divine appointment to prophetic service. God may induct aprophet into His service privately, but He will cause thatappointmenttoberecognizedandhonoredbyHisleaders.MorethanonceHewillhave itvoiced inHisseenandunseenworldsbytheirauthorities.

Anapprovedpropheticstation.ThisiswhatHabakkukreferredtowhen he waited for God to answer him after his frustratedoutburstoverIsrael’ssin.HeknewthatheperhapsevendeservedtobereprovedbecauseofitandareprooffromtheLordcouldbepainful. Therefore, the prophet sought refuge in his propheticward,orwatchstation.(SeeHabakkuk2:1.)

Approved prophetic assignment. The Lord’s dispatch of themessengerwith amessage.The fact that the charge is givenbyGodmeansthatHewillupholdit.WhatMosesreceivedfromhisburning bush encounter with the Lord was a propheticassignment.

These are some of the most concrete reasons why the Lord upholds andperforms, or ignores, a particular prophet’s word. Share your receipt of theseconfirmationswith your study group or prophetic company.Compare notes to

seehowtheylineup.

ProfessionalProphetics

Professional prophets were once a respectable guild of ministers in earliertimes. Look at some of the standards professional prophets of theBible’s daywereheldtointheancientworld.

Professional prophetics never undertaken by the novice or theunproved.

Professional prophetics were balanced by others in communitygroupsofprophets.

Professional prophetics generally had secluded quarters wheregroup(andindividual)encounterswiththedeityoccurred.

Professionalpropheticmenandwomenweretriedandprovenfortheirpositions.

Propheticwomenwereoften seen asmorevisionary,menmorevocal.

Variousformsofpropheticreceptionwereemployed.

Propheticreceptionrequireddiverseactionsforpreparation.

Variousformsandstylesofreadinesswereusedtoequiponefortheprophetic.

Numerous aspects of prophetic functions were dedicated tospecial prophetic vessels exhibiting exceptional propheticaptitude.

Differentvesselsinthepropheticcompanywereoftenemployedbythedeityinuniqueways, todispensedistinct technicalmanifestations that expressed itssentiment and will in matters. For instance, a comprehensive company ofprophetsmaydemonstratetheirofficeinnumerousways.Inofficialservice,for

example:

Someonlysang.

Othersonlywailed.

Afewcriedandweptintravailoraswailingvesselsofthedeity’ssorroworinjury.

Othersrantedandravedasinspiritualwarfare.

Somedecriedanddeclaredpropheticstatementstoillustratewhatthedeitywasdoingwiththeirpetitions.

Someenteredinto,actedout,orincitedmilitarystrategy.

Some simply peered into the supernatural andutteredwhatwasseen.

Some summoned and actuated the supernatural with prayers,descriptiveutterances,orauthoritativecommands.

Some ecstatically worshipped until spiritual manifestationsappeared.

Somesacrificedanimalstocoaxspiritualactivity.(OurLambhasbeensacrificed.)

Others imbibed various concoctions, narcotics, or hallucinogensto stimulate and awaken their spiritual receptors to identify anddefinewhatthedeity’sspiritualhostsweredoing.(WearedrunkwiththeHolySpirit.)

Many simply offered prayers and fell asleep to receiveinstructions in the form of a vision or a dream. Numbers 24showsBalaamusingthismethod.HealwayswentofftosleepinordertohearfromGod.Thatishowhereceivedhisfamous“IseeHimbutnotnow”prophecyforIsrael.

Specific spiritualmaneuverswere delegated to each person to operate by apropheticleaderwhosejobitwastoassurethepropheticsofthegroupmetwithdeity’sapproval.

ThePsalmistandtheSeer

Since not everyone exhibiting prophetic signs or uttering prophecy is anofficialprophet,thequestionbecomes,whatothertypeofpropheticcallingdoessomeonehaveonhis or her life?The answermaybepsalmist, if he singshisrevelations and predictions frequently or rhymes them and exhibits no furtherpropheticconduct.Or,anothertypeofprophetmaybeaseer.Thisislikelyifheorsheregularlypeersintotheotherworld,whetherornothisorherobservationsaretranslated,enforced,orinterpreted.Herearesomeactionfeaturesofeachofthesetypesofprophet:

ThePsalmist

Isasingingprophet

Ispronetopoetry

Useslyricaldelivery

Isincludedtodrama

Isinnatelymusical

Isimpressivelycreative

Iseffectiveatrhyming

Possessesaliterarytalent

Performsbestwithmusicalstimuli

Ispotentinpraise

TheSeer

Isadreamer,visionary

Possessessupernaturalsight

Isadiscerningdetectiveinspirit

Islikelytohavestronginterpretations

Maytranslatespiritualhappenings

Canoftenseeandnotbeabletosay,orsometimesonlydescribe,whatisseen

Sharesvisionsthatoftenrelyonrecipientapplicationofpicturestosituations

Usessymbolismandimageryinterpretationsthatmayaccompanyspiritualsightfaculty

Exhibitsadefinitivedeliverystyle

Confirmsmembersofpropheticteam

QuickStudyChart

BasicsoftheProphetPersonalityandTemperament

Prophetsarecharacterizedbyconsistenttraits,attitudes,andbehaviorsthatallprophetssharetosomedegree.Thechartbelowdescribessomecommonalitiesthatmayhelpemergingprophets,pastors,andtheirflocksrecognizeapropheticpersonalityandbetterunderstandhisorheruniquetemperament.Prophetictypesacrosstheboardare:

Pronetoexhibitastrongauthoritativepresence

Predisposedtotheprophetic’smessengeroffice

Easily motivated by the visions and dreams that induct theprophetintotheministry

Compatiblewiththetypicallyitinerantministercalling

Relativelygodlyandspiritualminded

Incisiveandjudicialinnatureforprophet’sleadershiprole

Potentandprovocativeworshipperswhoinspirethesametraitsinothers

Suitabletoserveasdivinefunctionariesviavisionsanddreams

Naturallydisposedtoinordinatedivinecommunications

Inclinedtonabiimauthority

Unavoidablydetachedloners

Naturallydiscerningandprobing

Naturallyorientedtotheprophet’soddofficerequirements

Daring,bold,andoutspoken

Practical,piercingandconfrontational

Scrupulouslyobedienttospiritualways

Articulateandambassadorialinspirit

Preachingteachers

Compelling,corrective,andchastening

ImpressedbyGod’sdivineorder

Inherentlyprovocativeinoffice

Highlyintelligent,inquisitive,anddriven

Analytical,probing,andastute

PortraitofChurchProphetDistinctives

What is very important in selecting a prophet of the church is anunderstanding of the qualities and traits that do not make for a compatiblechurch prophet. As with any other organization’s staff or departments, God’sprophetscomeinanarrayofdifferentdesignations.Somearedesignatedtoonelevel and others to a higher or lower one. Those levels may be national,community,global,or local.When it comes to thechurchprophet in the localchurch, it isbest to install aprophetwho ismorehome-base-minded thanonewithanationalorinternationalpassion.Abasichomebodycharacterinapersontranslatestoahomebodyprophet.Yourchurchprophetshouldnotbeelsewheremore than he or she is with you. The church prophet also should not resenthaving to be in church or actively involved in the spiritual life of yourcongregation,favoringinsteadhisorherfieldministrytripsaboveallelse.

You will know the home-based prophet by his or her conversation. It isusually centered around the house of God, the condition of a specificcongregation, and the importance of a prophetic presence in the church as awatch force for theLordon thepastor’sbehalf. If aprophet’s sights aremorefield-minded than church-minded, chances are that he or shewill not dowellconfined to your church.Listen to a potent church prophet’s conversation andexplorehis or herministryvision abit beforedeciding to set himor her overyourmembership.Whileitmightbeglamoroustohaveaworldprophetonstaff,sound judgment indicates that global and national prophets are best used asadvisers.Theycanmakepoorlocalchurchprophets.Theirmessagescanbetoohigh above the people’s heads far too often, and their visions for your churchmore for the corporatebodyofChrist.ThatmeanswhatGod is issuing to theworldwide body could be dumped on your church, though it may not beapplicabletoit.

Besides this, the global or national prophet may be great for fortifyingmissions outreach from time to time, but when it comes to succoring theindividual needs of the flock, its issues may appear petty to the prophet incomparison.Suchaprophetofthechurchcouldreactcallously,unintentionallyornot,totheperceivedchildishneedsandplightsofthelocalbody.Lastly,theworld-class prophet may also come off unwittingly as superior to the localpastor,deeminghisvisionandmethodstriteincontrasttotheneedsoftheworldfront.

Following are some clues you may use to detect who is or is not a goodchurchprophetcandidate.

QuickStudyChart

CharacterTraitsThatIndicateaPotentialChurchProphet

Amostsuitablecandidateforachurchprophetconformstothefollowing:

Is stationary or demonstrates a capacity for staying andfunctioningproductivelyinoneplace

Isinterestedinthechurch,itsmembers,andchurchvision

Interacts positively and closely in a supportive role with thechurch’sheadship

SupportsleadershipactionsandinitiativesthatareclearlythewilloftheLordforthechurch

Is able anddesires to guard and supernaturally intercedeon thechurch’sbehalf

Is interested in superintending the spiritual activities of localchurch and diligently screening and upgrading its propheticoperations

Demonstratesanabilitytofunctioninfullnabiimcapacity

Isable tooverseeprophetics,psalmism, intercessoryprayer,andmembershippropheticdevelopment

Iscomfortableincollaborationswithpastorinsubordinateroleonthewelfareandpropheticbenefitsof themantleandministry inchurch

Isopenenoughto introduceandpromotenewprophetic inflowsand accurately screen manifesting prophets arising from localchurchmidst

Is knowledgeable enough to evaluate active prophetics, confirmemerging prophets, and train prophets for in-house use and/orchurchdispatchtootherareas

Isexperiencedenoughtovalidateactuatingpropheticsandcertifytheirauthenticity

Shows leadership potential that is harmoniouswith the existingandemergingchurchleadershipandgovernment

IsabletodiplomaticallysuggestprudentchangesthatbetteralignthechurchwiththekingdomofGod

Is able to provide safe and reliable counsel to pastorconfidentially

Is skillful andproductivewhen interactingwith and serving themembership without undue familiarity that could bias laterprophetics

DemonstratesanabilitytobeobjectiveandtodetacheasilyfromthebodytoseektheLordandremaincrediblewithleadership

Totalkabouttheprophetinthechurchandneglecttheofficer’snumber-oneopposition,theoccult,isderelict.ThemainreasonwhypeoplefinditdifficulttoreconcileGod’sneed for theminister incontemporary times,andespecially intheNewTestamentchurch,isbecausethereasonGodordainedprophetsseemsvague. As we have proven throughout this text, people often see prophets asmere vocalizers of future events. They see prophets as those who just speakGod’s words for no apparent reason. Herein lies the church’s difficulty withprophets,adifficultytheWordandthespiritsofdarknessdonotshare.

When thinking about the Lord’s use of the prophet, onemust consider thebackdropagainstwhichtheLordpresentstheofficertoHispeople.That is thefirst clue to why the Lord needs the prophet. Beginning with Abraham, alsocalledaprophetinScripture,GodinitiatesHismethodofgettingHisWordandwill into the earth and people’s hearts. He spoke to a prophet. God’s wordsempoweredthemantodoamazingthings.Inanunprecedentedbattleagainstthekingsoftheland,AbrahamaccomplishedamonumentalfeatwiththehelpofhisGod. He slaughtered the five kings, recaptured his family and treasures, and

discovered theAlmighty truly is thegreatest of all gods.This awesomebeingbecame his covenant God forever as a result. Following this came Joseph,another Scripture-declared prophet. His prophetic ability succeeded in placinghimasthethirdleaderinEgypt,wherehebecamethesaviorofhisnationIsraelthrough the use of his prophetic acumen. Joseph’s position turned out to beprovidentialashisstatusendedupbeingredemptiveforhisfamilyandlaterallofIsrael.DreamsandvisionswereusedbyGodtosetJoseph’scourse.

WeseethismethodinoperationagainwithMoses,whomGodsenttodeliverthe people of Israel. The Lord brings us into the world of the prophetic byspeakingthroughfires.GodtalkedtoMosesfromaburningbushandtoldhimwhathewascalledtodo.HewastodisplaytheMostHigh’spowertoPharaohofEgyptandsystematicallydismantlethepowersofoneoftheoldestandmostmenacingkingdoms inhistory.Moseswas todosowithonly tworesources:awooden stick that he used to handle the flocks ofMidian,where he fled afterkilling anEgyptianofficermanyyears earlier, and a prophet.God toldMosesthat his brotherAaronwould accompanyhim intoEgypt and serve asMoses’prophet(spokesmanforadeity).MoseswouldbeagodtoPharaohbyvirtueofthe calamitous events that befell the nation at his words. With only twoimplementsthattransformedthemselvesintoweaponsofacosmicwar,theLordtoppledtheentireEgyptiannation,bringingonedisasterafteranotherontheminaclashwitheveryoneofEgypt’sgods(seeNumbersl2:12),bymerelyspeaking.WhatisscarcelyknownbytheLord’schurchisthatGodAlmightythroughHisprophet engaged the entire Egyptian pantheon in a divine contest and won adecisivevictoryforthem.ThehistoryofthepropheticgoesonasGodcontinuesHispatternwithJoshua,Moses’successor.

Again, enlistinga supernatural agent tocompleteHisproject,GodusedHismilitaristic prophet, Joshua, to conquer the territory Israel had been gathering.Joshua’spropheticmantle continued the legacyandwaspassedonafter a fewgenerations to Samuel, the prophet who instituted Israel’s judgeship. Samuelblended judgeship into his prophet’s mantle as commander in chief and highpriest.Hisfourfoldgiftingemergedasadevelopingmodelofdiversepropheticservice.Samuelwent towarwith thePhilistines,calledthenationbackto trueworship, and restored devoted worship of Yahweh. Lastly, he organized andformalizedpropheticeducationandministryandpropelledthenationforwardinitsdestiny.

God’s prophetic mold continued as yet one other office merged with theprophetic—thatofking.AfterSaul’sdemise,his replacement,David, assumed

theroleofprophetandpriest(notunusualformonarchsofthatday)alongwithroles previously anchored in the mantle by Samuel. David, a born warrior,exhibited a wholehearted working relationship between the Lord and Hisprophet. He inquired of God and received answers to what he asked byconsulting the ephod, a kind of interrogatory vestment normally restricted topriests.Revelationbecamecommonplacetothiskingasheportrayedpowerfulandamazing relationswith Israel’sGod.Oncemore, theprophetic surfacedasthecommondenominator,theindispensableimplementofGod’sactivities.

BythetimeDavid’sreignwasinfullswing,theconnectionbetweenGodandHis prophets was permanently forged. History had been made, and Lord’sarchetypewas forever set. From here on it was official: surely the Lord doesnothing without first revealing His secret to His servants the prophets. (SeeAmos3:7.)ThroughoutScripturetheprophetsshowupasthevoiceofGod,thepower of God exerted, His implements and weaponry. Themost striking andtelling account of this organization was that of the prophetic institution ofJezebel, the Phoenician witch King Ahab made queen of Israel. Her staffconsistedofnearlyonethousandprophetswhomsheusedtoseduce,manipulate,and tyrannize the nation. She utterly usurped the Lord’s messengers with herown and had themajority ofYahweh’s prophets killed to stop their influenceoverherowninstitution.

Solomon, years earlier, did likewise. His prophetic perversions showthemselvesinhisreceivingthreepersonalvisitationsfromGodandstillendingup giving the Lord’s spiritual and governmental domains to other gods. Histreasoninseminatedthenation’sconsciousnesssothatitwaswell-accustomedtotheidolatrybythetimeJezebelcamealong.Overtime,thingsshiftedabitasthekingswere assignedprophets to serve their reigns.Eventually the institutionalarrangement took hold and the custom became professional policy. Jeremiah,Elijah,andtheothermajorandminorprophetsallcontinueditsprotocolsuptoandincludingtheLordJesusChrist.

What all this says is that the occult, the supernatural, andwitchcraft are allreasons why God maintains a prophetic staff. Elijah proved this point in hisMountCarmelclashwithJezebel’sstaff.TheLordshowedapostate Israel thatindeed her God really is the God of all gods, even though Elijah’s contestshowed itselfas too little, too late.Nonetheless,ourpoint ismade.That is theprophetisGod’sarm,mouth,thoughts,andwill.Thereasonissimple:theoccultasweknow it demands for theGodof all humanity and the sakeof theMostHigh’sdominionovertheworksofHishands,anindomitablecounterbalanceto

Satan’sterrorism.

Thewordoccultmeans“secretormysticalknowledge.”Itisatermembracedbywitches,psychics,wizards,andsorcerers to identifythebodyofknowledgefrom which they gain their wisdom to exercise supernatural powers. Itsrelationship to theprophetic isobvious. It rivals theLordandHispeoplewithopposing sensual and worldly wisdom. Branches of the occult in addition tothose stated above aredivination, necromancy, astrology,magic,witchery, andsorcery.AllareelementsoftheNewAgereligionthatsubscribestopolytheism,ancientmysticalreligions,andfunerarydeathcultsfromtheancientNearEast.ThesehavealwaysbeencondemnedbyCreatorGod.

As a supernatural, spiritual, and political empire, the only godly counter tosuchpowersandtheirforcesareGod’sprophets.Churchprophetsneedtoknowthis,becausetheseagentsareinsidiousintheirinfiltrationofthemodernchurch.Forinstance,yoga,aprimeentreetotheoccult,ispusheddailybythemediaandentertainment industry. Now, even education and psychotherapy tout it as therediscovered answer to the stresses of the world. Public schools peddle itsancientteachingsundertheguiseofholisticwisdom,ignoringtheirreligiousandpagan roots. More than a few churches today subscribe to portions of thispractice, overlooking its original aim to condition meditators to receive andembody the spirits of other gods. Much of the introspective worship formsutilize“soaking”—sittingstilltoletwhateverethereallyhappenstoaworshipperto do so unimpeded. Such theologized widespread practices smack of easternyoga andmirror the principles of transcendental meditation.Many such NewAge practices are supposedly helpful, healthy, and wholesome for today’sfrenziedworld.Presentedapartfromtheritualisticandreligiousroots,theymaskthedetrimental results of these teachings.Achurchworlddevoidof insightfulrevelationisreadypreyfortheseseductions.

Ofalltheelementsoftheoccult,divinationisthemostpervasive.Itbehoovesprophets of the local church to understand it. Divination’s most pronouncedtreatment in Scripture is Acts 16:16. It is simply speaking by the power of afallenangel,devil,ordemon.ThedefinitionalonetellswhyGodhasaproblemwith it. The “divine” in the word identifies the source of divinatory words;psychicscallthem“readings.”Inancienttimes,spiritswerecalleddivinebeingsbecause, when they represented themselves to people, they sought to enlistworshippersintheirserviceandworshipasgods,ordivineones.Thus,overtimethey were dubbed “divine ones,” and their words to humans as “divining.”Eventually, a supernatural institution developed around their visitations and

communicationsthatrelieduponthehearer’sperformanceofcertainrituals.Thecollectionofpracticesandritualsrequiredtoreceivetheirwordsofwisdomandmysticalknowledgefromdivinebeingsbecameknownasdivination.Itrestedonanimal sacrifices, severed body parts, nature worship, and the handling ofobjects believed to possess magical powers. Supposedly embodiments of thedivine one, various objects were ritualized in area revered as magical sites.Inquiring worshippers resorted to them to answer their questions. Such siteswere seen as sources of supernatural deposits that were designated by theinterrogateddeityastheexclusivemodeofapproachingandappealingtoitforinformation. The information routinely retrieved includes astrology, tarot andpalmreadings,crystalgazing,andnecromancy,tonameafew.Baal,Ashtorath,andMolechoftheBible,alongwithDiana(Artemis),Apollo,andZeus,allhadsuch sites, usually in forests or groves that they centralized for worshippers’sacrificesandpetitions.NatureandastroworshipexemplifytheLord’sobjectionto their religious forms. As Deuteronomy 4:19 indicates, they worship thecreature over the Creator. (See also Deuteronomy 17:3 and Romans 1:25.)Today,theseareoftenpopularizedasentertainmenttohidetheirtrueaims.

CountlessChristianscallpsychichotlines to learnabout their futuresand togetadvicefromthesupernaturalabouttheirlifeaffairs.Morethanafewengageintalkingtothedeadtoeasethegriefoveralostlovedone.Millionsfollowtheirastrological signs and have their palms read. Psychic networks are a multi-billion-dollar industry that refuses to be curtailed no matter howmany of itsfront-runnersarefoundtobecharlatans.Thehungerorneedforanswersabouttomorrowdrivespeopletodoanythingandtopayanypricetogetevenatidbitofinformation.

Such information for the Christian, on the other hand, is locked up in thehouseofGod.ByHisSpiritintheprophets,theLordordainedtheperformanceof this function tobebyHispeople.That is thewholegoalofPentecost.Theentiretyofcreation’sspiritualactivityanditsauthorities,oncedistributedtoallinvisiblepowersandbeings,isnowgatheredandlocalizedinthechurchofJesusChrist. (See Acts 2.) Having a prophetic staff in every church regulates itsreleasestotherebydiscouragetheChristian’stemptationtoseekthedarknessforthelight.(SeeIsaiah8:19–20.)

ChapterSummary

1. Giving a prophecy of any kind triggers a chain of events thataffectthehearer.

2. ProphecyarticulatestheLord’spast,present,andfuturemindonagivenissue.

3. Prophesyingtakesspiritualfacultiestowork.

4. Powerfulprophetshavearesolutepropheticmind-set.

5. Prophecy has an origin that predetermines its validity andaccuracy.

6. Understandingprophecy’sanatomyisimportant.

7. Prophetic prayer, preaching, and teaching all emerge fromdifferentanointing.

8. Otherpowersfacilitateandperformprophecy.

PropheticActionItems

1. Use the words of another prophet (make sure he or she is anofficial prophet), and study their composition, terminology,implications, etc. From your analysis, determine how valid andpotenttheyare.

2. Draftaservicedescriptionforthetypesofprophetsnamedinthischapter.

Chapter10

TheProphet’sJobDescription

Thischapterdiscussesindetailthejobtheprophetistodo.Itcovers:

Sixteenkeyquestionsforthelocalchurchtoconsider

Howtostaffapropheticinstitution

Thepastorandtheawakeningprophet

Mentorship

Whentocallinaprophet

RoutineActivitiesofChurchProphets

This chapter of the book deals mainly with the local church’s propheticinstitution. It gives further occupational details on the role and work of thechurch prophet. I have clearly established why the prophetic should be afunctioning institution in the local church. Now that yours has been decidedupon,herearesomeofitsareasofoperation.

ThePropheticintheLocalChurch...

Shouldbeafull,functioninginstitution.

Shouldbeunderapropheticsuperintendent.

Shouldbeagraduatedappointment.

Shouldensurethattrainingandprovingprecedeplacementontheteam.

Should have standardized qualifications and a formal means ofscreeningandselection.

Should have a uniform criterion-based means of evaluation,assessment,andverificationbeforeplacement.

Shouldonlyreceiveeligibleappointeesafteratrialperiod.

Shouldhaveregularworshipandcongregationaloutlets.

Should be assigned to various aspects of ministry for prayercoverage,insight,andspiritualwatchcare.

Shouldbevisiblyrepresentedinthelocalassembly.

Shouldbereplicatingandoutreach-minded.

Shouldhavecertifiedtrainersandsupervisors.

Shouldrequiretrainingandapprenticeship.

Shouldencompassallspiritualactivity.

Should collaborate with the church’s school or learningdepartment.

Shoulddevelopandrefinepropheticoutletsinthecommunityforitsministers.

Shouldarrangepropheticinteractionandcollaborationwithotherchurch’sprophets.

Should be active in church’s prayer, especially in itscongregationalprayer.

Shouldstructureuniformcorrective,disciplinary,andadviceandappealsprocess.

PropheticInstitutionStaffShouldConsistoftheFollowing:

Prophetictypesandprophets

Intercessorsandprayerwarriors

Specialpropheticmusicalensembleforpsalmist

Seersandchurchvisionaries

Prophetictrainers

Prophetic mentors who are answerable to a propheticsuperintendent

Staffprophets—well-trainedseniorandjuniorministers

Supervisory personnel over small units immediately answerabletosuperintendentandpastorate

Superintendent of church prophetics answerable to seniorpastor(s),chiefprophets,orapostles

Awell-trainedforceofcompetentpropheticvoices

DescriptionofChurchProphetActivities

With their prophetic faculties, resident or church prophets teach the flockabout God’s ordained prophetics and help them determine the true from thefalse.They train the church to be responsive to theLord and receptive toHisHolySpirit,pavingthewayforthepastor’sactions,sermons,orannouncements.It is throughchurchprophets thatGodexpects to ensure thechurch’s accuratedivinerevelationinbothspiritualandnaturalmatters.Theprophetsthenbecometheseasonedearsthattrypropheticoutburstsandthediscerningeyesthatsiftthefalsefromthetrue.Theyarealwaysalerttorecognizeemergingandawakeningpropheticvesselsinthecongregationandpreparedwithaprovenscreeningandtrainingprogramtodevelopthem.

Oncebuddingprophetshavebeenspotted,aswiththeirancientpredecessors,churchprophetsshouldbesettoresponsiblyequipnewcomerstotheoffice,andlater qualify their readiness to serve. Church prophets’ superintending andtraininggoals,consideringthisrequirement,shouldbepositionedtoeducateandsupplyprophets-in-training(PITsforshort)toanswerGod’scall.Morethantheability toseesomethingspirituallywith theirmind’seyeandutter itshouldberequired as mandatory training should prove. The ideal superintendent of thechurch’s prophetics is interested in what smoothly integrates the new prophetinto the cultural life of the church.Master or chief prophets should then geartheir PITs to serve competentlywhen the time comes for them to be inductedintoGod’sservice.Theirlearningprogramsshouldimplementeverypedagogicalmethod available to ensure their success. Structural schooling then figuresprominentlyintheconstantministryofthechurchprophet,oratleastitshould.

Theworkofaprophetinthelocalchurch,asyoucansee,isinfinitelymoreinvolvedthanstandingupinchurchandyelling,“ThussaystheLord”or“Iseeacar,money,orhomeforyou.”Anypsychiccandothat.Itistheseotherpowersandfunctions,whichmanyprophetsknowlittleabout,thatdistinguishthetwo.They must be tried, purged, proven, and then authenticated to separate theprophesierfromtheofficialprophet,oreventheintercessor.

Residentorstaffprophetsidentifythelivelystones,thatis,potentialworkers,leaders, and ministers in the work, and collaborate with the pastor on theirdevelopment and installation. Staff prophets participate in the church’sgovernment as subordinates or compeers, ideally helping to shepherd, order,structure, and maintain the house of God. Church prophets are key to theirchurches’overalltrainingaimsandactivitiesandareinstrumentalinthesuccessoftheirholisticspiritualstatureinChrist.Staffprophetsarealsotobethesagecounselandthedivineflowofwisdompastorscanlooktoforassistanceineverygodlyway.Theyeachserveasoneoftheirchurch’ssignificantvisionarypillarsto validate and expedite the pastor’s vision and the church’s mission. This isimportant when the membership falls into skepticism or cynicism over aproposed venture or project the Lord wants the church to undertake. OldTestamentprophetsZechariahandHaggaiwereprophetsofoldwhoperformedthisfunction.(SeeHaggai1andZechariah1.)Hereishowtheyrelate.

When thewordcamedownfromGod tostart rebuilding the templeand thewall of Jerusalem, the people were not at all motivated to do so. These twoprophets stepped up and called on the people to obey God’s decree. Theyconfirmed the word was of the Lord and supported the leaders practically,

spiritually,andsupernaturallyintheproject.Ezra5:1–3isoneexampleofthis.Prophet involvementguardedtheworkandbackeditsupernaturally toseethatthevisionofGoddidnotveeroffHisdesignatedcourse.Soeffectivewas theprophets’ involvement that one wonders, considering Ezra and Nehemiah’sconflictsduringthiswork, if the taskcouldeverhavebeendoneatallwithoutthem. A study of Ezra 6:14 shows how the passage strongly supports theexhortation in 2 Chronicles 20:20 concerning the ministry of the prophets.Nehemiah 6:7 enhances this phenomenon by underscoring God’s use of HisprophetstospirituallyachieveanythingsignificantHewantsdone.

Abriefwarning isneededat thispoint.Donot forget that theseabilitiesareavailabletoallprophets.Satanicprophetsoftheworlddothesamething:theyrelyontheirpowerfulprophet’sspirit(seeNehemiah9:30)anddivinecovenantstoachievetheirdiabolicalends.Nehemiah6:14alludedtothiswhenhespokeofthe prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets sent against his effort tomakehimafraidandquit the task theLordhadassignedhim.Aname for thetactic is mercenary prophetics. Because they were paid to do so, Nehemiah’scontemporaries repeated Balaam’s error. They sold their gifts to the highestbidderandsoughttoexercisetheirauthoritytodestroyanewworkoftheLord.

Considering this,amost logicalquestion is:Howcan theseextensivedutiesandfunctionsofthechurchprophetbesettledandemployedbythepastor?Theansweris:Theycanwhenprophetsare thoroughlyorientedtowhat thechurchneedsanddiligent in theirspiritualwatch.However, itmustnotbeoverlookedthat great responsibilities carry with them corresponding privileges andconsequences.Toensurebotharebalanced,pastorsandchurchleadersmustsetlimits on their church prophets’ service and conduct regular evaluations andbrainstormingsessions tomakesure theministry remainsviable in thechurch.Hereisanotherplacewherethemutualityofthetwo,theprophetandthepastor,can suffer. The pastor’s interests in sparing the flock must not erode theprophet’s value to the Lord and the church. Restraints placed on the prophetsshould not silence the Lord’s voice to His people or tie His hands. Healthyrestraints should favor God’s wholesome use of His most reliable prophets,while safeguarding thechurchoverall from themost ill-equippedorunreliableones.Aswithanygoodteam,thepastorandthechiefprophetshouldconferontheguidelinestosetforthechurch’spropheticinstitutions.Theseshouldspringfromwisdomandknowledge,notjustsentiment.

ChurchProphetLimits

As said earlier, the prophet’s authority in a pastor’s church is strictlyinfluentialasdelegatedby thepastor.Churchprophet limits, largelysetby thepastor,aresubject tohisorherrevocationatany time.Theresidentprophet isnottodisplacetheshepherdasheadofthechurchintheeyesofthesheep.Whenthereisaconflictthatcouldharmorspoiltheflock,thepastorhasthefinalsay(right orwrong). Prophets are to acquiesce to the pastor to spare the flock. Ifthereisanirreconcilabledifferencebetweenthem,theprophetshouldmoveon,leaving the church and its headship intact. The prophet’s anointing being thehigherofthetwomeansheorshecanquicklyoverturndevilishattacks(shouldthatbethecase)andpraytheLordmoveuponthepastor’sheart.IfGoddoesnotdo so then, it could be a sign that theLord is removing the church’s spiritualcovering.

IdentifyingandSelectingChurchProphets

When it comes to recognizing and ordaining church prophets, as has beensaid,pastorsmusttakegreatcare.Bynowyouunderstandthatthepersonplacedinthepostshouldbeaconfirmedprophetandnotanovice,anintercessor,oraprophesier aspiring to the official post. Requiring church prophets to train fortheir posts, especially if they rose up from the pastor’s flock, is wise. If acandidate for the position did not rise up from the pastor’s flock, he or sheshould be ready to present reputable credentials to the pastor before beingassigned to duty, and even then the assignment should be subject to anorientationperiodtomakesuretheincomingprophetisagoodfit.Evenso,untilthequalityoftheprophet’sserviceisconfirmed,hisorherappointmentshouldbetemporaryuntiltheprophet’scredibilityisverified.

Submittedpropheticcredentialsshouldsupplythepastorwiththecandidate’sexperience,background,yearsinpropheticministry,anddegreeoftraining.Theprophet’s level of competence and skill for church prophet service should bestatedinspecificachievementandaccomplishmentterms.Also,aservicerecordand references for the pastor to check before installing someone as officialchurch prophet should be made available. (This need not apply to prophetscalledinasguestministers,butitisstillgoodpolicy.)

Forchurchprophetsthereshouldbeatrialperiodsettodetermineiftheyarecompatible with the flock and its vision, mission, and perspectives. Thisrequirementshouldbecomepolicyregardlessofthenumberofyearsacandidateforthepositionofchurchprophethasbeeninpropheticministry.Itiscommonsense that protects the flock from prolonged discomfort or harm if the

arrangement turns sour, and moreover, the Bible encourages it. For pastorsconsidering authorizing prophets in their churches, guidelines of this sort aremorethanpractical;theyarecritical.

Requesting referencesmay seem unpleasant orworldly to pastors, but theycanpreventyearsoftrouble.It isnotseculartowanttoconfirmthecredibilityandreputationofyourincomingguestorcandidateprophetsasaprecautionarymeasure; it is actuallyquite spiritual.TheLordexhortsus toknow thosewholaboramongus. (See1Thessalonians5:12.)Asamatterofcourse, investigatemore closely candidates who balk at this requirement to confirm theirqualifications for the post. Sometimes negative reactions mean such prophetshavesomethingtohide.

Further,thereisnothingwrongwithaskingforabackgroundoftheproposedchurchprophet’sministrycoveringandpastengagements.Listen toaseriesoftheprophet’smessagesonrandomdatesbeforedecidingifhisorherteachingissound.Ifheorsheispublished,reviewhisorherworksandreaders’critiques.Asapastorresponsiblyemploying,endorsing,orassimilatingthepropheticintoyour church, you are looking for consistency in everyprofessional areaof theministry.

Qualifying potential church prophets should include a thorough screeningprocess. This is recommended for verifying an incoming prophet’s overallpotential and for identifying the true prophet and the prophet’s truth. Thescreeningprocessshouldconsistofpointedquestionsthatdrawoutinformativeanswersabouttheprophetthatpastorscanusetobasetheirdecisionupon.Suchanswers should provide insight into the candidate’s prophetic vision for thechurch’scoveringandthemeansbywhichheorsheproposestoimplementit.Thequestionsposedshouldrevealtheheartoftheminister,hisorheroutlookonchurch prophetics, and his or her perceived place in it. Naturally, doctrinalcompatibilityiscrucial.Thequestionnaireyoudraftshouldtellyoutheproposedchurchprophet’sspiritualandpracticalknowledge,sinceteachingislikelytobealargepartofhisduties.Howtheprophetmeasuresupasapotentialleader,aswell as matters of confidentiality and loyalty, should be addressed. A goodstandardizedassessment coulddomuchof thiswork foryou. Idevelopedonethathasproventobequiteeffective.

ThePastorandtheAwakeningProphet

Should a pastor discover an awakening prophet in the congregation, thediscovery should not automatically constitute an ordination, installation, or

appointmenttothechurch’sprophetics.Themostitshoulddoisidentifyyoungprophets’callsandinspirenovicestobecometrainedandseasoned.Awakeningdoes not in itself guarantee anointing, nor does it guarantee the quality of theawakeningprophet’smantleor itscompatibilitywith thechurchanditsvision.Prolongedobservationofthenovice’sdevelopmentisinorder.Foranexhaustivedescription of the traits and attributes that indicate the possible presence of aprophet’s spirit, review previous chapters that profile prophetic character,abilities, and the like. To confirm the one you suspectmay be prophetic or aprophet, assign a few inconsequential ministry-related tasks. Observe theperson’shandlingofthetasksorresolutionofassignedproblemstobesure.Thisapproachmaybeusedbypastorstoprovethosewhoclaimtobeprophetsandtosiftthematurefromthemarginal,andtosuccessfullyweedoutmoreaspirantstotheoffice.Again,itwillalsodistinguishtheintercessorandprophesierfromtheoffice-qualifiedprophet.

Acritical factor to considerwhendealingwith an awakeningprophet is theradicalalterationitcausesintherelationshipbetweentheprophetandthepastor.When this occurs, many dynamic factors come into play that did not existbefore.Relations between pastor and themember-turned-prophetmay becomestrainednowinwayspreviouslyunknown.Themandategiven thembothmayclash.Thiscouldsignaltheprophet’scalltoanotherchurchwhenthereasonsarenot merely contention or resistance to change on both sides. All theseconsiderations should be weighed carefully by the shepherd seeking to use asheep-turned-prophetastheresidentchurchprophet.

Whentheofficeofprophetisinstalledinthechurch,thesamesafeguardsandprecautionsusedforotherstaffmembersshouldprevailwiththechurchprophet.Theseprecautionarymeasuresshouldbeclearbeforetheordinationceremony.Icannotstressthisenough.Pastorsdonothavetosubmittheirflockstountrained,inexperienced, or unverified prophets, nor should they be hesitant aboutrequiring a proven track record from them. It is responsible shepherding torelease to the congregationwell-trained and stable prophets. As a pastor, youshould do all you can to ensure your church and its prophets are compatible.Another suggestion to foster this is to take time to acquaint your churchwithbiblical prophetics while you ready your prophets to serve them. Teach yourpeoplehowprophetsthink,minister,andhandletheLord’sword.Tellthemwhyit is different from the pastorate. Explain and bring in seasoned prophets toexplainhowtheprophetsbenefitthem.Beginyourprocesswithyourleaderssotheycansupportyourshift.

SpecialPrecaution

Pastors,bewaryofloneprophetswhohaveneitherchurchaccountabilityfortheirministriesnorareputablecompanyoftheirpeerstowhomtheyvoluntarilyanswer. Pastors, if prophets have not come up under your ministry, someonesomewhereshouldbeabletotellyouabouttheirpropheticsandministrybeforeyouevenmeetwiththem.Pressfordetailsoftheirministryexperiencespriortoreleasingtheminyourchurch.RigidrelianceupontheHolySpiritforrevelatoryconfirmation of those you trust for prophetic ministry is acceptable.Nevertheless, it should be infrequent and not a routine substitute for reliablescreeningpractices.Evenspiritualdecisionsrequirepracticalduediligence.Thewisdom of God’s Word dictates this for the protection of the pastor and thechurch.IhavelearnedovertheyearsthatwhenbrothersandsistersintheLordfirstmeeteachother, their introduction is likely tobeprimarilyspirit tospirit,andthisisgood.However,notallworkingrelationshipsstayonthatplaneallthetime.Therefore,pastorandprophetshouldwanttogettoknoweachotherfleshtoflesh;thatis,thetwoofyoumaywanttotaketimetogetacquaintedwithoneanother’shumansides.

TheChurchProphet

DoyourecallhowIsaidGodawakensyoungprophets?Itisofteninprivate,which lends itself to immature prophets’ resistance to established churchauthority.Wetalkedmuchaboutthiselsewhere.InthissectionweoverviewthechainofeventsthatoccurswhenGodalertsapersonthatheorsheisaprophet.The information to follow is not given to show that the Lord’s methods arewrong, but rather to show that the darkness in humanity can yield the earlyresultsthatcanusuallymakenewprophetssurlyandunpleasant.Prideisalwaysattherootofthehumanheart,andthecalltothepropheticsurfacesitquickly.Thatiswhathappenswithnewprophets.

SinceyoungpropheticmessengersgettheirstartfromGodinsecret,theyfeelsuch a startmeans they are never to submit to anyone butGod. This attitudemakes for turbulent times, aswe have shown, and all too often endswith thenovice prophet leaving the church and the frustrated pastor being left to dealwith thewake of disaster the neophytemay have left behind.Meanwhile, theyoungprophet ismost likelyoutside thecampof theLordandaway from thesafety of the ark, embittered, embattled, and now wary of prophetics in thefuture.If therehadbeenamediumbetweenthetwo—thebuddingprophetandthebusyandprotectivepastor—maybethingscouldhaveturnedoutdifferently.

Perhapsthestrugglethatendedsobadlycouldhavebeenavoided.WhatwouldhavehappenediftherewerebetterwaysforpastorstobringtheirnewprophetsupintheLord?

Oneway to reduce thecustomary strugglesbetweennewprophetsand theirpastorsistodirectawakeningprophetstoseasonedmessengerswhounderstandwhattheyaregoingthroughthatcanhelpthemlearntheircallings,theirmantle,theirministry,andtheirplaceinthechurch.Hereiswherepropheticmentorshipcomesin.

Thefirstthingallupsetpartiesinachaoticpropheticawakeningshoulddoisnotthrowoutthebabywiththebathwater.Frequently,outofsheerfrustration,that is the responseof the typicalchurchpastor.Thepropheticon itsown isaweighty institution. Typically, those called to it are headstrong, strong-willed,andindependent—qualitiesthatmakethemgoodcandidatesforthecallinginthefirstplace.Thesetraitsfusewellwiththeunderlyingpropheticnatureandenablemessengers to endure the often negative experiences associated with theministry.Gettingthemofftoagoodpropheticstartcanbeprecarious.Yousee,prophetic types survive because difficult lives accustom them to resistance.Potentialprophetsareusuallyseasonedfighters,able to isolate themselvesandthrive in isolation. They adapt easily to the mood of their surroundings anddeftly counterattack anything that threatens them. Prophets in general find itquiteconvenienttowalkawayfromthecrowdandtogoagainstthegrainofthemasses.All these powerful tendencies,when sanctified,willmake them goodvesselsoftheLordinpropheticministry,butattheoutsettheyarenerve-rackingandquitedestructive.

Seasonedprophetsknow thiswell.That iswhy theyshouldbeavailable forpropheticmentorship and established in the church as such.Churches that arecommittedtohostingandendorsingChrist’spropheticsshouldhaveanumberofpropheticpartnersandpeersonhandtohelpthemwiththeirnewprophetsoverand above their inhouse institution. These people should help mentor thechurch’s entire prophetic ministry. Outside prophetic mentorship means theburdenofcopingwithabuddingprophetishandedovertosomeoneelse,evenifthepastorisaprophet.

The work of training, pruning, restraining, and trying the sincere noviceprophet is lefton thementor’s shoulders.Onceassigned, thepropheticmentorshould make himself available to his juniors for long talks, questions andanswers, and other requirements of tutelage and training. A structured

curriculumwithteachingtapesandgoodbooksonthesubjecthelpsalso.

Thepersonusuallyassignedthepropheticmentor’sfunctioninthechurchisthe church prophet superintendent. In a small church, this person generallydoublesasthepropheticsuperintendentofthechurch.Ineithercase,anoutsideveteranprophetwouldbeagoodadditiontotheteam.Thispersoncanbringtheobjectivitythatdetachmentfromthechurch’sissuesrequires.Inlargechurches,thefunctionmaybedelegatedbythepropheticsuperintendenttoasubordinate,buttheoutsidementorisstillstronglyrecommended.Largechurchesarelikelyto have a staff of prophetic trainers assigned to this detail in the church.Whateveryourstructure,anyoneinthechurchfeelingthecalltothepropheticorthe awakening flames of the office of the prophet should be directed to thepropheticsuperintendentpromptly.

ThePropheticSuperintendent

Thepropheticsuperintendentshouldhaveanestablishedtrainingprogramofcoaching,counseling,andgroomingmethodstohelpnovicesserveresponsiblyand harmoniously in the church.This position should be publicized so churchmembersknowwheretoturnwhentheythinktheirpropheticsarebeingaroused.When they turn to the church’s prophetic superintendent, they should beprepared to engage in a structured screening and preparation process. Thereshouldbeinitialdiscoverytests:skills-basedactivitiesandexercises,aswellasextensive evaluative systems that gauge their prophetic potential. After that,placement becomes the issue as the prophetic trainer administers programs tofoster learners’ growth systematically, qualifying and strengthening their skillsalong the way. All efforts should be aimed at progressively fortifying theirpropheticreliability.Thegoalofallteachingtoolsisthenovice’smaturityasaprophet.All prophetic learning and teaching processes should bewell-definedand instructors should observe the students. Prophetic teachers shouldconsistently adjust and confirm their students’ progress and record it for laterpastoralandchurchleadershipuse.Aroutinetrainingrecordshouldaccompanythetraineeprophet’srecordofservice.Theumbrellaunderwhichthispreludetopropheticreadinessfallsiscalledreadiness.Itentailstutelage,orientationskillsanddrills,courseapprenticeship,andmentorship.

MentorshipIsanOffice

Mentorship of any kind in the Old World was understood as an officialfunction.Whatmadeitsowasthefactthatparents,guardians,orotherauthorityfiguresengagedmentorsinalearner’slife.Inaddition,mentorshipwasinitiated

because the learner was gifted and/or highly called and so thus neededspecializedtrainingtosucceedinthatcall.Mentorshipassignmentsweregiventoknowledgeablerepresentativesoftheprofessionalclassorfieldtowhichthelearner was called and were identified by their skill and proficiency in theiroccupation.Notjustanyonewoulddaretoundertakethetaskofhangingouthisorhershingleaasmentorandenrollingstudents.Mentorswerehighlyrespectedasexperiencedandlearnedprofessionalsintheirfields—experts.

Mentors differed vastly from typical educators. What mentors gave theirstudentsfarexceededmereacademicknowledge.Theydistinguishedthemselvesbytheperformanceedge,skilladvantage,andprofessionalheadstarttheygavetheirlearners.Theverythingsthatqualifiedthemasmentorsarewhatbenefitedtheir students themost.As seasonedand successfulprofessionals,mentors areidentified as beingwell-informed,well-trained, and thoroughly experienced intheirfields.Theirwell-documentedskillsandoverallknowledgefarsurpassthemajority of their contemporaries’ because of a proven track record. Mentors’expertise makes them able teachers and trainers because they effectively andprofitablydemonstratetheirfieldofknowledgethroughcompetentinstructioninthe theoretical and technical aspects of their industry. Mentors foster theirlearners’developmentwithinstructionandactivitiesthatgototheheartandsouloftheirstudents’potentialandperformance,aswellasthatoftheprofessiontowhich they are called.Mentors inform, transform, and enable their learners toconform to the conduct, attitudes, and behaviors of their fields. Besidesacademic knowledge, training, and skill development,mentors counsel, guide,andcoach.Theyprovideasmuchaffectivereadinesstoimprovetheirmentorees’emotionalintelligenceastheydotosharpentheircognitionforGod’sservice.

AimsofMentorship

With any nurturing endeavor, there are concrete aims that regulate itsactivitiesandverifyitssuccess.Mentorshipisnodifferent.Mentorsinitiatetheirserviceswithspecificendsinmind.Seriousmentorsaremindfulofnotallowingtheagreementtobecomemerelyasocialorservilearrangement.Thefollowingaresomeoftheaimsofaproductivementorship.

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AimsofaProductiveMentorship

Protect

Prepare

Instillvaluablewisdom

Fixperspectiveofthefield

Createinstinctsinternally

Allowmanifestationofskills

Impartconfidence

Applylessonspractically

Cultivatewisdom

Developskill

Providemantletreatment

Educate

Worktowardmentorshipoutcome

WhattoExpectfromMentorship

When you enter a mentorship, you should expect to be represented in andpresentedtoyourfieldtoshowcaseyourmantleandbepromotedtoyourofficialcalling.After basic readiness activities in the rudiments of your calling, thereshould be some preliminary opportunities towork in the position you plan tooccupy. Below is a series of Quick Study Charts to help you appreciate theparameters, guidelines, and benefits of mentorship from a professional andproductivevantagepoint.

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ImportantMentorshipFacts

Mentorshipisintegraltoallcreation.

Mentorshipisanofficialfunction.

Mentorsshouldbeeducatedinthefieldofministrytowhichtheirmentoreesarecalled.

Prophetsespeciallyneedtobementored.

Mentorships are to be mutually rewarding and mutuallycooperativearrangements.

Mentorshipinvolvesmorethanservitude,whilenotexcludingtheattendantservicesthatqualifythemtoleadoneday.

Mentoreesshouldexpecttohavescheduledtraining,lectures,anddevelopmentandberequiredtoattendthem.

Mentor assignments should look to practical ministry functionsandoutlets.

Mentorshipreliesonintegrity,devotion,diligence,andloyalty.

Mentorshipmustbeformedwithclean,honestmotivesandwell-definedobjectives.

Undeclaredobjectivesandoutcomesendangerthesuccessofanymentorship.

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WhatIsInvolvedinPropheticMentorship?

Professionaltutorials

PneumaacademicsandteachinginthepragmatismoftheLord’sspiritualities

Biblicalscholarshipandappliedlearning

Ministrybusinessadministration

Occupationalequipping

Ministercharacterdevelopment

Mantleskillsdevelopment

Officecompetencytraining

Supernaturalprayerandspiritualwarfaretraining

Propheticfluencycoaching

KingdomandChristiancommunications

People skills and people management training, interpersonalskills,andministryrelationships

Problem-solving,criticalthinking,conflictmanagement,situationassessmentandrelevantresponse,soundjudgment,anddiscretion

Crisesmanagementandintervention

Staff,worker,andvolunteermanagement

Fund-raising, fund management, organization building, andsolvency

Counselingandministryexecution

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TheUniquenessofPropheticMentorship

Prophetic mentorship is unique compared to most mentorshipagreementsinthatitis,ofnecessity,two-dimensional.

Propheticmentorshipinvolvestwo-tieredtreatmentofthemantle:heavenandearth,eternityandtime,spiritualandnatural.

PropheticmentorshipisanimmutablestandardfortheLord’struemessengers.

Prophetsmust be escorted to the realmof the spirit by a seniormessenger if they are to be recognized and accepted as anauthorityinthatsphere.

NewTestamentprophetsmustbementoredaswell,eventhoughthe Lord Jesus’ testimony constitutes the Spirit of prophecy forthem.

New prophets tend to be eager, somewhat overzealous, and overly reliantupon purely spiritual inflows and outlets for their early prophetic words. TheecstasyoftheHolySpiritbecomesquiteaddictivetothemastheyseektomerelyenjoyHis sensations rather thanHis good sense. In the beginning, the idea ofhavingamentorisexciting.Peopleseekit inmuchthesamewayastheylookforaguruoracasualadvisor.Aftertheygetone,theirattitudechanges.“WhenIneedyou,mentor,Iwillcallyou;otherwiseleavemebeandletmedomylifeandministryasIseefit”becomestheirunspokenintention.

Formostpeople,especiallyprophets,therealmotiveforwantingmentorshipwithprestigiouspeopleistobragthatthisorthatoneis“my”mentor.Theideaofsubmittingtoamentorisrarelyafactorintheirminds.However,thosewhorealize that submission is a valid, invariable mentorship requirement tend topanicanddreaditsomuchthattheymakemattersworsewhentheycomeundertheirmentor’swing.Theyfearthestructure,shudderattheassignments,slackupontheirservice,orsimplydisregardtheirmentor’srequests,tasks,andlessons.Tocombatthistemptation,hereisanintelligentprotocolofthespiritworldthatallprophetsneedtograspandrespect.

ComingunderYourMentor’sWing

Coming under the mentor’s wing can be intimidating in the beginning.Uncertainaboutwhatitwillcostandrequireofyoumakesyouunderstandablyalittle frightened.Givingupcontrol and lettinganother tellyouwhat todoandvirtuallyorchestrateyourlifeisabitunsettling.Onceyoudosubmit,youfinditis much as you suspected it would be: demanding and often ego-breaking. It

takesawhile foryou to realize that it isalsoapower-shapingexperience.Foryour mentorship to work, a clear-cut outline of service expectations andrequirementsshouldbedrawnup.Bothmentorandmentoreeshouldagreetoit.

In the beginning, if you are serious about yourmentorship, prepare to havelittletimeforyourself.Initiallyyouwillbeobligedtospendalargepartofyourlifewithyourmentorserving,learning,growing,andencountering.Youwillbestretched,andthatisthenameofthegame.Butifyouwanttogetthebestoutofyourmentorship,beguidedbythefollowingsuggestions.

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ComingunderYourMentor’sWing

Be honest about your actions, reactions, motives, offenses, anddefenses.

Question your motives and honestly appraise your real self,especiallyinviewofrequiredmentorshipduties.

Exploreyour fears,doubts,anger,and resistance,particularlyastheyrelatetoauthorityfigures.

Ask yourself how selfishlymotivated youmayhave been, or ifyou have a real problem in developing that should be promptlyhandled.

AskyourselfhowinterestedyoureallyareinbeingsuccessfulinGod, andwhat will you sacrifice for it.Will it be pride? Ego?Yourindependence?

Investigate what you expected to get from and give to yourmentorship in preparation for your ministry. Was yourimaginationrealistic?Whathiddenpsycho-emotional limitationsdid you place in the mentorship before it began? When theysurface,areyouwillingtohonestlydeclarethem?

Nowthatyouhavegivenyourword,areyougoingtobackout,or

willyouseeitthroughtowhatyouknowtheLordcalledyoutodo?

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SummaryofPropheticSuperintendentDuties

ThePremiseUnderlyingtheDutiesofaSuperintendentofChurchProphetics:AdministrationandAccountabilityforStability

Asmentioned elsewhere, the church prophet’s job is demanding. Being thesuperintendent of a church’s prophetics is evenmore so. Take a look atwhatyourdutiesandresponsibilitieswillbetoseehowmuchtheLordisentrustingtoyou.

Overseeinglocalchurchprophetics

Collaborating with pastor and other ministers of the church onprophetictenorandflowoftheministry

Identifyingandcallingforthawakeningandmanifestingprophetsinthecongregation

Working with and overseeing psalmists and various sections ofthechurch’slife

Leadingandregulatingpropheticactivitiesathome,church,andthroughoutthecommunity

Installing or participating in the installation of leaders or newprophets

Attending the church’s celebratory and commemorative eventssuchasbaptisms,christenings,weddings,etc.

Sharingpastoralvisitationandsimilarloadsasdirected

Establishing and confirming the office and particular functionseachpropheticofficershouldbeassigned

Administrating prophetic executions and supervising propheticstaffastheyexercisethem

Arrangingforpropheticoutletsforpropheticmemberstoservicethebody:conferences,classes,andspecialevents

Schedulingprophetic representation as desiredby thepastor foreachchurchgathering

Participatingin,scheduling,andoverseeingpropheticprayerandintercessioninthechurch

Augmenting normal church counselingwith prophetic guidanceandinsight

Identifying and disseminating quality prophetic material in thechurch

Contributing to the church’s fund-raising and entrepreneurialventures

Standardizingchurchpropheticexpressions

Evaluatingemergingprophetsandrankingthemforuse

Developing and acquiring curriculum for ongoing training andrefinementofpropheticministers

Interactingwith and submitting to thepastor’s needs andvisionforthechurch’sprophetics

Schedulingandengagingoutsidepropheticsandprophetic typesto come in to minister to and refresh the church, its propheticstaff,andministers

Training,ordaining,andcultivatingnoviceprophets

Correctingerrantpropheticsandpropheticexcessinoperation

Screening prophetic actions andmessages, often before they go

forthtothebody

Standingandwaitingwithpastororchurchinspiritualconflicts

Itisunderstoodthatthepropheticsuperintendentwillhaveastafftodistributethese duties or delegate them as feasible. Just make sure the most sensitiveresponsibilitiesremaininhisorhercontrol.

WhentoCallinaProphet

Much information has been given you on the subject of the prophetic ingeneral and the church prophet in particular. You have been provided withbackgroundinformationontheancientoriginsoftheministryandhowitappliestoday.Nearly everything you need to institute themost efficient and effectivepropheticorderinyourchurchandreapthefullestofbenefitsfromitisincludedinthisbook.

Oneissuenotaddressedsofaristheuseofprophetsinthelocalchurchapartfrom the church prophet’s ministry. The Lord’s persistent promotion of theministryoftheprophetmeansyouwhoreadthisbookwillatonetimeoranotherreceiveaprophetintoyourchurchorbeoneoftheprophetsachurchcallsintoserveitsneeds.Itisscripturaltodoso,basedonJesus’promisetorewardthosewith likerewardsfor receivingHisprophets. (SeeMatthew10:41.)Thatbeingthe case, the restoration of the office in mainline Christendom means mostchurches today and in the future will call in a prophet to minister thesupernaturalsofGodonoccasion.Thequestionishowtoknowwhentocallonein.

Overthecourseofourdiscussionswehaveestablishedhowtoknowwhomtocall in.What remains then is ameans of decidingwhen a prophet should becalled into your church to minister to your people. To begin to answer thisquestion,IsuggestyoulookbacktothesectionsthatdealtwiththeministriesofZechariah and Haggai and their ministries to Ezra and Nehemiah. From thatinformationaloneyougetan ideaof thesituations thatarise inwhichyouandyour church can benefit from an itinerant prophet’s service. Along with theexamplesgivenabove,Iwanttoaddafewspecificsthatcanhelpyoudecideonwhentoexposeyourchurchtopropheticministry.

The first thingyoumaywant toconsider isanyconcretevoidsyourchurchmaybe currently experiencingdue to lackof propheticministration.What aresome of the humanist and demonic conditions surfacing or prevailing in your

church?Canyou,forinstance,seeclearevidenceofaspiritualattackordevilishinfiltrationonthewiderpopulation?Suchassaultsusuallystartattheheadandtargetleadershipfirst.Themostdiligentleadercangetwearyoroverwhelmedtothepointthattheirguarddropsandtheenemytakesadvantageoftheirweakenedstate.Donotbereluctanttoacknowledgesuchproblemswhentheysurface,andbyallmeansdonotallowSatantomakeyoufeelguiltyorashamedforneedingsomeoutsidehelp.

Here are some examples of when to call in a prophet. We will start withmarriages.Arethemarriagesinyourchurch,especiallytheleaders’,dissolvingall of a sudden?How about the youth? Is teen pregnancy rampant?Are drugaddictions, criminal activity, and incarcerations increased among them?Whataboutthephysicalhealthoftheflock?Aresicknessanddisease,especiallythoseof a debilitating or fatal sort, all too frequent?What about employment? Areyourmembersconstantlylosingjobs?Anaffirmativeanswertomorethanafewofthesecansignalaneedforpropheticministryinthechurch.However, thereareothersignsnotascrucialbuteverybitasessential.

To illustrate, are you, as a pastor, finding fewer and fewer financial orpromotionalbreakthroughsexperiencedintheworkoverall?Isthefund-raisingdownwhile the bills pile up?Do you encounter apathy and indifference fromyourpeoplealltoooften,particularlyintheareaofmoney?Isthebodyatlargeafraidtogiveorenterintocostlyventureswithyou?Whataboutyourministers,trustees,elders,and leaders?Canyousay theyhavebeenconstantwithyou todate,orareyounoticingatrendofwaveringindecisionregardingthemovesyouwant tomake?Are theyconfidentlyandcompetentlyhandlingandcompletingtheir assigned projects, or aremore andmore of their duties going undone orsimplybeingignored?

How about their spirituality? Is there a steady progress in their ministrycallings?AretheyconstantanddiligentwiththemandateofGodonthechurch?Are they applying and growing from what they learn? Do they demonstrateeffective in-church ministry? Consider your church programs. Are theyflourishing, or does it seem as if a bronze sky has replaced the earlier openheavensoveryou?Couldyouuseabreakthroughinbuildingnegotiations,landpurchases? If any of these issues affect you, then your church is due for aqualified itinerant prophet’s ministry. Just make sure the one you bring inspecializes in the issue you need to address. If you are wrestling with civilauthorities in the area of zoning laws in your area, you need a prophet withstrong judicial influence. That is, one with a particular influence over

governmental principalities that has proven itself by amassing a likeconstituency to appeal to regarding yourmatters.Any one of these reasons isenoughforyoutodecidetocallinabonafideprophet.

To add to the above, consider the following. If your mandate has beenchangedorbeencompletedandGodispressingyoutodoanewthing,thenlikeEzraandNehemiah,thetimehascomeforyoutoaddpropheticpowertoyournormal church dispensation. Also, if there are frequent accidents, shortfalls,setbacks,orapowerfulstrangulationontheworkofyourministry,aprophetisneeded. Infighting, leadership clashes, recent splits, spiritual harassment, andmembershipwandering also signal the need for prophetic power to restabilizeyourchurch.Themostmajorindicationofallisdeath.Ifyousuddenlyfindyourmembershiphitoftenwith thedeathofsignificantandstablemembersbeyondtheaged,aprophetiscertainlyneededinyourchurchbecauseadeathagenthasbeensettodoomit.Lastly,ifthereisapressingneedforhugefinancialinfusionsin the ministry, you need a prophet with an economic stronghold in theheavenlies.

Asyoucansee,themodernchurch’sneedforpropheticstrengthisjustasdire,if notmore so, as that of the early church.That iswhy theLord continues toreplenish the office generation after generation. However, after all thisinformation,bynowyoumustwanttoknowwheretogofromhere,andhowtogetthere.Thenextsectionwillgiveinsightstopointtheway.

ChapterSummary

1. Specific(well-defined)limitsshouldbesetonthechurchprophetinstitution. These should not compromise the quality of theministry.

2. A set of guidelines should be used to identify candidates forchurchprophet.

3. Pastors need to remember that they are also to shepherdawakeningprophetsintheirchurches.

4. The supervisor of the church prophet institutions is called apropheticsuperintendentorchiefprophet.

5. Alltypesofpropheticservicethrivesonmentorship.

6. Prophetic guidelines for every church should includementoringguidelines.

7. The person to be delegated the tasks related to the entireprophetic institution shouldbe thechiefprophet, alsocalled thepropheticsuperintendent.

PropheticActionItems

1. Gatherwithastudyteamtodiscussandsettleonthebestanswersto the chapter’s opening questions regarding the propheticinstitution.Provehowrelevant,reliable,andusefulyouranswersareandhowtheymaybeusedintheformationandestablishmentofaviablechurch(ororganizational)prophetinstitution.

PartTwo

GuidelinesforEstablishingaPropheticCompany

Chapter11

GettingStarted

Thischapteraddressestheestablishmentoftheprophet’sinstitution.Itcovers:

Gettingstarted

Prophetictraining

Administratingaprophetictrainingprogram

EnteringGod’spropheticstaff

Awisewordtoprophetictrainees

EnteringGod’sPropheticStaff

In understanding and acclimating yourself toGod’s prophetic staff, you arejoiningtheranksofapowerful,age-oldkingdomorganization.Yourcalltotheprophetic launched you into an explosive career of divine service. Itsweightyresponsibilitiesarebalancedonlybytheexhilaratingjoysofmovinginandoutof God’s heavenly terrains as you have never done so before. If you areadequatelyprepared for it, this seasonwillmature and stabilizeyou asoneofGod’spropheticvoiceswhenyoupurposeinyourhearttoconqueritssometimesturbulent learning curve. The explanations and applications described in thishandbookcanhelpyoufulfillyourcalltoprophesyandtounderstandtherangeof services, functions, operations, and objectives that constitute propheticministry.Usethismaterial tolearnhowtoadministratetheLord’sspiritualitiesandtoguardandoverseeHispossessionasaprophetinyourappointedsphere.If you are diligent, you will prosper your ministry to possibly undergird thepropheticsofyourcommunityinthefuture.Ifyouarenewtotheprophetic,thishandbooktellsyouwhatisahead.Ifyouareaseasonedprophet,itwillserveasahelpfulrefresherthattakesmuchoftheworkoutofreplicatingyourselfandyourmantle.

PowerandAssignments

Aswehavesaid,prophesyingisadivinecommunication,comingfromGodthroughavessel.Specifically,itisthedeliveryofGod’swordtotheearth,whichmaycompriseHiswill,plans, teachings,purposes,anddispositiononamatter.GenerallyGoddoesthisthroughpeople,thoughHehasbeenknowntouseothermeans: Balaam’s mule, angels, visual signs in nature, or dreams and visions.Theseallconstitutethetoolsoftheprophet‘strade.

God has community, neighborhood, regional, or district prophets. Noviceprophetsmaystartoutinoneoftheseareasandlaterbepromotedtocity,state,national, or internationalwatchmen—not a rash or hastymove onGod’s part.(Only thedevil is inahurry.)ToGod, timingandpreparationarecritical, andHisomnisciencemakesgooduseofboth.Regardingterritories,abodyofstatesor other geographical areamaybe served by a union of several prophetswhoguarditssupernaturalrealm,intercedeforitsprotectionandsafety,andoverturndemonic enactments and institutions. They do all of this to stay the tide ofsataniconslaughts.

Needless to say, regarding the above, thebroader aprophet‘s scope and thewiderhisrangeofinfluence(sphereofdomain),thegreatertheproblemsheorshe is likely to face. God’s wisdom knows this means stronger spiritualendowmentsarecalled for if theminister is todohis jobeffectively.Facultiesand capacities are intensified to equip the minister to perform at peak levelswhen needed. Frankly, the reason God makes these distinctions is becauseverifyingprophets’workresponsibilitiesdemandsvaryinglevelsofdispensationand anointing.Warfare, confrontation, and demonic contact all determinewhogetswhat,atwhattime,andforwhatreasons.Oneneednotbeageniustoknowthatnationalor regionaldemonsaremoreshrewd,cunning,andpowerful thanstateorcommunityspirits.Consequently,aprophet’sdispensationinvariablyfitstheneed.Godisnotgiventofoolishexcessandpowerforpower’ssakewhendealingwithmankind.

Furthermore, the oracular sides of theministries too are not the same. Theamount of verbalization needed to serve a church body is far less than thatneededtoserveanation.Visions,communications,perceptions,andthelikealldiffervastlywithin thedesignated territories.Prophetic abilities andcapacitiesarewiselydispensedbyGodaccordingly.Whentheyareupgraded,itisbecauseapromotionispendingandtheincreaseddispensationisneededfortheneworhigheroffice’sdemand.

PropheticTraining

LonghoursalonewithGod,surprisedemands,andsuddenshiftsininteractiondescribe the prophet‘s training. They arewhat contribute to a prophet’s beingabletosayemphaticallywhatisorisnotofGod.True,manybelieverscandothissporadically,but theprophetdoes itconsistently.Thehigherhisorder, themore consistently he can do it. Few are chosen to enter into this depth ofrelationshipwiththeLord,whichistheonlywaybreadthofabilitycomesabout.Such a position never usurps, supersedes, or preempts (or conflicts with)Scripture.ForGodandHisWordareoneandthesame.Theprophet’sScripturetraining,tosupplementhisbiblicalknowledge,integratesthebroadfieldofthelife experiences he has had. Whether a prophet has witnessed directly orobservedindirectlyandwhatheorshehasgonethroughinlifearenotdiscardedby the Lord. He uses them for the prophet’s mission and to shore up hissupernatural services.Early in the journey, theprophet learnsGod isnot tobetakenlightly.Beginnerlessonsconcentrateontheprophet’srespectforGodandwhoHeistoalltheearth.

RespectfortheLordmeansinnatelycomprehendingthewisdomofhonoringGod’ssovereignty.ThetrueprophetwillnotexplainawayanythingtheLordhasdone,butwillfaithfullyupholdit.TrainingandexperiencehaveresolvedforhimthatGod is just and knowswhatHe is doing—all the time.Regardless of theappearanceof the impact ofHis actions in the earth, trueprophets takeGod’sside all the time, without explanation or vindication. They simply know theyexistforGod,andwhateverGodsaysanddoesisright.Asyoucanseefromthisdescription, many Christians are disqualified from this office. They simplycannot help but find fault withGod or detract fromHisWord to appease theworldandpacifythesaved,insteadofglorifyingtheSavior.

AdministratingaRespectablePropheticTrainingProgram

Perhaps by now you have discovered that your breadth of service as apropheticminister isdiverse.At timesyouactasan intermediary,andatothertimesyouarean intercessor. Ifyouareaveteranprophet,youare likely tobeasked to troubleshoot, solveproblems, resolveconflicts,andarbitratedisputes,becausethesetooareinherenttothemantle.However,atalltimesyouareGod’sspokesperson,andyouexisttorevealHisthoughtsandintentsasdirected.

Inthisposition,youwillbedelegatedvariouswatchmandutiesforwhichyoushouldbeeffectivelytrainedasapropheticministerorasaqualifiedtrainer.Ifyou are a trainer, you should establish a prudent training period for all of theprophetsyouwilltrain.Ifyouareseriousaboutthecaliberofprophetyouwill

turn out, youwill no doubt immerse your trainees in an intensive preparationprogram that goes from beginner to advanced lectures, studies, practice, andevaluations.When it comes to administrating your training program, youwillwanttotrackeachone’slearning.Youwillalsowantsomemeansofrecordingattendanceandevaluatingperformance.

Beyondthese,asanyconcernedtrainerwould,youwillwanttohomogenizeyourprophetictrainees’knowledgeandskillssothattheyareuniformandyourend product is consistent with your founding and development goals andobjectives.All graduates fromyour program shoulduniformly reflect you andyourorganizationas theirpreparers.Also,agoodprophetic readinessprogrammaintainsarecordofserviceoneverytraineetoverifyhisorherconformitytothe training and ability to meet future service demands. This is particularlyuseful with candidates for a prophetic company post. Much of this detail ishandledbytheexistingcompany’spropheticsuperintendent.

Ifthisisanewcompany,theoneexhibitingthevisionandheartforitshouldbe evaluated for the post of superintendent. This person should be chosen ifinterest is upgraded to a passion for the company and its success in theorganization.Onceheorshehasdemonstratedtheskillorpotentialtoestablishacompanyofprophetsandwhat itsmanagemententails, formal steps shouldbetakentoplacethecandidateforthispositioninoffice.Thisprocessshouldtaketime and require a proven and verified record of responsible and consistentservice to the present or previous organization(s). In addition, several veteranprophets should be consulted and asked to confirm the candidate beforeentrustingthispersonwiththetaskofbuildingorleadingapropheticcompany.If the best candidate proves competent and confident enough to carry out thisduty, then thepositionof prophetic superintendent shouldbe installed, even ifonlytemporarily.

At thispoint,attentionshouldturntodevelopingaviablereadinessprogramfor the company of prophets to serve the institution. When this has beenaccomplished,thepropheticsuperintendentwelcomestheinstitution’sincomingprophetictraineesintoitsprogram.Uponacceptingtraineesintotheprogram,aspecializedtrainingandserviceplanshouldbecreatedforeachtraineebasedonhis or her qualifying information. Included in this process shouldbe away tomonitor and record progress, performance, and quality of work. This recordshould also progressively track and assess the trainee’s prophetic capacity inrelation to the proposed prophetic company’s service criteria. Standards,guidelines, procedures, and such are routinely explained by the prophetic

company’ssuperintendentatthenewprophets’orientationmeeting.

AWiseWordtoPropheticTrainees

If you are serious about your call to the prophetic, you will have alreadyresolved that your readiness to serve in thisministrywill subject you to somedemanding requirements and unsettling lifestyle changes. A true prophetwelcomestheseaspartofhisgroundingtofulfillGod’spurposeanddestinyforhis life. If yourorganization follows theBible’shistorical pattern, itwill havecounseledyoutoarrangeyourlife,responsibilities,andfamilytoaccommodateyour prophetic education. This wisdom is germane to anyone who enters aserious career training or refinement program. Prophets with a definite callunderstandthatGod’ssummonsontheirlivesisall-consuming.Theyknowthedutiesofthepositionforwhichtheyaretrainedwillabsorbagoodpartoftheirexistence,andtheirfamiliesshouldbepreparedforit.Forthisreasonandmanyothers, it is prudent to require your trainers to undergoyour readiness processthemselvessothattheycancoachothersthroughitastheypreparetoservetheLord.

Tocultivateandkeeparealisticviewoftheprophet’sministry,learntorelishthe opportunity to gobeyondyour historical limits and experiences andoutdoyourpersonalbestateverystageofyourdevelopment.AllowyourselftogrowandsoarastheLord’sfutureprophetandresolvetobecomestrong,capable,andindomitable in your faith and your skills. Recognize that a quality readinessprogram should bring out the best in a future messenger of the Lord. Theoppositeisthataqualityprogramwillalsoweedoutthosewhoarenotuptothedemandsofthecall.ThisisnormalandnecessarytoensurethattheLordendsupwiththebestofthebestatHisdisposal.Nomatterhowbumpyyourinitiationto prophetic trainingmay be, over time youwill settle down andmerge fullywith its character, attitude, and disposition if it is a good program.When youcompleteit,youwillbetransformedsufficientlyenoughtojointheranksofthelonglineofcompetentandqualityprophetswhohavegonebeforeyou.

ChapterSummary

1. Starting a prophetic company takes planning and structure. Aclearvisionfortheendproductmustbecastfirst.

2. TheLord hasmany types of prophetswhose assignments rangefromcommunitytoglobal.

3. Effectivepropheticservicedoesnotspontaneouslyhappeneithernaturallyorsupernaturally.Itrequirespracticaltraining.

4. A prophetic training program should be structured, relevant,measurable,andverifiable.Theseallinvolveadministration.Thatis, scheduling, recording, evaluation, and monitoring pre-specifiedgoals,objectives,andoutcomes.

PropheticActionItems

1. Develop an action-basedprophetic trainingguide that integrates(orsupports) theorywithpractice.Detailhowyouwillmeasure,evaluate, record, andmonitor your program based onwhat youwantyourendproduct(trainee)tobecomeandbeabletodo.

Chapter12

AHistoryofWhatGodExpectedfromHisProphets

In this chapter you will learn historically what God expected from Hisprophets.Itcovers:

Propheticpotency

TheprophetasGod’sthinker

Authority

Leadershipauthorityfigures

Respondingtoauthorityfiguresandpeers

PropheticPotency

If knowledge is power, then understanding is its potency. Once youunderstandthepurposeofathing,yougainagreaterrespectforitandappreciateitsvalues.Hopefullythiswillbetruewithyourunderstandingoftheministryoftheprophets.Forexample, therearea lotofpresumptionsassociatedwith thisoffice.Ifitistruethatpowercorrupts(orcancausecorruption),thenhereisoneofficethatwouldmostlikelybringaboutsuchcorruption.Innatetomissionandconsistent with its purpose and requirements are powers, authority, skill, andabilitiesthatcanproveintoxicatingtothefrailego.Powerisaheadytoniconitsown;howmuchmoretemptingisittobeabletolive,roam,andmove(almostindependently)aboutthesupernatural?

Intheprophetic,anunstablepersoncaneasilystumbleandbeinducedtosin.Forthesereasons,theofficeoftheprophetiscertainlynotthecallofthefoolish,naive,prideful,or self-centered. In theircontrol,God’spower ispervertedandputtoeviluse.

TheBible’srecordofIsrael’sfirstking,Saul,isagoodexampleofthis.Saulwas obviously prophetic, because he could not seem to ignore the institution.

Perhaps his fascinationwith the prophets beganwith Samuel, a chief prophetwho inducted him into office. The fact that God’s prophet anointed him andmade him kingmust have greatly impacted Saul. Add to it that themanwastransformedintoakingbythesingingofapropheticcompanyandaseasonintheir camp, and things become a little clearer. Saul’s heart, however, was notpurged, just upgraded to think and act like a king. When he sat among theprophetsastheyprophesiedGod’sglory,Saul’sprophecieswerethencursedandhe stripped himself naked. The prophetic anointing upon him brought out theworst—notthebest—inSaul.

Overtime,Saulwentfrombadtoworse,especiallyafterSamuel,theprophetwho installedhimasking,severedall relationswithhim.BeingembitteredbythisactionandtheLord’srejectionofhimasking,Saul’senchantmentwiththeprophetsturnedtohatred,andhepersecutedthem.Hereisavividexampleoftheprophetic anointing and power creating a deadly mix. The fruit of sucharroganceandpresumptionsisdisastrousforthechurchandantagonistictoGod.ThisunfortunateblightonanotherwiseimpressiveinstitutionisseencontinuallythroughoutScriptureinthefalseprophetswhoseducedIsrael.

Themostamazingthingabouttheprophet’sofficeisthatwhileitisoneofthemost abused and violently rejected, it tends to be among the most covetedbecauseoftheintrinsicpowerconnectedwithit.WhilealltheofficesandeverySpirit-filledbelieverreceiveempowermentandenablementfromGod’sSpiritofgracewithin,theprophetgoeswaybeyondwhatiscorporatelydistributedtothatwhichiscorporeallyinfused.Thereisjustnobetterwaytoexplainitthanthis.

Exceedingthe“collectivedispensation”ofgraceforsalvation,thepeoplewhofillthisofficereceivebytheHolySpiritofGodacapacitatingimbuement.Theyare physically restructuredwithin to accommodate the steady streamofGod’somnipotence and strength, withoutwhich theywould react inmuch the samewaythatDaniel,Ezekiel,andtheotherprophetsdid.WhenconfrontedwiththemajesticholinessandpowerofGodcriticaltoqualityperformanceinministry,theycontinuallycrumbledunderHisglory.

TopreventtheircollapsingundertheLord’spower,prophetsareemotionally,psychologically, and mentally upgraded. God enhances their physical andpsychological selves to better apply wisdom and keen understanding to theirexerciseofChrist’s resurrectionpower.Theprophet isnotonlyenlightenedofmind, fortified in character, and enriched with supernatural knowledge andwisdom, but he or she literally “oozes” the peculiar texture of the Lord’s

strength.Hereisthereasonwhyprophetscanendurehardshipsthatwouldcrushthe normal soul and bounce back a thousand times over.Amore than ruggedconstitution, though not necessarily impenetrable, makes these messengersresilientbeyondtypicalhumanmeasuresandmeans.Thespiritsoftheprophetswithincausethemtohealfaster,mendquicker,and—underthesentenceofthe“thorn”—functionsuperblyunderstressandduress.Why?Becauseofthegreatpower that is at work in their souls. It is a power that does not come uponprophets suddenly, and it is not irresponsibly conferred by the Lord. No, aprophet’s power and stamina come from the continuous breaking, shaping,remaking,anddynamicpoweroftheHolySpiritthatpreparedthevesselfortheMaster’suse.Theprocess issostrenuousand thepruningsosevere thatmanyChristianscannotbearupunderit.

PropheticReadiness

Prophetic readiness involves a rigorous series of drills, object lessons, andhumiliating experiences that challenge, chasten, train, and even scold allnewcomerstotheoffice.RegularlythisagentoftheGodheadismorallycrushedto destroy the ego that would rise up to compete or contend with itsMaker.Suffering defeats more than victories in the beginning, this servant is God’smoldedmarvel; one of the undefined features that accounts forHis submittedprophets’ success. All that God puts His prophets through to confirm theirfaithfulness, allegiance, and endurance, normal Christians never imagine, letaloneexperience,intheirdailyhumanexistence.Thespeciallyarrangedlessons,practices,andcorrection,alongwithextensivestudies,arewhatmakeprophetstheunusualpeopletheyeventuallybecome.

TheLord’s prophetic readiness programputs trainees in touchwith the realworldtheywillserve.Forthisreason,thecurriculumconsistsofagoodamountof early rejection, stubborn perseverance, brutal trials, and harsh pressures totoughen the ministers enough to survive and thrive under the strenuousassignmentsandpersecution thatcomewith theposition.Ontopofeverythingelse, prophet trainees encounter constant exposure to the spirit realm, whicheventuallyendsupseveringthemfromthisworldforever.AstimemovesonandGod moves in closer every year, the prophet in truth becomes a citizen ofheaven.Theseandsimilaractivitiesallhaveahugepartinthecaliberofministermostprophetsturnouttobe.

Thinkaboutsomeoftherecordedincidentsthattookplaceinthelivesofourbiblicalmodels:Isaiah,caughtuptoheaventoliterallyseewithhisowneyesthe

gloryoftheGodofIsrael;Ezekiel,alsocomingface-to-facewiththeLorduponHis throne. Then there areElijah andElisha,whose handling ofGod’s powerboggles themindwhenone thinksof thewaytheLord listened toandgrantedtheirabnormalprayerrequests.AndletusnotforgetDaniel’slegendaryvisions.Asanongoingpartoftheirprofession,thesehumanwondersmovedandroamedabout the supernatural almost at will. However, the privileged calling did notcomewithoutaprice—averyhighprice.Theseexampleswereincludedtoshowthattheprophet‘sanointingisnotmerelyaspiritual,intangibleordeal.Therearephysicalexperiencesthatgowithittoevidencethesupernaturalatworkwithin.Often this evidence goes way past the incidental to produce totallytransformativeeffectsinthosetheLordentrustsenoughtoendowsoextensively.

AnothersignificantexampleofGod’spropheticupgradeisDavid’sanointingofpowertobecomethekingofIsrael.ItiswidelyacceptedthatalthoughDavidwasaking,hewasalsoaprophetandthusunderwentthesamepreparationsashispropheticpredecessors.So,howisitthathisanointingforroyaltytranslatedintohisability tokill lionsandbearsbeforeheeven foughthis firstwar?Theanswer is his prophetic upgrade and enhancements. Look at Samson. Hisanointingalsoenabledhimphysicallytoexhibitsuperhumanstrength.Againandagainweseephysicalstrengthandmightaccompanyingtheanointingtomoveand rule in the Spirit. Over and over the spiritual, the supernatural, and thenaturalareinterlinkedasanetworkofdivinebestowals.

NewTestamentanointingforthisofficeisnolessspiritualorpowerful.DuetotheresidentHolySpiritwithin,whattheLorddoeswithHisprophetsappearstoemphasizelessofthephysicalandmoreofthesupernatural.However,Peter’smiraculousshadowsaysotherwise,asdoesPhilip’sliteraltranslationfromplaceto place to preach the gospel.His physical translations recallElijah,whowasknowntodisappearatwill,andEzekiel,whopreachedinJerusalemwhileexiledinBabylon.Besidesthese,thereisPaul,whounderstoodhisunusualcapabilitiesas thepowerof the risenChrist atwork inhumanvessels. (See2Corinthians4:7.)WhenitcomestotheLord’samazingpoweratworkwithinHisministersandHisstrengthattheirdisposal,theglorywasalwaysmeanttogototheLord.InsteadofjustbeingabletoperformHerculeanfeatswiththeirarmsandhands,the New Testament offices now tap into the truth behind all those physicaldisplaysoftheOldTestament:thewordofthelivingGod.TheNewTestamentminister simply speaks and God’s Spirit does the work by manifesting orphysicalizinganywordspokenbyhim,asJesussaidinJohn14:10.

TheProphetasGod’sThinker

Bynowitshouldbeevidenttoyouthatthepropheticofficerequiresthinkers.GodhasHisgreatestsuccesseswithpeoplewhothink.Thatis,peoplewhousetheirheadsinharmonywiththeiremotions,theirwill,andtheirindividualityinunison with His Holy Spirit. Otherwise, apart from being a divinely inspiredthinker,theprophet’smouthisincompetentandunreliable.

Athinkermaybebornwiththecapacityandfacultyforintelligent,sensitive,andreasonablethought;however,theabilitytoputthesequalitiestoproductiveuse to God’s advantage takes learning. Whether Christians like it or not,instancesof supernatural acquisitionofutilitarianknowledge are rare.Even intheinstanceswheretheyseemedtooccur,itwasthemultiplicationofsomesortofcoreknowledgethatwasbuiltupon.

Athinker,fortherecord,isalsoonewithvision,imagination,andcreativity.Athinker has analytical skills and the capacity for sound judgment in makingdecisions. Thinkers are peoplewith sagacitywhoweighmatters carefully andaregovernedandguidedby thewisdomofcarefuldeliberation.Thinkersmustbe strong-willed, self-restrained deliberators whomeditate and contemplate tothe fullestextent the repercussions, impacts,andoutcomesof theirandothers’actions. They must, if they are prophets, have a sense of the practical plansassociatedwith theirwords anddeeds.Thinkers tend to be purposeful people,motivatedbywisdomandendowedwithgreatmentalfocus.God’sthinkersarehighconceptualizersgiftedwithinnovativeideasandcapableofintensementalactivity.Forthinkers,concentrationisnotusuallyaproblem;theycanoftenwillthemselves to concentrate on what they deem important and vital. Movingchieflybydesign,thinkershaveexcellentdeductivepowersandwell-disciplinedreasoning faculties.Their ability is towithdraw fromamatter—to stand awayfrom it for the time it takes topurview it fromall sides. In themeantime theyexercise great restraint in delaying responses and reactions until meticulouslyand methodically weighing and evaluating all aspects of the matter underconsideration.

The church of JesusChrist all too often diminishes the Lord’s glory in theminds of others because believers refuse to think.Many of them do not evenknowhowtothinkandareunfortunately“emotion-bound.”God,however,isathinker. He thinks more quickly and astutely than we do, but He isunquestionablyadeliberate,methodical,andcontemplativethinker.Tobecomeacredibleprophet,youmustresolvetobecomeathinker,too.

TheProphet’sOfficeIsLeadership

Leadershipisakeycomponentoftheprophet’sservice.Theofficebynatureisthatofleadingandguidinginadditiontopredictionandrevelation.Thisbeingthe case, the prophet‘s trainingmust include some teaching on the subject ofleadership, especially the leadership of God’s people—taking them from theworld to God, from sin and Satan to righteousness and Christ. These are allseemingly incidental duties, often receiving low priority on the Christianworkman’sagenda.Inreality,though,theyarenottrivial.

Peoplearefollowersbydesign,atraitdepositedbyGodatcreationtodirecttheirheartstowardHimandeffectivelysteertheirlivestoeternalsalvation.ThisaspectofhumannatureexplainswhyGoddubbedHispeoplelambsandsheep.ThetermsconveyHisintimateknowledgeofallmankind—thattheyaredriventobeled.Thisisso,whethertheyfollowGodandHisrighteousnessornot.Theinclination to followsomeone in a flockorpack-likemanner is anestablishedfactinhumanhistory.Weseethisinthemasses’compulsiontobeledawaywithfads, fashion, and new philosophies.Anyonewith an inkling of authority canattract a following within his or her field or range or influence due to thistendency.Theworld’soppositiontoGodandHisrighteousnessnecessitatesHisappointmentandtrainingofHisownleaders.Hedoessotoidentifyandemploythosemost likelytoobeyHimbecausetheydesireHisrule.God’schosenwillacquiescewithoutfailtoHisreignoverthosetheylead.

Authority

Aswehavealreadyestablishedthataprophetisaleader,thefactthathemustexerciseauthorityisagiven.Authorityfrightensmanypeople,however,mostlybecause of its function, purpose, and roots. Simply speaking, authority is thelawful right toenforceobedience, togiveorders,and todirect thebehaviororconduct of others over whom one has charge. Loosely stated, authority issynonymouswith power.However, it ismore accurate to say that authority isestablished by power, because power can exist and be exercised apart fromlawfulauthority;itis“appliedforce”orthethreatofit.Onlyinanenvironmentwheretheconferenceofpowerexistscanauthoritybefirmlyestablished.Wherethere is no power, there can be no authority.Without power, authority has nobasistoexist,havingnoenforcementoutlettomaintainandeffectitsends.

Althoughauthority isfrequentlyabused, it isneverthelessanecessaryfactorinleadership.Otherwisethereisnomechanismofinfluenceorcontroltoensurethosewhostartoutwithamissionorchargewillputforthgenuineandqualityefforttobringthevisiontopassonaconsistentbasis.Somethinghastomotivate

peopletodotheirpart,toshouldertheirload,andtofollowtheplanwhentheywould justassoonnot,orwouldratherdo it theirway.Furthermore,authorityandpowerareeffectiveindealingwiththosewhowouldopposeorendangeramovement or deter other workers from their labors. Incidents of anarchy,rebellion, and resistance are redressed through the use of authority. (SeeProverbs29:19and20:30.)

Consider,inviewingtheessentialplaceofauthority,theaccountsofEzraandNehemiah,whohadbothreceivedchargesfromtheLordGodofIsraeltorepairthetempleandrebuildthewallofJerusalem.Inorderforthemtodoso,beingcaptives to another nation, they needed the authority to initiate thework, andeven to enlist the help of other people. They derived their authority from thedecreeofCyrustheking,whohadthepowertoallowordisallowtheiractions.Hisauthority includedenforcementpowerso theycouldcomplete their task inthefaceofopposition,hostility,orrevolt.Thisauthority to legitimize,enforce,and protect theGod of Israel’s restoration planwas actually the reasonCyruswasbornandattainedpowerinthefirstplace,assaidbytheprophetIsaiah.TheauthorityCyrushadwasderivedfromGodAlmighty.(See2Chronicles36:22–23,Ezra1:2–8,andIsaiah44:18–45:4.)Byhisdivinelyappointedposition,thiskingauthorizedtheJewstobegintheworkGodhadcommandedCyrustoseetobeforehewasconceived.Ifthekingwerenotinagreement,theveryattemptbythe Jews to rebuildGod’shousecouldhavegotten themkilled. In thiscase, itwas the otherway around.Cyrus’ decreemeant that anyonewho opposed theworkcouldbekilled.

Authorityiscriticalbecausefewpeople,wheningroups,canagreeorremainin harmony for extended periods of time. Personal pursuits, preferences, andperspectivesinevitablysurfacetodivideandconfusethem.Fearofbeingbossedaround,takenadvantageof,orabusedmakesthembegintodoubtthevalidityoftheirassociationsandleadsthemtocontendwiththeleaders.

Itisaknownfactthatgroupsofpeoplewithoutaleadercannotcomeintoonemind on issues and maintain that focused agreement for any length of time.Someonewillhavetokeephiseyespointedtowardthegoal,settheprioritiesforsuccess,andkeepvictoryeverbeforethegroup.Ifnot,whentedium,longevity,setbacks,andobstaclesbegintotaketheirtoll,groupmemberswillchallengethework and attempt to escape using anymeans they can.The possibility of thisoccurringincreasesgreatlywhengroupshavetovalueandprioritizemorethanone issueatonce,or if theyare todecide themosteffectivewayof tacklingamass endeavor. All these reasons are likely to stress a group. The larger its

number, the greater the prospect of stressing a group’s bond of cohesiveness,decreasingthelikelihooditwillcompletethejobathandwithoutleadership.

Once the suitable person has been identified and appointed as the leader, alargepartofthedistractingfactorspreviouslyhinderingtheworkdisappear.Theleader’spresence and skill see to it.However, suchapersonmustbe investedwith the authority todowhat it takes tobenefit thosewho trust himorher toenforcethewillofthemajorityonthefewopponents.Trust,consequently,isalarge part of leadership. The people must perceive an atmosphere of safety,integrity,fairness,andethicstorelaxtheirguardsandestablishunity.Asenseofsafety and well-being must foster within all followers the belief that justice,equity,andbalancewillprevailwiththosetowhomtheyentrusttheirleadership.Becauseof this, anydelegationof authority has to convey these to thosewhofollow,orelsetheentirestructureisvulnerable.

Authority,aswehavesaid,impliespowerthatcannegativelyaffectagroup’ssupportofitsleaders.Still,anelementofforceisneededtoensurecompliance,conformance,andperformancedemandedbytheauthority.Withoutit,therecanbenomotiveforobedience,andasaresult,littleornosuccess.Thevisionisnotrealizedbecausethegoalisnotachieved.

When strong leadership is absent or undefined, only the fruit of failure,disillusionment, and disappointment are experienced. Followers become bitterandcynicalandtheirleadersconfusedandinsecure.Everyonewalksawayfromsuchventuresdefeatedandjadedwhenthereisabreakdownofauthority,whichis native to leadership. Only in an environment where leaders are clearlyestablishedandrespectedcanefficientmeansofcompletingprojectsoccur.Itistheleaderswhodiscoverandreleasethatefficiency.

Christian leaders need to understand that every delegation of God isaccompanied by a corresponding degree of power, supernatural more thannatural.AsthemanifestationoftheSonofGodshowedus,theproblemsofearthhave spiritual origins and their roots can only be handled on the supernaturalplane.Thatbeginswithsound,responsible,propheticauthority!

LeadershipAuthorityFigures

Traditionally,morethanafewaspirantsandnewcomerstoleadershipstrugglewithauthorityfigures.Theydislikebeingtoldwhattodounlesstheyagreewithitandfeeltheirpositionsareasvitaltotheirorganization’smissionandgoalastheir superiors’, whether or not they know the mission and goal. To avoid

yielding to their authority figures, followers invent all sorts of excuses,complaints,andcriticismsthatrunthegamutofunjustifiedreasonsfordislikingordistrustingasuperior.Intheend,theproblemoftenturnsouttobejustplainoldrebellion.

Ontheotherhand,newleadersfrequentlytendtoisolatethemselvesandtheirworkinavacuum,choosingtoignoreordisdainwhattheothermembersoftheirstaff do or did. Showing unmistakable apathy in what they do affects theirfollowers. Rudeness, broken promises, late submissions, and neglected detailsoften frustrate a new leader’s good intentions and dull what started out as awonderfulachievement.Thesebehaviorsonthepartofanewleaderarerootedin an attitude that sees leadership as wholly prestigious, not as necessarilyaccountableorresponsible.Leadershippositionsforthemareforcelebritystatusandarenotofficesoftrustorduty.

Theothersideofthecoinistheleaderwhocannotgetalongwithhisorherpeers.Many times, new leaders feel that pleasing the boss or the head of theorganizationisenough.Meanwhile,whenitcomestothosewhoworkalongsidethemontheirlevelaspeers,theytendtometeoutrespectordisrespectbasedontheir like or dislike for one peer over another.Or, theymaydemonstrate theirappreciation of a particular peer’s position in relation to their own on thegrounds of merit. Neither of these makes a harmonious or productive workenvironment, not to mention the seething resentment and retaliation they canbreedinoffendedworkers.

When left unchecked, such an atmosphere can foster vengeful sabotage aswounded peers strike back at one another through their jobs. Productivity andprofitabilityarethefirst totakethehitsasatit-for-tatenvironmentrenderstheworkplace and itsworkers ineffective.Pettiness andpranks can abound as thespiritofhealthycompetitiontakesanominousturn.Internalfeudscanseverelydamage an organization’s standing with its constituency and risk the loss ofvaluableworkersandleaders.Everyoneofthesebehaviorsisdetrimentaltoanyorganization’s success. If prophets are oblivious to thesebehaviors, the resultsare tragic. Prophets are leaders and should be schooled and experienced inorganizationaldynamicsandworkplaceharmony.

Arrogant attitudes and isolationist or divisive tactics adversely affect allworkers’performanceandcausestrifeandcontention,whichslowprogressandcostbusiness.Prophetic leadersshouldbeawareof thesignsof thesepotentialdetriments in those they oversee and discover quickly how to remedy them.

Shouldtheyappearinyou,youhaveagreaterobligationtoalleviatethemfromyour leadership attitudes and motives. Make no mistake about it: propheticrivalryismoredeadlytoanorganizationthananyotherproblembecauseofthedual spheres it affects. The prophet’s most uncelebrated role is to undosomething with the word of the Lord that already exists. “Therefore have Ihewedthembytheprophets;Ihaveslainthembythewordsofmymouth:andthyjudgmentsareasthelightthatgoethforth”(Hosea6:5).“Ihavealsospokenby the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by theministry of the prophets” (Hosea 12:10). “Andby a prophet theLord broughtIsraeloutofEgypt,andbyaprophetwashepreserved”(Hosea12:13).

What do all these passages add to our discussion?They show the power ofprophets’wordsandwill.Prophets’wordskill, judge,reveal,attack,orreward.These officers cut and heal, destroy and build with their mouths. They seevisionsanddiscernandinterpretsimilitudesaswellasrescue,deliver,lead,andpreserve. Collectively, prophetic faculties wield effectual power in the spirit.That is a tremendous amount of power, and to have the prophets of anyorganization collaborate or collude to mount an assault on it has deadlyconsequences. The prophets are to be the solution that overturns suchmisconduct and restores the harmonious balance in the institutions that theyserve. They are not to be their adversaries. Prophets are to work with theirauthority figures, covering them with prayer and intercessions. They are tocooperate with leadership and not so pity the people that they unwittinglyoverthrow it. Prophets over an organization should include in their servicesclasses thathelp leadersget theirmessage across to the staff andmotivate thestaff to support and trust their leaders. The prophet should under nocircumstancesfosterortoleratecompetitionbetweenhimselfandtheleadersheorsheexiststoprotect.

RespondingtoAuthorityFiguresandPeers

The following is wisdom to help prophets get along with their authorityfiguresandpeers.Newleadersmustacceptthatachainofcommand,whetheritisdocumentedornot,doesexistinallorganizations.Thechurchisnodifferent.It doesnotmatterhowmuch religiouspeople like topretendotherwise; everyorganization has its hierarchy of positions and ranking leaders who fill them.Newministersshouldnotexpecttostartatthetopoftheirorganizationsunlessthatiswhattheywereengagedtodo.Forthattohappen,itisgenerallyacceptedthatpreviousexperience,education,andsuccessqualifypeople for their levels

ofposition.Therefore,prophetsneedthosewhoascendedaheadofthemtohelpthemescalateattherighttimetohigherpositions.

Often the person to help promote a younger prophet is the immediatesupervisor,professionalcoach,ormentor.Forthisreasonandmanyothers,heorshe should be respected. Supervisors know the history of the world you areenteringandhaveaproven track recordwith thosewithwhomyouwillwork.Theyunderstandthelinesofauthorityandthesentimentsoftheleadershipcircleyou are joining. Your new position’s supervisors, coaches, and mentors canrecalltheirsting,discerntheirmotives,anddetecttheirnonverbalsignals.Theycanhelpyouskirttrouble,avertcrises,andavoidoffendinganyofthoseaboveyousothattheywillnotuniformlyshutyouout.Thisisparticularlyhelpfulwiththekeyinfluencers,andyoushouldtaketimetolearnwhothesepeopleareandwhattheydo.Asyoulearnaboutthem,taketimetofigureoutwhatmakesthemso influential, sincenot allof themare in leadershippositions.Acclimating toyournewpositionshouldincludebeingonthelookoutforwhatthegrouplikes,respondsto,orattacks.Trustyourtrainerstoknowthis,astheytookthetimetobecome well-versed in the beliefs, ideologies, preferences, and strategies thatidentifyyourorganizationbeforeyouarrived.

Believeyourtrainersarecapablepeoplewhosewisdomshouldbesoughtandrespected. Acknowledge their achievements and value their skills. Avoidbeginningyourseasonwiththesepeoplebyforcingyourstoriesandexperiencesuponthem.Betteryet,connectwiththemtolearnandgrow.Payattentionwhenthey start telling you the rules of the game. Your stories and testimonies cancomelater.Inthebeginning,followJames’advice,andbeswifttohearandslowtospeak.

TheBiblesays inEcclesiastes8:4 thatwhere thewordofaking is, there ispower.Thisisaprofoundremark.Peopleinauthorityhavepower.Allpeopleinauthorityhavesomepowerandyoucannotseeitonthemasyouwouldasuitofclothing.Theword of a king holds power;what a simple-sounding statement.Yetitisrepletewithimplications.Leaderswhohavebeenintheirpositionsforsome time know people. They have friends, competitors, allies, and friendlyenemies that could be of use to you later. See beyond your impatience ordisrespectandesteemthembecauseyoudonotknowtheextentoftheirreach,even if it is to justonesignificantperson.Theworld issmaller thanyou thinkandyourworldwiththispersonmaybesmalleryet.

Be an asset to your leaders.Make yourself valuable to those youwork for,

because this is the bestway to properly relate to authority.As a prophet, youhavemuchnegativehistorytooverturn,soplantoshowthepositivesideofthemantle.Thatdoesnotmeanyoushoulddistortyourprophecies in theprocess.However, refuse to spend time fuming in secret aboutwhat you dislike aboutyourleadersornursingsomereal(orimagined)hurts.Whenyouallowthis,yourisk having them surface when you least expect. Negativity will leak out asunpleasant sentiments at the most inopportune times with disastrousconsequences. It is wise to weigh your feelings and confirm that they areaccurate before jumping to conclusions about your leaders’ remarks. Take thetimetoclarifywhatyouthinkyouheard,andquestionwhyitoffendedyou.Behonestaboutwhyyoubecameoffended.Askyourleadersfrankly(ifpossible)ifyouheard themcorrectly,and if so,what theymeantor intendedbywhatyouheard.Waittohearwhattheysayandlisten.Makesurewhenyoutalkwithyourleaders that you open the conversation by calmly presenting your case, andalwaysconfirmthatyouheardorinterpretedtheirremarksaccuratelythroughoutthediscussion.Aboveall,beobedient,endeavortofulfillyourduties,andtodosowithexcellence.

Wheneveryourleaderscorrectyou,behonestaboutwhetherornotcorrectionisdeserved.Ifthecorrectioniswarranted,admitit,fixtheproblem,andresumethe relationship. It ifwas not, schedule a time to discuss thematter calmly tolearnwhat is considered improvement and thebest steps to achieve it.This issagecounselthatcohereswithwhattheBibletellsustodo.Itadmonishesustokeep our heart with all diligence because out of it come the issues of life(Proverbs 4:23). As a prophet, keep your heart clear when dealing with yoursupervisorsandmanagers.Nomatterhowrightyoumayfeelyouare,taketimetoponderthecosttoyouofforcingcertainissueswiththem.Willitbeworthitintheend?Willyouractionsmakeyourlifebetterorworseintheend?Whohasthemosttolose?Thebiggest,mostsignificantquestionofallis,whyareyousoaffectedbyacertainsituationinthefirstplace?Whatareyourrealmotivationsfor making a big deal out of something and what do you want to prove oraccomplish by it? In short, what are you defending? Be curious about whatcausesyoutojeopardizeyourposition,disruptrelationships,anddiscredityourreputation on a particular issue. These may all be answered by doing a littleprobingofyourownheart.

The entire outcome of your leadership service is seated in your heart.Howyoureallyfeelaboutpeople,authority,workingeneral,andyourorganization’sstructure will all show up in your emotions, and a leadership promotion will

definitelybringittothesurface.Youremotionsaresoimportantthatmorethanintelligenceisneededtobalanceyoursentiments.OtheremotionalrestraintsarerequiredtohelpyoutransitionfromavoluntaryservanttoanofficialprophetintheLord’skingdom.Youmustmatureinyouroutlooks,attitudes,andreactionsto serve Him as a recognized kingdom functionary. None of this can trulyhappen until the Lord replaces your present heart with that of a leader—aprophetic leader in particular. Afterward, you will be enabled to functioncompetentlyinyournewsphereofservice.

ChapterSummary

1. Propheticpotencyandpowercanunsettleaweaksoul.

2. Saul exemplified what happens when pure prophetics meet acorruptsoul.

3. BecauseGodisathinker,prophetstoomustbethinkers.

4. Leadershipisakeycomponentofpropheticservice.

5. Propheticleadershippresupposespropheticauthority.

6. Respect for any offices includes professional respect for thosethat occupy it. One cannot claim respect and obedience to anofficeandcontemptuouslytreatthosewhofillit.

PropheticActionItems

1. Comeupwithatwenty-pointpracticalbehaviorandconductcodeforpropheticservice.Showhowit is tobeappliedformthe topdown,thebottomup,andpeertopeer.

Chapter13

DivisionsofPropheticAuthority

Thischapterexpoundsondivisionsofpropheticauthority.Itcovers:

Propheticgroups

Propheticclasses

Propheticrealms

PropheticGroups

The prophet’s mantle is manifested in two groups: executive (orgovernmental) and administrative (supportive). Think of it thisway.While alllevels of government have leadership authority, their authority is not equal.Localofficialauthority isnot thesameasstateauthority,andstateauthority issubordinatetothefederalauthority.Also,anyonewithglobalreachwouldhavethegreatestauthorityofall.

The office will always have a group of chief prophets and a group ofsubordinate prophets. Chief prophets are distinguished by their assignedterritory, class, and realm. They are designated chiefs because of theresponsibilitytheyhaveforoverseeingandsecuringtheLord’spropheticforce.

Whilebothgroupsappearequalintheirofficeamongthefivefoldofficers,thechiefprophethasawider territoryand thereforeawider rangeofauthority. Inaddition, chiefprophetshavehigh,well-groomedorganization, leadership, andgovernmentalskillswithwhichtoempowerandcovertheprophetsintheircare.Chiefprophetsalsopossessexcellentteachingskills,whichareusedtotrainandrefine novice and subordinate prophets for God’s service. Furthermore, chiefprophets’targetministrygroupsarehigh-rankingandmadeupofpeopleofgreatstature,power,andauthority. It isobviousfromthisbriefdutydescription thatthose appointed to this levelof service are stringently screenedand rigorouslytrained.The chief prophet should be promoted after years of rigorous trainingand strenuous tests. Loyalty demands, obedience exercises, and resistance tointenseoppositionqualifyaprophetforthislevelofpublicservice.Fewpeople

willpaythepricetostandinit.

Subordinateprophetsfitthreecategories:newornovice,trainerormoderatelyequipped,class-orrealm-assigned.Ofthethree, thefirst twoarecandidatesforpromotion.Thelastoneisclass-orrealm-assignedbecauseitisaGod-ordainedsubordinateposition.Othertypesofleadershipprophetscomeundertheheadingofapprenticeprophets.Theirduties,thoughsignificant,revolvearoundservingasenior prophet to gain the experience and confidence needed to execute theministry. Subordinate prophets have less authority within their assigned area.However,theyarevitaltotheorganizationandarenolessvaluedbyGodthanthechiefprophetstheyserve.

Elijah and Elisha are examples of the chief/subordinate relationship.Mosesand Joshua are another. Samuelwith his school of prophets, aswell asElishaafterElijah’sdeparture,aretwomore.Peter,James,andJohnovertheremainingtwelve apostles and Paul are additional examples. While some prophets areloners, isolated for special, divine dispatches forwhich theywere created andprepared,mostprophetshaveanordainedchiefwithintheirterritorywhomtheyareassigned to serve.Scriptureandhistoryshow thatmoreprophets served incompanies than alone. This current independence and alienation from oneanother,asidefrombeingcontrary toScripture, isdetrimental toGod’soverallprophetic mission. If there is no established school or study group for asubordinateprophet toserveunderachiefprophet, thenheorsheshouldseekother credible means of getting trained and becoming accountable. As Elishapouredwateron thehandsofElijah (meaning thathe servedhim)andGehaziservedasassistanttoElisha,inlikemanner,contemporaryprophetsneedtoputin their timeunder their designated chiefs.The time canbe as long as twentyyearsor asbrief as threemonths.Thedecision,however, isGod’s, notman’s.Threeyears,though,appearsinScripturetobethereasonableminimumamountoftimeasubordinateshouldexpecttoserve.However,itseemsthatprophetsarenot thoroughly equipped until they serve ten years. Fifteen to twenty yearsappearstobethenorm.

PropheticClassesIdentified

The eight prophetic classes operate within the ten prophetic realms listedbelow.Theyshowthehumanfieldofdutyassignmentstheprophetis likelytobeplacedin.

Business

Health

Societal

SpecialGroups

Ecclesiastical(churchandministers)

Domestic(family)

Ministerial(clergy)

Financial

Political

Industry

Thefollowingeightfieldsaretheofficialareasofaprophet’sministrytoGodand territory of service. From them, youwill see how the boundaries, thoughgeographic,willoverlapinexecution.

The prophet’s work requires teamwork, and Christ’s community of theministers for this reason shouldbediligent about assisting and supportingoneanother’s endeavors. Since prophets are very symbiotic, they need each otherandactuallythriveontheircompanymembers’mantles.Thatisanotherreasonwhytheirclassesofserviceshouldbeclearlydefined.

The prophetic classes themselves designate the area of expertise, field ofknowledge, and range of faculties a prophet has been equipped and groomedwith for his or her service. These decide the territorial boundaries, propheticgroups, and prophetic assignments associated with a particular world ofhumanity. The elements of each class apply to the stationary and itinerantprophet.Furthermore, theseeightclassesare influencedbytheprophet’srealmof service as well as his or her traits and talents. They refer to the realm ofhumanlifetowhichtheprophetismostcommonlyassignedbyGod.Theonlywaytogetthemostoutofeachgroupofprophetsistoknowwheretheirhighestconcentrationofactivitylies.

Prophets, like any other professional guild, are most effective in areas andsituations where their gifts and equipment are best suited. Proper placementincreasestheprophet’sgreatestbreakthroughpoweronaconsistentbasis.Peopleministered to by properly placed prophets—those standing in their designated

place within the office—are likely to experience more deliverances, broaderprophecies,greaterblessings,andextensiveprayerbreakthroughsmorequicklybecausetheprophetisministeringwithinhisorhercapabilities.Thisismainlybecause the prophet is wholly unified in ministry and better aligned with theHolySpirit’sattestations.Whentheprophet’sanointingiscompatiblewithhisorher realm, class, group, and assignments, the results are startling. The Spirit’scooperationwiththemessengerisastoundingandcompatibilitywithhisorhermantle’s realm enables the prophet to enjoy success and his or her followingcontinuallyreapsthebountifulharvestoftheLordasaresult.

PropheticClassesExplained

Judicial

A Judicial Prophet is onewhose focus and perception center onmatters oflawfulness,propriety,protocol,ethics,andmorality.Righteousnessandintegrityare thisprophet’ssummonsto thepeopleofGod.Wisdominproblem-solving,decision-making, human conduct, and behavior motives is strong in theseprophets. They are mainly oracular. Their faculties will include a significantmeasure of the native abilities of judicial aptitude. They tend to be ablenegotiators,accomplishedarbitrators,andsagecounselors.Theirjudgmentstendtobesoundandtheirdiscernmentkeen.

Militaristic

MilitaristicProphetsemphasizetheraging,ongoingbattleswiththeforcesofdarkness.Theyhaveakeen insight into the strategiesand tacticsofSatanandinnately understand how to deal with them. These ministers have a fiercecountenanceandalowtoleranceforcompromiseandminglingwithsin.Thesearetheprophetsofsupernaturalbreakthrough,andtheyaremainlyofthepowerclass.Theseprophetsarelikelytohaveasignificantmeasureofnativeabilities,including sensitivity to spiritual things, apprehension of the role and place ofprophecy,andagreatsenseofpracticalapplication.

Economic

EconomicProphetsareconcernedwiththefinancialconditionofthepeopleofGod.Theiremphasisisonthrift,spending,prudentbuying,andwiseeconomicconsumption. Their itinerary includes circuits of congregations and ministryorganizations,where theycommunicate thesesubjectsandsupernaturally loosethewealthofthechurchesandthefinancialstabilityoftheircongregants.Theyareoftenoracular.Theseprophetswillmostlikelyexhibitthenativeabilitiesof

unusual judicial aptitude, heightened spiritual discernment, and outstandingleadership ability. They tend to make good treasurers, able fund-raisers, andsoundbusinesspeople.

Governmental

GovernmentalProphetsareconcernedwiththerighteousnessofthoseintheirterritoryasitpertainstoGod’sholiness.TheyarecommittedtoChrist’sstandardof living as expressed during His earthly pilgrimage. The Word of God isunusuallycleartotheseprophetsasastand-alonejudge.Itsapplicationsarenotdifficult for them. Such prophets are discerning and discriminating, and theyhavepolicy-makingandregulatoryskills.AlloftheseareusefultoGodinHisorganization, restoration, or restructuring of His church. Also, these prophetsprovetobewisecounselorstosecularadministrationsthatareinterestedintheAlmighty’s integrity and ethics in their government. Their sagacity can beinvaluable in forecasting outcomes of pending legislation. These prophets aremost likely to possess the native abilities of influential governmental ability,peculiar interpretive skill, impressive elocution/oration, and unusual judicialaptitude.

Confrontational

ConfrontationalProphetsarethosewhoalwaysseemtobeontheattack.Withaxe-likewords,theycutdownsinfulness,apostasy,andindulgenceinthebody.There isaharshedge to theirmessages,andbecauseof this, theyareshunnedmore often than any other prophet. These people are usually of a sterncountenance, and their words carry strong rebuke and chastening weight.Warning of impending judgment and demanding repentance from sin are theirdominantministrycalls.Theyaregenerallyoracularprophetswithpower.Thenative abilities of heightened spiritual discernment, capacity for revelationdiscovery,andsensitivitytospiritualthingsarelikelytoattendtothismantle.

Executive

ExecutiveProphetsarethosewhosebusinessandadministrativeacumenmakethemcompetentmanagersofGod’stemporalmatters.Theyareabletoadvisethebodyonitsbusiness,management,industrial,andentrepreneurialventures.Thismantle is also equipped to warn entrepreneurs of the dangers of indiscretion,abuse, excesses, poor supervision, and weak leadership. In addition, they aresagaciousandpredictiveenoughtoprophesytrendsandrecognizeifandwhenanorganizationorindividualistotakeadvantageofthem.Theseprophetsalso

have strong leadership aptitude andmake able teachers of their disciples. Thenative abilities associatedwith this class of prophet include comprehension ofprophetic matters, apprehension of role and place of prophecy, capacity forrevelationdiscovery,andpeculiarinterpretiveskill.

Power

Power Prophets are messengers whose ministry is replete with thesupernatural signs and wonders of God. They are literally dunamis vesselsordainedtoexerciseandexertdiscretionaryspiritualpowerinmanysituations.TheirplaceiscriticalinthebodyofChristbecauseextraordinarymiraclesareamust where they are assigned. This prophetic class’s main objective is tomanifest the supremacy of the risen Christ’s powers. Outstanding leadershipability,heightenedspiritualdiscernment,andgreatsenseofpracticalapplicationaresomeofthismantle’snativeabilities.

Oracular

Assaidelsewhere in the text,OracularProphetsare thosewhoseministry ismoreverbalandcommunicativethanpowerful.Theseprophetsaremorelikelytoberesearchers,lecturers,teachers,andwriters.Theirministriesgenerallyhavestrong teachingandmotivational components attached to themantle.Theyareoftenfoundersofeducationalinstitutionsandschoolsoftheprophets.Thenativeabilities thataremost likelyseen in thisclassofprophets includepotential forinspired utterance, strong literary skill, peculiar interpretive skill, andextraordinarywisdomandinsight.

The explanations given here are presented as a guide. They do, however,answer a host of questions surrounding the wide range of capabilities andapplicationsweseetodayinChristianministry.Thecharacteristicfeaturesofthemantle apply no less in the classes. Qualities and anointing like predictiveinsight, interpretive skill, teaching, preaching, and revelation are still criticalelements of the staff andmantle of prophetic officers. In addition, the prayerwork, intercessory responsibilities, andwatchmen’s correctional or exhortativedutiesarenotreducedbyclassassignment.ItshouldbepointedoutthatGodcancrossHispropheticclasses, intermixingHismessengers’assignmentstoenableprophetstohandlegreaterloads.Higherpropheticassignmentscallforthis,andthussuchprophetsdisplayavarietyofaptitudes,knowledge,andskills.

Thesediscussionsanswer thequestionof themessagesoneprophet receivesover another. Topic concentrations fromGod center on information related to

theirassignments.

AboutPropheticRealms

In respect to prophetic realms, the following explanations can help youunderstandhowtheyfitintoGod’spropheticscheme.Thewordrealmrefersto:

1. Aroyaldomain

2. Adomainofknowledge

3. Aregionalsphereofdomination

4. Asystemofgovernment

5. Asovereign’sterritoryofrule

Thepropheticrealmsare:

1. Domestic

2. Ministerial

3. Financial

4. Political

5. Industrial

6. Business

7. Health

8. Societal

9. Specialgroup

10. Ecclesiastical

TheDomesticRealmiswhereprophetsdealextensivelywithfamilymatters.Theseprophetsarearticulateandsensitivetomaritalbreakdownsandinsightfulin spouse selection and treatment of family issues. They are especiallyempowered to facilitate conception and child-rearing and are able to overturnfamilylifedeterioration.Suchprophetshaveastrongappreciationfortheplace

of the family insuccessfulearthly life.Thus, theyarecalled tominister to theorganizations thatspecialize inwatchingover,prayingfor,andreachingout tothefamiliesoftheearth.TheirministriesbringwiththemthewordandpowerofGod.

The Ministerial Realm speaks of a prophetic ministry to clergy. Theseprophets are sent to ministers, especially pastors, and work well alongsideecclesiastical prophets. They are empowered to serve them and guide theirendeavors to shepherd and oversee God’s people. Such prophets know theimportanceofbalancedteachingsandfirmleadershiptotheLordandHisbody.They understand flock sanctification, enlightenment, and maturity, and aresensitivetothedeceptionsandseductionsoftheworldthatcanveerashepherdand his church off God’s ordained course. Prophets of this realm quicklyrecognize sin and its pitfalls and respond promptlywithGod’s ordained plan,strategy, and ideals. Prophets assigned to the ministerial realm are firmlycommitted to the Lord’s worship and holiness. Prophets of this realm aretypically assigned a circuit of churches for which they pray and intercede,nurture,andfeed.Thatiswhentheyarenotassignedtoonecongregationoritschurchprophet.Theseprophetsprovide the spiritualundergirding thatupholdsministersandministries.WiththemcomesthesupernaturalstrengththatfortifiesthelaborsofashepherdandguardshisorheropenlinkswithGod.

The Financial Realm is where prophets with expertise and experience inmonetarymattersareplaced.TheyteachthebodyaboutGod’sviewsonmoney,wealth, financial stability, and overall prosperity. Such prophets have ananointingtoachievefinancialbreakthroughs, teachmoneymanagementanditsrelatedsubjects,andcausespiritualandmaterialabundance,althoughtheformermanifeststhelatter.

ThePoliticalRealmiswhereprophetsaresetaswatchmentoguardandpatrolthepoliticalfrontofasociety.Theyareastutelyawareofshiftingtidesofpublicsentiment,culturaltrends,anddemonicstrategy.Theirearsareopentohearthesugarcoatedplansofdeceptionthateventuallydupeasocietyintocompromisingordroppingitsmoralandethicalstandards.TheseprophetsareabletohearfromtheLordregardingwhoisenteringandexitingacommunityorregion’spoliticaloffices. Alert and informed, this class of prophet garners political favor, iseffective at lobbying and other political actions, and easily gathers the prayersupport, political clout, and believer action needed to sway pending mattersGod’sway.Theyquicklyrecognizeinfiltrationsandproposedactionsthatcouldadversely affect the church and God’s will. This realm should be adequately

staffedinordertoavoidweakeninganationwhosepoliticalviewsexposeit toGod’s judgment.The teaching, preaching, andpersuasiveoratory skills of thispropheticclassareextensiveas theirnormallycharismaticdemeanoraids theirpotentialtocommunicateGodonthepoliticalfrontinanonreligiousorsimilarlyinoffensivemanner.

The Industrial Realm is the realm where prophets with strong ties andinfluence in the labor force are appointed. They are usually well versed inindustrialoperationsandproduction.TheseprophetsnotonlyreachsoulsinthisrealmbutareabletoaidthebodyofChristinestablishingandmaintainingsuchcompaniesunderGod’sauspices.Theirmantle isequippedtohelpbelievers intheirrealmstartcompanieswheregodliness,integrity,andethicsarevaluedandmaintained. Their skill and expertise will include organization, structure,productivity, and agriculture, along with the other activities associated withsuccessfulindustrialventuresthatglorifytheLordJesusChrist.Prophetsinthisrealmcanbedispatchedtoanyindustryandtendtoservewellasorganizationalprophets.Theaboveareasaregivenasexamples.

In the Business Realm, the prophet’smain audience is businesspeoplewhoneed or belong to the Lord andwho are instrumental toHis divine purposes.Businessskill,aswithalltheotherclasses,isatoolforthismantle.Itisameansbywhich theLordcanbepreachedandpresented ina light thatentrepreneursandexecutivescanunderstand.Suchprophetscanbeusefulinmanagementandadministration andprovide vital technical and executive know-how toChrist’schurchand theworld.Thosewhoare inaconsultingcapacityareexamplesofthisgroup.ThewisdomoftheLordinthismantleisappliedtotheoperationofthebusinesstoaidGod’schildrenintheirappointedmeansofprovidingfortheirtemporal needs. Also, business trends and movements, and shifts and upsets,alongwithimpendingorpossibledownfalls,arereadilyapparenttothisclassofprophet.Their foresight,acumen,andsagacityallowthesemessengers towarnendangeredordetrimentalenterprises.Suchprophetsdetectproblemareasandsuggest solutions to them from what they receive from God to convey. Apowerful,predictiveelementforeseesandforetellsofprobabledifficultiesearlyon,inhopeofavertinganycatastrophes.

TheHealthRealmiswhereprophetshavepeculiarinsightintotheneedsandfunctionsofthehumanbody.Theyhaveanunderstandingoftheharmfulagentsthat can affect them. Piercing prophetic sight reveals developing issues in thebodyoftenbeforetheysurface.Dietprograms,preventivemedicine,andhealthmaintenance procedures are uniquely clear to this prophetic class. Their

anointing also gives them revelation into certain illnesses and their causes.Revelations,ofcourse,comewithwisdomtoinstructthesuffereronhowtotreattheproblem.This isnotmedicalcareor therapy,althoughhealthprofessionalscansurelybeamongthispropheticclass.ItisGod’somniscienceappliedtotheareaofhealthinanefforttostaytheonsetofsicknessanddisease,becausemanyillnesses have spiritual roots that can be treated by the inclusion of spiritualinsightandpropheticastuteness.Thisabilityworkspowerfullywithalltypesofhealth care providers.When the prophet is not in themedical field, then it isthroughprayerandintercessionthatthesework.However,asourSaviorshowedus,peoplewhoarehealedshouldstillshowthemselvestoaphysician.

The Societal Realm is where the prophet has a strong leaning toward thesocial services. Helping to deliver souls enslaved to drugs, alcoholism,deprivation,andneglectiswhatheorsheisinclinedtodo.Theseprophetshavestrong deliverance features attached to their ministries. They are also greatbelievers in post deliverance follow-up, and are therefore likely to haverehabilitation centers and special service agencies of their own or integral totheirministry circuit. Giving the spiritual support needed to affect the naturalexistenceiswhattheydo.Shelters,transienthomes,andvocationaltrainingareallofinteresttotheseprophets.Supportingandsupernaturallygirdingthosewhofound and operate these facilities, or strengthening and aiding the church orministry that does so, is what the prophet is further equipped for, as well asintercession,counseling,andlifecoaching.

The Special Groups Realm can employ a number of prophets from severalgroups and all classes. This is where a prophet is given amessage to deliverunder the anointing for a particular group. These groups may be men only,women only, single parents, youth, recovering addicts, divorced people, orprofessionals. They may be suited to any category of human culture. Theseprophets have a special tenderness toward thoseof their designatedgroup andmayengageinorsponsoravarietyofprogramstomeettheirneedsorprepareotherstodoso.

The Ecclesiastical Realm is the realm of church authority. Prophets in thisrealmdealprimarilywithchurchesandareadeptat interpreting rightconduct,proper behavior (that which sanctifies), and the characteristics of holiness astheypertaintothechurchatlargeorindividualsinparticular.Theyarestrongindoctrine and tend to be highly scholastic theologians.Ordinarily stern in theirpreaching,thispropheticclassisskilledatfusingteachingwithprophecy.Theyare strong in revelationof theScriptures, and the talents and abilities of these

ministers authenticate and verify sound doctrine in application. Such prophetsestablish and maintain godly standards in service, training, and conduct,especiallyfocusingonotherministersaroundthemandfellowprophets.

Aswith the classes, these realms aremeant to be a guide to understandingGod’splacementandemphasisofprophets.ItisgoodtorememberthattheLordis over all the earth and the church, being spiritual, has itsmembers scatteredthroughoutit.Therefore,astheGreatShepherd,HemustcovertheneedsofHisentirebody.With theprophet’soffice,Hedoes this in innovativeandpracticalways.GoddesiresthatHispeopleneverhaveanoccasiontomisshearingfromHim or tapping into His vast resources. So prophets, like all the officers andmany of His servants, are dispersed throughout the world, covering everystratumofhumanlifewiththepracticalandsupernaturalresourcesofGod.

ChapterSummary

1. Theprophetic isdivided into twodistinctgroups:executiveandadministrative.Thatis,governmentalandsupportive.

2. At least tenclasses identify the subdivisionsofGod’spropheticservice.

3. Propheticdivisionsalsoassigntheclassesofpropheticservicetospecificrealms.Inadditiontothetenclassesofprophetsthatmayexist,therearetengeosphericalrealms.

PropheticActionItems

1. 1.Buildaprofileofwhatyoubelievetobeyourprophetictype,class,andrealm,andstatewhyyouthinkyourprofilerevealsyouasaprophet.

Chapter14

PreparingtheProphettoServe

Thischapterexplainshowtopreparetheprophettoserve.Itcovers:

Shapingtheprophetforservice

God’swaysandmeansofpropheticpreparation

ShapingtheMinisterforService

Prophets,likeallotherministers,areaset-asidegroupofservantsdedicatedtoGod.Theirset-aside,orconsecrated,statusisachievedbyGodonatwo-tieredarrangement. First, the position itself is extracted from the masses of God’ssocieties and orders and placed in a separate vocational department category.Afterward,thepeopleareactuallyselected,anduponbeingdesignatedtofillthisorthatoffice,areendowedaccordingly.Intrinsicsignalsareinstilledinprophetsto eventually summon them to the Lord’s service, and subsequently to Hischosenfieldofministryforthem.Theentirecompositionoftheministerforthispurpose is geared toward the end that heor shehears, responds to, andobeysGod’sordainedmission in life.Aswehave learnedearlier, native abilities arehowGoddoesthis.Havinggroomedafutureprophetoverthespecifiednumberof years that God deemed it would take for the messenger to get ready, Heactivatesthesignalsthattranslatesintothecalltoministry.HethenmovesintoHispreparatorystageandthetaskoftrainingtheservanttobeginworking.

AtleastsixmeansareusedbyGodtobringaministerintoHisservice.Thesemethods are employed by the Lord secretly and silently throughout theanointed’slifeuntilheorsheisbroughttothestageofpresentation.ThisisthepointwherethepersonisreadytobeextricatedfromthemassesanddeliveredtoGod for ministry. Various things start to occur to lead a potential minister toseparation and consecration. Once initiated, it involves numerous joltingbreachesinaperson’slifethatcanbedistressinganddisturbing.Inanticipationofthese,upsetsarelikelytohavebeenfeltearlyinlife.Tragedies,conflicts,andhostilitymany timesgreetGod’s future servantatyoungages.Turbulenceandcrisescancharacterizetheyouth’sexperience.Instabilityandinconsistencymay

havemarkedhis or her existence fromchildhood.What determines this is thedynamicsoftheministrycall.Theruleis,themoredynamicthecall, themorefiery and intense the severing process. It can seem to the future servant thateverythingisagainsthimorher.Everymajoraspectofprospectivemessengers’worldscanbeturnedupsidedowntoequipthemforthedemandsandbacklashof the call. Such people become familiarwith struggles, defeat, suffering, andhardshipduringyouthoradolescence.

ThismethodhasagoalforGod,onethatensurestheonedivinelyappointedwill,attheappropriatetime,answerGod’scallandtakehisorherplaceamongtheranksofHislaborers.

Chosen before the foundation of the world, many of these people take upGod’s challenge at a young age.However, the actual servicemay come yearslater.FromthemomenttheyhearaboutGodintruthandunderstandwhattheyhaveheard,themechanismsplacedinthemforthatverypurposeatconceptionareactivated.Itisasthoughtheyawakeoutofaslumber-likestateandbegintofollowtheLord’svoicetoenterthepositionoftheircall.Throughoutthemakingand shaping process, His induction can demand—and in the end achieves—acompleteabout-faceinlife.TheservantjumpsoffthetreadmilloflifeandontothecoursesetbytheCreatoralmostrashly,impulsively.Appearingunreasonablein their resolve, future prophets stymie their friends and associates. Theyfrustrate employers and confuse, and often alienate, relatives for reasons eventhe called ones are unsure of at the time. All they know is that an urgentproddingwithininsiststheyabandonallandfollowJesus.Sotheyresolutelygoabout thebusiness of cutting cords, breaking ties, anddisengaging themselvesfromtheworld.

Selling off property, settling accounts, closing comfortable and convenientdoorsforever,thesepeopletakeuptheircrossestofollowJesus.Towheretheydonotalwaysknow.Why?Becauseitiswhattheymustdo.Thetimehascomeforthemtoenterintothereasontheywereborn,tofulfillthepurposesforwhichtheyweresaved:topresentthemselvesaslivingsacrificesfortheLord’sservice.

The next stage following this is getting ready for theMaster’s use.Here iswhereGod’s shreddingand shedding takesplace.Hearts aflamewithdevotionand hungry for the fullness of God, they go through the strenuous, stingingprocessoflettinggooftheworldandtheflesh.Godappearstobeinhotpursuitofeverything thatmakes them, them.He ison theircaserelentlessly,and theydon’tknowwhy.Nowseparatedfromfamilyandfriends,thetraineeservantsgo

into the wilderness to confront themselves and to meet their God. These arecruel,hotdaysandbleak,coldnights.Withnoonetodiverttheirattentionfromthetaskathand,allnewcomerstotheLord’sservicemustnowsitface-to-facewithGod.AsGodbegins to teach them, theyallgrowfranticallyawareof theexcruciatingchippingandnippingawayat theirpersonhood.Undertheblaringlight of the truth, in the reflection of Jesus, the novices are forced to seethemselves as they are: narrow-minded, cruel, insensitive, thoughtless, selfish,and deceitful. They are compelled to recollect things theywould just as soonforget. To have unkind, ungodly words replayed by God and to reliveunrighteous thoughts and imaginations for cleansing and service is painful.Constantly,inthiswilderness,futureservantsarecutofffromeverycustomaryanesthetic.Theymustmakeoneagonizingrevisitafteranothertotheroomsoftheirpastlives.Pains,hurt,abuse,hostilities,fears,andangersresurface.Allarepresented piece by piece to showhowandwhy these trainee servants becamewhattheyarebeforeGod.Eachpieceactslikethemaincourseofanelaboratedinner having its own appetizer (motive and will) and dessert (reason andadvantage).

Every part of the trainee is shattered under the process. Tears, anger,bitterness,resentment,hatred,anddefenseeachtaketheirturnthroughtheroller-coasterrideofemotionstheexperienceprovokes.It’sexcruciating,butsomehowtheservantknowsit’sforhisorherowngood.Eachinwardlyunderstandsheorshewillbebetterfortheemptying.

As the time passes by, the turnstile ofmemories and recollections seems tonevercease.TheservantwondershowChristeverwantedhimorherinthefirstplace,letaloneneedshimorherinHisservice.Whatcouldpossiblybeofferedto such a holy and righteous Savior? After all they have been through, thesefutureservantsareconvincedthat theycertainlyhavenothingofvalue toofferthis just God. After seeing all that was within, the trainees are sure there isnothingworthwhile togiveGod.At thisstage, theLord’sdevastated inducteesarereadytotossthemselvesaway,beingbrokenandhopelessnowwithoutlife’snormalprops.Littledo these futureprophetsknow that,at thispoint,GodhasHisnewagentsrightwhereHewantsthem.Allthewhile,thefuturevesselsoftheLord’svoicearepainfullyseeingthemselvesasGoddoes—intruth—anditmaybejolting.

InGod’spresence,underHisholyhand, futureprophetsarenomore thanafeeble, puny, hopeless, and unreliable rejects, apart from God. That is themessage the Lordwants to get across. Here is when the virtues of Christ are

poured in. Similar to the meticulous and elaborate ritual undergone by theLevitical priesthood, these new creationministers aremade ready for service.Love, mercy, wisdom, and grace are filling the breaches and broken gaps inthesevessels.Everycrackedhole is filledas though ithadneverbeenbroken.Warpedoutlooks,biasedopinions,andpervertedviewpointsarestraightenedtoallow thepathof truth to flowfreely through themessengers.Carnalappetitesanddesiresarereplacedwiththeheavenly;everyselfishyearningandpursuitisexcisedinordertoaligntheprophets’existencewiththewillofGod.Holinessadorns the messengers, and truth fills the Lord’s temple. The structure isrecomposed of love and every furnishing tool of the Holy Spirit. To get theprophetsready,everysupplynowcomesfromaboveasthestringentlessonsandorientation process impress upon the newly renovated servants that this is lifefromnowon.Now they are ready, ready to be taught andgroomed.Ready tolearn.Deathhasmovedout,andlifehasmovedin.Godisonthethroneoftheselives,andChristreignsintheirhearts.Itisdone.Nowthevesselsare“meetfortheMaster’suse”(2Timothy2:21).

Therenewedministersare thenbrought to theLordtoreceivetheircharges.Theyaretaughttheirmission,itsapproach,andGod’sstandards,will,andway.Theyaremadetocomprehendtheirboundaries,privileges,limits,andsoon.AsthesenewcomerssubmittoGod,theLordexaltsthem,sendingthemouttouseand exercise all that has been implanted within to take on part of the Son’smissionfortheFather.

WaysandMeansofPropheticPreparation

GodhasdifferentwaysofreadyingasoulforHiscallandservice.Thereareatleastsevenofthem,andthecombinationofseveralorallofthemmaybeusedduring the course of a person’s life. Themix used depends on the yearsGodallows the messenger to pursue his own course before pulling him out ofmainstream life and setting him on the course of his duty to the Creator andSavior.

AllministersareordainedbyGodforHisservicebeforethefoundationoftheworld.Jeremiah1:1–10franklystatesthis,asdoGalatians1:15andIsaiah49:1–5. These andmany other Scriptures emphatically showGod’s ordinations arefrom before the womb to let us know the womb is the crafting place of aperson’s equipment forGod’sministries.Tobringus intoHis service requiresseveralstagesoflife:

1. Lifeexperience

2. Structuredtraining

3. Apprenticeship

4. Dramaticinduction

5. Divineconfirmation

6. Supernaturalenlistment

7. Childhoodinduction

Life Experience is the first stage, and the largest of them all. It givesprospectiveministers the broadest base of knowledge and thewidest frameofreference to draw from upon entering the ministry. Naturally the educationprocessfromthispreparationbranchstartsatbirth.Everycomponent—parents,homelife,environment,school,joys,pains,pleasure,andsuffering—servesasatoolthatetchestheproposedminister’sfundamentalselffortheremainingyearsofhislife,determiningwhatheorshewilldoforever.Thesituationsandeventsthatoccurmoldtheattitudes,beliefs,andsoon,affectingwhatistocome.TheyformtheinstrumentsinGod’shandsthatwillbeusedbyHimforservicetoHim.Ideally, that service will be through His Son Jesus Christ and salvation.However,whateverpaththepersonchooses,heorshewillalwaysbeclayintheMaker’s hand. Past encounters, experience derived from certain events, andexposure to different situations all come together to generate the skill,proficiency,andreservoirofinherentknowledgethepersondrawsfromonceinGod’s service. History and retrospection play the most vital roles in thispreparationbranch.

Moses’ years of service with the Egyptians, Paul’s long tenure with theSanhedrin,andJeremiah’srearinginapriestlyhouseholdareexamplesofthis.

StructuredTrainingcomesundertheumbrellaofformalizededucation.Itgoesbeyond rudimentary study.This preparation branch speaks to vocational studygeared toward equipping the minister for eventual religious service, andthereforeisdesignedwiththerigorsanddemandsoftheministryinmind.Suchtrainingpullsfromlargeportionsoflifeexperienceandlinkssignificantaspectsofitsteachingstowhattheministerwillultimatelybedoing.Forgoodreasons,practiceandapplicationmakeupagoodamountofitsdelivery.Objectlessons,simulation exercises, and relevant case studies figure prominently into this

branchoftheprophet’sreadinessprogram.Italwaysinvolvesateacher,mentor,and steward-type relationship with the learner. Different developers thatcontributedtotheminister’seducationallleaveaportionofGod’shandprintonthatperson’ssoul,inoroutoftheclassroom.ElijahandElisha,SamuelandEli,and the school of prophets they trained to staff Israel’s prophetic officescontinuallyareexamplesofthis.

Apprenticeship iscloselyrelated tostructured training in that it is the internarm of the learning process. Once actual study has been completed, theory istranslatedtopractice.Apprenticesarethusassignedtoworkassubordinatesorjuniors in the field where God will use them. Apprenticeships can last manyyearsandaredictatedbythecall,field,andterritoryinwhichthelaborerswillsubsequently work. For example, Elisha poured water on Elijah’s hands fortwenty years before installation to office. Joshua servedMoses for over fortyyearstobecomesuccessortohismission:tobringIsraelintothePromisedLand.

DramaticInductionspeakstotheprophetbeingsuddenly,andoftenradically,pulledintoservice.ThemotivesforthismethodarevariedandcanbeassimpleasGod needing to have a speaker immediately and finding none reliable in aparticular region, or His having to utter a rebuke to established prophets andtherefore needs a freshmessenger groomed and trainedoutside ofHis presentsystems. Amos’ induction appears to fall under one of these categories. (SeeAmos7:14–17.)ThecallofthetwelveapostlesofJesusalsofitthiscategory.

Oneminute,it’sbusinessasusual,thenext,theperson’sentirelifeisupside-down.God’sreasonforthisapproachtypicallycentersonanewmoveforwhichHedesirestouseanewstaffofprophets.Paul’sDamascusroadencounterwithJesusofNazarethillustratesthisperfectly.

DivineConfrontationiswhattheprophetsIsaiahandEzekielandtheapostlePaulencountered.Thethemeofsuchprophets’messageistheholinessofGod.TheirwordsconcentrateonHishallowedglory.Usuallythepropheticstanceisone of awe and reverence for theMostHigh—the kind themajority ofGod’speoplecannotfathom.Moses’freshfromtheburningbushexperienceconveysthis outcome of a face-to-face with Jehovah most eloquently. God choosesparticular ministers for this type of induction to confirm eternity, qualify theafterlife,andtohelpthemgraspthedepthofhumansinfulnessincontrastwiththeMaker’sholiness.Hisaim is toequip themtocentralize these teachings intheirministriestotheirrespectivegroups.

SupernaturalEnlistmentcombinestheprevioustwoandincludestheservant’s

inexplicableexposuretosupernaturalagentsandothersupernaturalelementsofGod’screation.Whereothersmayhaveledspirituallysilentanddormantlives,these people seem inundated with glimpses of the supernatural for what theyperceivetobenoreasonatall.Manytimesitstartsatanearlyageandcontinuesthroughout the course of life. Samuel’s prophetic introduction toGod to offerjudgmenttoEliexemplifiesthis.

ChildhoodInductionmayseemtofiteveryworkerinGod’skingdom,andinthe broadest sense it does. However, there are those chosen to be reared inpropheticorpriestlyhouseholds,asopposedtothosecalledfromthehouseholdsof Egypt who must be trained, post adolescence, to serve the Lord. Throughchildhoodinduction,childrenareexposedtoGodandHiskingdom,ways,andwork from infancy.Their parents are generally faithful, devout believerswho,knowingtheirchargeconcerningthechild,takehisorherspiritualandreligiousdevelopmentseriously.TheyaretoldbyGodwhoandwhatthechildistoHimandwhat their responsibilityasparents is to theLordareas faras thechild isconcerned. Insituationswhere theparentsarenotdevoted toGod, thechild isadopted, formally or casually, by devout tutors for this purpose. They maycontribute to the child’s spiritual training indirectly (as a family friend) ordirectly(aslegaladoptiveparents),takingonthetaskofgroomingtheyoungsterfortheLord’sservice.

Sometimes these people inherit the task through the death of the naturalparent. Other times the parent willingly relinquishes the child’s spiritualdevelopment to them, not knowing it’s the will of the Lord. Hannah, forinstance,gaveSamueltoElisohecouldgroomhimasaprophetfortheLord.Moseswasrearedbyroyaltytobeaprophettoregents.DanielwasamongthenoblesofIsraeltobearoyalprophetinNebuchadnezzar’shouse.Aschildhoodinductionitselfgoes,Samson,Samuel,JohntheBaptist,andJesusHimselfallfitthiscategory.

ChapterSummary

1. ProphetsaregroomedbyGodfromthewombtoenterHisserviceattheappointedtime.

2. The Lord uses no fewer than seven concrete means to ready aprophetforhisfutureuse.

PropheticActionItems

1. Recallthecourseandeventsofyourlifeandcomparethemwiththesevenmethodsdiscussed.SeeifyoucanrecognizetheonetheLord usedmost with you, or a combination of one ormore ofthem.Explaintheresultsastheycontributedtomakingyouwhoyou are today and bringing you to this point in your propheticjourney.

Chapter15

FalseProphecy

Thischapteraddressesthesubjectoffalseprophecy.Itcovers:

Featuresoffalseprophecy

Traitsoffalseprophecy

Exploringfalseprophecy

Recognizingfalseprophecy

Screeningyourprophecy

Guardingprophecy

FeaturesofFalseProphecy

Anydiscussionofthepropheticanddefinitionofprophetswouldbewantingif it did not address people’s number one problem with it—false prophecy.Throughouttheages,beginningwithCain’scounteringofAbel’srepresentationof God that led to the younger brother’s death, false prophecy has been aproblem for God. (See Luke 11:49–51.) Actually, the serpent’s deception ofAdamandEveinthegardenofEdenpredatesthis.

False prophecy has some very unmistakable features that all begin at twoplaces:

Theflesh

Thedevil

PerversionoftheLord’swordalwayshasitsrootsintheworld.Doyounoticehowtheorderisfleshfirst,andthenSatan?Thisisbecauseinhisorherheart,aperson must have already decided to forsake or ignore God, or His truth ingeneral. Once that decision has been made, the door of spiritual power thatmaintains and executes that decision is opened. The spirits of rebellion,

disobedience,unbelief,anddelusionallentertoseethatthepersonisenslavedtothechosensinthatsupportsthedecision.(SeeIsaiah66:1–4.)Itisatthispointfalse prophecy arises to strengthen the seduction and block all hints ofrepentance.Buthowdoesoneknow?Soyouwillnotbedeceived,lookfirstatthe list of synonyms for thewordworld, because all false prophecy promotesand glorifies the world, something James 4 and 1 John 2:15–17 condemnvehemently.Whatabelieveractually turns toordefects to isalways rooted intheworld. Reviewing the following list helps youmake good decisionswhenyouencounter falseprophecy.Look foranyof these terms in slickadvertisingcampaignsorotherpromotionsdesigned to temptyou.Whenyou see them inprint or hear them preached, you will know where they lead to and whoseprogramtheyreallypropagate.

TraitsofFalseProphecy

FortyWaystoDiscernFalseProphecy

The following statements reflect the hidden agenda of all false prophecies.Whattheyshareisaveneerofgooddeedsandpositivemotivesthatmakeonewonderwhatcouldpossiblybefalseaboutthem.Hereiswheretheastute(andresolute)prophetmustholdhisorherground.Despitethepositivenatureoftheobjectives, it is theirmotivesandmissionoutcomesthatmustbesuspect.HowGod-inspiredarethesecosmo-humanitarianaims?Aretheysteepedincarnality?Do they seek to replace the Creator’s plan and truth? Is there an underlyingintenttodivertthesoulsrecoveredtoandfromtheLord?IsthereafundamentalseethingagainstHimspearheadingthesegoodintents?Hereisthegreatesttest:Does it exhibit the antichrist spirit?Does it aim to assault, discredit, scorn, orotherwiseoverthrowJesusChrist,Hiskingdom,ordeity?Ifso,thenregardlessofitshumanitarianstance,itisnotmeanttoservethetrueandlivingGod.

Read the list of traits below and measure them against the questions justposed. False prophecy has one or more of these goals in mind. It aims tomotivate or achieve any one or all of the following without the wisdom orinvolvementoftheCreator:

1. Clamorsforpeaceonearth

2. Callsfortheeliminationofworldhunger

3. ProclaimsreligiousunityofmanindependentofGodtheCreatororthenewbirth(ecumenism)

4. Exaltstheflesh(humanism)

5. Dividesthefleshfromthespirit(carnality)

6. Exaltstheprimacyofman

7. Defilestheworshipper

8. Eliminatessanctification

9. Blocksholiness

10. CausesretreatfromGod

11. Fosterscarnalindulgence;appeasescarnalappetites

12. Turnstotheworld(secularism)

13. Makesflesh(humanity)itsstrength

14. Leadsto,orculminatesin,immorality,immodesty,orhedonism

15. Isself-servingandindulgent

16. MakesprovisionsforthefleshinsteadofGod

17. Ignitesstrongcosmopolitaninfluences

18. ExceedstherealmsandboundariesofScripture

19. Ignoresthecrossandsalvation

20. Compromises God’s righteousness—misconstrues or otherwisediminishesorsubjugatesit

21. Causeswaveringanddouble-mindedness

22. Diminishes or humanizes Christ’s deity (by ignoring oroverriding)

23. DismissestheLord’ssovereignty

24. Conflictswithorcounteractsscripturaltruth

25. Clasheswithestablishedandrevealedprophecy

26. GrievesorquenchestheHolySpirit

27. Causesisolationfromthesaints

28. InterfereswithworshipandservicetoGod

29. Condonessin;sympathizeswithflesh’swhims

30. Pervertsdoctrine

31. Sparksheresy

32. Negatesthenewbirth—crushesthenewcreation

33. Makessalvationamatterofthefleshandgender

34. Spawnsgreed,envy,andlust

35. Breeds,orculminatesin,irresponsibilityorrecklessness

36. PrecludesthewillandordinationsofGod

37. Coincideswith,andendorses,worldlyviewsandphilosophies

38. Empowers,exalts,andprotectsthedevilandsin

39. Isconsistentwith,orcloselylinkedto,desires,temperaments,orbeliefsoftheoldman

40. IsimpossibletofindinScripture,ortobesubstantiatedbyit

41. Fostersdemonism,paintingitasbenevolent

42. Shields rebels fromGod topreventacknowledgmentof sin,Hisjustice,andrighteousjudgment

ExploringFalseProphecy

Alloftheabovebringsustothemeaningoffalseprophecy.Thewordfalse,asyouwell know,means “erroneous, untrue,wrong,mistaken, deceitful.” Theseamplifytherootproblemwithfalseprophecy.Itis:

Erroneousrevelationorprediction

Untruerevelationorprediction

Wrongrevelationorprediction

Mistakenrevelationorprediction

Deceitfulrevelationorprediction

However,thesimplestwayoflookingatfalseprophecyistoseeitas“notthewordoftheLord.”Butwhyisthatsuchabigdeal?Goingbacktoourpreviousdiscussion, prophecy is God’s communication of His eternal chronology ofevents, scripted for His programs and our benefit. Reasonably, then, we candeducethatanythingnotinHisprogramwouldnot(indeedcouldnot)beutteredbyHim.IfitisnotutteredbyGod,thenbywhoseinspirationdofalseprophetsspeak?Theanswer,ofcourse,isSatan.Scriptureconfirmsthis,identifyinghimasBaal. Jeremiah,asdid theotherprophets, toldusof theprophetsofBaal—thosewhoprophesybythepowerofSatan.

False prophets receive their inspiration from demons dwellingwithin them,usingtheirvocals todeclareSatan’saims,wishes,andplans.Theyobtain theircommuniquésfromthecounterjournalsofSatan,seekingtoimitate,aswellasfrustrate,God’spredestinyarchives.Satan’sgoalistointerjecthisproposalsintothefixedordinationsofhisMaker.Beingthegodofthisage,hehastheauthorityto devise and implement plans for his subjects—something he seized illegallyfromAdaminthetransgression.However,hestrivestopushtheseplansoffonthechosenelectofGodandendeavorstousethemtousurpGod’sword.

The devil plans as things unfold, desiring his own program of intents forhumanity to rival what the Lord has eternally appointed. Since he is but acreature—a fallen messenger—he cannot have eternal perspective orforeknowledgeofwhat happens on the earth.Consequently, he schemes as hegoesalong,forthemostpart,planningandintrudingintotheLord’sprograms.Wheneverhiseffortshintatforeknowledge,itisbecauseofhislonghistoryofexperiencewithmanipulatingGod’s creation, aswell as anticipating the basicnature of God and humanity. This answers why he is so repetitious andsomewhat mundane in his activities. But what has all this to do with falseprophecy?Much.

Whatfalseprophetsdeclareorpredict,theyreceivefromSatan’splanbook—whathehopestoaccomplishandcanaccomplishapartfromGod’sintervention.In fact, true prophecy—God’s—is quite helpful to him, as he can use God’srevelations to formulate his own plans and fortify his work. They aid hisfrustrationandobstructionattemptsand,inanatmosphereofunbelief,domuchtoadvancehisprograms.

Falseprophecyisalie,becauseonlyGodistrue.Itisthesumofthedevil’sdark, egotistical imagination. It is error because it seeks to interject thecounterfeitintoGod’sordinances.EvenpeoplewhoareunawareofSatan’suseofthemcanbeunwittinglyusedbyhimtoprophesyfalsely.Theprophetsofoldencountered this andwere permitted byGod to understandwhy.They learnedhow, like falseprophets, unwitting souls tooweremovedby their ownhearts.Greed, vanity, bribes, selfishness, and covetousness all inspired them tosurrender their members as instruments of unrighteousness to do the devil’sbidding.Evenemotionalismcanserveasasolidconduitforfalseprophecy.Thepromised rewardof thepleasuresof sin is another.Therefore, rash, impulsive,indulgent, impatient, and egotistical types are very inclined to make readyvesselsoffalseprophecyoccasionallyorconsistently.Theirpenchantforprivateinterpretation, bias, and subjective reasoning all contribute to their beingeffectively used by seducing spirits. Covetous, greedy, insatiable, and glory-seekingpeoplemakereliableministersoffalseprophecy.

ThefirstmajorfalseprophettheBiblerecords,asidefromtheserpentinthegarden, is Lamech. (See Genesis 4:16–24.) He interjected what amounts tojustifiablehomicideandbigamyintothecultureofmanoutsideofwhatevolvedfromCain’scity,whichhebuilttorivalhisfather’s.Aroundthistime,especiallyafterCain’sbanishment,falsereligion(worldlyreligion)begantoflourish;andsincethattime,falseprophecyhasprosperedandgrowntobethevastinstitutionit is today. Currently the branches of the tree of false doctrine are numerous,targetingeverythingfromtheplanetsandstars to theearthandanimals.EverykingdomofGod’screationhasbeenintegratedinsomekindofworthlessritualforfalsereligion.Thedeviantdoctrinesseemtobeasplentifulasthetonguesofthenations.Yetthegenuineprophetcanrestassuredheorshehasthecapacitytodiscerneventhemostsubtledeceptionsandrefutethem,therebyprotectingtheflock ofGod.The onlyway to do this is by studying to become an approvedworker of the Lord Jesus Christ, onewho rightly dividesHis words of truth.However,falseprophecycan,andoftendoes,prospersuccessfullyinthechurchoftheLordJesusChrist.(SeeActs20:24–32.)Thisismostlybecausetherearethosewho relishprivate interpretation andwander easily off thepathof truth,definingScripturetosuittheirownends.

Modern-day false prophets or demonic messengers are known as psychics,clairvoyants,fortune-tellers,tarotreaders,mystics,andspiritualists.Itishardtomissthemastheairwavesandmediaarenowfloodedwiththeiradvertisementsandmessages.Theyhavebecomepopularbecausetheyoffersomethingpeople

crave and needmost in these last days—answers.Answers from the spiritual,unseen forcesmanipulatingormaneuvering thenaturalworld.This job, Isaiah19–20tellsus,istheworkofGodthroughtheprophetsHeassignstoHispeople.Ifyou read2Chronicles33:1–13and2Kings21:1–15,youwill learn severalthingsaboutthis.Amongthemiswhatispresentedtodayaspopularinsightandinnocentcounseling.Theyrecallthetoolsandintentsofthesameancienteasternreligionscondemnedby Jehovah fornatural Israel.Lookat1Chronicles33:6.Soothsaying, witchcraft, sorcery (magic), mediums, and spiritists are allcondemnedbyGodandcursedbyHim.HeforbidsHispeopletoevenentertainthem.Yet,modern-dayadvertisementshavethesepeoplebrazenlypeddlingtheirmessageashopeforabetterlifeonearth.Still,theendresultisthesame:death.Deathbydeception, infact.Since thefalsepropheciesrivalGod’sordinations,theycannothelpbutfail,beingoverruledbytheeternalandlivingwordofGod.

RecognizingFalseProphecy

Prophecy,God’sdivinecommunicationsmedium,wasdesignedtogivevoicetoHis thoughts and actions in ourworld, not to entertain or appease those towhomitcomes.WhenpropheciesareutteredoutsidetheAlmighty’slegitimatescriptdecreedonalife,itisdesignatedasfalseprophecy.Deuteronomyexplainsitbest:

But theprophet,whichshallpresume tospeakaword inmyname,which Ihavenotcommandedhimtospeak,orthatshallspeakinthenameofothergods,eventhatprophetshalldie.Andifthousayinthineheart,howshallweknowthewordwhichtheLordhathnotspoken?WhenaprophetspeakethinthenameoftheLord, if the thing follownot,norcome topass, that is the thingwhich theLordhathnotspoken,buttheprophethathspokenitpresumptuously:thoushaltnotbeafraidofhim.(Deuteronomy18:20–22,emphasisadded)

Thispassagebeginsanextensivelistofwhatconstitutesfalseprophecy.

•First, it speaks in the name of other gods. Do not be confused by thisstatementandthinkthatitdoesnotapplytoday.Besidestheinrushofothergods’names into the world, what they peddle and promise is just as indicative.AnythingthatisprophesiedthatdistortstheLord’scharacterasrevealedinHisWord,orpurportstoremovethehearerfromHiswillorhousehold,reflectsthewordsofanothergod.

If the word or subject of the prophecy does not follow after it has been

declared,thisisapeculiardistinctionthatcangounnoticed.Thepassagereads,“follownot,norcometopass.”Theyappeartoberepetitivestatementssothatyou would only try a prophecy based on its coming to pass. However, theHebrewtermsfromwhichtheyweretranslatedconveytwodifferentintents.For“follow,”theHebrewwordhayahisused,andfor“cometopass,”thewordbowisused.Hayahessentiallyistalkingaboutexisting.Thus,ifthething(spokenbytheprophet)doesnotexist,orinthecaseofbow,whichmeans“tocomeortogo,”doesn’tappearorarrive,itispresumptuous.

The Lord is making an important distinction between the two terms andapparentlytheirseparatepropheticevents.Propheticallyspeaking,Heis tellingHis people first of all thatwhat a prophet saysmust exist.That is, itmust besomewhereinhisorherlifeorsphereoflife.Anexamplewouldbetoprophesysomething to a person who has no capacity to become what is prophesied,regardless of howmany times the prophetwills it to be. (SeeEzekiel 13:17.)Whereversesixof thatpassagesays theprophethopeshecanmake thewordcome to pass. This iswitchcraft because it is rooted in two things: divination(fortune-tellingforpay)andspiritualmanipulation(intendingtocoercecreationto perform or produce the word apart from God’s authority or approval).Propheciescanonlycometopasswhentheyexistontheperson’sPsalm139:16book of life. This is because the sum of the hearer’s talents, abilities, andfacultiesmustexistforaprophecyconcerningthemtobefulfilled.Forinstance,topredictapersonwillbeaworldrenownedoperastarwhenheorshecannotsingisfalseprophecy.TheLordwouldnotsaysuchathingbecauseHedidnotequipthehearerforit.PropheciesofthissortignoreorshipwreckGod’swordofdestinyona life.SinceHeneitherwrotenorspokeit, there isnoplacefor theprophecytocometopass.

•Second, the prophet’swordmust be appointed to the person’s life, or else,again, it cannot arrive at any time. The words of the prophecy must beempowered byGod’swill and authority to come to pass. That is, to engineerthemselves,theeventsthatcauseittobemustalsobewrittenonagivenhearer’spage of life.Generally speaking, there are telltale signs in their interests, pastexploits, experiences, or opportunities (or abilities) that hint at the word’spotentialtocometopass.Thesearetwoseparateideas,althoughtheyappeartobeoneandthesame.

Aprophecymustspeakwhatisandnotwhattheprophethopesorfantasizestobe.Toassurethis,theremustbesomereferenceorhintofsuchanoccurrencein Scripture, such as auto-powered vehicles like Ezekiel’s living creatures or

light-emittingbeingsandmaterialsaswithGod’sheavenandangels.Thesetwoanomaliesofthedaydidnotexistforthepeopleoftheage,buttheydidexistinGod.

•Third,theprophecymustbeempoweredbyGod’sauthorizationtotakeeffectintheperson’slife.Forinstance,Elijahembodiedthepowertomakefirecomedown from, and to close up, the heavens. He was imbued by God with thebiopneumaticmaterialtoimpregnateabarrenoldwomanbyprophesying.Itwaspart of his mantle and his ministerial covenant with the Lord as a prophet.Elisha,hissuccessor,alsohadsuchpower.HewasauthorizedbyGodtocauseleadtofloat,toslaughterpeoplewhooffendedhimorhisGod,andtocommandthe elements to obey. This authority was integral to his mantle as a prophet.Therefore,hiswordsalongtheselineswereself-evidentbecausetheyhadalwayscometopassorshownimmediatesignsofbeingabletodosoat theprophet’scommand.Thephraseimmediatesignsisakeyinthisexplanation.TheHebrewwordbow,usedbyMosesintheDeuteronomyreference,suggeststhatsomesortofsignregularlyaccompaniedor immediatelyfollowedtheprophets’wordssothatwhentheyspoketheLordpromptlyactedontheirpredictionbymanifestingapresent,unmistakablesignofthewordspoken.

Thetwotestsofaprophecy—existenceandappearance—areindividualwaysofdistinguishingprophetswhojustlovetohearthemselvestalk.Theydelightinprophesying for the sake of prophesying. The Lord calls such prophesierspresumptuousprophetsandsuggeststhatbecauseofthischaracterflaw,Hedoesnotlistentowhatcomesoutofthesemessengers’mouths.NoticethatHedidnotsaythepersonwasnotaprophet,onlythatheorshehadnopowerorinfluencewithGoddue to thehabit of sayingwhatever comes tomind.TheEzekiel 13referencesolidifies thisexplanationwell. Itspeaksofhowtheprophetsare ledby their own spirits andwhen they prophesy falsely in the Lord’s name, theyhopethattheycansomehowmaketheirwordscometopass.Todosorequiresmagic,whichofcoursehasnopowertocoercetheAlmighty.

More recognizable signs of false prophecy or divination are unbelief,apostasy, and libertinism, all damaging behaviors and responses that areaddressedelsewhere in thishandbook.Moreover,spiritualerrorsandpropheticblundersareincontrovertibleoutcomesofprophesierswhodelightinjustseeing(orclaimingtosee)inthespiritrealmandsayingwhatisseen(orimagined)asprophecy, regardless ofwhether theword can be verified asGod’s or not. Tosuchprophets,thefunisintheprophesying,notintheothersafetymeasuresthatprotectGod’sreputationandHispeople’sfaith.

Opening the doors, hearts, and ears to their prophetic gifting is the mainobjective for these people. Prophesiers of this type use their prophetics tovocalize anyone’s real or imagined spiritual hurts or offenses, or they take upothers’causesjusttogenerateoutletsfortheirministries.Theycontriveallsortsofpropheticantics to ingratiate themselveswithpeoplewhoappear influentialenoughtoshowcasetheirministries.God’sinvolvementoraffirmationofthem,aswithBalaam,ontheotherhand,isinconsequential.

Errantprophesierssuccumbtoimpulsesofgift-drivenprophesyingandagift-definedpropheticministry.Surrenderingtopurelycharismaticpropheciesmakessuchprophesiers strongcandidates fordelusionanddivination, anotherdangeroferrantprophecy.Inaddition,itopensthewayforrebelspiritstomanufacturethe materialization of words the Lord neither wrote nor authorized on a life.Even though they cannot halt the Lord’s will on a life in its time, they caninterjectahostoffrustrationsandhardshipsalongtheway.Unnecessary trials,setbacks,anddelayscanresultasthefalsestartsconnectedwiththefalsewordtriggers them. All of these situations explain why servants of this criticalmedium ofGod’s communications should be strictly regulated, something theLordhasbeendoingprogressivelysinceHerevivedthepropheticmorethantwodecadesago.

Godneeds theprophetic.Herelieson itbecauseHehasnoalternative to it.Therefore, He must purge and protect the institution for His own sake.According to Joel 2:28–29 and Acts 2:17–18, the Lord provided Himself nootheravenueorrecourseforgettingspiritualinformationandtruthacrosstothisnaturalworldoutsideofprophecy.Aswehaveseenfromthedearthofspiritualwisdom, insight, and true revelation suffered by our own and previousgenerations,withouttheprophets,muchofwhatGodsaysanddoesmayneverbe delivered to those that really need it. If the Lord does not communicatethroughHis prophets, the task is simply left undoneor pervertedbypsychics.Wehaveseenbothoftheseoutcomesinourtimes.

ScreeningYourProphecy

Nowthatyouhavegonethroughallthisinformation,atypicalquestionwouldbe how to tell ifwhat you have been receiving from the invisible realms andvoices is fromGod. This is an understandable response. That the question israised in your mind is a positive statement to your personal integrity, andintegrityiswhereitmustbegin.Generally,personswhoareneworyounginthisministry do not think to interrogate their souls as to the veracity of the

informationtheyreceiveandputoutasprophecy.Oftentheyjustrunwithwhatthey receive andgive little regard to the possibility of its beingdispatchedbysomeoneotherthantheMostHighGod.Thispracticewasshunnedvehementlyby ancient prophets of God. The writers of Scripture harbored no suchmisconceptions.Theyknewthatmanyvoices(spirits)areintheworldtodeceivethose who receive not the love of the truth. The Bible speaks often aboutdeceivers,with Paulwriting to Timothy that seducing spirits and doctrines ofdevilswerereal.(See1Timothy4:1.)

Besides other spirits that inspire false prophecy, prophesiers should be veryaware of the prospect of their own hearts’, literally emotions’, inclination todeceive them also. It can falsify prophecy in two ways: by picking up andclinging to thoughts thatarenot fromGod,orby fabricating imagesand ideasthatqualifyasdivinationbecausethepersonwillssomethinggreatlydesiredtobe.ThedistortionsofthehumansoultypicallyfinditeasiertobepersuadedbywhatisnotofGodthantowaitforHimtoverifywhatisofHim.Theprophetsofoldlearnedthisearlyaspartoftheirtraining.

Furthermore,theinformationuncleanspiritscanemitingeneral,andthattheprophetscanpickupon,canadverselyaffecttheprophets’nature,evenifonlybysymbiosis if theyarenotcareful.Thepossibilityof impureprophecywasagreatconcernofBibleprophetsforthesereasons,andnopartoftheirbeing,theyknew,wouldremainunaffectedbyitiftheyignoredthesignsandseductionsofdivining spirits. They acknowledged that if they left their suggestions andinfiltrationsunnoticedorunchecked,theirlikelihoodofbeingcontaminatedwasasrealasthosesoinfected.

Dreams, visions, intellect, insight, and perception facultieswere all open tothe spirit world once a prophetic person’s supernatural endowments wereawakenedandmadeknown.Fromthattimeon,theblissofignorancegavewayto protection and defense. Both became bywords for ministry life. Protectingtheirminds,hearts,andsoulsfromanythingthatcouldrendertheirfacultiesandgiftsunusabletoGodbecametheancientprophets’highestpriority.Everyeffortwasmadetoensureall theirpropheciesweretrueandsprungexclusivelyfromGod’sbaseof the truth.Modernprophetsshouldaccept that theirpredecessorswitnessedfalseprophecyandfalseteachingonanationalscale.Routinelytheywere the objects and observers of their fruit. As a result of what they wereexposed to, God’s ancient prophets never took the issue or potential of falseprophecylightly—apositionmanyoftoday’sprophetswoulddowelltoadopt.

The fundamental aim of any prophecy fromGodwill not deviate from thenature of the Lord.When a nation sins against Him,He judges it.WhenHischildren do the same, He judges and chastens them that they may not bedestroyedwiththeworld.Godforgivessin,butHehasbeenshownthroughoutScripture tostilldeal, inHisownway,with itsactualdeeds. (SeePsalm99:8;89:24–37;2Samuel7:12–16;andHebrews12:5–6.Alsoreferto1Corinthians10:1–10.)TheprophetwhoreceivesawordfromtheLordmustnottrythatwordby his own emotions, personal preferences, viewpoints, and patterns of belief.Instead,heorshemustdenythenaturalselfandfacesquarelyandobjectivelyGod’struth.Eachtimeaprophetistemptedtocompromise,heorshemustaskthe followingsoberquestion:AmIaccustomed to thinkingGod is likeme,orthatIamjustlikeGod?

ReadPsalm50:21.Itbitterlydisdainsthisnotion.Ifaprophetmaintainsit,heorsheispronetoreleasefalseprophecy.Ifaprophetisonewhofindsitdifficultto separate his feelings fromGod’swisdom, the inclination to “prophe-lie” isgreat.Otherprobingquestionsthatmayshedfurtherlightonthesubjectinclude:Doestheprophettendtosacrificerighteousnessandtruthforbrotherlyloveandimbalancedtoleranceofthesin-riddenvariationsofallhumankind?Isheorshethe sort who feels salvation and the new birth are subordinate to the humanexperienceandmustbereconciledwiththereallifeofman?Perhapstheprophetbelieves inhisorherheart in theuniversal salvationofallmankind,or in thecontention that the entire human race will be saved and restored in the end,regardlessof its treatmentof and response toGod.Maybe theprophet finds itimpossibletoriseabovehisorherempathywithcarnalsufferingtobeaministerwhomaintains allegiance toGod,HisWord, andHis truth.Or lastly, does theprophetinhishearttendtoleanonthehumansidemorethanthespiritualsideandmanipulatetruthtocauseittolineupwithhisorherfivesenses?Theseandpossiblymanyotherquestionshave toberesolvedwithinprophetsbefore theycanaccuratelyandobjectively takeup themantleofprophecy,oreverhope toboldlyconfrontandrefute falseprophecy. Ifnot, theprophethas littlehopeofdiscerning or challenging the deviations from revealed truth thatGod gave usHisSon,HisWord,andHisSpirittouphold.

Today’smoraldecayandcorruption,added tosin’sbrazenness,havecausedmany of the righteous to be cowered. Contemporary Christians have allowedthemselvestobebackedintoacorner likewhimperinganimalsunder threatofattack.Theyhavebowedto therisingrevoltagainst the truthofGodandhaveboughtintothephilosophyofpreferentialservicetotheCreator,adoptingfree-

style independent thinking,whetherornot itcanbesubstantiatedbyScripture.They have greatly succumbed to popular sway.Themost detrimental of all islarge-scaleacceptanceofthebeliefthatGod’suseofhumanwritersconstitutesaninvalidationoftheScriptures.DeemingtheScripturesnolongerauthenticandthusunreliableasdoctrineandguidanceforman,people think theyarefree to“doGodandChristianity theirway.”Surrender to these seductionshascausedtheministryoftheprophettobesuspectandlargelyrejectedbythechurchandtheworld.

Therefore, the taskof screeningprophecy ismadeevenmoredifficult sincethe minds and psyches of modern prophets and the church alike have beenorientedtotheseconvictions.WeedingthemouttakesstringenteffortonthepartofbonafideprophetsandintenseworkingoftheHolySpirit.Butitcanbedone,and has been done, in prophets the world over. There are those who haveforsaken all and seriously taken up their crosses to follow Jesus, though notwithout a price. The price of alienation, isolation, rebuke, and reviling awaitseveryoneofthem.ThereasonisJohn3:21.ButtheprizeofChristforthemfaroutweighs it all. Trusting Christ, they gladly relinquish the elements of theirprior life that make for contaminated prophecy and questionable doctrine,flingingoffthegarmentsofsocietytojoyfullydontheLord’smantleoftruth.Indoing so, they receive the gifts they truly desire: high discernment, increasedenlightenment, and strong judgment, so that theymay,without a blink, screenand validate themoves and deposits of the Spirit of God placedwithin themaccuratelyandconveywithoutwaveringthetrueWordofGod.

GaugingProphecy

The absence of sound techniques and principles to help people gaugeprophecyandverifyitstruthhasputprophets’credibilityatrisk.Hearersoftheword of the Lord should be taught that prophecy has scheduled seasons toperform, and then shown how they can be assured of its fulfillment at theappointed time. Without these tools, many people are motivated to simplyabandontheirwordsanddiscredittheirprophesiers.Sometimesthisisjustified;mosttimesitisnot.

In Scripture, false or errant prophesies do not outweigh the true ones.Therefore, the over-magnified fear of false words being imposed on truebelieversisunwarranted.Tocounteractthis,Iuseapetformulatomeasurethedegree of spiritual error one is likely to encounter in God compared to theamountof truth.Ofcourse it isnotall-inclusive,but itcanofferaprettygood

gauge toproject the rateofGod’s truthdispensed to thebeliever from the lie.Youmayappreciateit.Hereishowitworks.

Thereweretwelvetribes,yetinthebookofRevelationonlyoneislost.Thatis the tribeofDan.Christchose twelveapostlesand,according to thebookofActs, only one was lost—as foretold by Jesus. That was Judas Iscariot. Incarryingthisprincipleovertothesevenchurches,ofallthosewithwhichChristhad an issue, only one was threatened with complete dissolution—that wasEphesus.HesaidonlytothemthattheywereindangerofhavingHimremovetheircandlestickoutofitsplace.IusethispatterntoexplorehowmuchofwhatGoddoesfails,orbetteryetinHisvernacular,isgivenovertothedevil.

WhattheaboveprinciplemeanstoyouwhogiveandreceiveprophecyisthatGod permits very little error to get through to thosewho honestly desire andpursue His truth. (Ezekiel 14:16 explains it best.) Whatever error does getthrough,theLordpermitsfortworeasons.Onereasonistoenableyoutohoneyourinstinctsindiscerningthetruthfromthelie.TheLordwantsyoutolearntoprotectyourselffromthelatter.ThesecondreasoniswhatEzekiel14shares:thedesiresofpeople’sheartshaveturnedtoidolsthatcausedthemtobeestrangedfromHim.Forthesereasons,prophetsneedtobewellversedintheScripturesand articulate them well enough to depict their prophecies with the correctimagery. Verifiable prophets are eloquent enough to translate their chosenimageryandrevelationtotherightaudienceattherighttime.

What all thismeans is that prophetsmust behighly trained communicators.They must be adept at choosing and employing the most precise words toconveyGod’sthoughtsvisuallyandintelligently.Thissuggests theneedforanextensive and thorough learning development program that demonstrates how,and why, spiritual words work. The better programs will have strong publicspeakingandothercommunicationscomponentsattachedtothem.

Moreover, the best program would show prophets and their hearers whyspiritualwordshavephysicalobjectivesthatdonotlimitthemtostrictlyspiritualreactions or behavior. In fact, propheticwords are designed to be ignitions ordeterminers of human response and conduct. Heavenly communicationspublicizedonearthanddispersed forhumanbeingsarenot interested in sheeretherealresponses.

In the next chapter, I introduce you to the features and functions of thepropheticcompany.

ChapterSummary

1. Falseprophecyhastwosources.

2. Therearemorethanfortytraitsoffalseprophecy.

3. Fivefactorsidentifyaprophecyasfalse.

4. Summarilyfalseprophecyis“notthewordoftheLord.”

5. Recognizing false prophecy takes wisdom, knowledge,discernment,andskill.

6. Therearepracticalwaysforyoutoscreenyourprophecy.

7. Therearemanyintelligentwaystogaugeprophecy.

PropheticActionItems

1. Exploreseveralsignificantlysizedpropheciesandcompare theirthemes,message,andfoundationagainstthischapter’sdiscussiontoseehow theystackupas trueor falseprophecy.UsemodernandBiblepropheciesforthisassignment.

Chapter16

ThePropheticCompany

In the previous chapter, I examined false prophecy at length and ended thediscussionwith a promise to introduce you to the prophetic company.Here, Iwilldojustthat.Asyoureadon,youwilllearn:

Whatapropheticcompanyis

Whatapropheticcompanydoes

WhatprophetsdoforGod’sinstitutions

Howtoestablishapropheticcompany

Apropheticcompany’sstructure

Standardpropheticcompanypersonnel

TheBible’sviewofapropheticcompany

Corepropheticservicerequirements

Thepropheticofficeandthepropheticcompany

Uniformstandardsfortheprophet

Theinstitutionalprophet

Duties,responsibilities,andserviceguidelinesoftheprophet

WhatIsaPropheticCompany?

Apropheticcompanyisacommunityofprophetswhoaremembersofalocalchurchbodyorotherorganizationwhoseprimarypurposeistoprovidepropheticcare,service,prophecy,andoversighttoitsmembership.Theseactivitiesincludespecialhigh-levelpropheticcoveragetoitsfoundersandleaders.Thepropheticcompany is generally assembled with people of varying prophetic minds,callings,dimensions,andbackgroundstoblendahealthymixofdiversespiritualmantles.Ministerialdiversityisimportanttopropheticcompaniestohelpavoid

prophetic monopolies, overly spiritual symbioses, or non-productive affinitygroups that can render the revelatory andpredictive functions of the companyineffective.

WhatthePropheticCompanyDoes

The prophetic company fulfills the duties and responsibilities of propheticministryasdirectedbyachurch’sseniorleadership.Themodelitusesincludesthe one developed from the early church depicted for us in Scripture, withadjustments formodern applications included.All the functionsof aprophet‘smantlearebeneficiallyemployedasexpressedinthishandbook.Thedelegationsand applications of the prophetic company’s supernatural faculties areconcentratedoninthischapter.

WhatProphetsDoforGod’sInstitutions

Prophets are not just for the church. The apostle Paulmade this plain in 1Corinthians 14 when he discussed the nature, purposes, and functions ofprophesying. He mentioned how the unbeliever or sinner can be positivelyaffectedbyGod’smediumofdivinecommunicationswhenenteringagatheringofChrist’smembers.ThroughouttheNewTestament,themediumofprophecyisdiscussed, alongwith the entire complement of theLord’s spiritual operationsexercisedbyHischurch.Soaccurate is theconclusion thatprophetsbelong inthestratumofearthlyexistencethatitissubstantiatedbythedreadfultrendsofthemodernworld.Theworldhas replacedGod’sabsentprophetswith itsownversion of spiritual communicants. Devils and their agents now occupy theCreator’sspiritualandsupernaturalpostsinsocietytoansweritsneedtoknowtomorrow’sanswerstoday.Thechurch’sneglectofitsdutiestotheLordinthisworld has left sinners on their own to figure out how to reconnectwith theirspiritual roots. A natural rejection of the Lord’s truth and resentment of Hischurch left them with only one recourse. It motivated them to turn to thedarknessfortheirsupernaturallight.

Today,weare seeinga resurgenceof1Kings12:26–13:5.God’speopleareabandoningtheirtruerootsforthewaysoftheworld.Historyisrepeatingitself.The reason is found inLamentations1:9,which says shedidnot consider herdestiny.Prophetsonthehorizoninthisdispensationfacethesamechallenges,assatanic counterfeits try to convince the world that it no longer considers ordesiresitsdestinyinChristJesus.

Psychics, clairvoyants, and other false facsimiles of the Lord’s supernatural

staffhaveseatedthemselvesinHispropheticvoices’vacatedseats.Asitstandstoday, they perform themajority of earth’s supernatural tasks. Despite havingbeen ordained from Pentecost, this was not meant to be. On the other hand,CreatorGod’swillisthatprophetsbepresentandvocalineveryareaofhumanlife.Peopleshouldbeable tohearfromtheCreatoronallplanesandhavetheopportunity toconform theirbehaviors, alter theirplansandvisions, andaligntheirpurposes tobenefit fromHis creation-inscribedwill for their lives.Thus,everyinstitutionandorganizationontheplanetwoulddowelltoinstallitsowngodlypropheticstaff.

The reason thewordorganization is used in this and later discussionsmorethan church is so that Christian ministries and enterprises can consider theadvantagesofhaving,alongwith theirownstaffof intercessors,acompanyofprophetstoattendtotheirsupernaturalbusiness.Iftheyaregoingtoattempttobecomeaffectedbyapostles,itstandstoreasonthattheyshouldalsoseektobecoveredandguardedbyprophets.Withitsownpropheticguard,anorganizationcannotonlyexpediteaChristianenterprise’sendeavors,butitcanalsominimizeoralleviatealtogethernuisanceandresistancefromsatanicblockadesputinitsway.However,installingthisinstitutioninone’sorganizationtakesforethought,muchwisdomandcounsel, shrewdness,andstrategy.Ahandbooksuchas thisonecancertainlyaidtheprocess.

Usingthisguideasatool,acompanyorpara-churchministrycanestablishanin-house prophetic company using institutional rather than ecclesiasticalprophets.Withthehelpoftheproperscreeningtoolsandgeneraltraining,suchanentitycanefficientlyandeffectivelyinstallaworthwhilepropheticguardwiththeforceandcompetencetoenhanceitsorganization’sperformanceandincreaseitsoverallpotentialtoprosper.

HowtoEstablishaPropheticCompany

The purpose of the prophetic company is the establishment of a divinelyappointed staff ofministers to serve as hearers, seers, interpreters, appliances,and intercessors for an organization. Prophetic ministry is a functional layerbetween Christ’s universal church organizations’ headship and its membersundertheauspicesoftheHolySpirit.Asacompanyprophet,youbecomepartofan insulating shield between theministry’s senior leaders and the people theyexisttoserve.Youareaguard,watchman,prophesier,revelator,andanumberofotherduties thatyoubynowrealizeare integral to theprophet’smantle.Onceyou are appointed, you should be immediately enrolled in your organization’s

propheticcompanytraining.Yourrequiredleadershipandpropheticorientationclasses should be satisfactorily fulfilled or nearly complete to qualify you fortrialplacementonthecompany’sseniorstaff.Yourprobationaryperiodshouldnotcommenceuntilyourpropheticsuperintendenthasapprovedthefirstphaseoftrainingsuccess.Toconfirmthis,heorsheshouldreviewyourindividualizedtrainingandserviceplanwithyou.

APropheticCompany’sStructure

The prophetic company normally consists of aminimum of five leadershipandservicepositions.Thesemaybeexpandedasneededbyformalresolutionofthoseinauthorityoverthecompany.However,iftheworkissmall,nomorethanthreetonineprophetsshouldbeinstalledatanygiventime.Toobigacompanyoverasmallchurchcandwarfthepastor’sinfluenceanddominatetheministry’seffects. The basic structure of a viable prophetic company should consist ofvarious spiritual personnel to staff the company. The following is a briefdescription of what each staff member does and how each company positioninterrelates with the others. From there, some of the rationale of what eachmemberofthestaffshouldperformisgiventohelpyourecognizeyourselfandunderstandwhatyourpeers,colleagues,andauthorityfiguresareresponsibleforperforming.Thepositions’orderanddescriptionsessentiallydepict their ranksand possible lines of authority and accountability. View the chart below tocomprehend the nature of the prophetic company’s leadership and its mostrecommendedformofgovernment.

ListofStandardPropheticCompanyPersonnel

Apostles

SeniorPastor

PropheticCompanySuperintendent(alsocalledChiefProphet)

AssistanttothePropheticSuperintendent

StaffProphets(alsocalledCompanyProphets)

Scribe

ScribalAssistant

Psalmists

Seers

DreamersofDreams

Prophesiers

MessengerProphets

GovernmentalProphets

SeniorIntercessors

PrayerWarriors

TheBible’sViewofaPropheticCompany

Forthepurposesofshapingyourmindandpreparingyourspirit toestablishand/orserveinapropheticcompany,thefollowingexplanationsareprovidedtogive you practical terms that express the symbology of your future propheticservice.ItisbasedonhowtheconqueringmonarchicaleraoftheBiblesawitsministersandagents.TheseapplicationswereevenattachedtotheprophetslikeDeborah,Joshua,Samuel,andMoses.Thus,aprophetwasseeninScriptureasapredictive,revelatoryauthoritywhoalsofunctionedas:

asoldier,amemberofamilitaryforce

aspeciallytrainedadultintheuseofaparticularweapon

acapablefightertoservethekingpermanently

professionalsoldieryincludingcavalrymen,ortroops

aguardingsoldierassignedtoprotectaparticularpersonorthing

acharioteerwhofoughtfromachariot

acommanderwholedothersoldiers

a centurion, a non-commissioned officer commanding at least ahundredmen

asergeantservingasthelocalpoliceman,enforcingthelaw,withpunishmentpronouncedbythemagistrate

TheabovewasgiventohelpyourmindshifttoScripture’sideaandintentforprofessional prophetic ministry. To aid your ability to do so, the followingguidanceisgiven.

PreparingtoServeasaCompanyProphet

WisdomfortheInstitutionalProphet,theOrganizationalProphet,andtheIndependentProphet

Preparingtoserveasacompanyprophetisabitdifferentfromlearninghowtoprophesy.Acompanyprophethasafunctionverydissimilarinfunctionfromthat of the independent prophet, discussed elsewhere. The company prophetmakes the decision to cease going it alone and to come under an order andstructuremanymodernprophetsfindrepressiveduetotheirtraditionalviewoftheministry.

Independentprophetswhoexecutemerelyapredictiveministryequatetothetypical freelance prophet. This freestyle messenger cannot fathom what aninstitutionalorganizationprophetgainsbybecomingpartofagroup.However,theprincipleofthelawoflargenumbersaswellastheadagethatsaysthereissafetyinnumberscometomindasthetwomostobviousbenefits.

NowThatYouAreanInstitutionalProphet

The first order of business is that your historical mind on your propheticserviceshouldshift. If reading thismaterialmakes itunquestionablyclear thatyouareprophetic,bearinmindthateventhoughyoumayhaveservedtheKingofkingsasanindependentprophetforyears,allthatmustchange.

Nowthatyouarebecomingapartofapropheticcompany,yourpredestinedmembership on the Lord’s universal prophetic staff is being narrowed to adesignated position in your company of prophets. Your views and attitudestowardworkingwithteams,workgroups,andpropheticpresbyteriesmayneedtochange fromwhatwas acceptable as an independent towhat is requiredof aninstitutional prophet. An institutional prophet serves an organization byperformingspecificprophetic functions.Heorshenowoccupiesanofficeandmaynolongerfreelanceasonewhomerelyexercisesthegiftofprophecyfromtime to time. Henceforth, you will learn to mainstream your prophetics withthoseofthecompanyandbeanswerabletoitssuperintendent.

Accountability, reporting, screening, and other spiritual administrationsbecome integral to your service as you enter and execute the office of the

prophetaboveexercisingthegiftofprophecyatyourdiscretion.Youwillfindinresponse to this action that the Lordwill no longer interact with you in yourprophetics asbefore.Hemayeven seem towithdraw fromyou for awhile asthough what you two once shared has become insignificant or obsolete. Ofcourse, that is not true.What theLord is doing is preparingyou to serve as aprofessionalnabi—aprophetaccountabletoacompanyandnotjusttotheLorddirectly.Therefore,expectHimtonowdirectyoutothoseHehasputinchargeof your ministry‘s prophetic service. These would be the head of yourorganizationandyourprophetic superintendent. Initially, thismaydisturbyou,but if you study Scripture you will remember that this is routinely how Godhandles and works through His prophets. Once He has established a viableorganizationthroughwhichtowork,HeconcentratesHisinstructionstotheheadofapropheticcompany(suchasSamuel,Nathan,Jeremiah,Isaiah,andDaniel).

The head of the organization, in this case the company superintendent, hasauthority to delegate various tasks and details connected with the Lord’sinstructions to themostcapableprophet in thecompany.Thereasonfor this isthat God works through His offices and the authority figures that have beeninstalled to execute them.Most of the church has lost sight of this factor ofdivineorderovertheyears.OurLordistheGodofgovernment,law,andorder.Therefore, asmuch as possible,Hewill initiateHis kingdom actionswith theheadsofwhatever legitimate institutionsHehasatHisdisposal.Hereiswhereyou will have to shift your mentality from that of an independent prophet’smind-set to an organizationalmind-set. Your training and probationary periodare to help you do just that. In addition, this handbookwas designed be usedthroughoutyourdevelopmentandthereaftertofacilitateyouradjustmenttoyournewpropheticlife.

TheProphet’sOfficeandthePropheticCompany

Theprophet’soffice,asstatedearlier,predatesalltimeandhistory,althoughishas existed for eons in God’s service. Despite what you may have come tobelievefrompopularreligiousdoctrine,themantleoftheprophetistoservetheLord above His people. That is the reason one of its definitions is that of adeity’s spokesperson. If God does not speak, you as His mouthpiece havenothingtosayinHisname.Asweestablishedinearlierdiscussions,thegenuineprophet’sofficedoesmorethanprophesy,inparticular;itdoesmorethanpredictthefuture.

The prophets of old performed a myriad of divine, secular, sacred, and

professional duties in office that ranged from telling the future to installingmonarchiesandtheirmonarchs.Asaresult, ifyouaregoingtobeaneffectivecompanyprophet,youmustseeyourserviceas requiringmore thanpredictiveprophesyingandtheskillsetneededtofulfill itbeyondseeingandsaying.Seeyourprophetic companypost as anofficial functionordainedby theLord andattachedtoyourorganization.Acceptyourcalltotheprophet’sofficelikealloftheofficesof1Corinthians12:28andEphesians4:11,asthepossessionoftheLord Jesus Christ. All theministriesGod bestowed in the organization beganwith and are installed byHim.As a result of these truths, yours is a place ofspiritual authority over which the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, supervises.Therefore,Heisyourrealevaluator.

YoureventualsuccessorfailureisamatterofrecordtoHimaswellastoyourcompanyleader.DonotneglectyourdutyandaccountabilitytoHimasoneofHis preordained prophets. The organization supervises your divine service onHisbehalf,butHealonecontrolsit.RemainprayerfulandattentivetowhattheLord has groomed you for over the years of your prophetic development.Recognize that allHe taught and instilled inyourwas toprepareyou to serveHimasyouareabouttodoinyourpropheticcompany.

SummaryofCorePropheticServiceRequirements

CorporationandCompanyPrayer

OrganizationEvents

LeadershipSupport

SpecialAssignments

FutureCompanyProphetProspects

ScheduledCompanyProphetDutyAssignments

Counseling

PrayerGroups

Mentorship

SpirituallyUndergirdingtheFlock

Prophetically and Ministerially Interacting with Peers and

Leadership

UniformingandStandardizingtheProphet

The task of uniforming all the standard functions, features, activities, andabilitiesfortheofficeisamassiveonethatcantakeyearstoaccomplish.Carefulstudy lets one easily see that all prophets, like any other professional group,share commonalities that are exclusive to them or particularly concentratedamongthem.Theseshouldbeisolated,organized,andappliedtowhatprophetsdo forGod andHis people in theworld. Such a giant leap toward uniformitycannothelpbut fosterunity in thisoffice.Thisauthor’s initiative in thiscausewasthedevelopmentofTheProphet’sDictionary.Itlaysasolidfoundationforfuturework in thisareaandcanserveasa suitableplatformforgatheringandcreating related tools to accredit thisministry. In addition, after thedictionary,thisauthordevelopedanumberofstandardizedassessments tohelpyoubetterdefineandrefinetheprophetsinyoursphereofauthority.Thehopeisthat,withthesetools,fearfulprophetsandevenmorefearfulChristianleaderscanembracethisvitalministryasanintegralpartofmainstreamChristianservice.Ofcourse,this requires the prophets submit themselves to screening, and after thatadequate, specialized training in order towin the confidence of the church atlarge.

At present, only a few of the Lord’s contemporary prophets considerformalized education a must for their ministry. This is unfortunate, since aqualityeducationaltrainingprogramforanysubjectdoestwonecessarythings:it equips and perfects. Using well-defined goals, objectives, and outcomes,quality readinessprogramsdeclarewhat they set out todo, accomplish it, andtheninformthestudenthowtorecognizeitsaccomplishmentuponcompletion.Every program’s objective, through its chosen materials, is to speak whatlearners need to understand and perform adequately in their chosen fields ofstudyandproposedservice.Ideallearningmaterialsshouldtacklethestrengthsandweaknessesof the field, including itsproponentsandopponents. It shouldfactor in what people respond to most or dislike about a particular field ofministry. Good readiness programs address how the learner may counter,conquer, or override his field’s sources of opposition and best profit from itsopportunities. These may be competitors with equal or similar strengths andvaluesorformerleaders in thefieldwhohavenotkeptupastheyshouldwithchanging trends and user or consumer needs and views. At the least, theseshouldmotivate learningand teachingprograms that preparepeople forGod’s

realministriesandtheactualworldinwhichtheywillserve.

WhatPropheticCompaniesGenerallyDo

Itisalmostuniversallyunderstoodthattheworkofthepropheticcompanyinanorganizationispredominantlyprophesying.However,manypeoplemakethemistakeofthinkingthatisallprophetsdobecauseoftheprevailingviewoftheprophetic.Traditionhasitthatthepropheticisstrictlyaverbalizingministry.Itseemsthatmuchofthepreviousteachingsonthesubjectemphasizetheobvious:prophets utter what they see or hear from ethereal sources. I have soundlyrefutedthisnotionthroughoutthistext.

BeyondthepreviousmisconceptionistheerrorthatclaimsthemanifestationsoftheHolySpiritin1Corinthians12:3–11aregiftsthatareequaltotheofficialprophet’s mantles. Further exacerbating the problem that prophets face is thecontentionthatanyandallspiritualgiftsarerandomlybestowed—thattheyareindiscriminately bestowed on individuals to be appropriated at will bywhosoeverwill.Problematically, themanifestationsoftheSpiritaretreatedthewaythat thegiftsof thespirit inRomans12are intended.These twomistakeshavecausedtheprophetictobeseenexclusivelyaswholesaleverbalizingwhatanyone who wills senses to be God’s thoughts. The problem with theseprevailing views is that the other very important functions of the mantle areignored,whichpreventsthebodyofChristfromderivinganyappreciablebenefitfromthem.

The prophet is endowed with enormous resources with which to serve,protect, and advance Christ’s body. These resources are meted out to eachprophet in the same way all gifts and talents are, according to each one’sabilities. There is nomore of a blanket prophetic ability that is the same forevery prophet than there is for any other divine bestowment, spiritual orotherwise. Prophetic capacities are not equal and should not be practiced byeveryone as if they are.As you go through the prophetic functions to follow,keep this in mind. Below are twenty specific tasks required of propheticcompanies.

SamplePropheticCompanyGuidelinestoOrderandGovernYourInstitution

1.PropheticCompanyPrayingandInterceding

Company prophets should not evade their responsibility for building,

increasing, andmaintaining the essential prayer guard the organization needs.Thatmeanseachcompanymemberistoactivelyparticipateinallprayervigils,routine and impromptu, and be prepared to lend their mantle’s support to itseffectivenessandsuccess.

Prophetsarenottosit inprayergroupsandrefusetopray.Theymust not exhibit resentment for having to be there or emit acontentiousspirittosignaltheirdisturbance.

Companyprophetsmust not behaveunseemly to publicize theirdispleasure at being in attendance at any required gathering orrefusetorespondwhencalleduponatsuchmeetings.

Company prophets must not, on the other hand, dominate anygatheringwith untimely prophecy or spiritual harangues or anyotheractionthattendstorenderspiritualmeetingsunproductive.

Companyprophetsarerequiredtokeepthepeace,maintainorder,andupholdtheleaderinchargeofthesession.

Company prophets are to use their authority and influence asrepresentatives of the organization to continually unify thecompany’s strength and exhibit harmony andmaturitywhen ondutyinanyofficial(orunofficial)capacity.

Companyprophetsaretoexhibitdiscernmentandrespectforthegatherings they cover, while evaluating and monitoring allpropheticexpression.

2.Prophecy

CompanyprophetsaretocontinuallybringthewordoftheLordtothebodyasassigned.TheyaretoremaininconstantstudiouscommunionwiththeHolySpirittoensurefreshandcurrentrevelationisministeredtothebody.Prophecystagnation and redundancy assume theprophet has beenout of touchwith theLord and therefore been forced to fall backongifting and experience tomeetcongregantororganizationalneeds.

3.PropheticCounseling

Designatedmembersof thepropheticcompanymaybepermitted tocounselthose to whom they are assigned in the body from the prophetic wisdom the

Lord has placed in their mouths. Such counsel may only be based upon theunctionofGod’sSpiritandtheHolyBible.Propheticcounselingisnotmeanttobe therapeutic in anyway that suggests that the company or itsmembers arequalifiedtotreatnon-spiritual,ecclesiastical,doctrinal,ormoraldisorders.

Refercounselingsituationsimmediatelytothechiefprophetwhointurnwilltaketheappropriatestepstoseethatthepeopleneedingmoreclinicalattentionaredirectedtotheappropriatepractitioners.Companyprophetsmaynotsuggestinanywaythattheircounselingisanalternativetoseriousclinicaltherapyofthesortthatmayonlybelegitimatelydonebycertifiedlicensedprofessionalsinthefieldofmentalhealthanditsrelatedservices.

4.PropheticCompanyLeadershipInteractions

Thepropheticcompany,asaninstitutionintheorganization,mayconstituteadimension of its spiritual authority.As such, allmembers of the company areanswerablefortheirdecisions,actions,andjudgmentswhenfunctioningintheirofficial capacity as spiritual representatives of the church.However, not everymember of the prophetic company is to be viewed or treated as an authorityfigureapart fromthecorporateauthority theentirecompanyholds.Only thosemembers of the companywho hold official authority titlesmay exercise theirdelegatedportionsof spiritual,practical,andorganizationalauthorityup to thelimitsoftheirposition.

5.Intercession

Thepropheticcompanyisresponsible,throughpersonalandcompanyprayer,forcontinuallystandinginthegapforthechurchanditsmembershiptodefend,guard,propel,andpositionittoexcelinitsassignedregionandendeavors.Thechiefprophetistoassignamemberofthecompanytooverseetheorganization’sintercessors.Thisprophet’spositionisintercessorysupervisor.

6.IntercessorySupervisor

The intercessory supervisor should oversee all of the organization’sintercessoryactivities,products,andoperations.Theintercessorysupervisoristoappear at all intercessory sessions.When this is not possible, the intercessorysupervisoristoassignanassistant(temporaryorpermanent)tofillinwheneverscheduled intercessory meetings encounter a scheduling conflict. Theintercessorysupervisoristomaintainaseparatejournalforintercessors,handleall supervisory, evaluative, and disciplinary activities, andmaintain records oftheseactivitiestoreporttothechiefprophetatregularlyscheduledmeetings.

7.ProphecyInterpretationandTranslation

Prophetic companymembers are to receive and hear the word of the Lorddirectly and fromotherprophets or prophesiers to ascertain its authenticitybyrightly dividing God’s word using Bible truth and the prophet’s spiritualfaculties.TheyaretoapplyGod’swisdomtocommunicateorclarifyprophecyinwaystheiraudiencescancomprehendandactoninobediencetotheLord.

8.VisionInterpretationandApplication

Prophetic company members are expected to understand and apply thepropheticmediumofvisionsand interpret their imagery todeliver thewordofthe Lord. This also pertains to symbols, signs, and tokens. They are to studyScripture to cement thewordasGod’sby identifyingBiblepassages,profiles,precedents,orpatternsthatsubstantiatethedreamorvisions.

9.DreamInterpretationandApplication

Companyprophetsareexpectedtounderstandtheirownandothers’dreamstoseeiftheyareHolySpirit-inspired and safe to release to the body or the intended target or audience.Company prophet training should include what God may say through themedium of dreams and visions. They are to be equipped for this by studyingScripture to cement thewordasGod’sby identifyingBiblepassages,profiles,precedents,orpatternsthatsubstantiatethedreamorvisions.

10.ProphecyClarificationandConfirmation

Propheticcompanymembersare tohearandevaluateprophecy fromwithinthegroupandwithinthebodytoclarifywhatisorisnotfromtheLordandtoconfirmthosewhodeliverprophecyregularlyasaccurate.Ofthemanygoalsforthis function is the company prophet’s eventual validation of consistentlyaccurateprophesiersaspotentialprophetsorpropheticsinthemaking.

11.ProphecyScreening

Company prophets are to review written prophecies or prophetic messagesandapprovethembeforetheyaregiventothechurchoritsleadershiptoensureonlythetruewordofGodisdelivered.

12.RemediatingPropheticErrorsandProphecy

When guest prophecies are uttered, as needed, company prophets are to

evaluateguestministers’prophecies,critiquequestionablewordstojudgethemaserrantornot,andcorrectorrefutethemsothebodydoesnotactonerror,ill-timedwords,orsoulishpropheciesmaskedasrevelationfromGod.

13.OrganizationPropheticDevelopment

Thepropheticcompanyanditsassignedmembersaretopresenttheprophetictothechurch,answeritsrelatedquestions,andoverallequipthemtohearfromGod,understandwhatisheard,andactonitwisely.

14.DeliveringProphecytoWorshipService

As assigned, each company member is to contribute to the propheticatmosphere of the church.Weekly words are to be prepared after prayer andministrytotheLordandutteredtotheorganizationatregulargatheringswhenacompanyprophetiscalledupontodoso.

15.IdentifyingPotentialPropheticVoicesfortheChurch

Asitisthedutyofallleadershiptointeractwiththesheepandtogettoknowthem,thepropheticcompanyhastheprivilegeofrecognizingpropheticpotentialin certain members who may be developed for future service to and in thecompany. Through continuous interactions company prophets spot those whomayeventuallybeusedinthecompany.Suchdiscoveriesshouldbereferredtothe chief prophet or assistant and may not be declared to the person untilapprovalandotherscreeningandprovingactivitieshavetakenplace.

16.IdentifyingPotentialIntercessors

It is incumbent upon all the members of the company to notice spiritualmaturity and stability among all themembers of the body, and it is a primaryfunctionof thechiefprophetand theassistant to identifypotential intercessorsand approach them for preparation and readiness to serve on the church‘sintercessory corps. Both leaders should be on constant lookout for qualityintercessorswhomGodmayhavesenttothebodytoprayforit.Theintercessorscorps is the primary pool fromwhich candidates for the position of companyprophetshouldbedrawn.Thedecisiontoqualifyandappointacandidatetotheprophetic company’s eligibility program is jointly that of the intercessorysuperintendent,whomakestherecommendation,andthechiefprophet.

17.IdentifyingNoviceandPotentialCompanyProphets

Whilethechurchororganizationhasitsownmeansofeducatingitsministers

in general, the company prophet superintendent and his or her assistant are toencouragecompanyprophetstogrowintheirabilitytoreplicatethemselvesandsocontribute to thereplenishmentandexpansionof thegroup.Therefore, theyshould look for prospective students to qualify for the prophetic educationprogramandeventuallyserveinthechurch’spropheticcompany.

18.ProtectingandWarningLeadersofImpendingSpiritualEvents,Assaults,andInfiltration

Here thewatchman functionsof the companyprophet are calledupon.Thisfunction cannot be fulfilled if the prophets are not prayerful or studious.Watchman requirements place great demand on the company’s regular prayergatherings and other prophetic assemblies scheduled to allow each prophet tominister,learn,counsel,andreceiveguidanceintheposition.Watchingmaytaketheformofaspontaneousprophecy,awrittenword,asharedvisionordream,ora Scripture revelation that speaks prophetically to themessenger during studyanddevotions.Occasionsofthedeliveryofsuchwords,onceconfirmed,areatthediscretionofpropheticcompanyleadership.

19. Uniting to Compel Victory and Spiritual Obedience to the Church’sVisionsandEndeavors

Here the intercessory functions of the prophetic company are brought intoaction. Regularly scheduled prayer, concentrated prayer vigils to addressstubborn situations or resistant demonic forces, frequent prophecy outlets, andintense personal devotions all unite to enable the prophets of the church torelentlessly attack long-standing and new problematic areas of the church’sexistence.Inadditiontotheirspiritualmaneuvers,companyprophetsshouldnotoverlook the value of team and leader collaboration. At times, to focus allspiritualefforts,itisnecessarytoconsultwiththeentireministrytoidentifytheissues,assesstheirthreat,andevisethebeststrategyfordealingwithit.

20. Maintaining Up-to-Date Journal of Company and Personal PropheticActivities

Generally a journal of prophetic activities should be kept to record thecompany’spropheticactivities,logtheeventsofwarfareorintercession,anditsstrategies.AlsotobeincludedinthejournalareGod’srevelationsalongthewayand chronicles of the high features of the conflict and battles, conquests, andhow theywereultimatelywon.This requirement isconsistentwith theBible’smention of the “Book of theWars of the Lord” and the very presence of the

prophetwritinginScripture.Thesenodoubtbeganastheprophet’sjournalthattheLordinvokedascanonizedScripture.

MandatoryPropheticDuties,Responsibilities,andServiceGuidelines

For a prophet company to servewell, theremust bemandatory obligationsthatarenotnegotiable.Hereisanexampleofsuchobligations:

All members of the prophetic company, in addition to the prophetsthemselves, are responsible for attending all scheduled prayer meetings. Thisincludesthepsalmists,seers,andprophesiers.Liketheprophets,theyaretostaypropheticallykeenandastuteenough to renderpropheticserviceoncall.Theyshould be ready to participate in all prophetic gatherings as instructed andsatisfactorily complete all scheduled training and development. Companyprophetsaretobeandremainmembersofthechurchingoodstandingandcarryout all chief prophet (company superintendent) instructions. Prophets are tointeract positively with organization membership, support pastoral efforts tonurtureandstabilizetheflock,andministerthewordoftheLordresponsibly.

Prophets are to minister the Lord’s word according to the guidelines fordeliveringprophecycontainedinthepolicymanualandtheBible.Theyarealsotoremaininfellowshipwithoneanothertomaintaintheunityofthegroupandkeepconflictsanddisharmonytoaproductiveminimum.Prophetsaretoobservethe standard of decorum for the position and adhere to nondisclosure andconfidentiality guidelines. All prophetic companymembers are to respect andcooperatewithchurchleadershipandproperlyrepresenttheministryinalltheirprofessionalandpublicactivities.

Theseguidelinesweregivenasasampleofhowtoorganizeandgovernyourprophetic company. They are excerpted from themanual I developed and usewithmypropheticcompany.Youwillcertainlyhavemanyotherthingstoaddtoyourcompanyhandbook.Takethetimetobuilditbeforeyourcompanygetsintofull swing. Of course, in your handbook of policy, you want to includeguidelines for attendance, a code of conduct and behaviors, disciplinarymeasures, arbitration, and appeals. Make sure you have well-definedconfidentialityrulesanddisclaimers.

ChapterSummary

1. Propheticcompaniesserveunderseniorchurchleadership.

2. The prophetic company itself is a sphere of leadership in thechurches.

3. The prophetic company staff is diverse and consists ofrepresentationofallspiritualministriesinthebody.

4. A good prophetic company carries out at least eleven corerequirementstoserveandcovertheirassignedchurches.

5. Standardsforthepropheticcompanyshouldbeuniform.

6. Itinerantandindependentprophetsmustchangetobelongtoandcompetentlyserveapropheticcompany.

7. A minimum of twenty responsibilities are required of thepropheticcompany.

PropheticActionItems

1. Profile the knowledge, intelligence, and skill levels a candidateforpropheticdutyneedstoqualifyandthentoserve.

2. Decidewithyourgrouptheextentoftrainingandotherreadinessmethodsneededtocarryoutthedutiesofacompanyprophet.

AppendixATheMinistryofPersonalProphecy

AQ&AForum

Amidallthecontroversysurroundingtheprophetic,anotherissuethatmaybegreatlymisunderstoodispersonalprophecy.Opinionsrangefromviewingitasbeingunnecessary to deeming it entirely biblical.WhenGod first restored theprophetic, He introduced it through prophecy so that people could relate thefastest. Initially, prophetics centered on the gift of prophecy, essentiallypredicting the future. The negative side of the coin is its extreme, merelyfortune-telling. Over time, prophecy matured to include the prophetic’s otherfunctions. However, the most beneficial side of prophecy is what God saysprophetsandprophecyaretodoforus.Thatis,theyaretoprofitandprosperusaccordingtoJeremiah23:32and2Chronicles20:20.Bothpassagesmakeagoodcase for personal prophecy. After all, who would not want profitability andprosperityinlife?

Historically, Scripture shows that God uses prophecy to predict the future,reveal the past, announce impending world events, and direct our life paths.ThroughprophecyHeappointedleaders,installedanddethronedkings,fertilizedbarrenwombs,andestablishedkingdoms.Withprophecy,Godwagedandwonwarsandtransformedfearfulsoulsintocourageousgiants,evenusingittobringHis only begottenSon to earth.As you can see, prophecy is an indispensabletoolforGodandmankind,andnoerareallyexistedwithoutit,despiteitsabusefromtimetotime.

Moving past puberty, the prophetic todaymotivates many to learn it. Nowwhat remains is understanding how to receive personal prophecy and torecognize and respond to genuine prophets. People are asking very probingquestions about it. Below are some answers to these questions that addresspersonalprophecy’smajorconcerns.

Question #1:What is prophecy? Themost succinct definition of prophecy,usedinTheProphet’sDictionary, is“God’scommunicationsmedia.”ProphecyisGod’smeansoftalkingtoustorevealHismindandactions.

Question #2: Why is prophecy needed? Prophecy allows our invisible andinaudibleGodtopublicizeHisthoughtsinourworldthroughpeople.

Question#3:Whomisprophecyfor?Prophecyisforitscommunicator;inourcase,theLord.CommunicationbetweentheCreatorandHiscreationbeganwithGod,who remains unknown apart from tangibly contacting us.True prophecyreveals His future for us. Despite what traditional doctrine preaches, theScripturesemphaticallyshowthatHewantsustoinquireofreputableprophetstounveiltousHiseternalanswersforourlives.Daniel2:28franklymakesthispoint.

Question#4:Should“personalprophecy”bepracticed?Yes,becausepeopledesiretoknowthefutureformanyreasons,mostofthemgood.Also,theLordneedsthemtoknowit.Prophecyhelpsusplanlifebetter,armourselvesforitsupsets,andequipourselvestotakebetteradvantageofcomingopportunitiesthatGod arranged before time.With prayer andBible study, it can be an amazingtool.

Question #5: Why should people receive personal prophecy? God desirespeople to knowHis future for them so thatHe can guide their life decisions.Ecclesiastes3:11saystheLordputeternityinourhearts.Why?SothatHecanleadusthroughoutlife.Job33:14–16addsthatHesealedourworkinourhandsforustoseekHisplansforourlivesbecause,asActs15:18declares,GodhasknownfrometernityallofHisworks.Prophecyanswersourunknowns.

Question#6:Whatisthebiblicalbasisforpersonalprophecy?Scriptureisfullof examples of personal prophecy to individuals, families, and nations. FromGod’sprophecytoAdamthathewouldsurelydieinthedaythatheatefromtheforbidden tree, to the book of Revelation’s end of the age, prophecy reigns.Creation,futureleaders,andansweredprayerallstartedwithprophecy.Itisthesinglemedium that keeps theAlmighty in touchwithHis creation and keepsGod in control. Jesus reiterates how He came to earth according to theprophecies made concerning Him. (See Psalm 40:7 and Hebrews 10:7.) ThepurposeofprophecyistobringGod’seternalwordtopassontime,asstressedinScriptureatleastfifty-fivetimes.Evidenceofthatword’scomingtopassisitsphysicalityinevents,objects,oractions.

Question#7:Whatvalue ispersonalprophecy topeopleandwhydoesGodpermitit?Wecannotknowtomorrowexceptifsomeonefromthefuturerevealsit to us.God is outside our time and holds all tomorrows inHis hand. Psalm139:16saysHewroteabookforeverylifethatHemade,andrecordedeverylifebefore it began.Genesis 5:1’s bookofAdam’s generations andMatthew1:1’sbook of Christ’s generation suggest this. See The Prophet’s Dictionary under

their headings. True prophecy is not emptywords prayed or uttered by giftedpeopledescribingwhat they see.Rather, it taps intoCreatorGod’s libraryandsees apageor chapter of aperson’s lifebookwritten longbefore timebegan.GodpermitsandperpetuatesprophecytosteerourlivestoHiseternalexistenceandtorefineusandmakeusflourishalongtheway.Healsousesprophecytoassure that the gifts and talents He deposits in people are properly andprosperouslyusedasHeintends.AccordingtoExodus18,MosesperformedthisfunctionforIsraelashetoldthemtheworktheyweretodo.

Question#8:Shouldpeople seekpersonalprophecy?Scripturedoesnot sayGod’speoplearenottoinquireofHimbyHisprophets.Infact,itappearstosaythe opposite. Jesus said to receive a prophet in the name of a prophet inMatthew’s gospel; Paul encouraged Timothy to use the prophecies thatcommissionedhimtowageagoodwarfare.LaterhetoldTimothynottoneglectthe gift he received by prophecy. (See 1 Timothy 1:18 and 4:14.) Why elsewouldhe instructhisyoungprotégé thusly,except thatprophecy isapowerfulmeansofconqueringthislife?

Whenquestioningtheproprietyofseekingabonafideprophet,considerthis.Ifitisokayforyoutoseekcounsel,prayer,intercession,professionalorcasualadvice, but why is it taboo to inquire of God from a prophet? You can seekwords ofwisdom or knowledge from someone’s prayer, hearGod through anadvisororatherapist,andbenefitfromafriend’swisdom,butyoumaynotseeka prophet. That does not seem to make sense. Meanwhile, as pointed outpreviously,Exodus18saysMosesletGod’speopleinquireofhimallday.Asaprophet,hejudged,taught,andinstructedIsraelaccordingtoGod’slaw.Later,inExodus18:20,Jethro’scounselshowsthatMosesaddressedtheirlifestylesandcareers,clearlydoingsobyministeringpersonalprophecy.

In1Samuel15,SaulvisitedtheprophetSamueltolearnwhathappenedtohislostdonkeys.SamuelwasnotsurprisedthatSaulsoughthimonsuchamundaneissue.Furthermore,Samuel’scompanyofprophetssuggestspeoplesoughtthemroutinelyforlife’sanswers.

Question#9:DoesScripturealludetoorrecordanythingakintoapropheticpresbytery? A prophetic presbytery is strongly implied in Scripture based onseveralmentionsofacompanyofprophets,alsoexpressedas“thesonsof theprophets.”These groups of stationary or itinerantministers identify a body ofprophesying voices who served from the palace to the villages. Jeremiah’sconflict with Hananiah in Jeremiah 28 further reinforces this practice as an

apparentpresbyteryofprophetswassummonedbythekingtoadvisehimonanimpendingmilitarycampaign.AsimilarexampleisseenwithAhabandMicaiahin1Kings22,andPaulspokeofaprophesyingpresbyteryin1Timothy4:14.

Question #10: What are the means of receiving personal prophecy? Asidefrom gaining audience with a prophet or encountering one with the gift ofprophecy, other ways of receiving prophecy include dreams, visions, prayer,Scripturestudy,andcasualconversationwithhighlyspiritualorespeciallywisepeople.Most notable among these is the conscientious intercessor. A last andmost typical way to receive a prophetic word from the Lord is through themanifestationoftheHolySpirit,taughtin1Corinthians12:7–11.Thisactionisnotthesameasoneexercisingthegiftofprophecy.ThemanifestationisastheSpiritwills; exercising one’s gift of prophecy is not dependent upon theHolySpirit’sinitiatives.

Question #11:What about false prophecy? Of the more than five hundredtimes the word prophet appears in Scripture, there are only about twenty-onementionsoffalseprophets,perhapsbecauselessthan10percentofthepropheticactions recorded were false. Of the more than thirty prophets identified inScripture,includingmajorandminorprophets,onlyahandfuloffalseprophetsarenamed:Jezebel,Noadiah,JannesandJambres,andBalaam,tonameafew.Thatisnottosaythattherewerenoothers,butitimpliesthatfalseprophetsandfalseprophecywerelessofathreatthantoday’spopularteachingscommunicate.Divination, theword for false prophecy, is in theOldTestament about twelvetimes.Whilefalseprophecyisaconcern,moredamageisdonebyuneducatedoroverly sensual prophets such as those given little opportunity to perfect theirskillbeforenow.

ForthosewhobelievetheOldandNewTestamentsareseparatewithdifferentrules,hereisathought.JesusreliedonancientprophetsandpropheciesforHisministry.So,ifpartoftheOldTestamentappliedtotheNew,then—exceptforthe ritual laws abolished by His cross—it applies equally today, especially inrelationtoprophecy.Otherwise,whereandhowdowedrawtheline?

AppendixBListofProphets

This list does not name or identify every prophet Israel had because somewereonlymentioned.Itisincludedtoshowtheinterestingconnectionbetweentheprophetandhisnameasitrelatestoeitherthethemeofhismessageorthetime(conditionandclimateincluded)ofhisservice.AstherearenoaccidentsorcoincidencesinGod,themeaningofeachmessenger’snamehassignificance.

NAMEMEANING

AaronBright

AbijahBrotherofYahwehAbrahamFatherofaMultitudeAgabusHeLoved

AmosBurdenBearerAnnaGrace(fem.ofJohn)AzariahYahwehHasHelpedBarnabas Son of Exhortation Daniel God Is My Judge Deborah A Bee(industriousandfruitful)

NAMEMEANING

Dodavah Beloved of Yahweh Elijah Yahweh Is God Elisha Yahweh IsSalvationEnochDedicated

EzekielGodStrengthensGadGod’sFortune

HabakkukEmbrace

HaggaiFestive

HananMerciful

HananiGracious

HoseaSalvation

HuldahWeaselorMole(hiddenaway)IddoFestal

IsaiahYahwehIsSalvationJacobSupplanter

JahazielGodSees

JeduthunPraising

JehuYahwehIsHe

Jeremiah Yahweh Establishes Joel Yahweh Is God John YahwehHas BeenGraciousJohn(TheBaptist)YahwehHasBeenGraciousJonahDove

JosephMayHe(Yahweh)Add

NAMEMEANING

JoshuaYahwehSaves JudahJudah (Hebrew)PraiseMalachiMyMessengerMicahWho Is LikeYahwehMicaiahWho Is likeYahwehMiriamObstinacy,StubbornnessMosesDrawnOut

NahamFullofComfortNathanGift

NoahRest

ObadiahServantofYahwehObedHeHasRestoredPaulLittleOne

PeterRockorStoneSamuelNameofGod(askedandheardofGod)ShemiahJehovahHasHeardSilasWooded

UrijahYahwehIsLightZadokRighteous

ZechariahYahwehRememberedZephaniahHiddenofYahweh

GlossaryofKeyTermsandPhrases

1. Agency—An extension of an organization in a remote locationauthorizedtotransactbusinessonitsbehalf.

2. Agent—Anauthorizedrepresentativeofanorganization.

3. Biblical Prophetics—Prophetics based on and operated inaccordancewiththosedescribedintheBible.

4. ChurchProphet—Aprophetstationedinthelocalchurch.

5. Commission—Acharge, calling, or assignmentwhere delegatedauthorityisgiventoapersonorgroupdispatchedtoactonbehalfof an organization, country, or company. Involves proxy,ambassadorship,andministry.

6. Divination—Fortune-tellingandpredictingbyfallenangels.

7. Divine—To tell fortunes and predict the future under theinfluenceofanuncleanspirit.

8. Dreams—Visualimagescommunicatedtoasleeper.

9. Features and Functions—Traits and their correspondingoperations.

10. FoundationsStudies—Thebasicsofasubjectordiscipline.

11. Functionary—Onewho serves at the behest of an authority andonitsbehalf.

12. Mentor—Onewhotrainsandnurturesanotherforaprofession.

13. Ministry—Servicetoadeityorreligion.Mayalsobetoacountryorgovernment.

14. Mishemereth—Thewatch,duties,andstationofaprophet.

15. Nabi—Anofficialprophet.

16. Nastar—Theencirclingeffectofprophetcovering.

17. Office—A position of trust, responsibility, and delegation ofderivedauthority.

18. Officer—Apersonwhooccupiesanoffice.

19. Official—The legitimate actions of an officer carrying out anoffice.

20. Prophecy—Astatementofwhatwillbebeforeithappens.

21. Prophet—Aspokespersonforadeity;onewhoinvokesthegods.

22. Prophetic—That which proceeds from the prophet’s work andauthority.

23. Prophetic Attributes—Traits that characterize prophets,revelations,andpredictions.

24. PropheticAuthority—Therule,governance,andinfluenceoftheprophet.

25. Prophetic Delegations—Tasks, assignments, and authorityreceivedbyprophets.

26. PropheticFunction—Theprofessionaloperationsofaprophet.

27. PropheticGuard—Aforceofprophetsassignedtoachurchforitsspiritualprotection.

28. Prophetic Jurisdiction—The spherical territory over which aprophetwatchesandgoverns.

29. PropheticMantle—Theempoweredcloakprophetsofoldworetoidentifythemselvesasprophets.

30. Prophetic Ministration—The service and dispensation of aprophet.

31. PropheticOrientation—Introductoryteachingsthatexposeonetoandacquaintonewithprophetsandtheprophetic.

32. Prophetic Sphere—A specific area of human and earthlyexistence over which a prophet has sway; knowledge andinformation that communicate the disciplines of propheticministry.

33. Church Prophet Superintendent—The head of a local churchpropheticorganization.

34. PropheticTask—PropheticworkassignedbyGod.

35. Prophetic Territory—The physical and spiritual region of aprophet’sclout.

36. Prophetic Ward—The literal station of a prophet’s ministry orassignment.

37. Protocol—Asystemofproprietaryrulesandpreceptsthatgovernactivities.

38. Prototcratic—Rulership of first founders or supersedingauthorities.

39. Psalmist—A singing prophetic, one who rhymes and singspredictionsandrevelations.

40. Realm—Adesignatedareaordivisiononearth.

41. Seer—Onewhoseeswhatisordinarilyunseenbythenaturaleye.

42. Sod—Hebrew term for closed-chamber deliberations of highpowers.

43. Sphere—Aninvisibleareaorarenaofdominance.

44. Symbol—Animageormarkmeanttosignifysomethingelse.

45. Territory—Alanddivision.

1. Vision—Images that communicate a message from unseensourcesorthemind.

BooksResearchedandStudied

Genesius’Hebrew-ChaldeeLexiconoftheOldTestamentH.W.F.GenesiusPublishedbyBakerHouseBooks,1979

The Dictionary of ClassicalMythology, Religion, Literature and Art Oscar

SeyfertPublishedbyGramercyBooks,1995

ProphecyinAncientIsraelJ.LindbloomPublishedbyFortressPress,Philadelphia,1965

StudiesonWomenatMari

BernardFrankBattoPublishedbyJohnsHopkinsUniversity,1974

TheHebrew-GreekKeyStudyBibleSpirosZodhiates,Th.D.PublishedbyAMGPublishers,1984

DictionaryofSymbols

JackTresiddorPublishedbyChronicleBooks,DuncanBairdPublishers,1997

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Database © 1996 by

BiblesoftNelson’sIllustratedBibleDictionaryThomasNelsonPublishers,1986

TheNewUnger’sBibleDictionaryMoodyPressofChicago,Illinois,1988

TheLostBooksoftheBibleandtheForgottenBooksoftheBiblePublished

byLBPress,Cleveland,Ohio,©1926

AbouttheAuthor

PaulaA. Price is vastly becoming the international voice on the subject ofapostolic and prophetic ministry. She is widely recognized as a modern-dayapostle with a potent prophetic anointing. Having been in active full-timeministry since 1985, she has founded and established three churches, anapostolicandpropheticBibleinstitute,apublicationcompany,aconsultingfirm,andaglobalcollaborativenetworklinkingapostlesandprophetstogetherforthepurposeofkingdomvisionandventures.Withaninternationalitinerantministry,she has transformed the lives of many through her wisdom and revelation ofGod’skingdom.

As a former sales and marketing executive, Paula blends ministerial andentrepreneurial applications in her ministry to enrich and empower a diverseaudiencewiththeskillsandabilitiestotakekingdomsfortheLordJesusChrist.A lecturer, teacher, curriculum developer, and business trainer, she globallyconsultsChristianbusinesses,churches,schools,andassemblies.Overatwenty-year period, she has developed a superior curriculum to effectively trainChristianministers and professionals, particularly the apostle and the prophet.Her programs are often used in both secular and non-secular environmentsworldwide.Althoughshehaswrittenovertwenty-fivebooks,manuals,andothercoursematerial on the apostolic andprophetic, she ismost recognized for herunique 1,600–term The Prophet’s Dictionary, a concise prophetic trainingmanualentitledTheProphet’sHandbook,andhermost recent releases,DivineOrder for Spiritual Dominance, a tool for five-fold ministry, and Eternity’sGenerals,anexplanationoftoday’sapostle.

Beyond the pulpit, Paula is the provocative talk-show host of her ownprogram,Let’sJustTalk:WhereGodMakesSense.Shebringsthepulpittothepew,weekly applyingGod’swisdom and divine pragmatism to today’sworldsolutions.HerministrygoalistomakeChrist’steachingsandchurchesrelevantfortoday.“EternityintheNow”isthecredothroughwhichsheaccomplishesit.

Inadditiontohervastexperience,PaulahasaD.Min.andaPh.D.inReligiousEducation from Word of Truth Seminary in Alabama. She is also a wife, amotherofthreedaughters,andagrandmotheroftwo.Sheandherhusband,Tom,presentlypastorNewCreationWorshipAssemblyinTulsa,Oklahoma.