Prophecy in the church today must be restored as we walk into the fullness of the Kingdom of God. Yet for a proper restoration, we must truly seek both understanding as well as spiritual revelation.
Yet, even understanding and revelation will not suffice, yes even both of those wonderful points are inadequate for today’s church body. Let me explain…
The gifts of the spirit are for today, and they are for every believer to seek and grow in these gifts. As a believer, a part of the body of Christ, we (this includes you) should seek ALLspiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.
“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied…”
– 1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Why is prophecy misunderstood, ignored, or even discouraged today? Well, there are a number of reasons that people “shy away” from prophecy and other supernatural gifts. There are many more excuses than we could ever cover in this article, so we will focus on two main areas.
First, the main reason that people shy away from prophecy and other spiritual gifts is habitual religion. Habitual religion is the classical we have seen it this way, we are comfortable with it this way, and thus we teach and model it this way as well.
If someone were to speak out a prophetic word, then it could disrupt their man-made and man-centered order of events. If someone were to speak out a prophetic word, then it may not “line up” with the pastor’s message or agenda.
And yes, there have been some “prophetic words” that were spoken from the flesh instead of the spirit, or came through voices with agendas. Yes, the prophet can miss it as well, which is why the word of God tells us to judge all prophetic words.
Also, there is a spiritual battle against the supernatural, and this battle is intense! Spiritual battles are against the true moves of God, and the moves of God work through the body of believers! That includes you! Yes, not only is it possible for the spiritual gifts to operate through you and I, it is a commandment for us to seek and then walk in the spiritual gifts as a reality!
Prophetic gifting is not the same as the office of a prophet, yet we can all prophesy. All includes you! And prophesying is not always “The Lord Says…” or predicting the next years turn of events or political leaders. True prophesy edifies and encourages others and is not meant to bring fear or condemnation. There is a difference in Old Testament prophets and New Testament prophecy. So, you can be encouraged yourself to SEEK the gift of prophecy, and then you should walk in the gifting.
How do you begin to prophesy and encourage others in the body of Christ? You seek in prayer, in study, and in fasting. Then just as you received salvation by faith, you begin to prophesy in faith as well. Start small, start in a group of believers that can lovingly judge the word, and let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you. God is not going to be ANGRY if you miss it, in fact he loves to see his children step out in faith upon his word.
Prophecy in the church will build up the body of believers. It will bring hope and encouragement that can be a catalyst for change! So, for those who are against the prophetic movement or prophecy in the church, remember Paul warns us “despise not prophecy” – so don’t. Seek and walk in the gifts for the body of Christ, the church is truly in need!