The Lord gave us five ministry gift offices (Ephesians 4:11), of which, the offices of the apostle and the prophet are the foundation of the church with Jesus Himself as the Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20). These offices still exist today because God never stopped using them – He always has a remnant. The prophets have an anointing that can destroy yokes and catapult people into their destiny. One of the main purposes of the office of the prophet is to give fresh revelation, confirmation, instructions, insight and strategies from God to help and direct His church (His people).
God does speak today! He speaks to His people in general John 10:27. We strongly believe that God speaks to His Prophets today. In turn, the prophet speaks the heart and mind of God through prophecy. When he or she prophesies they speak to people for their upbuilding (edification and strengthening), constructive spiritual progress, encouragement and consolation (comfort) as seen in I Corinthians 14:3. The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 20:20 “…Believe in the Lord your God and you shall be established; believe and remain steadfast to His prophets and you shall prosper” (succeed).
Prophecy is speaking the heart and mind of Messiah (Christ) as revealed by Holy Spirit. In the Heart of the Prophet we see many sides to God’s heart – compassion, hatred of sin and unrighteousness. We see holiness, grief, encouragement, power, joy, zeal and so forth. The prophet carries within them the heart of the Father. The prophet grieves and weeps when people miss what God has for them. This is what breaks the prophet’s heart, I Sam. 13:14.
The prophetic word is spoken by the inspiration of Holy Spirit. The revelation may release wisdom and counsel into a situation. This could also be revealed knowledge that will occur at a time and place in the future. This will bring understanding of how we as individuals or as the masses achieve and accomplish the overall covenant plan of God. Divine wisdom, counsel and knowledge is released in situations and circumstances that will reverse the outcome in favor of those believing and that have an ear to hear what the Spirit of God is saying. God said He will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the Prophets, Amos 3:7.
The Spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:10) so when the Spirit of prophecy begins to start flowing people should be able to testify that Jesus is real. It is the testimony that the Lamb of God is sitting on His throne and He has everything in His power. Therefore, when prophecy is rejected Jesus Christ is rejected because the Holy Bible, the Word of God, is a book of prophecy and the Word is Jesus, John 1:1.
Christ Himself gave the office of the prophet to His Church (Ephesians 4:11). They are chosen by God and not by mere men. In addition, people cannot choose or call themselves to this or any other office of God. You are not chosen by your works or goodness. God in His sovereignty and wisdom does this. “…For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit,” 2 Peter 1:20, 21 NIV. All people are capable of prophesying but are all called to the office of a prophet? No, all are not prophets, I Corinthians 12:27-31.
Jeremiah 1:5 says this about a prophet: Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. V7 – you must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. V8 – Be not afraid of them [their faces], for I am with you to deliver you declares the Lord. V10 – See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant. V17 – Get yourself ready! Standup and say to them whatever I command you do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. V19 – They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you, declares the Lord.
All prophets do not operate or function the same way. They have different assignments and callings. The true prophets realize they must answer and be obedient to the call of God on their life. They are different and many times seen as strange people and are often misunderstood. Nevertheless, they move forward in spite of persecution because of the mandate on their life to be a voice for God however and wherever He chooses for them to speak. Keep in mind that confirmation is always available from God to confirm a prophetic word. One major way the prophetic word is confirmed is that opposition will come because the prophetic word will be tried.
“A prophet is one who carries the future. A prophet is also one that brings life and preservation. The Bible tells us that the Word of the Lord that came through the prophet speaking of Moses preserved Israel. When the Word of the Lord comes, there is preservation for you. You will hear destiny and purpose. The prophet is sent by God to not only prophesy, bringing the Word of the Lord, but also to do good works.” These good works may include tearing down old structures and putting in place the structure God desires to use.
“Prophets do more than prophesy. They also pray, intercede, discern, weep, worship, sing, declare, announce, pronounce, renounce, decree, build, break, uproot, warn, correct, renew, revive, restore, reform, counsel, help, assist, strengthen, see, expose, preach, teach, disciple, train, release, equip, impart, activate, stir up, break down, tear down, plant, water, send, guard, protect, watch, prepare, open, close, gather, sound the alarm, blow the trumpet, stand in the gap, bring conviction, bring change, release judgment, enlighten, labor, plow, confirm, direct, uncover, dream, have visions, dance, edify, comfort, repair, heal, deliver, loose, bind, evangelize, shepherd, establish, set, unstop, charge, challenge, perfect, ordain, and encourage.”
The Bible makes it clear that God is not done with the prophets. The prophet is very much needed today to launch churches, free people who are in bondage and find it very difficult to be set free so they can move forward and receive what God has purposed for their lives. In Matthew 5:17 it says, “Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfill them.”
I Cor. 13:8 AMP has been used to convince others that prophecy is not for today as it says “…As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].” Notice something, TODAY we still seek after and need knowledge; TODAY millions of people around the world are filled with the Spirit of God and speak in other tongues (I Cor. 14:2) and TODAY prophets are still needed as a vital part of the foundation of the structure of the Church Jesus set in place (Eph. 2:20-21).
When the complete and perfect (total) comes (the Second Coming of Jesus, Rev. 19:11-13) then these gifts will no longer be needed (I Cor. 13:10) but for TODAY they are very much needed and in operation if the Kingdom is really going to advance.
In and out of the church, many choose to ignore and/or reject God’s prophets and as a result the overall state of the church is full of dead religion and rituals. The flow of the Holy Spirit is not present because He is not welcome. Where the Holy Spirit is welcome the gifts will manifest as God wills. Speaking in an unknown tongue, which is a spiritual language that speaks directly to God, will function (I Cor. 14:2-5) and the prophetic word will come forth as inspired by Holy Spirit through the mouths of the prophets with interpretation. In many cases the prophetic word will come through people with a gift of prophecy (I Corinthians 12:10) who may not walk in the office of a Prophet (Ephesians 4:11). The gift of prophecy is given so that many people can be helped that need encouragement through life’s circumstances and issues.
Audrey L. Dickey, PhD
Christian Love Fellowship Church, Inc.
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OFFICE OF THE PROPHET
Dr. Audrey L. Dickey, Los Angeles, CA ©
AUDREY DICKEY MINISTRIES
Glory International Center
"A Center for God's Presence"