Prophesy, Prophets, and the Prophetic Gift Part 2

In part 1 Prophesy, Prophets, and the Prophetic Gift, I began to share my journey into understanding prophets, prophesy and the prophetic gift. It continues to be quite a journey. I’m still maturing in my understanding of the fivefold ministry gift of the prophet, as well as the other ministry gifts. My hope is to encourage you that the gift of prophesy is still active today. There may be some who disagree, but I am learning to hear the voice of the Lord and operate in the gift daily.

My first encounter with the prophetic was when I heard in my spirit “come up here.” It wasn’t an audible voice, but I knew from scripture that God can speak in many ways. The experience reminded me of John’s experience in Revelation 4:1, but not as dramatic. I realize this was my first open door encounter leading me into a life I could never imagine. “After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.”

Years later, I came across Prophets, Pitfalls, and Principles: God’s Prophetic People Today by Dr. Bill Hamon. I thought to myself, what is this all about? In the book Dr. Hamon looks at the pitfalls and principles of prophecy offering valuable information about what to expect (and what to look out for) when a prophetic ministry is active. Dr. Hamon examines ten key issues pertaining to maturing and maintaining a prophetic ministry, and answers several major questions about prophets and prophecy. He also gives a vision of the role that prophets and prophecy will play in the end times ministry of the church which definitely pique my interest.

After reading Dr. Hamon’s book my immediate thoughts were this is an awkward way to learn about prophesy and prophetic people. Today, I am grateful to have been given insight early in ministry of the potential pitfalls of character flaws that can hinder ministry assignments. When I look back today I am grateful for the insight into understanding how character flaws can impact the ministry and gifting God has assigned. Sadly, I have witnessed others fall prey to many of these character flaws.

I cannot imagine my life without prophesy. I love sound doctrine and teaching. The Word of God has been a staple in my life and journey for many years. Knowing God’s Word provides safety and protection from misuse and abuse of the prophet. The Holy Spirit has been my guide and comforter throughout my course.

As I continued to pursue this ministry calling I searched for greater understanding from those who have been walking in the gifts for a number of years. This lead me to The Seer by James Goll who is a humble respected, and profound seasoned prophet with incredible prophetic insight and foresight (He was also a speaker at my ordination service).

I believe one the greatest dangers and pitfalls of prophetic ministry is pride and wrong heart attitudes. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus explains in the parable of the soils, that the problem with the human condition in its fallen state is that it affects the eyes, the ears, and the heart based upon the prophet Isaiah’s words in Isaiah 6:10 as follows:

Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand [actually the word implies “to discern”] with their hearts, and return and be healed.

I believe much of what we are witnessing happening in America today reveals the condition of people’s hearts, the nature of fallen man. When people are brought out of the realm of darkness and ignorance, the realm of the powers of darkness, and translated into the Kingdom of God’s beloved Son, the Spirit reveals Him to their hungry hearts, minds, and souls. The good news is that God puts His laws in our hearts, forgiving our iniquity, remembering our sins no more, and giving every believer the opportunity to know Him and the power of His resurrection (Jer. 31:34; Phil. 3:10).

In His Service,

Minister A. Francine Green

Notes:

1. Hamon, B. (1991). Prophets, Pitfalls, and Principles: God’s Prophetic People Today, Destiny Image