I believe in the value of prophets to the present day church. The prophetic ministry is one of the most misunderstood ministries in the church. And, it is one of the most important. Why do I say that it is one of the most important? Because without a fully functional prophetic ministry in the church, we are a body of believers without eyes or ears.
In the natural, if someone lost both their hearing and seeing, we would call them disabled. In other words, they have lost something significant to the quality of their life. For a person to lose either hearing or seeing, requires significant change in that person's life. But to lose both hearing and seeing, creates an almost impossible circumstance for the person and those who want to communicate with that person.
It is rare that someone can overcome all the challenges associated with being confronted by such a difficult circumstances. And, there are rare exceptions, like Helen Keller, who was able to overcome her inability to hear or see. But, today's church doesn't need to operate in the realm of disability that Helen Keller did in the natural. And, we don't need to confine ourselves to the natural. We can enter the supernatural.
God's supernatural realm is available to each one of us today. But, few of us actually enter into it on a regular basis. We occasionally move into the supernatural and think we are special because so few are functioning in that realm. Let me assure you, there is more available. God has opened the door for His church to enter into His domain - the supernatural.
Prophets are guides, as we enter into the supernatural realms of God. Prophets have "been there" and "done that". At least, this is what normal prophets should have had happen in their lives. God confirms his calling on prophets through supernatural circumstances that surround their lives. The supernatural is the very essence of the prophetic ministry. And, this is why we need prophets.
Prophets, who are ordained by God, have the privilege of guiding the church into this dimension of the supernatural realms of God. This is the deeper place of calling upon prophetic ministry. When prophets are fully functioning in their calling, they will easily guide those who hear them into this realm. This is why so many were attracted to the ministry of John the Baptist. John opened heaven through his words even though he did no miracles.
The miracle ministry often flows hand in hand with the deeper realms of prophetic ministry. But, not always. Miracles follow believers. Signs prepare the way for the believer to move into the supernatural realms of God. Don't misunderstand the difference! Signs point us to the place of proper footing in the supernatural realm. We need them.
Wonders, on the other hand, come from the supernatural realm, as we have entered into it. When moving into the supernatural realms of God, don't be timid, but do be cautious. Not everyone who says they are prophets actually are. Not everything in the supernatural is from God. There are demons and demonic spirits. This is why we need to be cautious and use wisdom.
Satan comes as an angel of light to deceive and mislead those seeking entrance into the supernatural realms. But, he can do this only if we are not "wise as serpents" and "harmless as doves". Prophets help us avoid the pitfalls of seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. Prophets help us keep a proper perspective on the person of Jesus Christ.
True prophets will focus on the person of Christ; they will lead others to Christ. Any prophet who does not make Christ their primary focus will often become a casualty on the spiritual battlefield of life. Prophets become shipwrecked when they lose the compass of Christ. Don't lose your compass! Hold on to it; it is how you know where you are and where you need to go.
The Christian compass of Christ will guide us safely into the deeper realms of prophetic ministry. Knowing a prophet or prophetess who has learned how to use this compass will keep us on the path of life, as we enter the supernatural realms of God. We need life. We need power. We need purpose. All of these can be found in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Don't lose this focus in your walk with God. It is essential to entering the deeper realms of God. God doesn't mind opening the heavens to us, as long as we are seeking to gaze upon His Son. Seeing Jesus and knowing Jesus is the primary purpose of deeper prophetic ministry.
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