PositionPaper_GiftAndMinistryOfProphesy_AU_A5_HR

Each word and thought should be prayerfully tested and discerned. Prophecy contains great potential to touch and change lives, but it also, by its high powered nature, contains the ability to wound and hurt if not handled correctly. True prophecy will never violate Scripture or the heart of the Father. It is harmonious with the Word and with the nature of God. True prophetic ministry will build up not tear down; it will bear witness with others and glorify God, not man. Prophecy can also be used by the Spirit to bring unbelievers to Jesus. Though prophecy is primarily a gift for believers, according to I Corinthians 14:22, it can, and often does, bring a conviction to unbelievers. This conviction can open them up to meet and experience the great hope and healing God has for them. I Corinthians 14:24-25 states: But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. In conclusion, all prophecy should bring life. We should hunger to prophesy (I Corinthians 14:1) . It should be orderly (I Corinthians 14:29 -31) . It should be discerned and judged freely and openly, and it should not be confusing but clarifying (I Corinthians 14:32-33) . In the end it should bring life from the heart of God. FUNCTIONING IN THE GIFT OF PROPHECY (From Water of Life Gifts and Ministry of the Holy Spirit II Class Syllabus) Prophecy The gift of prophecy is the special ability to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely-anointed utterance. What is Prophecy? Prophecy is speaking God’s heart, mind, and purpose by the inspiration of the Spirit. This speaking incorporates the revelatory and prophetic things of the Spirit resident in the one speaking. Primarily to build up, encourage, comfort and communicate a fuller counsel of God to His people. Since we are all imperfect vessels it is important to have all prophecy brought into the light and be judged.

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