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How should a prophet function in the local congregation? |
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Ans: We teach that the offices of apostle and prophet are a part of the foundation of the universal body, with Y'shua Himself being the chief cornerstone thereof. Therefore, a prophet is part of what we refer to as fluid ministry - designed to provide oversight, insight and foresight to the body of Messiah at large. The primary function of a shepherd must be to feed the flock at a specific local congregation. To that extent, clearly the local shepherd must come under the authority of the apostle and prophet.
As a matter of truth, the original first century order saw local pastors being selected and confirmed by apostles, prophets and evangelists. The authentic anointing to put forth the fundamental doctrine, vision and direction of the local congregation has always rested upon the apostolic and prophetic offices. We are now calling upon the holy nation to return to this ancient landmark our fathers have set.
The reason the churches are in utter confusion and inertia at this hour is because local pastors who refer to themselves as 'bishops' have concluded that they are in fact the apostles of Y'shua. For the most part, they have failed to recognize or accept that the men who truly hold this office are yet being consecrated by YAH in the wilderness, or as it were, "away from the camp", in preparation to establish Kingdom order among the saints at the set time. [The terms bishop and pastor are in truth Biblically synonymous!]
We believe that any true prophet or 'nabi' at this hour must be engaged in preparing the churches to receive these "hidden ones" who are soon to be revealed to the faithful remnant. This ministry is a prophetic voice dedicated to this very thing.
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Ans: Most definitely. Contrary to popular opinion, a genuine prophet's mantle will continue to include the full range of prophetic expression - until we all come to the unity of the faith. How can we successfully build and plant on the "temple mount" as it were, without first uprooting the tares, and tearing down the monuments to idols thereon?
The so-called word of faith movement has put forth a kind of process-free "gospel" that requires no judgment nor warnings from the prophets. But authentic New Covenant ministry is called upon not only to exhort, edify and console, but to reprove, rebuke and admonish as well (2 Tim. 4:1,2; 2 Thess. 5:12,13). These functions must be fully restored to the body if we are ever to "...grow up into Him in all things... ."
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How do you know that what you prophecies really come from God? |
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ns: Fundamentally, one must make one's calling and election sure - and as with all the gifts of YAH, one must prophesy or function in the prophetic office by faith. And of course, all prophecy must be authenticated and confirmed by the witness of fellow apostles, prophets, and teachers. As it is written, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established". (2 Cor. 13:1).
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Ans: Yes. Prophesying is primarily for the shaping, drawing out and establishing of the saints into the fullness of Messiah, through foresight, insight and oversight; while preaching is for the conviction and calling of the lost, as well as for the uplifting and inspiring of the saved (although prophesying also convicts the unsaved. I Cor. 14:24,25).
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Ans: Yes. Any truly Spirit-filled believer will prophesy. As a matter of fact, despite popular 'Pentecostal' dogma, we recognize that according to Kefa ha shalakh (the apostle Peter), the initial evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is prophesying - not speaking in unknown tongues. (Acts 2:14-19). The spiritual gift of telling forth the wonderful works of YAH is given to every true believer in Y'shua!
However, church governance, along with the added components of vision, instruction and correction are specifically reserved for the "four-fold" ministry gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist and pastor/teacher, to equip the remnant at large to ultimately do likewise in the coming Kingdom.
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Doesn't prophecy given to confirm what the Spirit has already revealed? |
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Ans: Not always. The scriptures are replete with instances of prophets seeing into the lives and destinies of individuals, as well as whole communities, cities, and nations, when they were themselves unwilling or unable to do so. YHWH sends prophets, even under the Messianic Covenant, for this very purpose. [See Acts 11:27-30].
A true prophet, even in this hour, is endowed with a measured ability not only to see into the future, but into the lives of the saints, also - again, including into areas they may be completely unaware of. We do believe however, that if the word is authentic, it will ultimately be confirmed by an inner witness, circumstances, a follow-up word from another saint, etc.
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Ans: There are several ways; the most basic of which is, what they proclaim as the words of YHWH are not rooted and grounded in scriptural truth - and don't come to pass.
Secondly, a false prophet tickles the ears with promises of blessings without process - gain without pain. Such men are inevitably obsessed with money. Especially the building of physical "churches" (monuments to their own egos), so as to outdo their fellow ministers ("How many are you running on Sunday, Doc?"), rather than building a spiritual temple consisting of the saints fitly joined together into a holy habitation unto YAH...
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Ans: If the prophet who is bringing you a word is a proven man of YAH, you should search your heart through prayer - and fasting if need be - to see if there is something lacking in your walk!
If you disagree with a word because it places you under conviction, then you would do well to take heed to that word as unto a light that shines in a dark place in your walk with YAH that has yet to be fully illuminated...
But if you disagree with a word because you're unsure of the prophet or the prophecy, then you must simply wait on the Holy Spirit or a faithful witness for confirmation or further illumination into the subject of the prophecy...
But we admonish you - never reject the word of a proven prophet, for he is speaking in YAH's stead, and what he declares will be key to the release of Divine favor into your life, as well as being absolutely critical in your journey towards spiritual maturity! |
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FAQ
The Prophetic |
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