The Prophets in the Church.

The Prophets in the Church.

In the world of ministry, one key concept stands out: the Ministry of Reconciliation. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that this is the core focus of all ministries. While we recognize the diverse roles of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers as detailed in Ephesians 4:11, it is the overarching mission to reconcile humanity to God through the sacrificial act of Jesus Christ on the cross that binds all these ministries together. Our message remains simple: “Be reconciled to God.”

Stepping into Prophetic Ministry

As I embark on my journey into the prophetic ministry, I find myself pondering the vastness of this calling. The ministry of a prophet encompasses so much—consider the great prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel with their extensive writings, alongside the minor prophets like Hosea and Jonah, each with vital messages from God. I seek direction from the Lord, asking, “Where should I begin?”

It is important to recognize the ministry of the prophet today and reflect on the past. Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, is our primary example. Acts 3:19-24 highlights Peter's message where he calls the people to repentance and announces the prophetic vision of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who fulfills prophecies spoken by God’s holy prophets. This theme of prophetic leadership and accountability flows through Scripture.

Key Features of the Prophetic Office

The prophet's calling is not just an isolated role; it is deeply rooted in the history of God’s communication with His people. In Hebrews 1:1-3, we are reminded that God spoke to our ancestors through prophets, but in these last days, He speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ.

When considering the prophetic role, we cannot overlook John the Baptist's unique position in this lineage. Jesus regarded him as the greatest prophet, although his ministry did not include miraculous signs. Instead, John's holy mandate was to prepare the way for the Messiah, embodying the spirit of Elijah and calling people to repentance.

The Scriptures present John as a bridge between the Old Testament prophecies and New Testament revelation. He embodied a prophetic voice after a period of silence where no prophecies were given. His role was crucial in heralding the good news and making way for Christ’s ministry of salvation.

Recognizing True vs. False Prophets

In light of understanding prophetic ministry, we must also emphasize the importance of discerning true prophets from false ones. In recent times, the proliferation of false teachings and prophecy poses a significant risk to the church. We are commanded to examine prophecies and hold fast to what is true while abstaining from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:20-22).

Characteristics of false prophets can often be recognized:

1. Boasting and False Claims: They often elevate themselves with grandiose claims and make empty promises. 2 Corinthians 11:12-15 warns us about those who masquerade as apostles of Christ but distort the truth.

2. Bringing People into Bondage: False prophets manipulate and control followers through fear or false authority, leading them into spiritual bondage, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:20.

3. Financial Exploitation: Many false prophets are known for exploiting their followers financially, often pressuring them for money under the guise of divine blessing. The genuine work of God, however, is marked by generosity and sacrificial service.

4. Self-Exaltation: True prophets serve humbly, much like Jesus, who washed the feet of His disciples. They are not to be revered as lords over others but seek to build up the body of Christ in love.

Conclusion: A Call to Discernment

We find ourselves in a time where spiritual discernment is more critical than ever. How can we truly identify and follow the voice of God amidst the noise? We must be grounded in Scripture, discerning through the Holy Spirit, and be open to the Lord’s guidance on who represents His truth.

In today's spiritual landscape, we are called not only to adhere to the true voice of God but to actively participate in the Ministry of Reconciliation. As we engage with the prophetic, let us maintain an unwavering commitment to God’s truth and the mission of embodying reconciliation in our daily lives. Amen.