12 Functions of Prophetic Ministry Christ set in the Church five distinct ascension gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. All of them are quite different, distinct and carry different graces needed to equip the born- again believer for effectiveness in life and ministry. “And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors, and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). All five ministry gifts are equally important. We need the apostle. He is a spiritual father, architect and builder. We need the soul winning evangelist that reminds us of reaching the lost. We need the pastor who counsels, nurtures and comforts and the teacher to instruct, tutor and explain God’s Word and ways. And we need the prophet, God’s voice of edification, exhortation and comfort. All five ascension gifts have decided graces on their lives that add something clear-cut to the born again believer. Some people think that a prophet must give personal prophecies to qualify to walk in the office of a prophet. That’s partially true. He will give personal prophecies, but his revelation gifting goes far beyond personal prophecy . Personal prophecy is the lowest prophetic operation of the true prophet. I say that because some have hyper-focused on personal prophecy and miss the big picture of the prophet’s ministry. Prophets also: 1. Are forerunners who make a way for “greater things” to come (Matthew 3:3). 2. Deal with spiritual climates (Jeremiah 1:10). 3. Turn people from sin to holiness (Jeremiah 23:21-22). 4. Are front line intercessors (Jeremiah 27:18). 5. Turn the hearts of fathers and sons (Malachi 4:5-6). 6. Challenge dead traditions of men and dangerous spirits of religion (Matthew 3:9-10). 7. Are stewards of the mysteries of God (Ephesians 3:5). 8. Carry lamentations, mourning and woe (intercession burdens) (Ezekiel 2:10). 9. Are fore-tellers of things to come (Amos 3:7). 10. Contend with false prophets of divination including Jezebel and Baal (1 Kings 18:19). 11. Challenge demonic territorial guards (Acts 13:7). 12. Speak to the nations and kingdoms (Jeremiah 1:5). Prophetic ministry is a wonderful gift from God. Moses said, “Would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them” (Numbers 11:29). With them Jesus said, “I will build my Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 06:58:14 +0000
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