Prophetic Ministries, Prophecy And The Difference

By Larry Cook


When it comes to Church and God, there are many different viewpoints. A rather new viewpoint is that of prophetic ministries. For, there are a number of Charismatic churches which now rely on prophecy to be the guiding light of the church.

Those following this belief also believe that apostles and prophets have been restored and are now working in churches across the land. While best known as Charismatic or Fundamentalist, there are others whom refer to these churches as a five-fold ministry.

Prophecy is far more populous in the Old Testament books of the bible than in the New Testament. For, God raises prophets to rebuke and encourage Israel in the Old Testament. Most often, this encouragement and rebuking comes during times of trouble and rebellion. For example, when King David becomes involved with Bathsheba, Nathan, a prophet brought word to the King that it was against God's will.

In Biblical times, to be a prophet meant to be someone whom could speak to God, then relay information to the people. In most cases, prophets gave guidance, rebuked sin and evil and taught the word of God. After which, other prophets were brought up in the church after having learned and studied the ultimate message of God.

There are some prophets and prophecies in the New Testament. In these cases, there were people gifted with the gift of prophecy. The gift was given for building up the church not with regard to knowing future events. As such, prophecy in that time was more present-tense than what most consider prophecy to be in the current day and age.

There are churches which believe in prophecy as it relates to receiving messages from God. While this is the case, most often those attending prophetic congregations believe God speaks though the Bible and the Bible alone. Whereas, these teachings are taught in a literal manner without room for revision. As such, individuals attending this church are often more conservative in all areas of life than others.

Those involved in this ministry believe the New Testament was completed to validate the existence of the apostles. While believing the Bible is sufficient teaching in order to follow the word of God, there are many whom question the absence of miracles in the later chapters. In fact, the church even believe that adding-on to the Word of God is a sin. While this is the case, there are texts which are as old, if not older than the Bible which offer a great deal of information related to the birth, death, life and love of Christ.

While the church follows Christian beliefs, there is absolutely no belief in any mystical aspects. For example, while many Christians identify as prophets and conduits of God and heaven, others have no such connection. As such, it is up to each individual to search for the truth, light and the way which best suits personal belief systems. After which, it can often be easier to determine whether or not an individual is in alignment with the beliefs of a church on a personal level.




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