What do we mean by Prophecy?
1 Cor 14:1-2
Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. NKJV
Prophecy is tuning into the heart of the Father and hearing what He wants to speak to people in the form of edification, encouragement and comfort. It is hearing the voice of God for another. Prophecy releases blessing and in blessing gives the receiver an opportunity to experience the love of the Father toward them and of His kingdom. It is a personal impartation from the Father’s heart. Prophesy gives people the experience of having a special touch from God and that God really does love them and have a purpose and a plan for their life. It enhances an individual’s personal vision and confirms the deep things that God has placed on another’s heart. It releases the kingdom of God here on earth. Not only is it used for equipping and empowering the church, but it is for expanding the kingdom.
Joel 2:28
8 “And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions. NKJV
In the book of Acts we see the fulfillment of the outpouring of Holy Spirit to the disciples in the upper room and after the outpouring of the gifts of the Spirit to all believers. Prophesy was now experienced through many instead of a select group as in the older covenant. Prophesy is in the context of grace because Jesus became our judgment and sin. Prophesy through grace and encouragement motivates one through the goodness of God to repent. In blessing with grace even unbelievers can be open to experience the Father who loves them and learn that Jesus did not come to condemn them, but to reconcile them to the Father. It draws one closer to the Father.
2 Cor 5:18-19
8 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. NKJV
Prophecy is for the common good. Its delivery must come from a place of humility instead of judgment. In prophetic foretelling – the prophet receives from the Lord the “instead” for an individual. Instead of judgment – grace, instead of condemnation – mercy, instead of isolation – restoration, instead of ashes, beauty, instead of depression, garments of praise.
We are created for the supernatural. People were made to desire the revelatory whether in Christ or not – this is why so many seek out psychics. But the truth of the unseen spiritual realm is found in Jesus Christ and in His Kingdom, only…not that of darkness or the soul’s realm of second heaven psychics. This comes through accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior and being baptized in Holy Spirit. Through Him we have access to the mysteries of the Kingdom of God.
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God Set your mind on things above, no on things of the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1 – 3) NKJV