The church today needs to recognize the voice of the prophet. Understand that the prophet isn't so much a "fore"teller as he is a "forth"teller. What do I mean by that? The prophet speaks "forth" God's Word. If God is speaking something in regards to the future, the prophet appears as a foreteller ... however ... in reality, he is simply speaking forth what God is saying at the moment.
As we look at the prophets of old, we'll see that most times they did not really have understanding of the full ramification of what they were saying. Most times the prophet was speaking of the times, situations, and circumstances of the present time they encountered. However, as we look back, and see how time developed, we see that his words spoke of much more than it appeared at first.
Do not find it odd that the apostles and prophets have lost much power and recognition in the church today. It is not by accident, it is by design. Remember, Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." These are demonic spirits. Without going into great detail at this time concerning this demonic power structure, let me say briefly that this demonic influence makes its way from the spirit into the the physical world we live and walk in.
These influences have affected the view of the apostles and prophets in the church today. Let there be no doubt ... this influence has affected the evangelists, pastors, and teachers as well, but my focus of this blog is the apostles and prophets ... primarily the prophets.
Many denominations have portrayed that the offices of the apostles and prophets have past away. The influences mentioned above (demonic forces) have, by design, lessened the importance of the Word of God, by demeaning, or hopefully doing away with, the ministry offices proclaiming God's Word. If doubt in the mind of the hearer can be established even before hearing God's Word, then the effect of God's Word will be diminished.
We're told, in Ps 107:20, "He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." So, if we are doubting His Word and the offices sent to deliver it ... how are we to receive His Word implanted ... and thus how are we to be delivered and healed?
James 1:21-25 tells us, "Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does."
Let's study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen who do not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Tim 2:15) Let's open our hearts to God's Word, and His prophets who He sends.
May God bless you and make you a blessing to others,
Bishop Dennis
