by Christian International | Apr 30, 2024 | Articles
What is The Prophetic? Unveiling the Essence of Prophecy
By Dr Bill Hamon
Throughout history, prophets have played a pivotal role in various cultures, religions, and societies. The prophetic is a concept deeply ingrained in human existence, sparking curiosity and inspiring wonder. But what exactly is the prophetic? In this article, we will delve into the essence of prophecy, exploring its significance, characteristics, and impact on different aspects of life.
Understanding Prophecy
At its core, prophecy is a communication channel between God and people. It is a beautiful connection where individuals receive messages or revelation about the past, present, or future. Prophets, in their unique capacity, serve as connectors between people and God’s voice.
Characteristics of the Prophetic
Divine Revelation
The prophetic experience entails receiving revelations through the Holy Spirit. These revelations can manifest in various forms, such as visions, dreams, auditory messages, or an overwhelming sense of discernment. Through these means, God speaks to, and through, His prophets.
Clarity of Message
Prophecy carries a distinct clarity that sets it apart from ordinary communication between individuals. The prophetic message is often direct, obvious, and laden with a sense of urgency or importance. Prophets release prophetic words with conviction, providing guidance or sometimes warnings to those who their words are destined for.
Guidance and Direction
One of the primary purposes of prophecy is to guide individuals, communities, or even entire nations. Prophets bring forth wisdom, moral teachings, and instructions that can shape the course of actions for individuals or societies. Their words may encompass advice on matters of faith, social justice, personal conduct, or navigating challenging times.
Contextual Relevance
The prophetic often arises in specific historical, cultural, or religious contexts. Prophets emerge in response to the needs and challenges of their times. They may address issues such as social injustice, political corruption, moral decay, or spiritual renewal, tailoring their messages to resonate with the prevailing circumstances.
Impacts of the Prophetic
Spiritual Awakening
Prophecy has the potential to awaken spiritual consciousness and deepen one’s relationship with God. The prophetic message often evokes a sense of awe, reverence, and contemplation, prompting individuals to reflect on their beliefs and values.
Moral and Ethical Guidance
Prophetic teachings frequently emphasize moral principles and ethical conduct. They serve as beacons of righteousness, reminding individuals and societies of their inherent responsibilities and obligations toward one another.
Historical Significance
Throughout history, the prophetic has played a crucial role in shaping societies and civilizations. Prophets have challenged oppressive systems, advocated for social justice, and inspired transformative movements, leaving an indelible mark on human history.
Inspiration and Hope
Prophecy has the power to inspire individuals, filling them with hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The prophetic message can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, motivating individuals to pursue positive change and overcome challenges.
A Spiritual Gift
The prophetic is a profound and complex spiritual ministry that traverses cultural, religious, and historical boundaries. It serves as a conduit between God and people, providing spiritual guidance, moral teachings, and hope for the future. Through the ages, prophets have arisen to address the needs of their times, leaving lasting impacts on individuals and societies. Understanding the essence of the prophetic offers us a deeper appreciation for this powerful ministry that is to be treasured by all believers. 1 Corinthians 14:39.
Special thanks to Ruth Pearce for research, writing, and editorial support.
by Christian International | Apr 30, 2024 | Articles
Who is Prophetic?
Understanding the Prophetic and the Gift of Prophecy
By Dr, Bill Hamon
God’s desire to communicate with His people is evident throughout history and continues to be relevant in the lives of believers today. The prophetic plays a crucial role in facilitating this divine communication. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the ability to prophesy and the gift of prophecy are distinct concepts. In this article, we will explore the nature of the prophetic, highlighting the accessibility of the prophetic while distinguishing it from the specific gift of prophecy.
God’s Desire for Communication
From the dawn of creation, God has sought to communicate. From the beginning, God’s first act was to speak (Genesis 1:3) “Let there be light”, until the His final act to speak in Revelation 22:20 “Yes, I am coming quickly”. He longs for a personal and intimate relationship with His people. Throughout the Bible, we witness numerous instances of divine revelation and prophetic encounters, demonstrating God’s willingness to communicate His will, plans, and messages to humanity.
Prophetic Ministry
The gift of prophecy is a distinct spiritual ability bestowed upon individuals within the body of Christ. These individuals act as spokespersons for God, delivering His messages and speaking forth His Word. While the gift of prophecy can involve insights about the future, it primarily revolves around proclaiming the Word of God and conveying His truth to individuals, the church, or society at large.
Observations about the Prophetic
Prominence in Scripture
Prophecy is mentioned more frequently than any other spiritual gift. It is referred to in Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 29; 13:1-3, 8; 14:6, and hundreds of times in the Old Testament. The apostles and prophets are identified as Jesus’ gifts to the church, serving as foundational pillars of the faith (Ephesians 2:20).
Proclaiming God’s Word
Prophecy focuses on proclaiming the Word of God, emphasizing His truth, teachings, and principles. While it may occasionally involve predictions or insights into the future, its primary purpose is to communicate God’s message to His people and edify the body of believers.
The Accessibility of the Prophetic
It is important to recognize that while the specific gift of prophecy or the call to be a prophet is bestowed upon certain individuals, the ability to recognize and hear God’s voice is accessible to all believers. Here are some key points to understand:
Divine Communication
God desires to communicate with each of His children. Through the Holy Spirit, He speaks to believers, providing guidance, wisdom, and insight into His will. The prophetic allows believers to receive direct revelation from God and discern His voice.
Prophetic Insights
The prophetic insights accessible to all believers involve personal guidance, encouragement, and discernment. Through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a deepening relationship with God, individuals can develop sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and gain insights into God’s purposes for their lives.
Distinguishing Between Prophesying and the Gift of Prophecy
Prophesying refers to the act of speaking forth a message inspired by God’s Spirit. It can occur spontaneously in the context of worship, prayer, or personal interactions. All believers have the capacity to prophesy under the leading of the Holy Spirit, offering encouragement, exhortation, or edification to others (1 Corinthians 14:3, 31).
Prophecy is a specific spiritual ministry that operates fully in those who are called to function as prophets. Prophetic people should develop a heightened sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading and receive regular and distinct insights from God, which they share with others.
In conclusion, the prophetic is not confined to a select few but is the means in which God communicates and is accessible to all believers. While the gift of prophecy is bestowed upon specific individuals, the ability to prophesy is available to every believer through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As we cultivate our relationship with God, we can embrace the prophetic nature of our faith, discern His voice, and participate in His divine communication, ultimately deepening our walk with Him and impacting the lives of others.
Special thanks to Ruth Pearce for research, writing and editorial support.
by Christian International | Apr 30, 2024 | Articles
Spiritual Gifts
The Biblical Mandate for Active Participation
By Dr. Tim Hamon
In the harmonious choir of faith, every believer is granted spiritual gifts, echoing with divine resonance. These gifts, endowed by the Holy Spirit, serve as powerful tools for the building of the Church and the expansion of God’s Kingdom. Like unique notes in a symphony, each spiritual gift is essential to the melody of God’s work in the world. Yet, believers often find themselves divided over how these gifts should be understood and employed.
Two Views but all active.
These gifts, tools with which every believer can participate in God’s divine plan, are viewed differently across Christian traditions. Yet, regardless of one’s perspective on the nature of these gifts – be it the Constitutional View or the Sovereign View – the Scriptures echo a consistent refrain: Every believer is called to be active in employing their spiritual gifts.
The Constitutional View perceives spiritual gifts as a divine arsenal, accessible to all believers because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The idea here is akin to Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This perspective invites you to emulate the dynamism of the Holy Spirit, using whichever gift is required in response to God’s voice and the needs of your faith community.
Contrastingly, the Sovereign View suggests that the Holy Spirit bestows specific spiritual gifts upon individuals. As expressed in 1 Corinthians 12:11, “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” This view posits that these individually-tailored gifts, meant to be nurtured and used throughout one’s life, contribute to the diverse functionality of the body of Christ, as depicted in Romans 12:4-6.
Action is the Key
While these differences can lead to lively discussions, what remains clear in Scripture is the mandate for every believer to actively participate in the Body of Christ using their spiritual gifts. In Romans 12:6-8, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that we have different gifts, each to be used diligently and faithfully according to God’s grace. He also reminds in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” The Scriptures are unequivocal in urging believers to actively use their spiritual gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). The injunction is clear: All believers, irrespective of the nature or number of their spiritual gifts, are called to use them in service to others.
In the din of differing views, it’s crucial to keep our focus clear. God speaks through each of us, in manifold ways, equipping us with the spiritual gifts necessary to fulfill His will. We should embrace this divine diversity in unity, pursuing love as the greatest gift (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) and striving to “Hear God’s Voice” as we navigate the melodious symphony of spiritual gifts.
It is in the joyful acceptance and active use of our spiritual gifts that we allow the voice of God to reverberate through our lives, touching others, and echoing in eternity. Regardless of our perspectives, we are all part of the same Body, called to serve the same Lord, and empowered by the same Spirit, in an abundance of expressions and services.
So, whether you find yourself aligning with the Constitutional or Sovereign view, the pivotal takeaway is not to bury your spiritual gifts. It is not for us to decide when, where, and how the Holy Spirit will manifest these gifts, but it is our responsibility to utilize them actively in service of God’s Kingdom. Each of us has a role to play in God’s grand narrative, a note to contribute to His symphony. Let us, therefore, make a joyful noise, using our spiritual gifts to their fullest potential, and in doing so, truly Hear God’s Voice.
Special thanks to Ruth Pearce for writing and editing support.
by Christian International | Apr 30, 2024 | Articles
GOD WANTS TO COMMUNICATE
God’s desire to communicate with us is evident throughout Scripture and is rooted in His nature and love for us. The God we worship is personal, expressive, and relational. He wants to interact with us, to share His thoughts and essence, and to foster intimacy. This desire for open and continual communication, which was initially tainted by sin, is nevertheless an enduring and defining feature of His relationship with us. Therefore, it is important to understand why God wants to communicate, what He seeks to convey, and what a personal and intimate relationship with Him entails.
Why God Wants to Communicate
God’s thoughts toward each of us are as countless as the grains of sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:17-18). The pervasive nature of sand, spreading and infiltrating everything, parallels God’s unceasing thoughts about us. They are so numerous that comprehending their entirety would demand eternity.
Scripture assures us that God’s thoughts have a purpose and a plan: to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:1). His thoughts towards us are not aimless or random; they have a specific purpose and plan. He thinks about the good things in store for us, and just as we would want to share our thoughts with someone we care about, God wants to communicate His plans, purposes, and promises to us.
1 John 4:8 tells us that God is love, and love naturally motivates one to communicate. Relationships are built and nurtured through communication, and God, as a loving Father, desires an intimate relationship with His children. He even describes Himself as the Living Word, encouraging us not to harden our hearts but to listen to His voice (Psalm 95:7-8).
God’s desire to communicate is evident through His actions and provisions. Despite humanity’s fall from grace, God still spoke to Adam and Eve, and later to rebellious Israel through His prophets like Jeremiah. This highlights His relentless desire to communicate, even when His chosen people weren’t ready to hear His words.
It is Common for God to Communicate
Throughout biblical history, we see God expressing Himself to humans and all of creation. He communicated with both the righteous and the sinners, using spoken words, visions, and dreams. The book of Genesis alone, records over fifty instances of God communicating with individuals, and the list only grows when we consider the entire Bible. God spoke to figures such as Moses, David, Solomon, Peter, and Paul, among many others.
God spoke through various means, including spoken words, visions, and dreams. He spoke to both the young and the old, sinners and saints, demonstrating that His desire to communicate is not limited to certain individuals or circumstances. If God communicated with them, why would He exclude us from His conversation? Hearing His voice places us in the company of great biblical figures throughout history.
God Created Us to Hear His Voice
It is important to recognize that God created us to hear His voice. Proverbs 20:12 tells us that the Lord has made both the hearing ear and the seeing eye. Our ability to hear God is not contingent upon our righteousness but on His grace and His desire to communicate with His children.
However, sin can hinder our ability to hear God’s voice. Feelings of guilt, a hardened heart, bitterness, unforgiveness, and condemnation can create barriers that prevent us from opening our spiritual ears to hear Him clearly. It is essential to address these hindrances and seek reconciliation with God so that we can experience the fullness of His communication.
God’s desire for communication testifies to His enduring love for us and His commitment to our salvation. The depth and extent of His thoughts towards us, His relational nature, and His ongoing conversation with mankind throughout history affirm this truth. In understanding this, we can strive to keep our spiritual ears open, inviting God’s voice to guide our lives as we deepen our relationship with Him. Through this divine communion, we find comfort, guidance, purpose, and an unyielding testament of His unending love for us.
For more information see CI’s Prophetic Training book: Hear God’s Voice chapter 2.
Adapted from chapter 2 of Hear God’s Voice by Christian International Ministries Network
Compiled By Ruth Pearce
by Christian International | Apr 30, 2024 | Articles
In the myriad avenues of biblical interpretation, the concept of ‘desire’ as a potential key to receiving from God has sparked insightful debates among scholars and followers alike. A popular reference point for this idea is Mark 11:24, a verse that imparts a compelling message. As cited in the King James Version (KJV), the verse declares, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” This unequivocally empowering statement nudges us to reflect on the intertwining of ‘desire’ and ‘asking’.
Asking/Requesting:
To appreciate the depth of this verse, it is essential to peel back the translation layers. The Greek verb “αἰτέω” (pronounced “aiteó”) punctuates this verse, representing the act of ‘asking’ or ‘requesting.’ It signifies making a specific, earnest request or petition to a higher entity—in this case, God. The English Standard Version (ESV) translation of the same verse reads, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Here, the interpretation underscores that ‘asking’ and ‘desiring’ are often closely linked concepts.
In the Greek lexicon, “αἰτέω” connotes a request from an inferior to a superior—a reflection of humanity’s relationship with God. This act of reaching out to God with faith and confidence articulates an expectation that God, in His infinite wisdom and compassion, will grant what aligns with His plan.
This spiritual tenet resonates in Matthew 7:7-8, where followers are encouraged to ‘ask,’ ‘seek,’ and ‘knock,’ with the assurance of God’s receptive and responsive nature. Yet, the crucial question remains—how does ‘desire’ dovetail into this spiritual engagement?
The Significance of Desire:
While the specific word “desire” does not appear in the original Greek text of Mark 11:24, the concept of desire is closely connected to the act of asking or requesting. Desire, in its raw form, denotes a sense of longing or wanting. It is not inherently positive or negative—it simply exists. What matters is its trajectory. Are our desires inclined toward matters that resonate with God’s character and divine will?
Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” suggests that when we find our joy and satisfaction in the Lord, our desires become aligned with His will, and He graciously grants them. Here, ‘desire’ entwines with ‘delight,’ defined by the Hebrew root word conveying the idea of finding delight, being pliable in the Lord’s presence, and a readiness to shape our wishes according to His will. The essence of this verse is profound: when our ultimate joy and satisfaction are embedded in the Lord, our desires align with His will. Consequently, in His boundless graciousness, He bestows those desires upon us.
Desire as a Passionate Commitment:
In a contrasting perspective, desire can also be understood as a passionate commitment to God and His purposes. In 1 Corinthians 14:1, believers are encouraged to “pursue love, and earnestly desire [zeloute] spiritual gifts“. The Greek word used, “zeloute,” denotes a fervent commitment and dedication to a person or cause. This verse underscores that our desires should be aligned with the pursuit of love and the passionate application of our spiritual gifts to serve others.
Understanding the Biblical Context:
To understand the role of desire in receiving from God, it is essential to consider the broader biblical context. Matthew 6:33 emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness first. When our desires align with God’s priorities, and we live in faith and righteousness, we position ourselves to receive from Him. In essence, ‘desire’ plays an instrumental role in our communion with God, yet it is but one element in a more comprehensive spiritual framework that ensures our requests are not solely motivated by self-centered desires but by a sincere desire to honor God and fulfill His purposes.
The Heart Posture and Faith:
To dissect it further, it becomes evident that the desire is intricately linked to the heart posture and faith of the believer. The mere act of asking is deeply connected with desire. It’s challenging to envision asking for something without first fostering a desire for it.
Hebrews 11:6 asserts that faith pleases God and rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Genuine belief and trust in God’s ability and willingness to answer our prayers play a vital role in receiving from Him. It is crucial to have a heart posture that aligns with God’s will and trusts in His provision.
Desire and Alignment with God’s Will:
To receive from God, our actions must align with His instructions for our life. When our desires are rooted in God’s priorities, seeking His kingdom above all else, and living a life actively pursuing to be made in His image, we increase the likelihood of receiving what we ask for. It is important to note that desiring things contrary to God’s character or purposes may not be in line with asking and receiving from Him. The key is to seek His will, to pursue living in His image, and allow our desires to be shaped by His plans and purposes.
Although the specific word “desire” may not appear in the original Greek text of Mark 11:24, desire plays a significant role in the broader understanding of asking and receiving from God. It’s difficult to separate asking for something if you don’t want it. And while ‘desire’ may not be the solitary key to receiving from God, it undeniably represents an indispensable component of our prayer life and spiritual journey.
The interplay between desire, faith, and alignment with God’s will forms a key aspect of the dynamic relationship between believers and God. So, understanding that when our desires align with God’s will and we approach Him with a pure heart posture and faith, seeking His kingdom, and living in righteousness, we position ourselves to receive and experience His abundant blessings and provision.
