The Developing of a Prophetic people

 

                      THE DEVELOPING OF A PROPHETIC PEOPLE
"...(Moses speaking)...would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them." Numbers 11:29
"You are the children of the prophets (the offspring and lineage of the prophetic dimension)..." Acts 3:25

There are two very important principles I wish to begin with. One, prophets are not only developed or made, but prophets are born, as recorded in Jeremiah 1:5 below...
"Before I formed the in the belly (John 7:38) I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet unto the nations"
"Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them also he justified: and whom he justified them he also glorified." Romans 8:30
Two, prophets and prophetic people need appropriate environments divinely ordained by God for personal development. This includes a series and sequence of events in your life, including seasons and cycles of preparation. Galatians 4:1-7; Genesis 14:14; Exodus 24:13; Galatians 2:9; Ecclesiates 3:1

In this lesson, we will take a look some important developments of a prophetic people, in their pursuit, passion, and purpose. We will gauge our efforts by examining key core principles. Prophetic people must be taught, trained, developed, and activated in their purpose, place, position, and potential of ministry. No prophetic person is exempt from godly character, and no prophetic person will remain abashed at the need for fruit bearing in the spiritual realm. Meaning, whatever order or degree of the prophetic dimension you are called to, there must be fruit which remains. There must be some consistency in personal development, which will enable you to serve in the prophetic spheres appointed unto you. And no prophetic person will be void of the sensitivity of the Spirit, as you were born to perceive and to know in part, the eternal purposes of God. Therefore, this class is dedicated to all called into the river of the Spirit {Psalms 65:9}. Not forgetting, a river may lead to an ocean, a far greater realm and dimension than even a flowing brook or moving stream.

Whether you are a prophet, prophetic, minstrel, dance, the arts, song, preaching, teaching, prophetic presbytery, prophetic anointing, intercession, etc. The prophetic in you cannot succeed without you properly being developed in your personal life! More than anything, God is really, really after you, not just your gifting and personal abilities...Rather, you! He wants habitation not alone visitation.
Webster's New World Dictionary defines in part, the meaning of the word "develop" as,
A - to cause to grow gradually in some way; cause to become gradually fuller, larger, and better...(2 Peter 3:18...either we grow in grace or groan in disgrace...)
B - to build up or expand...(in the New Testament, building is also defined as edifying)...
C - to make stronger or more effective...(Ephesians says, “we are to be strong in the Lord”)
D - to bring something into activity or reality...(Ephesians 1:17-18; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16)
With this in mind, let's look at some principles of the letter "P" which we have developed over the years in our previous training centers…

PRINCIPLES OF THE LETTER "P"
Isaiah 46:11 confirms and supports the very record of the very eternal purpose of God. In this passage of scripture, God himself is revealed as one who will keep his word concerning the things in you to be brought to pass. Notice portions of verses 10 -11 below and receive wisdom...
"Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: verse 10...
"...Yes, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it." The latter portion of verse 11...
The end of a thing is determined by the purpose of a thing.
For example, if you understand the purpose of having a regular job, you would no longer continue being tardy. If you understood the purpose of worshipful prayer, you would cheerfully make time enjoy the face of the Lord. And if you understand the very purpose of marriage and life companionship, you would not have to spend the rest of your life now repenting for it!
Therefore, everything is given a purpose! Ecclesiastes 3:1...Everything!
30
The word "purposed" in verse 11 of Isaiah 46 is a rather interesting one. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Yatsar" (pronounced yaw-star) and is defined as "to mold into a form, especially as a potter, (fig.) to determine (i.e. form a resolution, translated as form, fashion, frame, make). It also implies the idea of "squeezing you into shape," a word which suggests "to be narrow, to press, to be in distress, be in a strait, be vexed."
Simply put, it is nothing but the hand of God at work in us. It is the Father's hand molding and making us into something he can use for his glory. He is getting us into shape for the divine fulfillment of our purpose and destiny, our inheritance, our allotted portion or the fullness of the promise...Ephesians 1:13-14
It is not always satan as you were once taught. No, it is not some Leviathan or a devil with a red suit on and a pitchfork in his left hand as the culprit of your unhappiness. Rather, it is God at work in you...Philippians 1:6; Note below this scriptural principle...
"I form (Yatsar) the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things." Isaiah 45:7 (Also, read Isaiah 54:16; Joel 2:25; 2 Corinthians 12:7)
Can you handle such scriptural statement, beloved?
I know what it was like in tradition, to ascribe all blame to satan when in truth, everything has a purpose. I know how it was to shift the responsibility of my scourging, chastening, maturing and buffeting unto the perfection of Christ on a preeminent devil, while having visions of being whisked away to Fantasy Island.
Therefore, with the intensity of the Spirit and the wisdom of God, I lovingly challenge you to stop pretending like the depth of you experience, suffering, and trying trials are all at work against you, for they are not. According to Romans 8:28, "all things work together for the good, to them that love God, and are the called according to his purpose. Nothing gets passes God. He is not out of control, nor will he ever be. In the mind of God, all things are purposed and working for the maturity & perfection of the corporate Christ, his church, the many member son, the full expression of the very nature of Christ in you...Galatians 4:19
Therefore, we begin with the principle of purpose!
Eclessiastes 3:1..."To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose (or matter, happening) under the heaven."
Ezra 4:5..."And hired counselors against them, to frustrate (or bring to an end) their purpose (contrivance, your ability to find out, scheme, plan, think...also advice, counsel)"

Proverbs 15:22..."Without counsel purposes are disappointed (violated, broken up): but
in the multitude of counselors, they are established."
Proverbs 20:18..."Every purpose is established by counsel (deliberation, consultation, guidance, determination)..."
Isaiah 14:26..."This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth...In principle this is the one purpose of God, a progressive vision of his eternal purpose throughout the whole earth…" Ephesians 4:4-6; read also verses 24-27 of Isaiah 14. Also, compare with Acts 1:8
Romans 9:11..."that the purpose of God according to election (God's divine selection) might stand, not of works, but of him that calls:" Romans 4:17; 8:28-30
Ephesians 1:11..."In whom also we have an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will."
Ephesians 3:11..."According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:"
1 John 3:8..."For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy (undo, paralyze – True manifested purpose destroys) the works of the devil." (Diabolos, the diabolical one...dia- across, bolos- to throw). Yes, Manifested purpose gets the job done, purpose that is manifested or revealed, made alive. It implies that one must know their purpose in order to fulfill his or her purpose in the earth. For in any interesting reading where you find a villain, nemesis, or arch rival, there lies somewhere a hero, a champion of the cause. Your whole sphere of life is manifesting what you were born to be and to do.
Acts 2:23 confirms the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God...Compare with Jeremiah 1:5-10... In principle, determination leads to destination, for you were born with the seeds of greatness in you. There is no failure in the deposit of life that the Spirit of the Living God has put within you. There is no failure in God. None can ever be ascribed to him.
He is forever faithful, and by his love and determinate counsel, He foreknew you, and placed the seed of the kingdom in you to fulfill your purpose and divine destiny in the earth. Just remember that the tree is in the seed. Regardless of the mistakes, the failures, or the hardships of the past, no matter how great your personal struggles were, or how frustrating your frustration now is, you have been created with a purpose.
Within you is imagination and creativity. In Genesis chapter ONE the most notable feature about God’s name or nature is that of creator. God is seen bringing into manifestation what he has created. He can both create out of that which exists and bring into being from that which does not exists. He makes and creates, and because we are in the image and likeness of the Father, we too, can create atmospheres, realms and realities through his imagination. That is why we should not relegate the prophetic to church crowds only, for God is speaking a relevant and now word of change and transitioning in the sphere of all earthly existence.

PROPHETIC "P's" CONTINUED

Note below the following principles...
PROPHETIC PURPOSE: Purpose with divine destiny gives us one of the most important meanings in our life. Purpose, in the pursuit and understanding thereof, dispels the confusion we may have once had in our past. Purpose is a divine influence within our spirit that ministers to our vision potential and drive. Purpose is the reason we have a vision in life. For you do not necessarily focus on your vision and mission statement in life, but you focus and function from your purpose. The key to success is perseverance and the key to perseverance is vision. The key to vision is purpose and the key to purpose is God.
With purpose comes the realization of the other important "P's" in this series. With purpose also come timing, wisdom, maturity, and process. A good example of this is found in the role of the husband and the wife. The husband is the house-band, and the wife is the weaver. And one sure reason way a husband and wife functions to their fullest potential in life is by following the divine pattern of first becoming a nuclear family...How? By [1] leaving, [2] cleaving, [3] and becoming one... Genesis 2:24. Without the sufficient understanding of something we can potentially abuse it. Without purpose and destiny, we are like dead men walking, the walking dead, or to appear to be here on earth illegally.

PROPHETIC PROMISE: Think back for a moment concerning a special bible promise for your life. Though many are sitting on the PREMISES and not standing and walking out the PROMISES, has this particular promise in your life come to pass? Are you disciplining yourself to the expected end? For example, if a prophetic word is given to you regarding a multi-million dollar business, what levels or degrees would you take to see the fruition and the fullness of the blessing? Or, have you now stopped working only to frivolously wait for the big break of your lifetime that may take months or years to fulfill?

As the promises of God are YEAH and AMEN, we still must possess personal order and to govern ourselves accordingly. Bills must be paid and mouths have to be fed. Simply put, life must go on. Unless the Lord gives you specific instructions and directions on what the precise next move and moment is, you simply do what you know to do and what you may have to do. In the midst of
your increased momentum of daily life, resonating within you is a divine drive that must be fed endlessly.
You will eat the things that are conducive to your breakthrough and destination. You will sing the songs that minister endlessly to your progression. You will have preparation before presentation. You will position for possession in your progression. You will feed the seed and nurture the nature, for in divine enlightenment you are becoming what you already are.
But remember the principle of IF and THEN. For some things can be done expeditiously, or become long awaited and gradual after receiving a prophetic utterance concerning something important in your life. And one can fail to take heed to the vital and necessary steps to fulfillment. Or, perhaps one can move ahead in haste too soon, causing a terrible delay in the fulfillment, even years down the road! Simply follow the Lamb where He is going…Revelation 14:1-5
All in all, IF & THEN plays an important role in the fulfillment of the prophetic...If you do these things, then you shall never fall. If you are willing and obedient, then you shall eat the good of the land…
Now, a promise is like a pledge, a guarantee of something to be done. In Ephesians 1:13-14, the Holy Spirit is called the "promise, the earnest of our inheritance." The earnest is, in principle, the down payment before settling on the new house. The Holy Spirit is the engagement ring before the great wedding. In truth, this simply means there is more to come! Tongues are not the fullness and neither are spiritual gifts. There is something far greater in the revelation and the reality of the Spirit than just this in-part realm. There is a dawning ahead, a destiny that awaits us, something far bigger than ourselves!
Therefore, one chief purpose of the Holy Spirit is to take us into the fullness of our inheritance...and you can further read this in Ephesians 1:18
Another area of prophetic promise is found in 1 Timothy 1:18. It is sometimes called "warring with the prophetic.” Here, prophecy becomes a weapon of warfare, but take note of the important overall meaning of “warfare in the Greek.” It is the word from which we get the term “Strategy,” a campaign and career, to execute the apostolate.” 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; 2 Chronicles 20:14-18...Whatever God has given you is worth the good fight of faith or literally agonizing a good agony. In balance just remember the battle is not ours but HIS, and in Isaiah 40:2 our warfare is accomplished!

PROPHETIC POTENTIAL: Prophetic potential is the principle that something inside of you has been given by God and the ability of the Spirit to carry it out. Prophetic potential says that Jesus is the Potentate of 1 Timothy 6:15, that he is OMNI-potent or all-powerful. Potential is clearly defined as that which is latent or the unrealized expectation of you. It may sometimes be deemed as the undiscovered country, something you and me may not be aware of at times.
Even if we were, there still rings a sound and buzzes in the ear of many just how do we go about in fulfilling our potential, our potency, the genius of the gene?
Whenever God speaks to us, he speaks to our potential, that untapped power source that is to be loosed or released! He speaks to the seed of his kingdom in you, the very essence of himself. Potency means power and strength, the capacity for development or potentiality. Potent means effective or powerful. Potential means, something has the power, but has not yet come into being. Potential also means possible and undeveloped. Now do you see the importance of this school? For the Holy Spirit wants to bring to realization that hidden and latent potential of yours. He wants to extract from within you His greatness!
PROPHETIC PROCESS: Each believer has been given a delicate path, a conviction, and a process for developing the previous "P's" mentioned.
That path no bird knows, nor has the falcon’s eye seen it. The proud lions have not trodden it, nor has the fierce lion passed over it. Job 28:7-8
But each one in his own order…1 Corinthians 15:23
Based on the living word of God, our purpose and calling, and the leading of the Spirit, we will experience a series and sequence of events to add to our faith. For example, when you take on the mantle of the prophetic office or ministry, your whole life becomes a word from the Lord. It is no longer just a simple gift prophecy as recorded in 1 Corinthians 14:3, but a richer and deeper dimension of the prophetic process now takes place due in part to what the Lord initiated you into. You flow out of what you are, what you have been purposed for, and what the Holy Spirit is speaking into your progression. You not only are a prophet, but the Lord uses whatever he wills to bring about his eternal purpose in you. You no longer aim in preparing to prophesy, but preach what you live.
As I had said earlier, you are born a prophet, and the process of maturity and stability must follow. No prophet of the Spirit can depend on just the notion and the idea of being prophetic. It will take both the natural application and the supernatural dimension to help bring you into maturity.1 Corinthians 15:46

David the King was given an anointing by God, even in his immaturity and adolescence. Although he was anointed king, a span of time had passed which developed him for throne-ship. God can give you an anointing at a very tender young age as with me, but the process of bringing forth fruit will not be over. For you can receive a gift in an instant, but it takes years to develop fruit! Therefore, it is with this understanding that we shall list some other important principles in our process of perfection and maturity. And remember this, process is not punishment…
We glory in tribulation, knowing that tribulation produces patience {perseverance
– if you lack patience, or is in need or patience, try some tribulation {Smile}…and perseverance – character {experience, the proof if you will}: and character hope. Hope does not make shame or disappoint. Romans 5:3-5
We shall begin with the principles of "W" and will continue with the Prophetic "P's" as well. Note below the "W" principles as found in the process or procession...But first, let's define process.
Process is the course of being done. It’s a course of time, a continuing development involving many changes. My question for you is are you being changed in it all? For in the process, you grow from babe, to youth, to the man. You move from desiring God's presents to His Manifest and Abiding Presence. In truth, you simply grow up to become spiritually mature and to execute this dimension. For honesty is the power not to lie to others, but MATURITY is the power not to lie unto ourselves!
WORD OF GOD: One needs to develop a love for the Holy Scriptures, which testify of Christ. Christ is the highest revelation of the word, and if we say we love Jesus, we will surely love his word {John 5:39-40}. Many know the bible back to front, but not the Lord of glory whose presence illumines and quickens us according to HIS word. In John 5:39 Jesus alludes to the basic and fundamental premise of scriptural study and application. But in verse 40, he confirms that these same zealous people did not come to him. Do you see the importance of this beloved? The prophecy of the scripture is revealed through the word and the Spirit both. This is supported by 2 Peter 1:19-21 and 2 Timothy 3:14-16. There must be a foundation and substance, an incarnate word manifested in our progressive maturity. Every believer needs a foundation {Ephesians 2:20, 2 Timothy 2:19; Ezra 3:11, as oppose to many on the thrill ride of only having a FUN-dation. {Fund-dation is thrills, chills, spills, and frills}

WILL OF GOD: Yes, the word of God is his will. There is a general look at the word in its entirety as the will of God, and there is to be received a more specific tailor – made expression of His purpose for us. We need both the Logos and Rhema and Jesus Christ is the two becoming one in us. He is the highest revelation of the written word & he is the Rhema & quickening Spirit of the word.

Matthew 4:4; Romans 10:17; and Ephesians 6:17.
WAY OF GOD: Deuteronomy 10:12 confirms the need for the Father's children to walk in all of his ways. Included are the fear of the Lord, to love him, and to serve him with all of our heart and soul (Matthew 22:37). As believers, let's get to know him, and not just about him. Many know his acts and deeds, but fewer know of His ways.
WISDOM OF GOD: According to 1 Corinthians 1:24, Christ is the power and the Wisdom of God. Proverbs 4:7 confirms wisdom as the principle thing. It is the
builder of the house as in Proverbs 9:1 and 24:1-3; Wisdom is also the 7-fold look at the work of the Spirit of God in us unto perfection and maturity, as recorded in Isaiah 11:2-3. Wisdom, as vast and bold its discovery is, is also revealed in revelatory manifestations or gifts of the Spirit. It is seen only as a word or fragment of God's whole wisdom and counsel...1 Cor. 12:8
WHEEL OF GOD: This area here is definitely the formative stages of God's overall development in us. All of the "W's" above are part of this level of process. It is the principle of the Potter and the Clay. It is the delicate and definite shaping of our character. It is the making and the breaking process, until Christ is formed in us. Galatians 4:19...It is Jacob created, but Israel formed! Isaiah 43:1; Colossians 1:27; Isaiah 64:8; Ezekiel 1:4-28
In truth, the process of a thing may be more important at times than the promise as God the Father will always watch over his word to perform it. Jeremiah 1:12
The overall look at the above mentioned is the molding, shaping, and emerging process of the sons of God. And prophets will experience such a rich dimension of being refined in the purposes and dealings of the Father...Hebrews 12:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:12; Hebrews 2:10; 5:8; 1 Pet. 5:10
Let's now return to some other "P's" of the Prophetic...

P.I.T. PROPHET, PEOPLE, AND PERSONS IN TRAINING:
Have you been in the P.I.T. lately?
The P.I.T. is simply "Prophets, Persons, and People in Training."
Take for example the life of Joseph, one of Jacob's 12 sons. The scripture says that Israel loved Joseph more than all his children. Well, for one thing, Joseph was the son of his old age and was made a coat of many colors, which simply was a mark of honor and rank. Gen. 37:3...It was something worn by the chief and heir.

Because Joseph became the heir and was given the priestly and royal coat, a bit of hostility rose up in his brothers over the matter. In verse 4, Joseph's brothers began to hate him, in verse 11, envy him, and in verses 18-28, conspired to kill him and cast him in the P.I.T., later to be sold to Egypt. For one reason, Joseph had shared his vision.
In Chapter 39, Joseph experienced two realms of test; [1] the test of adversity, [2] the test of prosperity. From false accusation to relocation, he endured the P.I.T. to the palace…Though Joseph may appear to have been a little boastful before his brothers, it reminds us that God has what we need in our most lofty of moments. He has just the right level of development and humble pie to serve. Even though Joseph served his time in prison, and more importantly the process of his purpose and prophet hood, his rejection was ordained in that the Lord had
Joseph to meet certain others that he would not have ordinarily had met. If there was no challenge for Joseph, no test, no buffeting, and no redirection due to his rejection of his brothers, Joseph may not have learned the importance of forgiving his brothers for what they had done to him and to become a deliverer to them. This is why God ordained and designed the P.I.T., to deal with the inner things that affects our outer world.
For a true test through faith will produce a testimony. Re. 12:11; James 1:2-5
After a period of divine appointments and testing, Joseph in later chapters was promoted. His very name means "may the Lord add or augment," denoting the principle of increase and being fruitful. For promotion followed the divine process...
P.M.S. [PROPHETIC and personal MOOD SWINGS]: This dimension of maturity deals with our response or reaction to the inner & further dealings of God. P.M.S. is the way we relate to the dealings of God, and the process of our promotion, the progression through repositioning. In this realm we need to deal with the stuff and excess emotional baggage that we carry around. There is a reason why we say what we say and do what we do. However, I wish to keep this in the context of the prophetic. For within all of us are internal and inward states, the lingo that we speak to ourselves with all of the time. In some instances we may even self – sentence ourselves with self-defeating lingo that creates certain inner atmospheres and states, as our emotions are born out of what we believe. A lot of the problems and challenges we face are the result of patterns within us. We are attracted to things externally which is going on inside of us internally.
PMS, or Prophetic Mood Swings is the principle of reaction versus response. Prophets and prophetic people must not let or allow their minds to be clouded by the reaction and opinions of others, or through poor perceptions of the what the intended purpose and trial is for in our life. Therefore, Prophetic Mood Swings sends up a red flag as to how we either react or respond to the personal process we are going through. And I hope that we can see beyond the initial reaction and start taking action for our emotional reactions in Jesus’ name! Amen and Amen!
PMS can also be seen as Programmed Mind Sets, a discussion all its own…

PROPHETIC PROMOTION: This aspect of the prophetic and personal life reveals further the need for patience in the process to the promotion stage. For in all of our processing, there comes a need for patience, timing, wisdom and, maturity. The process is not punishment, but an appointed time for our preparation and advancement. Promotion comes from the Lord Psalms 75:6-7
Promotion here means "to be high, to rise, to raise"...Psalms 27:14; Proverbs 3:6...In principle, God is the one to raise you up and to set you on high. Promotion does not come by our futile efforts to exalt our own gift. Whether funds seem to run dry or the brook is all dried up, the favor of the Lord can go where funds can’t. God’s design for our stages of growth towards promotion does not come by the optic nerve and the natural eye. The kingdom does not come by
observation. He judges the hearts of the kings, weighs all the spirits, and has all things working together for our good. God, the judge puts down one and exalts another. Again, promotion or exaltation comes from the Lord.

PROPHETIC PROSPERITY: Psalms 118:25 defines prosperity as "to push forward, to advance, to break out." This here reveals the principle of going on ahead with your life in total confidence and trust with God. For when God called Abraham out of his familiar surroundings he continued to journey in a bold new discovery not living by human reasoning, but by faith. Abraham was not merely the father of faith but the father and pioneer of TRUST. So, the overall principle of prosperity here is, "to go forward. This is the truest sense in saying you are prosperous or walking in true prosperity. Read Deuteronomy 28:1-14

PROPHETIC POSTERITY: Prophetic Posterity is your future descendants and generations. The promise of God for your life is carried on through your offspring. A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children. The destiny that God has is not only for you, but also within you, coming forth out of you. Destiny produces legacy. Your end becomes greater than your beginning. Instead of focusing on the harvest, you now have an inheritance, not something you get, but what you become. Your inheritance becomes the foundation for many generations. The generational blessings continue on through what you have become, on into what or who is coming forth out of you. Genesis 28:12 – 17; Isaiah 58:12; Proverbs 13:22
In all of these {Prophetic P’s} it is good to begin with two other important ones. {1}, the Presence of the Lord as recorded in Exodus 33:14 {The presence of the Lord with us, going before us}. And {2}, Prayer, as recorded in the words of Habakkuk the prophet in Habakkuk 2:1-3. Both are essential in where we are headed in the prophetic dimension. Both serve as a foundation to the other prophetic “P’s” previously mentioned. Remember this, you are being positioned for possession in your progression. You are going somewhere so enjoy the ride!

A LOOK AT THE PROPHETIC ADMINISTRATION OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS

This class holds a special interest with me, as I have long to see people developed as students in the word concerning the foundation aspects of the prophetic. In the past, a number of persons would inquire about our prophetic training, only to be troubled at the idea that some classes would hold a rich deposit of scripture definitions and meanings of words, which included Hebrew and Greek, character studies, and the mandatory home work assignments given.
Nevertheless, we begin by examining the meaning of the word "Administration"
as it relates to both testaments. Other definitions and meaning of words will follow...
In the New Testament Greek, the term "administered" is defined as "diakoneo," a verb form of the word "diakonia" meaning "to be an attendant, wait upon (menial, or as a host or friend), to act as a deacon." 2 Corinthians 8:19-20. Administration [s] is defined as "diakonia" meaning "attendance (as a servant), aid, service, minister, office, relief."
1 Corinthians 12:5 and 2 Corinthians 9:12. Also keep in mind that the word "ministration" is the same Greek word as "diakonia" except in Luke 1:23; and the word "ministry" is also the same as "diakonia" except in Hebrews 8:6 and 9:21...
So far, what we have begun with are certain terms and their meanings for the word "administration" and its interrelated words as well.
Let's go further into the principle of administration from the standpoint of God's overall purpose and plan of the prophetic dimension in both old and new testaments.
As I had recently browsed through the Webster's New World Dictionary, the meaning of "administration" further revealed to me the principle of management and governmental affairs. What this did for me was confirm God's word and work among many in periods of time with different levels of grace to do what He had given them to do it. Now let’s begin to look at both the seemingly differences and the similarities of the prophetic administration of both testaments.
Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

The Prophetic ministry is perhaps the most interesting channel of expression in the purposes and plans of God. It is this channel of expression, which yields the authors of the Old Testament books, all 39 of them. These authors can range from those inspired more or less to see and to give visions, or to Moses, who was considered a prophet of guidance. Nevertheless, the prophetic administration of the Old Testament takes on a radical shift and a refreshing look in the New Testament, as we will discuss later on.

OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS

The Old Testament holds the beginning of the prophetic administration. In such times, prophets carried a chief and predominant role not only in the writing of scripture, but also in relation with the administration godly kings. The prophets were first called "seers" because of the sight, foresight, and insight, which they had received of the Lord.
(Before time in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spoke, Come, and let us go to the Seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was before time called a Seer.)
1 Samuel 9:9 (Also read 2 Samuel 24:1, David's Seer; Amos, the Seer...Amos 7:12)

PROPHETIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT...

Moses is considered the foundation prophet to all others in the entire Old Testament. Moses is acknowledged for his representation before God and Israel, and the Law of God on Mount Sinai. Moses is likened to Paul the apostle of the New Testament. Moses was given what I call the logos for the prophetic ministry, but Samuel and the line of the prophets received the Rhema thereof. All other prophetic expressions seem to have become quickened to the foundation (Law, or Pentateuch...1st five books) of Moses. Thus, Moses may very well be considered in certain terms an apostolic prophet…Num. 12:6: Dt. 13:1-5
Moses is not on record giving a list of keys for becoming a prophet. Moses is not mentioned of for the lying out of a plan to establish a prophetic company or to train up prophets in some structured environment. And neither is Moses credited for mentoring personally some long list of prophets in graduating honor.
This principle shows how one can give foundation truth of God's eternal purpose and plan beginning from creation. From Adam, the Patriarchs, the Levitcal Priesthood, and the children of Israel, Moses lays the foundation while others (namely, Samuel, Elijah) can become quickened to the prophetic dimension of things not even specifically mentioned in the first five books of Moses. This is why Moses confirms in Numbers 11:29 that all others were prophets, too.

This principle of Moses and Samuel is also connected to the New Testament administration of the governmental and corporate use of the Gift of Tongues and the Interpretation of Tongues. For one can speak to the corporate body in tongues for a couple of minutes, while another can give a longer interpretation (through a word of Knowledge or Prophecy). When interpreting tongues, it is not the length that is important, but the spirit of what is being said {we know and prophesy in part}. For one can speak corporately in tongues for five minutes, and he or another can interpret them in about 45 seconds. Again, it is not important to match word for word in corporate tongues for corporate edification. The idea is in the essence of what is being interpreted, not the same volume of words. And preachers can learn a lot from this, as it is not necessarily important to fill up a 90 minute cassette tape if the leading of the Spirit can bring the essence and true thrust of the message in 35 minutes. The same with juicing the fruit verses eating large sums of fruit. You can eat ten apples and get flatulence, or juice the fruit as it goes directly into the bloodstream. Think about that!
In Acts 3:22-25, both Moses and Samuel are considered the pioneers of the Old Testament prophetic. Verse 24 speaks of the prophets since Samuel, and we do know that there were other prophets before Samuel. But Luke, the author of the
book of Acts is after a kingdom principle here. It is not to say that the prophetic is more or less important between Moses and Samuel. Rather, that there are some important discoveries to be made between the two, as it fits into God's scheme of things for that period of time. And not for their time only, for Moses is spoken of in verse 22 with a Messianic prophecy for another time, for the early church and beyond! Therefore, between Moses and Samuel, the Old Testament prophetic dimension was then established! Jeremiah 15:1
Samuel, the last of the judges and the first of the line of prophets, gathered together men who were hungry after God in what is now understood as some kind of prophetic company or lineage. These men were schooled in the Law of Moses and were taught also in worship, history, and prophecy, the fruition of which developed the prophetic dimension in the life of Israel and Judah. Moses too, was a prophet of guidance but the lineage of the prophets followed on into the history and civil government of these great nations. Moses led the way for the children of Israel to become a nation, the lineage of the prophets establishing the kingdom of God in the hearts of Israel and Judah.
Therefore, one of the chief purposes of prophetic development is to prepare one for the work of the ministry, and to fulfill one’s given purpose in the earth. For I believe if one is called to the prophetic dimension it would behoove him to become a part of a prophetic center for the proper development of the prophetic dimension. Here, one can have access to resources, training, mentoring, and fellowship, as well as proper submission to valid leadership through established covenant relationships. This protects from becoming a loner, unaccountability, or the one-man show.

Now, please take note, for the prophetic dimension of Old Testament times were established in such places below as the letter of Moses' law was maintained...
Ramah 1 Samuel 19:18-24
And when they saw the company of prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied...verse 20
Beth-el - 2 Kings- 2:3
And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha...
Jericho - 2 Kings 2:5, 7, 15
And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha...verse 5
And fifty of the sons of the prophets went and stood to view afar off...verse 7
And when the sons of the prophets, who were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The
Spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him...verse 15
Gilgal - 2 Kings 4:38; (read also 2:1)
And Elisha came again to Gil-gal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him...
Note: It would be helpful to examine the different places Elijah (with Elisha – his son) went before his translation. Also, take time to study the meanings of these particular places. Not forgetting, take special notice to Elijah's translation before the sons of the prophets as his mantle was given to Elisha. I see here the spiritual order and proper alignment of father and son. The release of the mantle upon Elisha to become a double-portioned prophet is due largely to the appointment of the Lord for Elisha to walk with Elijah. Divine appointments are not disappointments. Elisha called Elijah “his father, his father” in 2 Kings 2:12. Elisha wanted to be strategically wherever Elijah was to be. He honored the anointing and leadership in Elijah’s life, and the spiritual deposit from Elijah through covenant relationship.
In our further understanding of the Old Testament, it was Samuel's new administration of the prophetic that brought about the office of the king. Samuel was the last of the judges and the first of the prophetic order whom anointed both Saul and David for kingship. The kings of old needed the ministry of the prophet to stabilize and give checks and balances to the king, denoting plurality. Also, this principle reveals that God desired the voice of the prophets to be a vital part of the government and administrative affairs of his people and society.

Therefore, as a prophetic people, always keep in mind the distinct relationship that developed between the prophet and the king. And consider this, that this same kingdom principle reveals the New Testament elders who vitally needed the apostles and prophets to strengthen, serve, & to encourage the local assemblies. The book of Acts {Action, Activation} is proof of this principle}
Scriptures to read concerning the prophets and the kings together...
1 Sam. 9:10, 16; 2 Sam. 12; & 24:11; 1 Ki. 1:38; 12:21-22; 2 Ki. 17:1; 19:16

DIVERSITY OF PROPHETS AND PROPHECY

First, I wish to begin with the distinct levels of prophecy given that I will highlight briefly in the classification of the prophets. Please refer to the book, "The Church in the New Testament" pages 158-159 by Kevin Conner. Some thoughts below were inspired in part by his developments.
In the Old Testament, prophecy served on a more local level as recorded in Isaiah 40:18-31; 55:6-7; Jeremiah 26; and Micah 6:8. Though such level of the prophetic serves all generations, this aspect of prophecy chiefly served their
times. Now it is true, that the post spiritual ongoing of these prophecies continue in principle for all times, but before we start futurizing all prophecies as many would do, let's learn to value and appreciate the setting and time for which these prophecies were given. True, there are present truth principles for us all, but don't forget the times for which these prophecies were given, and to whom!
Another area of prophecy would be what Kevin Conner in his book "The Church in the New Testament" calls "National - Destiny Prophecy." Kevin considers this as prophecy when the prophet speaks concerning the future history of the nations. Here, prophecy is predictional and is understood in some accounts for national Israel in its historical setting during those appointed times. However, I am inclined to believe this in part, for the Old Testament Israel serves the church, too. God's new ethnic, the Israel of God, made up of both Jew and Gentile. (Isaiah 11:11-16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 2:28-29)
Another area Kevin considers is called "Messianic." This realm of prophecy always speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ and his church. This realm is primarily predictional or foretelling, particularly from the Old Testament.
As a personal note, please consider prophecy also as directive, corrective, and predictive. And remember this, that the Old Testament is characterized more for foretelling than forthtelling, as the New Testament is more characterized by the latter!

The prophets of old spoke of the coming (s) of the Lord. The prophets of old did not promote a golden age of superiority for any one ethnic people. The prophets of restoration saw God's purpose for both Jew and Gentile, all made into one progressive vision and eternal purpose {1 Corinthians 12:13}. Though the venue or instrumentation of the kingdom changed over the years, God’s plan did not. Our plans may change but not the Lord’s. There is no two plans of salvation, one for the church and the other for an ethnic people. No thanks to the three blind mice of Scofield, Darby, and Larkin, [19th Century on up] who proposed another plan of salvation only for another people in the distant future.
And a special “No Thanks” to Scofield for immortalizing such heresy, whom he himself exclaimed that the church was not referenced, regarded, or spoken of in the Old Testament. In your spare time please read Acts 7:38; 2 Corinthians 6:2; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 2:28-29; Philippians 3:2-3; Galatians 6:16; Romans 1:16;
Simply put, messianic prophecies speak of Christ and his church, which is made up of Jew and Gentile...the new ethnic, from race to Grace...1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:4-6…Both are made to drink into one Spirit…
Prophets of a different order...
In the Old Testament, you had the writing and non-writing prophets. There were
even prophets who never had once written any Scripturated revelation.
A- Writing Prophets...[classifications usually added by most bible scholars]
1- Historical: Moses (Pentateuch), Samuel (Ruth, Judges, 1 Samuel)
2- Poetic: David in the book of Psalms, Lamentations by Jeremiah
3- Prophetical: Theologians classify them as Major and the Minor
All prophets, particularly from Isaiah to Malachi, were relevantly important in their given grace to convey what thus said the Lord. No distinction or hint was originally given to categorize or classify the prophets in a major - minor position. Theological scholars and interpretational distinctions play and important development in these findings. We cheerfully respect each Old Testament prophetic ministry in their purpose and place, which God would have them to speak. From God's point of view, there is neither major nor minor. That, my friend, is for our consideration. That is why we have them classified on the following pages, to give distinction to the volume of their content
From Isaiah to Daniel {so-called Major}
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, & Daniel
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From Hosea to Malachi {so-called Minor}
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, & Malachi
B- Non-Writing Prophets...
Gad, Elijah, Aaron, Elisha, Nathan, Abijah
Furthermore, Prophets of vision would be found in men like Daniel and Zechariah, and Prophets of guidance would be considered in men like Moses and Samuel. There were also demonstration prophets with signs and wonders other than Moses. Elijah and Elisha were two such examples. And there were prophets known for their oral communication, such as Nathan. Nevertheless, each prophet had an important role in the life of either Israel or Judah. But beloved, let's look a bit further at some of the symbolic acts of the old testament prophets; and by this, we are referring to other ways of communication...

SYMBOLIC ACTS OF COMMUNICATION BY THE PROPHETS

Ezekiel, among other things, was commanded to lie on his left side for 390 days and upon his right side for 40 days. This number of days represented the number of years that Israel had disobeyed and forsaken God throughout their history...Ezekiel 4:4-8. Ezekiel was also commanded to eat food in an unclean
manner, burn a portion of his hair, shave his hair, and to prophesy to a dry bone yard...Ezekiel 4:9-17; 5:1-4; 37:1-13...
Jeremiah wore a yoke around his neck through the streets to depict the impending Babylonian captivity of God's people...Jeremiah 27-28...
Hosea was commanded to marry a harlot, a symbol of the Israel's unfaithfulness. Hosea 1-3
Ahizah, upon meeting Jeroboam, rent his clothes in 12 pieces, which symbolized the division of his kingdom...1 Kings 11:30
Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years, symbolizing that Egypt and Ethiopia were at the hands of Assyria...Isaiah 20:1-6
In the new testament, Agabus bound Paul the apostle with his girdle, symbolizing what the Jews were going to do to him in Jerusalem...Acts 21:10-14
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Before we go into the New Testament, please take note that Adam, the first man, was also a prophet of another order. For no one could have given such utterance to every living creation without flowing in the utterances of God. In the positive note of Adam lies the principle of the spoken or creative word. Therefore, Adam, in essence, was the very first prophet of the human races...
Also take note that Enoch was a prophet of a different order. Genesis 5:18-24; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 14
And let's not forget Prophet Abraham as recorded in Genesis 20:7. Yes, Abraham, the prophet! Out of Abraham flows the balance truth of the Word of Faith: Romans 10:9-10...Acts 3:25: Romans chapter 4, Galatians chapter 3.
NOW...
The basic truth of the Old Testament prophets are characterized overall with either scripturated revelation (as in writing prophets), guidance, or visions. Surely, the prophet is highly magnified in the Old Testament, but what about the New Testament?
Does the NT characterize the prophet as in the Old Testament administration?
Is prophecy and its components primarily characterized as foretelling?
JOHN THE BAPTIZER: FORECLOSURE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT AND FORERUNNER OF THE NEW...
John the Baptist represents a man between two eras or realms of time, the Old
and the New Testament. In Matthew the 3rd chapter John came in the Spirit of Elijah preparing the way for the Lord. Jesus calls John the Baptizer "More Than A Prophet." But keep in mind, John did not perform any miracles, signs, or wonders. John did not hold any prophetic conventions. No one was slain in the Spirit from his ministry, yet he was a prophet, too. His mission was to prepare the way of the Lord. In his entire life long dream of fulfilling destiny to reveal the King, he was still acknowledged by Christ as more than a prophet and a prophet of the highest! Matthew 11:7-9; Luke 1:76
NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETS
As I mentioned earlier, if the character of the old testament prophets were primarily that of scripturated revelation, guidance, and visions, then where does the new testament prophet fit in? Is the New Testament prophet to be characterized by guidance in the exact same sense of the O.T.?

In the New Testament, no prophet was ever recorded in guidance in the strict O.T. sense. This is not to suggest the impossibility in speaking guidance ministry into one’s life. For in the New Testament, the primary form of guidance ministry came through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Also, instead of mere guidance of one's will alone, the believers can receive from the Holy Spirit directly for themselves. For it is not God's best for a person's conscience to be guided by another through personal prophecy. The distinctiveness or clarification of administration has to do with the Holy Spirit and the confirmation thereof!
In the Old Testament, the Spirit of the Lord would generally move upon his people as in the New Testament he resides powerfully within us! In the Old Testament, all of the gifts of the Spirit were in operation save two. They were the Gift of Tongues and the Interpretation of tongues, as they had to do with the administration of the Spirit not yet given at the time. Most of which is to be received today in the present paradigm of the prophetic involves confirmation of the already revealed will of God, or at least a witness of the Spirit for what you receive as being true. [Note: Guidance through prophets is possible, but never to replace your own will to make choices]
However, there are a number of similarities of both testament prophets. Note below

OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT

foretelling and forth telling same
mouthpiece and voice of God same
speaks judgment same
interprets the law of God same
messengers, servant of God same
man of God same
watchman upon the walls of Zion foundation with the apostle
guidance confirmation primarily
visions John the Revelator
dreams, dark sayings, burdens same
primarily the prophet primarily the apostle
judgment same
On another note, nothing is said which suggests that the Lord is incapable of moving in powerful signs and wonders as of old. On the contrary, the Lord can and will manifest himself in divers ways and means. Hebrews 1:1-2 confirms that in sundry times and in divers manners He spoke unto the fathers through the prophets and now speaks to us through his son. In each overall instance of old and new covenants, the Lord had an overall particular usage of these important administrations. The Old Testament is the New Testament contained and the New Testament is the Old Testament explained.

NEW TESTAMENT PROPHETS...
Is a foundation with the apostle...Ephesians 2:20
Confirms the already revealed will of God...Acts 13:1-3
Second in the divine order of the church but not inferior to apostles...1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11
Primarily speaks in forth-telling though in Spirit, there is always the potential and presence of foretelling...
Strengthens or confirms local assemblies...Acts 15:32-41
Perfects the saints for the work of the ministry...Ephesians 4:12
Prophets are a part of the administration of the local church. No assembly of the Spirit today should exist without the strength, revelation, direction, and foundation ministry of the prophet. It makes no sense to maintain large sprawling organizations at the exclusion of the prophetic voice and dimension. Assemblies of the early church era had the prophetic dimension. Today, the prophetic and the prophetic office is considered among many camps as a past history, something that rivals the great Museums of the world.
My heart's prayer is for you to embrace the harmony of both old and New Testament prophets, and not to build on one covenant at the exclusion of the other. This is why I advocate the students to become studious in their diligent search through the scriptures, and not to dismiss the integrity of rich bible study.
Already I see a number of young hot shots and eager beavers who are on the seen ready to bring forth this spectacular revelation of the week, yet do not value the consistency of effective biblical studies and the harmony of the old and the new. Yes beloved, even now in the present apostolic paradigm, some are saying it is the year of the apostle as if the prophet has fulfilled its commissioning now that the apostle is on the seen. How sad! I pray that you the student would get a strong foundation of the prophetic ministry from both testaments. It not only brings balance and equilibrium, but also acknowledges your critical research. I for one am for effective modules for growth in scriptural studies. Many come and go like a forceful wind, here today and gone later today, doing more damage among the corporate anointing by failing to embrace the plenary and harmony of scripture. I pray that you will grow in grace and not groan in disgrace.