The Prophetic Realm

   

                   
                                                         THE PROPHETIC REALM
As we continue in our lessons take note that a special section on the "nature of prophecy" will be covered largely during our class on "the gift of prophecy...class 6." Make plans to attend and to ask questions.
Let's begin this section with an overview of the prophetic realm. Now this realm is not limited to prophets only, but is shared and experienced by many believers globally. It includes prophets, prophetic people with prophetic intercessors of present truth understanding, or anyone of the prophetic dimension. The prophetic realm is for the good, well being, and wholesome edifying of the local and corporate body of Christ. The prophetic realm or dimension speaks rightly of the principle of communication and the establishing of the word of the Lord. It not only speaks but also demonstrates with intensity like an evangelist may have to preach the person of Christ. Or, a shepherd {sheep – herd} to care for a flock, even as an apostle intense with the conviction of the Spirit to reform foundations into present truth Spiritual order and alignment. Each ascension ministry brings about an anointing to perfect and equip the saints! Apostles encourage churches to become apostolic in mission, message, and ministry, and prophets add a depth of revelation, direction, and operation of the Spirit to not only help the church flow correctly in the Spirit, but to stay in oneness with the voice, mind, purpose, and counsel of God!
Ephesians 2:20 confirms the church being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the Chief cornerstone. As the foundation of the church apostles and prophets set the tone and agenda for the church to function in New Testament life, and not in anatomy only. The apostles and prophets give to the saints the present truth revelation that local assemblies are to have apostolic and prophetic foundation established therein, as assemblies can potentially veer off course without the needed support, encouragement, and relationship of these first two given ministries. The universal church was built by Christ to flow out of the pioneering grace of his apostles and
prophets. Not out of hierarchy, but out of a relationship. The ministry of the apostle and prophet is not authority based, but relationship based! We need everything Christ gave us in the apostle and prophet. Religious routine builds a work totally on the anointing of pastor, when in all truth, the New Testament revelation of a pastor was established by Paul the apostle. Meaning, the evangelist, pastor, and teacher seems to stem forth out of the apostle and prophet, and without this aspect of Christ's administration, assemblies will not be properly built or firmly established on a strong foundation. Ezra 6:
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You can have a church with a building of 30,000 square feet, founded 30 years ago by the deacons, trustees, usher boards and the pastor emeritus, yet not having been established properly on a strong foundation, or lack the genuinely needed flow and expression of the Spirit for corporate destiny. All because, you have failed to embrace apostles and prophets for the pioneering progression of the corporate body and in the foundation of father – son kingdom order and alignment therein.
Now one of the chief words and meanings of the term "prophesied, prophesieth, prophesy, and prophesying" in the Old Testament Hebrew is the word "Naba" [nawbaw] and means "to prophesy, i.e. speak (or sing) by inspiration. Two things here, [1] there is inspiration by the Spirit of God, [2] and there is a mouth to sing or speak prophetically. Inspiration of the Spirit is quite different from human aspiration (strong desire or ambition – Lat. “aspiratio” – a blowing or breathing – as in human breath). The inspiration of God, as recorded in 2 Timothy 3, is God-breathe. It comes from God. One can aspire to prophesy, but not be inspired by the Spirit of God to prophesy. Man may aspire to perform in the corporate or entertainment world, yet lacking the inspiration of God in certain things. For with God, it is divine inspiration! It is directly by his Spirit!
This "naba" is a bubbling up, a coming forth of something from within you. It is confirmed in principle by John 7:38 in the very lips of Jesus. It is like living water coming forth from within your very being. "Naba" {as taken from the Hebrew} can be experienced in "worship, praise, intercession, corporate prayer, singing, preaching, teaching, etc." It is the fountain of life springing from within your belly.
"Nabiy," {naw-bee} is defined as a prophet, an inspired man, taken from "naba." The "nabiy" prophet springs forth from the "naba," and not merely the other way around. Meaning, saints at large can receive and experience the "naba" without ever being a "nabiy," for the "nabiy," too, stems from the "naba." Revelation 19:10: Zephaniah 3:17
In the New Testament, the noun "propheteia" signifies the "speaking forth of the mind and counsel of God." (Pro- forth, Phemi- to speak): An adjective would be "prophetikos, " of or relating to prophecy or proceeding from a prophet. Romans 16:26; 2 Peter 1:19-21. Therefore, this word signifies "the prophet-ic" or the "ic..."
A verb in the New Testament would be "propheteuo" meaning "to be a prophet, to prophesy as in telling forth the divine counsels, and in foretelling them. There is a statement made among theologians which says the old testament is 90% foretelling and 10% forth-telling...and the new testament is 90% forth-telling and 10% foretelling.
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"Prophetes" is "one who speaks forth or openly, a proclaimer of a divine message," denoted among the Greeks an interpreter of the oracles of the gods. "Prophetis," is the feminine as in "prophetess." In Ephesians 4:11, notice there is no (ess) for the prophet. In New Testament Spiritual order, the Prophetess is ascribed to Anna in the book of Luke and to Jezebel. Anna was in the era of the closing of the Old Covenant, although recorded in the gospels of Luke. Jezebel was a self-appointed prophet, whose history is largely Old Testament. What we are saying is that there is no New Testament authority for being addressed as prophetess, but prophet. No one in New Testament’s governmental grace is ascribed the title or expression “prophetess.” It is permissible in usage, but in weight and authority of New Testament light, no!
In these brief definitions, we can easily see an overview of the prophetic dimension. Without the prophetic, stagnation potentially sets in. Assemblies become the predicted norm, the usual. There lies possibly a lack of fresh revelatory insight into the eternal purpose of God. The true nature of things becomes blurred, unclear, as the prophetic dimension is not embraced. But thank God beloved you are being restored to this most needed dimension.
Now, we see briefly the character and content of the prophetic. Keep in mind that the prophetic is defined as "speaking forth the mind and counsel of God.” But is this to say that every fellowship of the assembly is to be a prophetic one in full tenor and scope? Is such to be in the sense of obligation? No! When you obligate yourself to speak, sing, pray, or prophesy anything, it is not necessarily God speaking, but possible your own self! Even in some prophetic circles, a sense of pride and arrogant smug can potentially set in, all because of the gross preoccupation of the prophetic dimension. Here, we will need safeguards, checks, and balances to uphold the prophetic dimension from becoming driven by human zeal, ambition, and agenda. That is why we need the apostolic and the other expressions of grace to stabilize the prophetic dimension...
The prophetic voice reveals the oracles, counsel, and mind of God. It takes the church from "doctrine, demonstration, to destiny." It strengthens the church in the supernatural dimension of the kingdom, restoring our focus and priorities
back to God’s eternal purpose on earth. So for the moment, let's look at some definitions and principles for the words "oracle, counsel, and the mind of God."
Oracle: The Greek word "logion,” a diminutive of logos, a word, narrative, statement, denotes a divine response or utterance...As taken from the Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, this word relates to...
A - the contents of the Mosaic Law, Acts 7:38
B - all the written utterances of God through O.T. writers, Romans 3:2
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A - the substance of biblical doctrine, Hebrews 5:12
D - the utterances of God through spiritual filled teachers, 1 Peter 4:11
Simply put, the oracles of God is His divine response or utterance to man, as clearly proven in 1 Peter 4:11. For one sure way he communicates to us is through his inspired speakers. This principle is further supported in Amos 3:7; 2 Chronicles 20:20; 1 Corinthians 2:10, 16; Revelation 10:7; Ephesians 3:5; and Revelation 1:10. God is always speaking, but the question is, are we really listening and doing what he is saying to His people?
Now beloved, receive this word of wisdom...The Ancient of Days is saying for us not to put God’s precious movements into a box through our self prescribed formulas for supposedly guaranteeing him to move or speak when we say speak. For the divine response and utterance from God comes in his time. We are never to work up a sweat, or to pump and prime for God the Father to speak. He will do so in his time and at his choosing.
However, we must continually abide in a place where speaking forth his oracles, counsel, and mind, is as mutual reciprocity. For the greater realm of hearing and receiving from Him is that "the prophetic realm is being swallowed up into total communion with God."
Meaning, he will appear to those who seek him with the staggering truth of Enoch walking with God. Hebrews 11:5-6: For he was the 7th from Adam, as the #7 speaks of fullness, perfection, and completion of purpose. Genesis 5:18-24; Jude 14. In truth, Enoch was a prophet of total communion and intimate oneness with God. It did not matter to him whether or not men deemed him as a prophet, for he was a man living between two realms, the natural and the spiritual. He chose however, to master the spiritual dimension of being in complete union and close abiding with the Father. John 3:13; Ephesians 2:18; For this is the realm that the true voice of the prophets is speaking from. It is the realm of Rest, ceasing from our labors, and resting in God's accomplishment!
For if Enoch is the 7th from Adam, and "7" speaks of God's Sabbath Rest, then is confirmed the present truth principle of Revelation 10:7
"But in the Days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound,
the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
Meaning, there is an Enoch company who is prophesying from a totally different order, a people who abounds in the heaven and the earth, according to John 3:13. Not a lot is written about Enoch, but in Spirit a whole lot indeed!
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Again, the Enoch principle of the prophetic is more characterized by something of which God desired of Enoch more than what Enoch desired of God. After that Enoch was caught away with the Father, the pattern of translation if you will. And we do know the real reason for this, for Enoch fully pleased God, a principle, which speaks of the Garden of Eden, or God's pleasure and delight. Revelation 2:7; 4:11; 2 Corinthians 12:1-4
As much as we desire intimacy and abiding with God, we must develop too, a greater dimension, sense, and deeper level of bringing forth and receiving the prophetic flow of ministry. For the prophetic utterance can be hindered more or less from our attempting to make things happen as oppose to the simple truth of trusting God in every facet of prophetic expression. If we trust the Lord in our developing expression of grace, we mature, as the result of being open, teachable, and accountable to God and his appointed others. Though the idea of operating in some sphere or capacity of spiritual gifts is not within itself perfection, the presence and passion of the Holy Spirit is perfect and pure. Though the individual who administers some level of the prophetic dimension is not exempt form personal growth and maturity, the very essence and nature of God and his will and purpose to reveal his mind and counsel is holy and pure.
To prevent from becoming shallow, complacent, and lethargic, the Holy Spirit will quicken us to revisit our foundations in worship, prayer, intercession, biblical teaching, and more. The prophetic has for its basis a strong foundation in the word, and our experiences in life should become the outflow and outworking of having a strong foundation. Now this does not mean we should go on a performance kick, praying long hours and fasting long periods to obligate the Father to speak and to demonstrate his will through us. We should clearly understand however, that "yielding" to God" is the one precious element that will keep us completely reliant on him.
Your personal foundation is reciprocal and committed between you and the Lord, and is never to be seen as performance to guarantee the prophetic dimension in becoming a successful display or demonstration. It is your personal business if you pray in tongues two to four hours a day, study 30 hours a week, intercede regularly, or commune with the Father through intense worship and praise. Just remember the prophetic has greater potential of becoming a pure river of LIFE through the purity of Christ’s motivation, which is Love, for love is the motivation and divine drive of the Kingdom as recorded in 1 Corinthians 13.
Though it is essentially important to have a strong personal foundation in the word and
prayer, the idea is not to simply master these dynamics and core values in order to assure that you will prophesy smoothly. No more should it be expected for an emerging itinerate minister to devote 20 hours a week to ensure that he will have a better sermon to preach. The key here is that worship, prayer, and the word is what we do not out of mere duty, but in joyful devotion unto God.
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Definitions, continued...
Now, let's look at some other definitions and purposes of the prophetic dimension.
One of the chief words for "counsel" in the Hebrew is defined as "plan, advice, and prudence." Proverbs 8:14; Isaiah 11:2 (one of the seven spirits of God); 46:10; and chapter 5:19; Proverbs 20:5. Note other words for counsel...
Proverbs 15:22...Without counsel (a session, a company of persons in close deliberation, implying intimacy, consultation, a secret assembly, inward secret) purposes are disappointed (or frustrated, to break up)...
Proverbs 11:14...He that hearkens unto counsel (steerage- as a management of ropes, (fig.) guidance, or by implying a plan, good advice) is wise...
In the New Testament, you also have counsel defined at large (numerous words) as "to take counsel, to resolve (translated here as minded, purpose)" or #1011 in Strong's Concordance. Also, words like consult, as in counseling together...#4823; Rev. 3:18. Jesus wants us to counsel with him, and to buy of him gold tried in the fire, or counsel, which withstands the test of time! All in all, counsel establishes his purpose. The Spirit of counsel is a key core component of the prophetic, particularly personal prophecy in prophesying vision, direction, purpose, and in the gifts and callings of God.
The Mind of God, another definition and principle of purpose, is not some far-fetched or far-removed entity: well, it is to the carnal mind! But the mind of God establishes us on the principle of being God-minded, for we have the mind of Christ, as Christ had the mind of God. 1 Corinthians 2:16: Philippians 2:5-11
This principle is further revealed by the term or phrase "mind (inclination or purpose)” of the Spirit" as recorded in Romans 8:27. The mind of the Lord is actually his feelings and thoughts, transmitted to those who have ears to hear. The mind of the Lord is not necessarily the believer renewing his mind, for that is what we are suppose to do...Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23. Renewing our mind is our daily responsibility, and not that of the Holy Spirit! Therefore, renewing the mind is the saving of our soul, but again, this is distinct from the mind of the Lord. The mind of the Lord is something we become in tune with as a people of prophetic perception. The mind of the Lord or the Mind of the Spirit of God brings revelation and understanding in a matter. Like the three - fold revelation,
demonstration, and inspiration gifts or manifestations of 1 Corinthians 12, it comes by the agency and operation of the Holy Spirit.
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OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROPHETIC DIMENSION
The prophetic dimension, as mentioned earlier, establishes the saints in the voice, counsel, mind, and purpose of God, and to help the assemblies to flow correctly in the Spirit of God. Not only is it given in corporate gatherings but also in the understanding of God’s eternal purpose in the earth, and our relevant functionality of this focus.
Notice some other components and characteristics of the prophetic...
1 - to edify, exhort, and to comfort...or, to build up, stir up, and to cheer up!
1 Corinthians 14:3...everything is done to the edifying of the body!
2 - to bring revelation knowledge and the depth of the mind of God not otherwise known or obtained trough human capabilities or privileged knowledge and reasoning...1 Corinthians 2:16: Ephesians 1:17-18: Matthew 4:4
3 - to give direction (not to direct) and confirmation of callings...Acts 13:1-3
4 - to impart, stir, extract, and to activate spiritual gifts and dimensions of the Spirit in the believer...Romans 1:11; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; John 7:38
5 - to demonstrate the Spirit and the power of God for the express purpose of edifying and advancing His people and to establish his clearly defined purpose in the earth ...1 Corinthians 2:4-5; Romans 15:19; Ephesians 1:11
6 - to establish us...Romans 1:11; 2 Peter 1:12; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 5:10
7 - to recognize the ascension gift prophet...Ephesians 2:20; 4:11; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 14th chapter...the prophetic is more intensified when released through a mature, proven, seasoned, fruitful, expression of prophetic ministry.
8 - to bring fresh new insights, fresh fire, and new life in the people...restoring hope once again...Ezra 5:1-2; 6:14...the prophetic helps keep the vision, direction, focus, and purpose of God alive in the midst of the people...Exodus 24:14-18; 25:1-2...wars off stagnation. It takes us into corporate destination...
9 - to establish the church in present day truth...2 Peter 1:12; 1 John 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:20; 3:5...foundation is a vital motivation and character for ministry of the apostle and the prophet...
10 - to draw us nearer to God, and the person of Jesus Christ... For all descending gifts are bestowed by the Holy Spirit as the Holy Spirit is given by Christ. Therefore, all of the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit, the prophetic, and the supernatural dimension of the Spirit glorify Christ. The Holy Spirit never speaks of himself, and neither should any of the manifestations of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12...John 14:26; 15:26; Revelation
19:10. {Testimony of Jesus}
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In conclusion...
The prophetic dimension must be restored through proper recognition and acceptance back into its place as would the evangelistic and the apostolic. The motivation of the prophet and the prophetic realm tends or leans toward the voice of the Lord. For a prophet, it can be quite a test or challenge at times to witness endlessly a people who do not hear or willfully refuse to hear the voice of the Lord. The prophet brings to life present truth of vertical ministry, whereas the apostle establishes the church largely in horizontal ministry. Both form the shape of a cross, and neither is exclusive one apart from the other.
The prophetic dimension is not only for the believer to celebrate Jesus as the Chief Prophet. But the prophetic dimension is given to the corporate man as...
A - a weapon of warfare and strategic engagement...1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 3:10; 6:10-18
B - a realm of restoring and reforming the nations back unto God...Isaiah 2:2-4; Amos 9:11: Acts 15:16. It is reforming and restoring foundations…Isaiah 58:12
C - a means of proclaiming a relevant word for our time...Hebrews 3:15-19: 2 Corinthians 6:2...Matthew 4:4; Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 1:1-2
It is not given just to maintain our way of worship. No! God has bigger plans for the prophetic dimension than just "banners, mime, and the arts." Yes, these are wonderful aspects given to the corporate body and there are times for such expression. But the church or global body is not just here for itself. It has been given to the nations, the world, and a much bigger picture than ourselves...Acts 10:10-16: Psalms. 2:8: we have not been saved just for heaven but for purpose and dominion.
The prophetic is given to the saints as the church {or interactive kingdom community} is given as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. And it’s time to declare and to demonstrate God's eternal purpose to a now generation. For we are not here to fit, but to change things in the earth realm. Matthew 16:19
My question to you is "Who will interpret the king's dream?" Will the kings of the earth continue to cough up soothsayers, diviners, and demagogues to answer their hearts cry, or will we carry the prophetic mantle to the nations, resulting in these mighty men of stature returning back unto the Lord? Daniel 2
My prayer is to see your local assemblies and appointed gathering impact your geographical regions and vicinities. Yes I understand that intercession will play a vital and key role, but let's continue to be a kingdom witness to our generation, our culture, the very society that we live in! Let's move pass our culture, creed, clan, and cluster into reaching the various ethnics and cultures surrounding us. Just remember, the prophetic is not alone for us, but for our communities, too.