The Prophetic Church - Chuck Maher

The Prophetic Church

I remember being told as a new believer that we should “seek the Giver and not His gifts”.   Although this sounded noble, I discovered that it is not biblical.  I learned that not only are we instructed to want spiritual gifts, but that we should want the gift of prophecy especially.

In 1 Corinthians, chapter 14 Paul exhorts the Corinthian church to, “desire earnestly spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy” (1 Corinthians 14:1).  That word “desire” implies the idea of diligently seeking after; to want something really badly!  Why would Paul want the church to desire spiritual gifts so greatly?  And why prophecy especially?

Paul makes it clear that the main purpose of prophetic ministry is for “edification, and exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3).  There is something about prophesying over someone that imparts supernatural strength, and it is much needed in the body of Christ.  Simply put, the more we speak prophetic encouragement to one another, the stronger the church will become.

I also believe there is creative power released when we prophesy.  In the 37^th chapter of Ezekiel we read a fascinating story.  The Lord took the prophet into a valley full of dry bones.  Then, he commanded him to prophesy,

“… Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live” (verse 5).

Ezekiel tells us,

“…as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone” (verse 7).

Flesh and skin also began to form and cover the bones (see verse 8).  However, there was still no breath so God told Ezekiel,

“…prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God:

“Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live” ‘ “

After he prophesied,

“…breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army” (verse 10)

Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if Ezekiel said, “I don’t know about that God”, and refused to prophesy.  Would the bones still have come together?  I know God is sovereign, but I also know He has chosen to work through His children – and that includes giving us the power to create with our words.  I believe that is why Paul told the Ephesians, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph.4:29, Emphasis added).

The word grace in this context speaks of God’s enabling power. Because we are made in God’s image and the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, our words have the ability to cause people to do something they couldn’t do before.  In other words, our words have the power to release people into their destiny.  Our words are creative! What an incredible honor.

I understand we are not all called to the office of “Prophet”, but we are all called to a prophetic lifestyle.  What would happen if every time we came together we were deliberate about speaking prophetic encouragement?  I believe we would see more people step into their God given destiny.  I also believe we would become the type of community that makes us attractive to the world.

So, I encourage you to cultivate sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit for others. Allow Him to use you to speak life and to create everywhere you go.  Your community is waiting for you.

For more in depth teaching on the prophetic ministry, check out:

Basic Training For The Prophetic Ministry, By Kris Vallotton

You All May Prophesy, By Steve Thompson (Both available at amazon.com)