Series: Key Messages on the Prophetic

The main function of a prophet in the Old Testament was to let people know they they are sinners who need to be judged and in need of a savior. However, in the New Testament the role of the prophet shifted. Malachi described the role of Elijah in the new covenant as a ministry of reconciliation. A prophet can see things not as they are, but as they should be. We need to learn when God can give us insight, and we aren't to share it. Men are known on earth by the information they share, but in heaven by the information they keep.

It is vital for prophets to work strategically with others in the five-fold ministry in order to build up the body of Christ. Within these diverse relationships, the office of prophet can offer and be responsive to confrontation, a primary tool God uses to bring accountability. God is bringing all the gifts together in one pool in order to equip the saints to be laborers, no longer spectators.

The body of Christ needs discernment to judge prophecy through Scripture, leadership, and prayer because not all prophetic words are delivered with the right spirit, from the heart of God. Applying the right qualifiers before accepting a word is crucial in creating a prophetic community. The application of prophecy should be guided and directed by leaders who can provide accountability and assistance to those under their care, helping them reach the destiny God intends for their lives.

Chris Overstreet shared testimonies of healing and salvations that occurred during the back pack give-away. In Luke 2 the sheperds prophesied over Jesus. All marveled, but Mary treasured these tings and pondered them in her heart. Many can enoy and feel edified by prophetic word, but it can sometimes take years for a word to come about. Mary's heart was the womb of of the word of God. She gave that word a safe place to be preserved and protected. Hebrews says that by faith they inherited promises. Faith attracts promises into people's lives. The Lord has a destiny for humanity of divine encounter that even the biggest dreamer could not imagine. The Lord wants to find people He can rest on so that they can bring forth a word of God.

A false prophet isn't someone who gets a word wrong, it is someone who has an evil heart. Matthew 7 reveals a common thread for false prophets which is lawlessness in that they hear the word of God, but do not do it. 1 John 4 reveals a test for a false prophet. They don't acknowledge the redemptive power of God; they don't listen; nor do they love. False prophets use fear and fear of punishment as a main motivation in their ministry to get people to do what they predict.

The primary goal of the 5 fold is to equip the saints. John the Baptist baptized for repentance while Jesus baptized for ressurrection. When you were baptized, you entered with a cross but exited with a crown.
The old covenant revealed we need a savior. The prophet's job was to let you know that sin deserved judgment, and justice came through judgment. However, the job description for a prophet changed from the old covenant to the new covenant. In old covenant we judge people while in the new covenant we judge prophesy. In the new covenant, it is a ministry of reconciliation.