Some Basics About Prophecy

From TruthorTradition What is Prophecy? The answer to the question, “What is prophecy?” is of utmost importance, and so for clarity it is answered in four parts below. 1. Prophecy is speaking, writing, or otherwise communicating a message from God to a person or persons. When God or the Lord Jesus Christ gives a message to a person to deliver to an individual or group, and he delivers that message, it is prophecy. Although prophecy is usually spoken, it may also be delivered by writing it out and then delivering the written message, or it may be given another way, such as sign language. The point is, when a message from God or the Lord Jesus is delivered from one person to another, that is prophecy. When the message comes to the one who is charged with delivering it, it is “revelation” to that person. [2] It becomes prophecy when it is communicated to others. Because it is the communication of a message, prophecy can occur in many outward forms as an action or utterance. It is an outward expression of the inner move of the spirit of God. When God communicates a message through people, we describe what the people do as “prophetic.” For example, when God inspires a dancer to dance such that a message from God is communicated to His people, that is called “prophetic dancing.” If a painter paints a picture as God directs or inspires, and that picture communicates a message from God’s heart, that would be “prophetic.” It is sometimes the case that prophets are asked to act out the prophetic message. God commanded Hosea to marry a prostitute to communicate how He felt being “married” to Israel (Hosea 1:2). God commanded Jeremiah to put a yoke on his neck and wear it to communicate that Judah should not rebel against Babylon, but come under their yoke (Jer. 27:1-12). Agabus bound his own hands and feet to illustrate that Paul would be bound when he got to Jerusalem (Acts 21:10 and 11).                                                                          To fully understand prophetic action, it is important to realize that “messages” from God can be very subtle, sometimes relating only His love for us, or His greatness. For example, when God inspires a dancer or a painter, there may not be a specific directional message from the Lord that the audience is supposed to understand and act on, although there certainly could be. The message might be more along the lines of God communicating His glory to us.    From the book:       Prophecy   Understanding and Utilizing the Manifestation of Prophecy         By: John W. Schoenheit     If you wish to read/study more on this subject, then click the above link. There are many chapters which may interest you.     The authors featured at this site are not necessarily representative of this site's beliefs nor  are they  affiliated   with  truthtoldtoday.blogspot.com  As with all things, the reader is encouraged to search the Scriptures and make his/her own conclusion based on prayer, conscience and study of the Word of God.