Speaking With Boldness

I used to be part of a church who believed in prophets and prophecy through the Old Testament eyesight until the people came to realize that what was prophesied to them never came to manifestation, and that much of what they learnt weren't in agreement with the redeeming aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Then many completely turn to the other end of the spectrum by becoming opposed to any mention of the words prophet and prophecy. Now I think I understand some of the roles of the Old Testament Prophets who were spokesperson for God. Anyone can read in the bible how these mighty servants of God classified as Major and Minor Prophets were used by him. But what does the New Testament say about prophets? Are there any prophets in our church age?

The Word of God in the New Testament is that God has appointed for the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages (1 Corinthians 12:28). We read in the book of Acts that there were prophets in the newly established church and that some came down from Jerusalem to Antioch to predict a future famine that will spread through the entire Roman world (Acts 11:27). The bible in Acts 21:9 wrote about the four daughters of Philipp the Evangelist who prophesied. We can also see that the prophet Agabus was able to prophesied to Paul about how he will be treated by the gentiles under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (Acts 21:10-11). These are just a few examples dear to my heart to explain that God is still using people with a receptive heart to speak his Word with power although his callings are not being evidenced by all who are being called and used by him.

We read in Revelations 19 verse 10 that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. In my opinion all blood brought believers of Christ called children of God and who speak the true Word of God are prophets. A Christian role is to declare that Christ has come, has redeemed his people from the power of the enemy Satan, and has showed us mercy by providing salvation for all. The only thing is that although salvation is provided for all, only the ones who believed that truth will experience the new eternal and glorious life of the kingdom of God . Only the ones who believe in Jesus are his. Do you believe?

I personally love the definition of a prophet in Luke 1:76-79 given by Zechariah at the birth of his son John. His words are, “and you my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

One can see that Zechariah was full of the Holy Spirit when he prophesied that God was reconciling the world unto him and not imputing unto us our sins. Zechariah predicted that Father was making peace with humanity by making Christ, who knew no sin, sin for us so we can be the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:19-21. We are no longer judged by Father according to our sins. Jesus carried the penalty of sin that is death and eternal separation from Father for us all by dying on the cross. Father loves us as we are, and we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!

As we are preparing the way for the return of the Lord in these dark times, let us all speak his Word with truth so he can shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide their feet into the path of peace and reconciliation with the Father. And as prophets of the most High God let us all live to our callings of showing to all people who do not know Father that they are called out of darkness to the marvelous light of the kingdom of God by what we do, say and how we act. Our lives should be used for the glory of God. Let us proclaim the great news of the Gospel without fear because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. In that Gospel the righteousness from God is revealed that will allow all appointed for eternal life to believe and to live by faith (Romans 1:16-17; Acts 13:48).

Let us follow in all things and always the Holy Spirit Father residing in us so we can demonstrate the love and compassion of God to others. Also let's us all pray Father to enable us to serve him without fear and to live in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. In so doing, we will be able to say these same words and be the one as is written in the book of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill make low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see Gods salvation' ” (Isaiah 40:3-5). Amen!

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 1 Feb '09