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PROPHECY

Prophecy is a divine message from God, given through His chosen messengers, to reveal His will, warn, encourage, or guide His people. The Bible emphasizes that true prophecy comes from God and aligns with His Word, while false prophecy is condemned.

The Purpose of Prophecy

🔹 Reveals God's Will – Prophecy unveils God's plans and purposes. (Amos 3:7 - "Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.")

🔹 Encourages & Strengthens Believers – Prophecy builds up the church. (1 Corinthians 14:3 - "But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.")

🔹 Calls People to Repentance – Prophecy often warns and urges repentance. (Jeremiah 25:4-5 - "Again and again the Lord has sent you his servants, the prophets, but you have not listened or even paid attention.")

🔹 Points to Jesus – Prophecy ultimately leads to Christ. (Revelation 19:10 - "For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.")

Testing Prophecy

Since false prophets exist, believers must discern true prophecy by:
✅ Checking against Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21 - "No prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.")
✅ Observing its Fulfillment (Deuteronomy 18:22 - "If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message.")
âś… Examining its Fruits (Matthew 7:15-16 - "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit.")

Prophecy in the New Testament

🔹 The Holy Spirit Gives the Gift of Prophecy – Prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts given to believers. (1 Corinthians 12:10 - "He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy.")

🔹 Prophecy Should Be Done in Order – It should be used properly within the church. (1 Corinthians 14:29 - "Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.")

🔹 Prophecy Will Continue Until Christ Returns – But human knowledge and prophecy will pass away when perfection comes. (1 Corinthians 13:8-9 - "But prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever.")

The Warning Against False Prophets

🚨 False Prophets Lead People Astray – They claim to speak for God but deceive many. (Matthew 24:11 - "And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.")

🚨 They Twist God’s Word – False teachers manipulate prophecy for their gain. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.")

🚨 God Will Judge False Prophets – Those who misuse prophecy face God’s wrath. (Jeremiah 23:16 - "Do not listen to these prophets when they prophesy to you, filling you with futile hopes.")

Prophecy is a powerful tool God uses to guide His people, but it must always align with Scripture, truth, and the character of Christ. True prophecy glorifies God, builds His Kingdom, and leads people closer to Him. Always test prophecy, seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, and follow God’s Word above all!

God’s Heart on Prophecy

God deeply values prophecy because it is one of the ways He reveals His will, encourages His people, and brings clarity to His plans. Throughout Scripture, prophecy is shown as a divine gift that edifies, corrects, and directs His people toward righteousness.

God Desires to Reveal His Will

🔹 God Speaks Through Prophets – He has always used prophets to communicate His will.
"Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." – Amos 3:7 (NLT)

🔹 Prophecy Brings Direction and Understanding – It gives people insight into God’s plans.
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path." – Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

God Calls His People to Listen & Respond to Prophecy

🔹 True Prophecy Leads to Repentance and Transformation
"The Lord does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent." – 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

🔹 God Expects Obedience to His Prophetic Word
"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." – James 1:22 (NLT)

God Warns Against False Prophets

🔹 Not All Who Claim to Speak for God Are From Him
"Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves." – Matthew 7:15 (NLT)

🔹 God Will Hold False Prophets Accountable
"I am against these false prophets. Their imaginary dreams are flagrant lies that lead my people into sin. I did not send or appoint them, and they have no message at all for my people." – Jeremiah 23:32 (NLT)

Prophecy in the New Testament: A Gift for the Church

🔹 Prophecy is Given for Encouragement and Edification
"But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them." – 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT)

🔹 God Desires All to Seek Prophetic Gifts
"Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy." – 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT)

🔹 True Prophecy Always Points to Jesus
"For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus." – Revelation 19:10 (NLT)

God’s Desire for Prophecy Today

God wants prophecy to be used to bring truth, encouragement, and direction to His people. However, He also calls His people to test every prophecy against His Word, ensuring it aligns with His character and purpose.

💡 Prophecy should always lead to Jesus, build the church, and reflect God’s heart of love, truth, and righteousness. Let us remain open to His voice, discerning in His wisdom, and faithful in obeying His guidance.

Key Scriptures on Prophecy (NLT)

God Speaks Through Prophets

🔹 "Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets." – Amos 3:7

🔹 "Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son." – Hebrews 1:1-2

The Purpose of Prophecy

🔹 "But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them." – 1 Corinthians 14:3

🔹 "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy." – 1 Corinthians 14:1

🔹 "For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus." – Revelation 19:10

Testing Prophecy & Avoiding False Prophets

🔹 "Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." – 1 John 4:1

🔹 "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves." – Matthew 7:15

🔹 "If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared." – Deuteronomy 18:22

Prophecy in the Last Days

🔹 "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams." – Acts 2:17 (Joel 2:28)

🔹 "But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future." – John 16:13

These scriptures highlight the importance, purpose, and discernment needed for prophecy. True prophecy always aligns with God’s Word and points to Jesus Christ!

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