Prophecies

What are prophecies?  Why has the Lord given them to us?  What are we to do with them?  How do we “test the words of the prophets,” as St. Paul writes?

Here is what the Bible has to say about the spiritual gift of prophecy?

1.   "Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy ... so that the church may be edified" (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5).

2.   The prophetic message is "a word appropriately spoken" (Proverbs 25:11) that originates from God.

3.   Prophecies are "good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear" (Ephesians 4:29).

4.   “… don’t stifle those who have a word from the [Lord, but also] don’t be gullible. Check out everything” (Message, 1 Thess 5:19-21)

(As part of good church order, it is the role of those ordained to church leadership to affirm that a prophecy is indeed a word from the Lord.)

The Bible is clear about the purpose of prophecy:  "He who prophesies speaks to men for their building-up, encouragement and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3).  It can be God’s words of comfort, assurance, exhortation, admonition or correction for the purpose of revealing God’s presence and inspiring transformation among His people.  A prophecy is a word from God for the particular moment, given through a specific individual, to a specific person or group.

With all this in mind, I invite you to meditate on the prophecies below that God has given us.  What do you hear the Lord saying to you and to this church family

 

Spoken by The Rev. Nancy Kenney, Sunday Eucharist, August 25

I came to give you life.  I came to give you life in abundance.  Come to Me so you can live the life I came to give you.  Let go of the things of the world that hold you, so you can put your hand in mine and I can shower you with blessings.  I came to give you life, life in abundance.

Spoken by Nancy Hartley at Sunday Eucharist, September 1

My Children, do not fear the place of change and transition, what it might mean and the darkness of the unknown.  Do not be afraid.  Do not be anxious.  I am your God.  I am faithful to you. Press into Me. Rest in Me.  You are upheld by my hand. I walk with you.  I will do good for you.  Trust Me

 Father Rob