What Is Biblical Prophecy?
We have written a brief guide to biblical prophecy to help you understand what prophecy is, how to weigh prophetic words and how to process them. If you are interested in learning more, please have a look at the training that we offer.
What is the gift of prophecy?
Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. As with all spiritual gifts it is given for the common good to the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:7,10). The Apostle Paul is emphatic that believers should not be ignorant towards these gifts (1 Cor 12:1) and expresses his desire that all believers should eagerly desire spiritual gifts especially the gift of prophecy (1 Cor 14:1). Prophecy is also described by Paul (1 Cor 14) as a gift that strengthens, encourages and comforts and one that builds up the church, and in the Old Testament Moses expressed a similar passion (Numbers 11) when he wished all of God’s people were prophets.
At the birth of the Church in Acts 2:17-18 Peter expresses that prophecy is for everyone and in John 10:27 John says we will all hear his voice.
is talking about the birth of the early church, He quotes the prophet Joel when he says that God will pour out His Spirit and all believers will prophesy.
Paul is not alone in his desire that we should prophesy, Moses expressed similar sentiments (Numbers 11) when he wished all of God’s people were prophets. The writer to the Hebrews in chapter 8 says they shall all know me. The knowing the writer is talking about is one of intimacy, and one of communion, both of which cannot happen without communication. This is part of our inheritance as believers.
You were made to hear God’s voice
Throughout the Word there is a resounding theme that as believers we were made to not only hear the voice of God but also to communicate that with others. Our desire is that the body of Christ would be equipped effectively to prophesy. To recognise and discern the voice of God, to learn how to weigh prophetic words and most of all to fall in love with Jesus because this is about Him. It always has been and always will be.
Weighing and processing prophetic words
We have put together a leaflet that you can download to help you know how to weigh and process prophetic word, it is by no means exhaustive but we believe it will give you a good biblical foundation to get the most from your prophetic words.
