by Anna Aquino

Created on: March 22, 2009   Last Updated: March 24, 2009

The prophetic voice in the church has been silenced for far too long. I know that many call the use of the gifts of the Spirit within the modern Christian church a controversy but I don't understand why. Are we reading the same Bible?

Jesus personally prophesied while He was here on the earth. When he was talking to the woman at the well in John 4:17 He tells the woman she's not married, but that the water of life can essentially satisfy the whole in her heart. The Bible clearly states in Acts 2:17 " 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams." Jesus clearly states that we are commissioned as followers of Christ to be like him and do the things that He did upon the earth. So prophesying and laying the hands on the sick are included in that. I suppose the real question is not is it okay to prophesy because the Bible is clear about that. The question is what is prophesy, and what is not prophesy? John 10:27 says"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." Prophesy is hearing the voice of God. It can either be for your life or someone else's. Prophesy is listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Prophesy is not a psychic reading, using tarot cards, or reading coffee grounds. That is listening to another "voice" that is not God.

It is so sad to see so many people flocking to other religions outside of Christianity because they are hungry for the supernatural power of God. So many of this generation are desperate to see a very real God working in their lives, and it's sad to say many times the devil has provided them a counterfeit. 1 Corinthians 14:24 says, "But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all," The gifts of the Holy Spirit are awesome, but they aren't just for the church. Their for the world to see that there is a very real God alive and working in the lives of people. Their for people to see God and know that He is good.

I am fortunate to be in a place where it's not uncommon that I am prophesying over someone. I am not a psychic. I do not consider myself a prophet. I am no one special. I'm just someone that loves the Lord and is trying to follow him. If you're a believer then you too have that same ability. It's the ability to speak His words, and obey them.

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