03/30/03 - "Understanding Prophetic Ministry" - by Pastor Mike Baker

Rev 19:10
Prophetic Ministry - What does that mean? Prophetic ministry is the testimony of Jesus.

1. About Jesus and what He has done.
2. Of Jesus about God and what He is doing in the church today.

Prophetic ministry enables:

• vital breath - intimate relationship
• inspired preaching
• interpretation of the word of God

Prophetic Ministry comes forth in the church in two ways:

1. The Isaiah Prophet or "the house prophet" (Isaiah 2:1-4) - lay the foundation of hope to build the nation of Israel. Here the primary focus is on the law (the Word) and abiding in it.
2. The Joel Prophet (Joel 2:28-32) - emphasis on the Spirit, signs, wonders and end times. Everything that happens in your life has a spiritual connection.

There traps for the Isaiah prophets:

• too much order without the Spirit
• can miss some things when they become too analytical and block out things that are too chaotic.

There traps for the Joel prophets:

• Need to allow for God's order as well
• want to hear what God is saying right now.

Both Isaiah and Joel can be very powerful and both are needed. The key is to accept the full expression of both and not try to make them something that they are not. Don't put them into boxes

Definition of the word prophetic is the word "now". The "nowness" of God:

• don't have to have visions, dreams or hear voices.
• all you have to do is read the Word and it is placed into your heart. Then you share what you have learned.
• you are prophetic when you see the vision of God.
• "now" word of testimony
• "now" hug of love
• "now" teaching at the right moment

We must plan and prepare for the Holy Spirit.

FAQ about prophecy:

1. If God is a God of order, why doesn't He have all of this planned out?
   • He does have it planned out, but He just doesn't always tell us ahead of time.
   • we'd mess it up by trying to make it happen.
   • how willing are we to flow into the unknown. Do what we know to do and let God take care of the rest.
2. What is the anointing?
   • power of God that enables us to do something we cannot do on our own.
   • the anointing is what makes things come alive
   • connects the Spirit with your spirit
   • essence or fragrance of God
   • breath of God in our lives
   • nobody is going to hit the mark 100%
   • gives us wisdom in how to teach and preach
   • ignites it in each one of our hearts
   • destroys yokes and burdens and allows healing
3. Why does ministry take place after worship?
   • II Chronicles 5
   • Acts 2
   • anointing most powerful after the worship - releases ministry gifts

Prophetic ministry?

• go beyond what the list had
• want to have God release what He wants done.