Phillip Phinn, Contributor

Rev. Dr. Phillip Phinn, senior pastor of the Word of Life Ministries International, which meets in Hagley Park Plaza in St. Andrew. - Junior Dowie Staff Photographer

Undoubtedly, prophecy is a gift and a ministry that we should encourage to the uttermost in our churches. A lot of misconceptions on prophecy arise out of a lack of knowledge and understanding about what it is, how it works and the way in which we should release it in to the local church.

Prophecy restores our soul, renews our mind, and revives our spirit. It cuts through the darkness bringing real light, real faith and real confidence; it counters our poor attitudes and negative concepts about ourselves, and creates an understanding and appreciation of our personal value. (1Corinthians 14:3)

Prophecy will not leave the church feeling confused, degraded or condemned. It will not make people feel inferior or intimidated. Part of prophecy is to bring a strengthening of ties between God and his people. The word edify (to strengthen and build up) occurs seven times in this chapter of Corinthians alone.

Prophecy releases encouragement at the right time, in the right way, and with the proper word, the Lord releases a magnificent blessing through the prophetic utterance. It will reassure and inspire people to thanksgiving. It will stimulate faith and create a sense of well-being in the congregation.

Comfort

Prophecy also releases comfort into people's lives made bitter by hardness, pain and difficult circumstances. God does not always shield us as we go through the fires, and difficult circumstances, but he will drop a word of consolation. That word can alleviate pain, reduce stress, invigorate people's hearts and provide a wealth of support that will ultimately refresh people and gladden their hearts.

Prophecy can bring correction and warning. Many times in Scripture, people were given warnings through prophecy to turn from their wicked ways and repent. It is very important that we meet with leaders and responsible people prior to any public utterance of this type of word. This pre-meeting can act as a filter to strain off our own frustrations, hurts and personal negativity. This will enable us to give a pure and clean word.

Prophecy can provide direction and enhance vision. Direction, purpose and vision are vital for individuals and groups. Where there is no vision, we have a lot of perishing people! From within the church, the prophetic word can be released that will provide a focus on which we can hang our goals and plans.

Prophecy provides an agenda for prayer. The most sensible thing we can do in a prayer meeting is to find out what God wants to do and ask him to do it. Most successful prayer initiatives have their roots in the prophetic. Prophecy creates a prayer agenda.

Prophecy opens up the teaching of the word and confirms preaching. (1Corinthians 13:2) "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and knowledge." In Scripture language, a mystery is a secret, hidden thoughts, plans, etc. which are concealed at times from mankind. Prophecy can inspire understanding of mysteries and knowledge. Paul confirms this when he writes about his "insight into the mystery of Christ, hidden for generations, but now revealed to apostle and prophets." (Ephesians 3:4-5)

Prophecy can provide evangelistic breakthroughs "if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand should come in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all. The secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming "God is really among you." (1Corinthians 14:24 -25) The result of prophecy can be dynamic and dramatic. Prophecy is revelatory; God can reveal all things, even innermost secrets.

Insight

Prophecy provides insight into coun-selling situations. The prophetic can get to the heart of situations in quite a profound way, laying the axe to the root of a problem. The prophetic will create movement and change. In counselling, prophecy can be very time saving. It strips away unhelpful attitudes and layers of deception, in which people can hide wisdom; save us from endless hours of dialogue by exposing situations and bringing a quick release.

Prophecy provides a spirit of thanksgiving and praise. Normally, we continue in persevering prayer until God tells us to stop, the issue is resolved, or an answer is on the way. Prophecy can reveal to people exactly what is on God's heart now, and what we should next in response to the moving of the Spirit.

Prophecy changes the atmosphere; it opens the door to miracles and provides an injection of faith.

The Rev. Dr. Phillip Phinn is senior pastor of the Word of Life Ministries International and a leading figure in the local prophetic community. He may be reached at wolmi10@yahoo.com.