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Prophets

Prophecy in the New Testament Church

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In the New Testament (NT), prophecy is both a gift and a ministry. Unlike the Old Testament model, where prophets often held exclusive access to God’s voice for the people, the NT church reveals a more widespread prophetic activity among believers. This shift is anchored in Acts 2:17 (NASB): “And it shall be in the last days,” God says, “That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy…” Prophecy becomes a common manifestation of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Key aspects of prophecy in the NT Church:

  • Edification, exhortation, and consolation (1 Corinthians 14:3 NASB). Prophecy in the church is primarily for the building up of others—encouraging, calling forth, and comforting.
  • Accessible and orderly: “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted” (1 Corinthians 14:31 NASB). The gift is not limited to a few but made available to many.
  • Tested, not blindly followed: Unlike OT prophets who spoke with unchallenged authority, NT prophecy is subject to discernment: “Do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21 NASB).
  • Distinguished from the office of prophet: While many may prophesy, Ephesians 4:11 notes that Christ specifically gives some to the church as prophets. These individuals carry a greater mantle of responsibility and often operate in consistent revelation, foundational roles, or regional influence.

The prophetic voice in the NT church is ultimately a testimony of Yeshua. Revelation 19:10 (NASB) says, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” It’s not about future-telling alone; it’s about revealing the heart, purposes, and presence of Yeshua to His people.

The Office of the Prophet vs. the Gift of Prophecy

A clear contrast must be made:

Office of ProphetGift of Prophecy
Part of the fivefold ministry (Eph. 4:11)One of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:10)
Carries governmental authority within the churchOperates under local church authority
Often directional or foundational (Acts 13:1–3)Primarily for strengthening, encouragement, comfort
Tested by fruit and longevityTested by content and discernment in the moment
Long-term development and callingMay be used occasionally or seasonally

A prophet may function with visions, dreams, divine warnings, and strong directional insight, like Agabus, who prophesied a famine and warned Paul of persecution (Acts 11:27–30; Acts 21:10–11).

What Are Words of Knowledge?

Words of knowledge are another gift of the Spirit, distinct from prophecy, yet often operating together. 1 Corinthians 12:8 (NASB) says: “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit.”

A word of knowledge is a supernatural insight into a fact or reality the speaker could not have naturally known. It’s not future-oriented like prophecy often is, but present or past-focused, often unlocking faith or repentance.

Examples:

  • Yeshua tells the woman at the well that she had five husbands (John 4:16–19).
  • Peter confronts Ananias and Sapphira about their lie (Acts 5:1–4).
  • Paul knows that a man has faith to be healed (Acts 14:9–10).

Contrasting Prophecy and Words of Knowledge

ProphecyWord of Knowledge
Often future-focused or directiveUsually present or past-focused
Brings encouragement, direction, or warningReveals hidden facts to unlock hearts or faith
Can be general for a group or specific to a personOften specific and personal
May call someone into a future they didn’t seeMay reveal something they thought was hidden

Words of knowledge often prepare the way for prophecy. A person hears a fact only God could know—this stirs their heart. Then, prophecy can flow, giving them direction or encouragement. It’s like a divine one-two punch.

A Church Gathering

Imagine a gathering where a woman is struggling privately with fear. The Spirit gives someone a word of knowledge: “There’s someone here who hasn’t slept peacefully in three nights because of dread.” That person is identified and feels exposed—in a good way. Then prophecy comes: “The Lord says, ‘You are not alone. I have stood by your bed. I am driving out fear and giving you peace tonight.’”

Both gifts worked together—word of knowledge revealed the situation, and prophecy revealed the heart of God.

Conclusion: Prophecy in the New Testament Church

Prophecy in the New Testament Church is vital, powerful, and accessible. It must be sought with humility, tested with Scripture, and permanently anchored in the person of Yeshua. The Lord desires His people not just to hear sermons, but to hear His voice. As we hunger for more of Him and press into the Spirit’s leading, both prophets and words of knowledgehelp the church grow in love, unity, and holiness.

Prayer

Father YHVH, we thank You for pouring out Your Spirit in these last days. Let prophecy rise again in purity and power. Cleanse us of pride or fear, and train our ears to hear Your voice clearly. Let the gifts of the Spirit not be rare among us, but normal, humbling us with awe. Use us to encourage, convict, and lead others back to Yeshua. We want more of You and less of us. Teach us to speak what You are saying and to listen with trembling hearts. In the name of Yeshua our Messiah, Amen.

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Faith

God’s Promises: Healing & Blessings

  1. It is written that the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven (James 5:15, AMP).
  2. It is written that He Himself took our infirmities [upon Himself] and carried away our diseases (Matthew 8:17, AMP).
  3. It is written that the Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18, AMP).
  4. It is written that the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power] (James 5:16, AMP).
  5. It is written that ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7, AMP).
  6. It is written that whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive (Matthew 21:22, AMP).
  7. It is written that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7, AMP).
  8. It is written that the Lord bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The Lord make His face shine upon you [with favor], and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:24-25, AMP).
  9. It is written that He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power (Isaiah 40:29, AMP).
  10. It is written that blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be [completely] satisfied (Matthew 5:6, AMP).
  11. It is written that blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 5:8, AMP).
  12. It is written that He forgives all your sins, He heals all your diseases; He redeems your life from the pit, He crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy (Psalm 103:3-4, AMP).
  13. It is written that He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow] (Psalm 147:3, AMP).
  14. It is written that I am the Lord who heals you (Exodus 15:26, AMP).
  15. It is written that those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; they will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles (Isaiah 40:31, AMP).
  16. It is written that He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be death; there will no longer be sorrow and anguish, or crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4, AMP).
  17. It is written that the righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord rescues him from them all (Psalm 34:19, AMP).
  18. It is written that I will restore you to health and I will heal your wounds, declares the Lord (Jeremiah 30:17, AMP).
  19. It is written that God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8, AMP).
  20. It is written that the Lord is my shepherd [to feed, to guide, and to shield me], I shall not want (Psalm 23:1, AMP).

Every word You speak, Lord, is a promise that You keep. You are not a man that You should lie, nor a son of man that You should change Your mind (Numbers 23:19). What You declare, You fulfill. What You promise, You bring to pass. You have spoken healing, blessing, and power over those who believe, and Your word does not return void, but accomplishes everything You have sent it to do (Isaiah 55:11).

You said, “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will rescue you, and you shall honor Me” (Psalm 50:15, AMP). That is a promise, not a suggestion. You said, “I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26, AMP), and You have never failed. You declared, “Ask, and you shall receive” (Matthew 7:7, AMP), and You stand by that word.

How can we doubt when the evidence of Your faithfulness fills the pages of Scripture? Abraham believed, and You counted it as righteousness (Romans 4:3). David called on You, and You delivered him from every enemy (Psalm 34:4). The leper asked, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean,” and You answered, “I am willing. Be cleansed.” (Matthew 8:2-3, AMP). You never speak in vain, and You never fail to keep Your word.

So today, we believe. We take You at Your word. We stand on every promise, knowing that what You have spoken will come to pass. You said You would bless, and You will bless. You said You would heal, and You will heal. You said You would hear and answer prayer, and You will answer.

Lord, let faith arise in every heart that reads this. Let doubt be shattered by the truth of Your unshakable word. You are faithful, You are true, and You will do what You have said.

Amen. It is written. It is spoken. It is done.

See Also

Hope

Holy Boldness and Spiritual Hope: A Call to Stand Firm in Faith

Introduction

In times of uncertainty, God calls us to a life of holy boldness and spiritual hope. This call is not reserved for a select few; it’s an invitation for every believer to step into their God-given purpose with confidence, faith, and unwavering hope. When we embrace both holy boldness and spiritual hope, we stand as beacons of light in a world hungry for truth, courage, and hope.

Holy Boldness: A Gift of Faith

“The righteous are as bold as a lion.” — Proverbs 28:1

Holy boldness isn’t arrogance; it’s a confidence that flows from our relationship with God. It’s the courage that comes from knowing He stands with us, guiding and strengthening us in all circumstances. When Peter and John proclaimed the gospel despite fierce opposition, they did so with a boldness that astonished their listeners (Acts 4:13). This was holy boldness—a humble yet powerful conviction rooted in God’s truth.

As followers of Christ, we are called to step out in this same boldness. Whether sharing our faith, standing firm in our convictions, or speaking God’s truth, holy boldness empowers us to act with courage. “Since we have such a hope, we are very bold” (2 Corinthians 3:12). This boldness reflects our trust in God’s promises and our confidence that His Word is true.

Spiritual Hope: An Anchor for the Soul

Spiritual hope is our anchor in every season. It is the foundation of our faith, a constant reminder that God’s promises are sure and His love is unwavering. Scripture tells us that “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). This hope is more than optimism; it is a deep assurance rooted in God’s character and His Word.

When life’s storms come, spiritual hope keeps us steady. “Against all hope, in hope [we] believed” (Romans 4:18). This hope is what sustained the apostles as they spread the gospel, facing trials with joy and strength that defied explanation. Paul urges us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Spiritual hope is not passive; it is active, infusing our lives with endurance and strength.

The Power of Hope and Boldness Together

When holy boldness and spiritual hope work together, we become powerful witnesses to God’s truth. Boldness enables us to speak courageously, while hope allows us to endure patiently. This combination was evident in the early church, as believers were “filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). Despite persecution, they were unshaken, anchored by their hope in Christ.

Boldness and hope are not only for times of strength; they sustain us even in our weakness. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we embrace our dependence on God, He fills us with a holy boldness that points others to Him, not ourselves. In every trial, let us cling to His promises with a hope that cannot be moved.

Living in Holy Boldness and Spiritual Hope Today

In our world, holy boldness and spiritual hope are needed more than ever. As believers, we are called to be lights in the darkness, bringing the message of Christ with courage and compassion. Here are a few practical ways to live out this call:

  • Pray for Boldness: Like the apostles, ask God to fill you with holy boldness. Boldness is a gift from the Spirit, not something we muster up on our own. Ask God to give you the courage to share your faith, speak the truth, and stand firm in His promises.
    • Acts 4:29-31 – “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness…”
    • Ephesians 6:19-20 – “Pray… that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.”
  • Anchor Yourself in Scripture: Spiritual hope grows as we meditate on God’s Word. Let verses like “I will hope continually and will praise You yet more and more” (Psalm 71:14) remind you of His faithfulness.
    • Romans 15:4 – “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
    • Psalm 119:49-50 – “Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”
  • Encourage Others: Hope is contagious. Share words of encouragement with fellow believers, lifting them up with the assurance of God’s promises. As Paul wrote, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
    • Hebrews 10:23-25 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful… encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
  • Stand Firm in Your Convictions: Boldness often requires us to stand against cultural norms or pressures. Remember, “we have this hope as an anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:19). Let this hope give you courage to remain steadfast.
    • 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
    • 2 Timothy 1:7-8 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…”

Each of these points is grounded in God’s Word, providing both the foundation and the strength to live with holy boldness and enduring spiritual hope. Let these scriptures stir your heart and deepen your faith as you meditate on them.

Conclusion

Holy boldness and spiritual hope are God’s gifts to every believer. They are the tools we need to navigate life’s challenges, to shine His light, and to share His love with a world in need. As we walk in boldness and hope, may we be known as people who “delight in God’s commandments” (Psalm 119:47) and whose lives radiate the hope found only in Christ.

Beloved, press forward in holy boldness and spiritual hope. Step out with courage rooted in God’s promises, and let your life be a testimony of His unshakeable love and enduring faithfulness.

Priorities

Priorities

God

  1. Matthew 6:33 (AMP) “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.” 
  2. Matthew 22:37–38 (AMP) “And Jesus replied to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” 
  3. Colossians 3:2 (AMP) “Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value].”

Wife

  1. Ephesians 5:25-28 (AMP) “Husbands, love your wives, seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify the church, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word [of God], so that [in turn] He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy [set apart for God] and blameless. Even so husbands should and are morally obligated to love their own wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.” 
  2. 1 Peter 3:7 (AMP) “In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact], and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship, as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.”

Husband

  1. Ephesians 5:22-24 (AMP) “Wives, be subject [be submissive and adapt yourselves] to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house].”
  2. 1 Peter 3:1–2 (AMP) “In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate, not as inferior, but out of respect for the responsibilities entrusted to husbands and their accountability to God, and so partnering with them], so that even if some do not obey the word [of God], they may be won over [to Christ] without discussion by the godly lives of their wives, when they see your modest and respectful behavior [together with your devotion and appreciation—love your husband, encourage him, and enjoy him as a blessing from God].”

Family

  1. Ephesians 6:4 (AMP) “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” 
  2. 1 Timothy 5:8 (AMP) “If anyone fails to provide for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he has denied the faith [by disregarding its precepts] and is worse than an unbeliever.”

Ministry

  1. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (AMP) “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].” 
  2. 2 Timothy 4:2 (AMP) “preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.”

Job

  1. Colossians 3:23-24 (AMP) “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.” 
  2. Ephesians 6:7 (AMP) “Rendering service with goodwill, as to the Lord, and not [only] to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether [he is] slave or free.”

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