God is doing something exciting in the earth. It is not something new as it began nearly two thousand years ago in the city of Jerusalem. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, the power from heaven promised by Jesus was poured out on the praying disciples. Filled with the Counsellor, who Jesus had talked about just before his death and resurrection, the embryonic church burst from the womb of the Upper Room into the streets and the gathered crowd heard a miracle when each visitor heard the Apostles and the other believers declare the glory of God in their own language. We have become so used to this story that we can fail to notice the importance of the message that Peter brought to the crowds. When defending the believers from the accusation of drunkenness Peter referred to the promise of the Prophet Joel that when God’s Spirit was poured out then people of all ages, of all classes, male and female, would prophesy. Rather than trying to explain the miracle of the different tongues Peter points higher to what the message the people heard was – the declaration of the glory of God.
This outpouring has not, as some would claim, come to an end. Peter referred to that day as being part of the end times. The end times finish with Jesus coming again. Until He comes again the Holy Spirit is being poured out, and people are prophesying. We see this truth in Paul’s teaching about those who are called to be Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Pastors, and Evangelists. Paul gives these roles a purpose of “equipping the saints (believers) for works of service”. Believers still need equipping to do the work God has called them to do, this will only end when Christ comes again. The Bride is not ready, the work is not complete, so prophecy and the other gifts are needed.
But with great power comes great responsibility. This is the reason why Paul warns his readers that all should not presume to be Teachers, as Teachers will be judged more harshly. Yes, there is a judgment. The works of believers will be tested in the fire of God’s holiness. Teachers, Prophets, Apostles and Others will be judged not only on their deeds but how they have equipped others to fulfill their unique calling.
This power is also why there are false prophets, apostles, teachers, and pastors mentioned in the Bible. Some are false because they operate out of their own strength and selfish needs for power and glory, even though they started out in truth, while others are false because they operate in untruth teaching heresy, prophesying messages that call people away from God’s truth to a sinful compromise at best and a total abandoning of morality and the law of the Lord at worst. Jesus knew that there would be this problem, a problem that is as old as the Fall. From the golden calf made in the desert, to the worship of the brass serpent and the altar made by Gideon, to the idolatry of Solomon, to the heresies of Gnosticism and the Nicolaitans, to Arianism, to the modern “hyper-grace” movement and the tenants of liberalism God has set His word as a touchstone of truth that we can use to protect ourselves and set others free. But if we are to do this then we must keep the house clean. If we are involved in the prophetic we must be careful of falling into the excesses that such a ministry can encourage, as much as we need to keep our hearts clean before God. It is easy to become a prophetic superstar as people buy our books, fill our conferences, watch us on You Tube, and fail to fulfill the role of an equipper. It is easy to speak too harshly or too softly. It is easy to control and not lead or disciple. Jesus saw this problem in the churches of Asia Minor and spoke into their lives, calling them to overcome their issues so that they could reign with Him. While spoken to the churches at Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, His message is a true for us at it was for them. These challenges and promises are as rich for us as for the believers in these churches – if we are willing to be obedient.
Taking the letters from Christ to the seven churches of Asia Minor I want to attempt to examine what the issues facing those churches were, and how they are true of the situation facing the church – and more specifically the prophetic movement – today, before exploring what the promise entails for us if we stay true to the One who is Truth, His Spirit of Truth, and His word of truth that is the Bible.