Godchaser Podcast

Hearing God's Voice: Understanding Prophecy in Modern Christianity

• Evan Evans

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Could you be listening to God's voice today without even realizing it? Our latest episode invites you to explore the transformative nature of prophecy in the Bible, as we challenge the common perception of prophecy as mere fortune-telling. Instead, we uncover its profound role in conveying divine truths and God's perspective, drawing from passages like Amos 3:7 and Acts 2:17-18. By understanding the democratization of prophetic gifts in the New Testament, you'll learn how every believer can engage with prophecy, although not everyone holds the distinct office of a prophet. We emphasize the crucial role of discernment, guiding you to identify true prophetic messages that align with Scripture, glorify Jesus, and are confirmed by seasoned believers.

Journey with us through the nuances of prophecy in modern Christianity, as we distinguish between the roles of Old Testament prophets and contemporary voices. Discover how God continues to use prophecy as a means of communication, offering personal guidance and encouragement while navigating the complexities of unfulfilled prophecies. We'll discuss the difference between the office of a prophet and the gift of prophecy, providing practical insights into how God speaks to us today. Learn to test prophetic words effectively, ensuring they resonate with Scripture and mature Christian counsel. Whether you're new to the faith or a seasoned scholar, this episode offers enlightening perspectives on hearing and understanding God's voice in our lives.

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Speaker 1:

Hey there, god Chasers. Evan Evans here, and I'm thrilled you're joining us for another exciting episode of the God Chaser podcast. Today we're diving into a topic that's both fascinating and deeply relevant to our walk with God the prophetic voice of Scripture how God speaks to us today. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. Now I know what some of you might be thinking Prophetic. Isn't that just for the super spiritual folks? Or those Old Testament prophets? Well, my friends, get ready to have your perspective expanded.

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In this episode, we're going to explore how God's prophetic voice isn't locked away in ancient scrolls or reserved for a select view. It's alive, active and speaking to each one of us today through his word. We'll be tackling some big questions what does it really mean to be prophetic? Can anyone be a prophet or is it a special calling? How do we know if a prophetic word is truly from God? And, most importantly, how can we hear God's prophetic voice speaking into our everyday lives through Scripture?

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Whether you're a seasoned Bible scholar or just starting your journey of faith, this episode has something for you. We'll break down complex concepts into bite-sized pieces, share real-life examples and provide practical tips for tuning into God's voice. But here's a spoiler alert. This isn't just about gaining head knowledge. My prayer is that by the end of this episode, you'll be inspired to dive deeper into God's Word, expectant and excited to hear Him speak directly to you. So grab your Bible, find a comfy spot and get ready for a journey into the heart of prophecy and scripture. Who knows, this might just be the day you hear God's voice in a way you never have before. Remember, god isn't hiding. He's waiting to be found, so let's chase after him together.

Speaker 2:

Welcome to the God Chaser podcast, the ultimate destination for those yearning to cultivate a passionate, intimate relationship with God. Join your host, Evan Evans, as he explores the depths of scripture, shares inspiring testimonies and provides practical guidance to help you become a true God Chaser, Discover the transformative power of pursuing God's presence and be inspired to reignite your spiritual journey. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and get ready to embark on an adventure that will change your life forever. Welcome to the God Chaser Podcast. Let the chase begin.

Speaker 1:

Welcome, god Chasers, to another episode of the God Chaser podcast. I'm your host, evan Evans, and today we're diving deep into a fascinating and often misunderstood topic the prophetic voice of Scripture, how God speaks to us. Today We'll be exploring what it means to be prophetic, who prophets are and how God continues to communicate with us through his written word in our modern times. So grab your Bibles, a notebook, and let's chase after God together. First, let's start by defining what we mean by prophetic and prophecy. Many people hear these words and immediately think of fortune-telling or predicting the future, but the biblical understanding is much richer and more nuanced than that. In its essence, prophecy is simply God communicating His message to people. The prophet, then, is the messenger, the one who receives and delivers God's words. The prophet, then, is the messenger, the one who receives and delivers God's words. In the Bible, we see that prophecy can involve foretelling future events, but more often it's about foretelling declaring God's truth, will and perspective on current situations. Let's look at what the Bible says about prophecy. In the book of Amos, chapter 3, verse 7, we read Indeed, the sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants, the prophets. This verse shows us that God desires to communicate with his people. He doesn't keep his plans secret, but reveals them to those who are listening. Now you might be wondering can anyone be a prophet? That's a great question.

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In the Old Testament, we see specific individuals called by God to be prophets. Think of Elijah, isaiah or Jeremiah. These were people specially chosen and anointed for this role. However, in the New Testament, we see a shift. After Jesus' ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we see a democratization of the prophetic gift. In Acts 2, verses 17-18, peter quotes the prophet Joel. In the last days, god says I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams. In those days, I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. This passage suggests that the gift of prophecy is available to all believers filled with the Holy Spirit. However, it's important to note that, while all believers can potentially prophesy, not all are called to the office of a prophet, which we'll discuss later.

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Now let's address a crucial question how do we know, when someone speaks a word they claim is prophetic, that it's truly from God. This is where discernment comes in and it's vital for every believer. The Apostle Paul gives us some guidance in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 20-21. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. We're instructed to neither blindly accept nor outright reject prophetic words, but to test them. Here are some ways we can do that 1. Does it align with Scripture? God will never contradict His written Word. 2. Does it glorify Jesus? The Holy Spirit always points to Christ. 3. Does it bear good fruit? A true prophecy will edify, encourage and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14, verse 3. Four is it confirmed by other mature believers? Five do you have an inner witness of the Holy Spirit? Remember, even genuine prophets can sometimes mix their own thoughts or interpretations with God's message. That's why it's crucial to weigh everything carefully.

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Now let's consider why God would use prophecy today compared to the Old Testament. In the Old Testament era, prophecy was often a primary means of God communicating with his people, often a primary means of God communicating with his people. Prophets served as intermediaries between God and the people, delivering messages of warning, guidance and hope. Today we have the completed Scripture and the indwelling Holy Spirit, so why would God still use prophecy. Here are a few reasons. One, to bring the eternal truths of Scripture to bear on specific situations. Two, to encourage and build up the church 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 4. Three, to reveal things that are hidden 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 25. Four, to provide guidance for the church or individuals Acts, chapter 13, verses 1 to 3. 5. To prepare the church for future events Acts, chapter 11, verses 27 to 30. It's important to note that modern prophecy should always be in harmony with and subordinate to Scripture. It doesn't add to the Bible, but helps apply biblical truth to our current circumstances.

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Now let's address a common misconception. Many people today associate prophecy primarily with personal messages telling individuals about their past, predicting their future wealth or foretelling whom they'll marry. While God can certainly speak to personal matters, this narrow view of prophecy doesn't align with the biblical pattern In Scripture. Prophecy is primarily concerned with God's plans and purposes, often for the entire community of faith or even nations. Personal prophecies, while they exist, are not the main focus. For example, in Acts 11, verses 27-28, we read During this time, some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch.

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One of them, named Agabus, stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius. This prophecy wasn't about personal wealth or relationships, but about a significant event that would affect many people. It allowed the church to prepare and respond appropriately. So while God may sometimes speak to personal matters through prophecy, we should be cautious of an overemphasis on this aspect, especially when it comes to predicting wealth or relationships. Such focuses can lead to manipulation or false expectations.

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Now, does God choose to speak only to certain people? While God can speak to anyone he chooses, he often works through those who have cultivated a close relationship with him and are attentive to his voice. In 1 Samuel 3, verse 1, we read Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now, in those days, messages from the Lord were very rare and visions were quite uncommon. This verse suggests that hearing from God wasn't common at that time. However, samuel, who was dedicated to serving the Lord, became a prophet through whom God spoke regularly. This brings us to the question are there prophets today and, if so, how do they differ from Old Testament prophets?

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Many Christians believe that the office of prophets still exists today, based on passages like Ephesians, chapter 4, verse 11. Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists and the pastors and teachers. However, modern prophets differ from Old Testament prophets in several ways. 1. Authority Old Testament prophets often spoke with absolute divine authority. Thus says the Lord Today, prophetic messages are to be carefully weighed and tested. 1 Corinthians, 14.29 29. Two scope Old Testament prophets often address nations and kings. While this can still happen, modern prophecy often focuses more on the church. Three revelation Old Testament prophets received direct revelations that became Scripture. Modern prophecy doesn't add to scripture but applies it. Four accountability Modern prophets are accountable to the church leadership and the body of believers.

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Now let's discuss the difference between the office of a prophet and the gift of prophecy. This is an important distinction that can help us understand how prophecy functions in the church today. The office of a prophet refers to individuals specifically called and gifted by God to serve the body of Christ in a prophetic role. These are people recognized by the church for their consistent and accurate prophetic ministry. They often have a broader scope of ministry and may provide direction and insight for the larger body of Christ. On the other hand, the gift of prophecy is available to all believers filled with the Holy Spirit, as we saw earlier in Acts, chapter 2. This gift allows individuals to occasionally receive and share prophetic insights or messages, usually in the context of their local church community. Paul discusses this in 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, verse 31. In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. This verse suggests that many in the church can prophesy, not just those with the office of prophet. The key difference is that those with the office of prophet have a more consistent, recognized and often more broadly impactful prophetic ministry, while those exercising the gift of prophecy may do so more occasionally and typically within their local context.

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Now let's dive deeper into how God speaks to us today through the prophetic voice of Scripture. This is crucial because, while God can and does speak in various ways, his written word remains the primary and most reliable way he communicates with us. 2 Timothy 3, verses 16-17, tells us All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. This passage highlights the living, active nature of Scripture. It's not just a historical document or a set of rules, but a means through which God continually speaks, teaches, corrects and guides us. So how does this work practically? How can we hear God's prophetic voice through Scripture in our daily lives? Here are some ways.

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1. Personal Application as we read Scripture, the Holy Spirit often highlights specific verses or passages that speak directly to our current situations or questions. This is a form of personal prophecy God using His eternal Word to speak into our immediate circumstances. 2. Illumination Sometimes a familiar passage suddenly takes on new meaning or depth. This is the Holy Spirit illuminating Scripture, revealing layers of truth we hadn't seen before. 3. Conviction the Word of God can pierce our hearts, revealing areas where we need to repent or change. This convicting work of the Spirit through Scripture is prophetic in nature, calling us back to God's ways. 4. Guidance as we meditate on Scripture, we often receive guidance for decisions we need to make. This guidance aligns with God's written Word but applies specifically to our situation. 5. Encouragement 5. Encouragement shapes our understanding of current events and future possibilities.

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Let's look at a personal example to make this more relatable. Imagine you're facing a difficult decision at work. You've been offered a promotion, but it would mean less time with your family. As you pray about it, you decide to read your Bible. As you pray about it, you decide to read your Bible, you come across Matthew 6, verse 33. Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Suddenly, this familiar verse speaks to you in a new way. You realize that seeking God's kingdom should be your priority above career advancement. This insight helps you make your decision, choosing family time over the promotion. This is an example of how Scripture can speak prophetically into our specific situations.

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Now let's address a common question what if someone spoke a word of prophecy to you and it never materialized? How can we understand if this was God's word, and is there something we have to do to make the prophecy come true? This is a sensitive issue that requires wisdom and discernment. First, we need to remember that not every word claimed to be prophetic is actually from God. That's why testing prophecies is so important. Deuteronomy 18, verses 21-22 gives us some guidance, but you may wonder how will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord If the prophet speaks in the Lord's name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

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This passage suggests that one test of a true prophecy is its fulfillment. However, we need to be careful here. Some prophecies in Scripture were conditional, based on people's responses. For example, Jonah's prophecy about Nineveh's destruction didn't come to pass because the people repented. So if a prophetic word doesn't come to pass, here are some things to consider. 1. Was it truly from God? As we discussed earlier, test the prophecy against Scripture and seek confirmation from mature believers. 2. Was it conditional? Some prophetic words are invitations or warnings that require our response. Three was it misinterpreted? Sometimes we can misunderstand the meaning or timing of a prophetic word. Four is it for a future time? Some prophecies take time to fulfill. Five, did we play a part in hindering its fulfillment? Sometimes our choices can affect the outcome of a prophetic word. It's important to note that we don't make true prophecies come to pass. If it's genuinely God's word, he will bring it about in his time and way.

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Our role is to remain faithful, obedient and open to God's leading. Let's look at a practical example. Suppose someone prophesied that you would start a successful ministry. Years pass and nothing seems to happen. Here's how you might process this One. Reflect on the prophecy. Did it align with scripture? Was it confirmed by others? Did you have peace about it? 2. Examine your own heart and actions. Have you been taking steps towards ministry or have you been passive? 3. Consider timing. Perhaps God is still preparing you for this role. 4. Stay open to God's leading. The fulfillment might look different than you expected. Five hold it loosely. Remember your faith is in God, not in a specific prophetic word. Throughout this process, keep your focus on growing in your relationship with God rather than fixating on the fulfillment of the prophecy.

Speaker 1:

As we wrap up, let's revisit our main question how does God speak to us today through the prophetic voice of Scripture, we've seen that, while God can and does use the gift of prophecy in the church today, his primary way of speaking to us is through His written word. The Bible isn't just a historical document or a rule book. It's living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, as Hebrews chapter 4, verse 12, tells us Through scripture. God speaks into our current situations, guides our decisions, shapes our worldview, convicts us of sin, encourages us in difficulty and reveals his heart and plans to us. This doesn't mean we'll hear an audible voice every time we read the Bible. Often it's more subtle a growing conviction, a dawning realization, a comfort that settles into our hearts. But as we consistently engage with Scripture, seeking God's face and listening for His voice, we'll find that he is indeed speaking, guiding us day by day into His purposes.

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Remember prophecy in all its forms, whether through the written word. The gift of prophecy in the church or the office of a prophet is ultimately about revealing God's heart and purposes. Its goal is to draw us closer to God, to align us with his will and to build up the body of Christ. As we close, I want to encourage you, dear listeners, to dive deep into scripture, read it, study it, meditate on it and, most importantly, listen for God's voice. Through it he is speaking. Are we listening? Thank you for joining us today on the God Chaser podcast. I'm Evan Evans, reminding you that God is not hiding. He's waiting to be found. Keep chasing after him and you'll discover he's been pursuing you all along. Until next time, may God's word speak prophetically into your life, guiding you into all truth and drawing you closer to his heart. This episode of the God Chaser podcast is proudly sponsored by God Chaser Apparel, the clothing line designed to empower and inspire your spiritual journey.

Speaker 2:

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