Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. 1 Corinthians 14:22
31% of the Bible is considered prophecy. It is the least preached, taught, and understood of the scriptures. But there are some very common sense things that can be gathered by this very strange communication from God.
1. Prophecy is a declaration of God’s Truth.
2. Prophecy proves that it is God’s Word.
3. Prophecy proves God’s complete control.
4. Prophecy is a declaration of God’s love.
5. Prophecy gives the hearer / reader a portion of God’s plan.
6. Prophecy proves God’s omnipotence (Complete power).
7. Prophecy proves God is worthy.
8. Prophecy tells us that God promises to punish evil.
9. Prophecy shows God’s grace towards us (revealing the Truth).
10. Prophecy brings hope for those who have ears to hear.
AND… I believe prophecy is an ‘invitation’ from God to begin a conversation with Him. How? Prophecy is most often not immediately understood, but takes the revelation and conviction from the Holy Spirit for your part in it. Prophecy is that ‘invite’ that should bring the questions to our lives that the Holy Spirit can point out how it currently relates to us. The Holy Spirit makes scripture and prophecy come ‘alive’ for your current moment. He then can make it relevant to you in whatever situation you are currently experiencing.
Unlike the branches of Christian religion and denominations that say that prophecy has stopped (cessationism), I still believe God is still utilizing this avenue of communication through His people. In fact, Paul states he wants every disciple of Christ to prophesy through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14).
Considering this beginning / season / time — we should earnestly desire for the Holy Spirit to prophesy through us. Why? So we can learn and be encouraged (1 Corinthians 14:31). Wouldn’t God through the Holy Spirit want to help us prepare and reveal the path for our lives for the coming year? God is love. He wants to bring us into the conversation with Him.
Have you asked God for this ‘gift’ from the Holy Spirit? If not, why not?
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1