News and Updates
October 1, 2023
David Copeland · October 1, 2023
Newsletter · Volume: 23 Issue: 20
I believe in the fivefold ministry. I have always believed in the fivefold ministry, even before I entered the Spirit-filled movement. No scripture in the Bible states explicitly any of the five-fold ministry gifts have passed away. All five gifts were given for the edification of the Church and the maturing of the body of Christ. And unless you are just completely blind it is obvious the body of Christ has not reached the maturity level Ephesians 4 is talking about.
As I was pondering the role of apostles and prophets in the Body of Christ recently, I began to see four categories of prophets in the New Testament:
1.False prophets.
A false prophet is someone who prophesies with the intent to deliberately lure you away from a single-hearted devotion to Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks about false prophets this way:
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
~ Matthew 7:15-20
The fruit of a false prophet are they leading you to a closer walk with Jesus or are they luring you away from the Father.
2.Wrong prophet.
A wrong prophet simply gets the Word of the Lord wrong. They are not trying to draw you away from Jesus, they are simply getting it wrong. When many people speak a prophetic word over you, their motives are pure, but they do not hear correctly. The best thing to do when that happens is pray a prayer breaking all authority of that word off your life.
3.Developing prophet.
A developing prophet is not yet mature in the prophetic gifting and is still learning to hear from the Lord and declare what He is saying.
We must always focus on the truth that, as New Testament believers, we can all prophesy. We simply declare what we are sensing from the Holy Spirit the Father is speaking to His children. Also, if all judgment was placed on the Son for our sins at Calvary (and it was), then Jesus has carried all the judgment when we get a prophetic word wrong or we have not developed enough to “get it right.” We are not under the judgment of Old Testament prophets. Paul stated it this way:
1 Corinthians 14:29 “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.”
There is a HUGE need in the Body of Christ for us to allow mature, seasoned prophets to help those who are developing accomplish two things:
a. not get in pride thinking we are infallible when a word we speak is right on target, and show people how to stay teachable;
b. not give up and quit when we get a word wrong. Just admit it, repent, and keep seeking the Lord for Him to use you in that anointing.
4.True prophets.
This one needs no explanation. A true prophet will call you to repent before the One True God and draw you to a living relationship with the Father. He or she will not draw attention to themselves, nor take glory for themselves but will always draw attention and bring all glory to the King of Kings.
By their fruit we will know them.
Kenya School of Ministry Update
In December, Revival Now will sponsor our next Kenya School of Ministry in both Kilgoris and in Narok, Kenya. $50 will sponsor one pastor or leader to attend either of these Schools with many graduating. In fact, we will hold our first graduation in Narok since our beginning this School in 2018. Your help in this is greatly appreciated and on behalf of these pastors and leaders, I say thank you for giving to the Lord!