When ministering in a church, the prophet should have a specific area the Lord has revealed that needs correction. Jesus gave each church a specific place of constructive criticism.
It’s important at this stage to determine if the message should be given to the senior leader publicly or privately. Most words of correction should be judged by leadership before their delivery over the congregation. The interpretation and application of the prophetic word is at the discretion of the senior leader. The senior leader must filter the partial, progressive and conditional part of the prophecy.
When prophets give a word of correction, there should always be clear instructions and solutions for correction. If the Lord hasn’t given you a solution to the problem revealed by your revelatory gift, wait until He does. Five out of the seven churches in Revelation received words of correction, but the counsel was always the same—repent.
Repentance is one of predominant messages that prophets promote. Repentance is only the first step to align with the instruction of the Lord. Each church was given specific instructions to follow.
Prophets carry an anointing that brings the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, causing the human heart to turn back to the Lord.
The Twofold Challenge
1. This admonishment was given to all seven churches: “He that hath an ear, let him hear” (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). This speaks to the spiritual dullness of hearing and obeying the instructions of the Lord.
Prophets have an ability to break spiritual deafness, awakening the spiritual ear to hear and causing the heart to understand the instructions of the Lord. Hearing is not enough. The word of the Lord must be obeyed.
2. Jesus’ divine challenge was for the churches to overcome. Prophets should deliver messages that empower the church to overcome. Prophets should encourage and provide keys to conquer obstacles and opposition to victory in the life of the church.
There is a reward for obeying the instructions of the Lord. The Lord promised if you obey the prophets, you will prosper. The Lord always comes with His rewards with Him. Prophets must always seal the message with comfort and hope.
Michelle McClain serves as director of prayer ministry on the staff of Crusaders Church under the leadership of Apostle John Eckhardt. She is also one of the house prophets and apostolic team leaders at Crusaders Church in Chicago. She is the author of The Prophetic Advantage, from which this article was excerpted.
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