GUIDELINES FOR HEARING AND GIVING PROPHECY AT ST MATT’S

1. GUIDELINES FOR HEARING AND GIVING PROPHECY AT ST MATT’S Sunday, 21st June, 2009.

2. Require obedience False ones to be killed The ultimate test – does it come to pass? Bible - OT prophets

3. Bible - NT gift of prophecy and ministry of Prophetic • (1 Cor 14:1 NIV) "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." • (Eph 4:11-13 NIV) "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, {12} to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up {13} until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

4. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1 Cor 14:26) • (26) When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. • OIKOS – how big is church?

5. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1 Cor 14:26) • (27) If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. • (29) Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

6. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1 Cor 14:26) • (32) The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. (33) For God is not a God of disorder but of peace • (39) Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.(40) But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

7. What is prophecy like? (believing that it will happen) • Hearing • Seeing • Feeling • Taste & smell • Physical and spiritual • Dreams and angels • Words of Wisdom & Knowledge

8. How do we learn to Listen to God? • Getting to know His character through scripture & godly friends/mentors • Operating within our own personality • Learning to filter out false voices • Practise!

9. Testing what the voice says - does it: • Bring life or destruction? (John 10:10) • is the word: strengthening; encouraging; comforting? “those who prophesy speak to people for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” (1 Cor 14:3) • Agree with scripture? • Match what Jesus would say and do? • In line with the Gospel? • Build up? • Demonstrate love (1 Cor 13)? • Resonate with everything else going on at St Matt’s & in the person’s life? • Happen?

10. Who gives prophecy at St Matt’s? • (at church) Through the MC and/or Vicar & Staff • (at M-pod/Cluster) through the leader • 6 month rule (no one who hasn’t been part of St Matt’s for less than 6 months) • Does their character indicate trustworthiness?

11. Responding to Prophecy - How do we exercise prayer ministry? • Giving space for response – VMT & Post-sermon • Allow for the possibility you may be wrong, viz. “I sense that God may be saying . . . . “ • No mates (you’re going to marry / go into business with) • No babies • No dates (on such and such a date you will . . .) • No direction (you must do this) • No correction (stop doing this)

12. Responding to Prophecy - How do we exercise prayer ministry? • Interview style • “what do you think God might be saying to you” rather than, “let me tell you what God is saying to you” • Hands off? (at least stick to shoulders and heads after asking permission) • Men with men / women with women • “You can’t minister while you’re lying down” • Godly timing (just because you get a “word” doesn’t mean you have to give it.)

13. Engaging with prophecy - The Triangle • UP – Holiness (full of God) • IN – Community (test it with group) • OUT – Active Faith (take risks – step out appropriately).