12 TH June, 2011 Pentecost Sunday 163 :202 GREETINGS: Glory be to God in the Highest HOPE and GRACE BANDS All our Visitors Topic : Prophecy

1 st Lesson: Numbers 11: nd Lesson: Acts. 2:1-21 (Matthew 20:28) TOPIC: PROPHECY WHAT IS PROPHECY BUT BEFORE DEFINING PROPHECY WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT PENTECOST INTRODUCTION

Introduction: The connection between Hope and Grace bands which leads to Pentecost. The connection between Hope and Grace bands which leads to Pentecost.

BONDAGE : Hope =confident, Expectancy Hope =confident, Expectancy Genuine hope is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future (Rom. 8: 24-25; Heb. 11: 1,7). Genuine hope is not wishful thinking but a firm assurance about things that are unseen and still in the future (Rom. 8: 24-25; Heb. 11: 1,7). Psalm 39:7 Hope is the band that is prophesying to us that we should hold on Isaiah 40:31

FREEDOM FROM EGYPT In the Old Testament, the supreme example of grace was the redemption of the Hebrew people from Egypt and their establishment in the Promised Land. This did not happen because of any merit of Israel's part, but inspite of their unrighteousness (Deut 7:7- 8,9:5-- 6). It is by Gods grace they left Egypt Grace Band is the band that is tell you that unmerited favour of God shall be yours

Jesus Christ brought Gods’ grace to humankind for salvation (Titus 2:11), By His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ brought Gods’ grace to humankind for salvation (Titus 2:11), By His death and resurrection, The only way to salvation for any person is "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.(Act 15: 11). The only way to salvation for any person is "through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.(Act 15: 11).

PENTECOST: Exodus 23: LAWS 613 LAWS This is second of the three annual pilgrim festivals that God commanded the Israelites to observed. This is second of the three annual pilgrim festivals that God commanded the Israelites to observed. (along with Passover and tabernacles) when every male was required to proceed on foot to the Temple in Jerusalem.. (along with Passover and tabernacles) when every male was required to proceed on foot to the Temple in Jerusalem.. It is the Festival of New Fruits, It is the Festival of New Fruits, It is also called the Feast of Weeks, It is also called the Feast of Weeks, (Lev 23:15-20). The festival is then held on the 50th day from Passover i.e. Pentecost. (Lev 23:15-20). The festival is then held on the 50th day from Passover i.e. Pentecost. K & S Wa eyin olope wa

Pentecost was associated with the revelation on Sinai, becoming known as "The Season of the giving of our Torah" (Zman Matan Toratenu) Pentecost was associated with the revelation on Sinai, becoming known as "The Season of the giving of our Torah" (Zman Matan Toratenu) Israel became a Israel became a Spiritual nation Spiritual nation

PENTECOST The Birth of the Church Christian tradition regarded Pentecost as of special significance in view of the events related in Acts chapter 2, which tells of the very beginning of the Church. On that day, the risen Lord sent the Spirit in accordance with the prophecy of Joel (Acts 2:16-21) Christian tradition regarded Pentecost as of special significance in view of the events related in Acts chapter 2, which tells of the very beginning of the Church. On that day, the risen Lord sent the Spirit in accordance with the prophecy of Joel (Acts 2:16-21) Acts 1:8 Acts 1:8

INTRODUCTION Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It does not belong to people. It does not belong to people. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to people at His own discretion. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to people at His own discretion. Anyone can be used in the gift of prophecy provided he/she is a born-again believer, filled with the Holy Spirit and open to moving in the supernatural. Anyone can be used in the gift of prophecy provided he/she is a born-again believer, filled with the Holy Spirit and open to moving in the supernatural.

KNOWING THAT ALL SPIRIT- FILLED CHRISTIANS CAN PROPHESY DOES NOT MAKE EVERYONE WHO DOES A PROPHET

Meaning of Prophecy Prophecy, simply defined, is speaking forth the revealed Word of God, whether the message pertains to the present or to the future. It is ‘‘the revelation of the will of God by a man or woman who is God’s chosen spokesman. That man or woman stands first before God to discern His will, and then stands before men to declare that divine will.

Moses gave the test of a true prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

Prophecy is expressed in different ways in the Scripture Firstly, the Spirit of Prophecy which occurs when there is heavy Anointing in a meeting result in anyone present being able to prophesy freely, most especially when prophets were around. Firstly, the Spirit of Prophecy which occurs when there is heavy Anointing in a meeting result in anyone present being able to prophesy freely, most especially when prophets were around. 1 Sam 19:20-24 recorded that Saul who had no prior spiritual record or manifestation, prophesied in the presence of others who were Prophets. 1 Sam 19:20-24 recorded that Saul who had no prior spiritual record or manifestation, prophesied in the presence of others who were Prophets.

Also the book of Revelation chapter 19:10 tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy' The second expression about Prophecy is the Gift of Prophecy; This is a gifting of God to allow many to move in Prophetic Ministry. One of the Nine Gifts or Manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the Believers. This is a release of the Spirit coming regularly to people and allows them to bring encouragement and blessing to other members of the Body of Christ. 1 Cor 14:31.

The main purpose of this gift is: ESC OR EEC a.Encouragement : Th is is the most important ministry in the Church and all need it. Prophetic Word can come and cause us to regain confidence in God and His Plan for our lives at crucial times. When used properly. The Gift of Prophecy can lift the atmosphere of a whole church and bring release and freedom. b.Strengthening: At time of personal or corporate weakness the Gift of Prophecy brings a word that can strengthen the individual or the congregation Revelation 10:19 says “ they are strengthened by the sense of the presence of Jesus. c.Comfort can come at the right moment through the Gift of Prophecy to meet a specific need even though it may come in the form of simple words which we think are not consequential. The book of Isaiah 40:1 says 'comfort ye my people‘

It helps them to place people in their right place and ministry in the Church. Ezek 37:4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, Dry bones, hear the word of the…….. Ezek 37:4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, Dry bones, hear the word of the…….. It is most important that we find our place in the Body of Christ in order to function welt and be most fruitful Eph 4:16 It is most important that we find our place in the Body of Christ in order to function welt and be most fruitful Eph 4:16 Ezekiel spoke of prophesying to the bones which are a picture of the parts of the Body of Christ and they found their right place as he prophesied Ezekiel spoke of prophesying to the bones which are a picture of the parts of the Body of Christ and they found their right place as he prophesied

It helps to build Faith in the hearts of the people 2 Chron 20:20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.(from New International Version) 2 Chron 20:20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.(from New International Version)

Prophecy can provide evangelistic breakthroughs The scenario in 1 Corinthians 14:24—25 is something to which every church should aspire: ‘‘But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or a ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of this heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.” The scenario in 1 Corinthians 14:24—25 is something to which every church should aspire: ‘‘But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or a ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of this heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.” Imagine a nonbeliever walking into a meeting where there are several prophetic utterances in turn. The result of prophecy can be dynamic and dramatic. Prophecy is revelatory. By inspiration, God can reveal all things, even innermost secrets. Imagine a nonbeliever walking into a meeting where there are several prophetic utterances in turn. The result of prophecy can be dynamic and dramatic. Prophecy is revelatory. By inspiration, God can reveal all things, even innermost secrets.

JUDGING REVELATION Scripture encourages us to "examine everything carefully" (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Scripture encourages us to "examine everything carefully" (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). This can be quite an exhaustive process, as there are a lot of things to consider. This can be quite an exhaustive process, as there are a lot of things to consider. This checking is for the sake and for the welfare of the church. This checking is for the sake and for the welfare of the church.

The main criteria we will examine together are the following: What is the biblical pattern? What is the biblical pattern? Does it edify, exhort and comfort? Does it edify, exhort and comfort? What is the spirit behind the prophecy? What is the spirit behind the prophecy? Does the prophecy conform to Scripture? Does the prophecy conform to Scripture? Does the prophecy glorify Jesus? Does the prophecy glorify Jesus? Is it manipulative or controlling? lf so, what are the signs of manipulation and control? Is it manipulative or controlling? lf so, what are the signs of manipulation and control? How do we handle negative prophecy? How do we handle negative prophecy? How do we apply the tests? How do we apply the tests?

CONCLUSION My vision for you is that you learn how the power of God can move through you and make a difference in this world. I have seen God do many things in my years as a Christian, He has been gracious enough to use me to demonstrate His power in the most amazing ways and I know that it was God moving through me and all I had to do was be obedient to what he was saying to do. My vision for you is that you learn how the power of God can move through you and make a difference in this world. I have seen God do many things in my years as a Christian, He has been gracious enough to use me to demonstrate His power in the most amazing ways and I know that it was God moving through me and all I had to do was be obedient to what he was saying to do.

The three Gifts in each category, as follows: GIFTS OF REVELATION GIFTS OF REVELATION Word of Knowledge, Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom and Word of Wisdom and Discerning of Spirits Discerning of Spirits GIFTS OF INSPIRATION (SPEAKING) GIFTS OF INSPIRATION (SPEAKING) Gift of Tongues languages Gift of Tongues languages Gift of Interpretation of Tongues and Gift of Interpretation of Tongues and Gift of Prophecy. Gift of Prophecy. GIFTS OF POWER/ABILITY GIFTS OF POWER/ABILITY Gift of Faith, Gift of Faith, Gifts of Healings and Gifts of Healings and The Working of Miracles. The Working of Miracles.