Let the Trumpet Sound Clearly
Lack of vision and direction limits the modern church. Many Christians just go from fad to fad, with nothing followed through to completion. Many churches have to obtain a vision by copying other successful churches. The Bible says that without a vision the people will perish (Prov 29:18). A dearth of prophets has caused a lack of vision in the church.
The church needs prophets to give a clear call to battle. It is currently losing the battle because it does not have a focused strategy. A great babble of voices all claim to have the truth and Christians are tossed around by every new wave that comes along. A clear prophetic voice is needed to prepare the church for victory.
The most urgent need of the modern church is for the restoration of the prophetic ministry. In recent years, the gift of prophecy has been rediscovered, but there is still a desperate shortage of prophets. The church will not come to true maturity until prophets are being raised up among God's people.
Key Themes
The key themes covered in the book are:
The gift of prophecy has been rediscovered. The next step is for the ministry of the prophet to be restored.
Some prophets will be called to be a prophet to their nation.
The modern church has millions of pastors, but only a few prophets. This serious imbalance has severely weakened the body of Christ.
Being the wife of a prophet is tough.
Apostles need prophets working alongside them.
A true prophet must be called by God.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to establish his Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is the Kingdom Builder.
God is more concerned about the character of the prophets.
Prophets need tenacity and compassion.
A prophet speaks for God. This can work out in a multitude of ways.
Forecasting the future is not enough. True prophets tell God's people what they must do.
Prophets are the best protection against tyranny.
True prophets focus on causes and not the symptoms.
Political loyalties are limiting for prophet people.
Prophets are the guardians of God's law.
Watchmen belong on the wall looking out into the distance to see if darkness is coming or the king is drawing near.
How to hear the Holy Spirit speaking. Waiting is essential.
A prophetic word can be delivered in a variety of ways.
Every prophetic word must be spoken in the power of the Spirit.
Prophets should speak clearly and precisely.
Spontaneous prophecy is not superior to a deliberately prepared word.
Prophetic timing is important
Prophets are called to pray, but intercessors have a different role.
Frustration and bitterness are dangerous for a prophet.
False prophets are common and dangerous. Testing prophets
The prophetic ministry is a fundamental aspect of the eldership. Without a prophet, a church will be weak in vision and at risk of sinfulness.
The reason we have so many immature and weak churches is that prophets are missing from their leadership.
The main reason that the prophetic ministry is not functioning in the modern church is that most churches are led by a pastor-leader, so most prophets have had to become pastors to find a place of ministry. This is not a solution, because the church operates best when elders are functioning in their true ministry and not trying to be something they are not.
All of the ascension gifts are needed for a church to grow to maturity. The prophetic ministry must be part of the foundation of the church.
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The Author
Ron McKenzie is a
Christian writer
living in Christchurch, New Zealand.
During the 1980s, he served as
the pastor of a church,
but found that he did not fit that task.
He was employed as an economist
but has recently retired from his role.
He is married with three adult children
and several grandchildren.
More Writing by Ron McKenzie at Kingwatch Books.
