Brief Summary
This YouTube video by Ramah Institute provides an introduction to prophetic channels of communication. It emphasises the importance of noting down teachings, understanding God as transgenerational, and recognising the inner witness as a primary form of communication. The lecture explores seven major communication channels, including the inner witness, inner voice, audible voice, visions, dreams, trances, scripture, and prophetic vessels. It also touches on the two streams of the prophetic: the seer and the prophet, and concludes by discussing the power of prophecy.
- Importance of noting teachings and building a personal relationship with God.
- Seven prophetic communication channels: inner witness, inner voice, audible voice, visions, dreams, trances, scripture, and prophetic vessels.
- Two streams of the prophetic: the seer (visionary) and the prophet (inspirational).
- The power of prophecy: reveals God's will, exposes the enemy, points to Jesus, prepares for the future, and strengthens the church.
Introduction and Importance of Note-Taking
The speaker begins with a prayer, seeking illumination, transformation, and grace for understanding and applying the word. He stresses the importance of keeping a solid, hardcover notebook to record teachings, personal insights, and ministerial guidance for future reference. He references 2 Timothy 2:2, highlighting the expectation that every encounter with God should produce at least four generations of faithful teachers. The speaker underscores the need to take personal and ministry teachings seriously, noting them in books for future reference and to equip others.
Prophetic Channels of Communication
The lecture transitions to the topic of prophetic channels of communication, defining them as common ways God communicates with people, as seen in scripture. While the list provided isn't exhaustive, it covers seven major channels observed in scripture and contemporary times. The speaker acknowledges that God's wisdom is beyond complete understanding and that He has numerous ways to reach individuals, but these channels are taught within a doctrinal context for reference.
The Inner Witness
The first channel discussed is the inner witness, described as a knowing within the spirit of the believer, rather than a voice. Referencing Romans 8:16, the speaker explains that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. This inner witness is the primary way God communicates with believers, accounting for approximately 70% of communications. It's a deep-seated knowing, not always articulated, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. Mastering the inner life is crucial for prophetic individuals, requiring disciplines like meditation, contemplation, and solitude.
The Inner Voice
The second channel is the inner voice, identified as the voice of the human spirit, primarily expressed through the conscience. Unlike the inner witness, which is a nonverbal knowing, the inner voice involves a verbal communication from the human spirit to the soul. The speaker notes that while every human has a spirit and conscience, the spirit of an unregenerate person isn't a trusted guide. However, in born-again believers, the Holy Spirit regenerates the human spirit, enabling it to discern and communicate God's will. The inner voice often sounds like one's own thoughts, making discernment crucial.
The Audible Voice of the Holy Spirit
The third channel is the audible voice of the Holy Spirit, exemplified in Acts 13:2, where the Holy Ghost instructs the separation of Barnabas and Saul. This voice is authoritative and undeniable, differing from the inner voice, which is the voice of the human spirit. The speaker clarifies that "audible" doesn't necessarily mean external but rather a clear, internal communication from the Holy Spirit.
Visions, Dreams and Trances
The fourth channel encompasses visions, dreams, and trances. According to Numbers 12:6, God reveals Himself to prophets primarily through visions and dreams. The speaker defines dreams as visions seen in a sleep state. He identifies three levels of vision: inner vision, closed vision, and open vision. Inner visions occur in a conscious state, closed visions involve a brief loss of awareness of the immediate environment, and open visions involve seeing both the physical and spiritual realms simultaneously. Trances are visionary experiences where physical senses are temporarily suspended, allowing interaction with the spiritual realm, as demonstrated in Acts 10 with Peter's experience.
The Scripture
The fifth channel of communication is the scripture. The speaker emphasises the importance of studying the Bible, as it shapes prophetic utterances and guards against deception. He cites Daniel 9:3, where Daniel understood the timing of Israel's deliverance through the book of Jeremiah. The Bible is a prophetic book, and believers should find their destiny within its pages. Spiritual experiences must be judged by scripture, and the speaker highlights that Jesus and John the Baptist found their destinies in scripture.
Prophets and Prophetic Vessels
The sixth channel involves receiving communication through prophets and prophetic vessels. The speaker stresses the importance of assessing a prophet's ministry based on accuracy in doctrine, character, and prophecy. He notes that prophets are set in the body of Christ to be believed and received for their ministry.
Spectacular Encounters with Jesus and Angels
The seventh channel is spectacular encounters with Jesus and angels. The speaker affirms that Jesus still appears to people, as documented in scripture. He also notes that angels appear to people, sometimes unrecognised, and references Hebrews 13:2 about entertaining angels unawares.
Two Streams of the Prophetic
The lecture transitions to discussing the two streams of the prophetic: the seer (raa) and the prophet (nabi), referencing 1 Samuel 9:9 and 1 Chronicles 29:29. The seer's strength lies in visionary experiences, including dreams, visions, and trances, while the prophet's strength is in inspirational utterances. The speaker clarifies that every prophet is also a seer, but not every seer is a prophet. He uses Proverbs 20:12 to illustrate that God gives the ability to both see and hear.
The Power of Prophecy
The final point addresses the power of prophecy, outlining five key functions: revealing God's heart, mind, and will (Amos 3:7); exposing the hidden agenda of the enemy (2 Kings 8:6); pointing the church back to Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:10); preparing the church for the future (Revelation 1:1); and strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). The speaker concludes by emphasising the importance of foresight in leadership and the need for ministers to have a prophetic vision.
