Contents

Introduction

1    The Role And Function Of Prophets In The Local Church

2    Prophets at the Gates

3    The Prophet's Ward

4    New Testament Prophets

5    Warfare

6    Spirits to War Against

References

Introduction

As an apostle, I have a desire to see strong local churches established in every region, territory and nation. Apostles are wise master-builders. The church is built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20). Local churches need to be built and established with apostolic and prophetic grace.

The church cannot be built properly with only a pastoral anointing. Prophets need to be identified and established in local churches. God has set prophets in the church (1 Cor. 12:28). I have seen many pastors suffer terrible setbacks and attacks that cripple their ministries. Most leaders have never been instructed in the area of the prophetic. Many leaders are afraid of the prophet's ministry because of abuse or misrepresentation. Some leaders don't believe prophets are for today's church.

A church cannot function properly and fully without the prophet's ministry. This is because the prophet's ministry is designed by God to help protect the church from the devices and plans of hell. End-time churches will be built with all five ministry gifts in operation. We are destined to see the greatest churches built in the last days. The Holy Spirit is releasing a great amount of revelation concerning the local church. We are responding to this revelation by building churches with apostolic and prophetic grace.

Have you seen churches and its leadership suffer setbacks, problems, splits, and attacks that have sidetracked and destroyed the vision? This book will give answers to why this is often the case. The lack of prophetic ministry is a serious deficiency in many local churches. Churches that neglect and overlook this vital ministry will usually suffer the consequences. This book will give revelation concerning how to avoid and overcome the traps of the enemy.

The Role And Function

Of Prophets In The

Local Church

1

And by a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt, and by a prophet was he preserved. (Hosea 12:13)

Hosea 12:13 reveals to us one of the major functions of the prophet's ministry, preservation. Israel was delivered from Egypt through the ministry of Moses. Israel was preserved through the intercession of Moses (Num. 14:11-20). Preserve means to keep from harm, damage, danger, or evil. It also means to protect or save. The word preserved is from the Hebrew word Shamar. Shamar means to hedge about (as with thorns), to guard, to protect, to watch, to beware. This word emphasizes the protective element of the prophet's mantle. The word shamar is first used in scripture in Gen. 2:15. Adam is told to keep (shamar) the garden. It is also mentioned in Gen. 4:9. Cain asks God is he his brother's keeper (shamar).

The preserving and guarding aspect of the prophet's ministry is needed in every local church. This is accomplished through intercession, discernment, praise, preaching, teaching and worship. This helps defend the church against error, heresy, witchcraft, carnality, perversion, legalism, sin, and deception. Each church should develop and train the prophets that have been set in the assembly by God. A failure to do so can result in a local church

suffering from many attacks that could have been averted. A revelation of the prophet's ministry is vital to the success and health of the church. A revelation of the shamar aspect of the prophet's ministry will help churches protect and defend the flock.

Shamar means to guard, to keep, to be a watchman. It can refer to guarding a flock, the heart, the mind, a nation, or a city from outside attack or ungodly influences. It is used in reference to keeping (guarding) the gates or entries to cities. Each local church needs a prophetic guard. This is not one prophet, but a company of prophets who help guard the church from the invasion of the enemy. Churches that develop the prophetic ministry will have the advantage of being protected through prophetic intercession and the shamar aspect of the prophet s ministry.

To guard means to protect, watch over, stand guard over, police, secure, defend, shield, shelter, screen, cover, cloak, preserve, save, conserve, supervise, keep under surveillance, control, keep under guard, govern, restrain, suppress, keep watch, be alert, take care. Synonyms for guard include protector, defender, guardian, custodian, watchman, sentinel, sentry, patrol, and garrison. These words help define the shamar aspect of the prophet's ministry.

The church has often been taught that pastors are the spiritual guardians of the church, while neglecting the ministry of prophets. The church was never intended to function with only pastors. Prophets have also been set in the church (1 Cor. 12:28). Churches that ignore the prophet's ministry will not be able to withstand the attacks of hell in the last days. Many well-meaning pastors have suffered unnecessarily due to the lack of understanding of the prophet's ministry. When the LORD establishes a church, he will set prophets within that church. Churches must be built with apostolic wisdom that will include the recognition and release of prophets. The shamar aspect of the prophet s ministry is one of the most important that will benefit the church.

According to Paula Price, shamar is a Hebrew word for prophet as watchman. The shamar aspects of the prophet pertains to the officer's role as a gardener tending to the flock over which he or she has care. It also applies to the guardianship, sentinel, and protective function of the office. To shamara people or work prophetically is to encircle it, build a divine wall or hedge of protection, or to seal the hedge in which the devil has broken with satanic assaults, attacks, and warfare. See Psa. 127:1 and 130:6; and 62:6; Song of Solomon 3:3 and 5:7...Watchmen duties then are accomplished through the prayers, intercessions, and petitions of the prophet on behalf of the church...Such a guard would consist of the prayer team, the special intercessors, dedicated psalmists, seers, and of course subordinate prophets...Thus the word shamar emphatically gives prophets the status of spiritual guards, warriors, supernatural enforcers, and keepers of the churches of God. See Jer. 17:16 and 50:6-7 as examples...Additionally, our word shamar identifies a prophet who encircles (or surrounds) to retain and attend to, as one does a garden. The prophet's spiritual authority acts as a fence or garrison around an assigned congregation to shield it from harm, attack, or demonic trespass. Protection from trespassers, as meant here, includes protection from the spoilage, destruction, invasion, and threats that result from spiritual and human trespassers in the church. There are times heretical types or wayward renegades join a church to sow seeds of destruction in it. The watchful eye of the resident prophet can spot these people and bring spiritual discomfort on them so they are ill at ease among the flock and quickly leave.

Behold, he that keepeth (shamar) Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper (shamar): the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve (shamar) thee from all evil: he shall preserve (shamar) thy soul. The LORD shall preserve (shamar) thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psa. 121:4-8).

We can see from these verses that God shamars his people. God loves his people and protects them. The shamar aspect of the prophet's ministry is a part of the nature of God. God never slumbers or sleeps (always alert). God shamars us from evil. God shamars our souls (mind, will, and emotions). God shamars our going out and coming in (travels). It is the nature of God to protect. Protection is a part of our covenant. Prophets are a part of our covenant.

Some leaders look at prophets as trans-local ministries only, while the pastor is stationary. It is a blessing to bring prophets in from the outside to minister. This does not replace prophets that need to be stationed in the house. These shamar prophets are a part of the local church, just as pastors.

THE CONSPIRACY OF THE WICKED

This section is not designed to make believers paranoid or fearful, but to wake up believers to the reality of wicked plots by the enemy. We must become sober and vigilant. The following scriptures give us a picture of the plots and conspiracies of the wicked.

Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings. From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about... They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. (Psa. 17:8-9, 11-12)

The enemy is compared to a lion lurking in secret places. To lurk means to stay hidden, ready for attack. It means to lie in wait, as in ambush.

The wicked plotteth against the just... (Psa. 37:12)

Plotteth is the Hebrew word zaman, meaning to plan, consider, imagine, plot, purpose, think (evil). This verse shows that the enemy is always planning attacks against the righteous. This includes churches, families, and godly leaders. The shamar ministry is needed to ward off and destroy these plots.

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to

slay him. (Psa. 37:32)

Watcheth is the Hebrew word tsaphah. This is the same word translated watchman. This means there is an evil watch. The enemy watches for openings (broken hedges and gaps) to enter. These gaps must be filled through shamar prayer and intercession.

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. (Psa. 56:6)

Mark is the word shamar meaning to lay in wait.

Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity...They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? (Psa. 64:2,5)

We need to be hidden from the secret counsel of the wicked and be protected and delivered from the secret snares of the enemy.

The wicked have waited for me to destroy me... (Psa. 119:95)

Waited is the Hebrew word qavah meaning to expect, look patiently, wait for. The enemy waits for any opportunity to enter. The wicked desire to destroy the righteous. The wicked can refer to wicked people or wicked spirits. God does not leave his people defenseless. He has provided protection and deliverance for his people. The shamar anointing has been provided to shield us from the attacks of the enemy.

Prophets At The Gates

2

... but Daniel sat in the gate of the king. (Dan. 2:49)

For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee. He maketh peace in thy borders, and flleth thee with the finest of the wheat. (Psa. 147:13)

Prophets need an understanding of their role and position in the church. A revelation of the shamar aspect of the prophet's mantle will help them fulfill their ministries. Prophets need to have an understanding of gates and entry points in churches, cities, regions, and nations. A revelation of gates and their importance will help prophets defend these entry points from invasion by the enemy. Gates are entry points. Gates need to be strengthened in order to keep the enemy out. The prophet's ministry helps strengthen the gates. The children will be blessed. Peace will be within the church. The church will be filled with the finest of the wheat (prosperity).

Praise is a gate (Isa. 60:18). The enemy often attempts to attack and infiltrate the praise and worship of a church. He attacks praise leaders, minstrels and psalmists. Prophets must help protect this gate through intercession (see Psa. 118:19-20).

Prophets can speak with the enemies in the gate (Psa. 127:5). Speak is the Hebrew word dabar meaning to subdue. It is also important that prophets (those that sit in the gate) keep themselves from speaking evil against leadership (see Psa. 69:12).

... then was WAR in the gates... (Judges 5:8)

Much of the warfare against demons will take place at the gates. Prophets must war in the gates. They must intercede and stop the enemy at the gates. If the enemy is victorious in the gates, the church is in trouble. This is why prophets must be a part of the leadership of the local church. They are set in the church "second" by God (1 Cor. 12:28). Prophets should be a part of the music ministry, the youth ministry, the children's ministry, the presbytery, and the overall ministry of a church. Each gate of a church needs prophetic intercession.

... and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate... (Isa. 22:7)

The enemy set themselves in array at the gate. Demons launch their attacks at the gates. This is why we need prophets at the gates. The warfare is always at the gates. There are also gateway churches (apostolic) that are the key to a region or territory. These gateway churches need strong prophets to keep the enemy out. Strong prophetic intercession is a must if the gate is to be protected.

... the gate is smitten with destruction... (Isa. 24:12)

A church has no protection if the gates are destroyed. Demons will attack the gates and attempt to destroy them. Prophets stand at the gates. The gate represents a place of authority. The prophet has the spiritual authority to stand at the gate and challenge the enemy. The destruction of a gate results in unwanted things entering in. Demons can enter a church and establish strongholds if the gates are open. A destroyed gate means that nothing can be closed.

They hate him that REBUKETH in the gate... (Amos 5:10)

The gate is a place where the enemy can be rebuked. To rebuke means to force back. Demons need to be rebuked. They need to be beaten back. Prophetic intercession helps rebuke the enemy in the gates. A rebuke is a sharp reprimand. A reprimand is a severe or formal rebuke by a person in authority. Spirits of witchcraft, lust, rebellion, deception, pride, Jezebel, religion, and carnality-must be rebuked in the gates. This will prevent them from entering in and destroying the church.

And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year. (2 Kings 13:20)

The bands of the Moabites invaded the land after the death of Elisha. This is a picture of what happens when prophets are removed. The Moabites could not invade as long as Elisha was living. His intercession kept the enemy out of Israel. The intercession of the prophet is a powerful restraint against the plans of darkness.

... but Elisha, the prophet that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel the words that thou speakest in thy bedchamber. (2 Kings 6:12)

Elisha was able to warn the king and prevent him from being ambushed. The prophet's ministry is preventive. It is better to prevent something from happening than reacting to it after it happens.

The shamar aspect of the prophet's ministry can also be seen in the life of Samuel.

So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines ALL THE DAYS OF SAMUEL. (1 Sam. 7:13)

The Philistines were subdued and could not enter the coast of Israel as long as Samuel was alive. This gives us a picture of the power of a prophet's presence. The enemy hates the prophet because the prophet's presence thwarts his advances. He has done everything in his power to keep prophets from being recognized and operational in the church. This is often the result of unbelief, fear, or tradition. We are currently seeing the restoration of the prophetic ministry and a corresponding release of revelation and understanding concerning this ministry.

Shamar prophets help guard the church against:

·         Accusation

·         Apathy

·         Backbiting

·         Backsliding

·         Betrayal

·         Carnality

·         Compromise

·         Confusion

·         Confusion and disorder

·         Control

·         Covetousness

·         Death

·         Deception

·         Destruction

·         Division

·         Doctrines of devils False prophets, apostles, and teachers False teaching

·         Financial attacks

·         Gossip

·         Greed

·         Idolatry

·         Immorality

·         Jealousy

·         Jezebel

·         Legalism

·         Lukewarmness

·         Rebellion

·         Pride

·         Sickness, death, and infirmity

·         Slander

·         Strife

·         Slothfulness

·         Witchcraft

·         Treachery

Shamar prophets help protect the preaching, teaching, evangelism, worship, and intercession. They help identify and confront religious spirits, occult spirits, spirits of sin, pride, rebellion, and witchcraft. Shamar prophets are the spiritual immune system of a local church. They help fight off spiritual disease that is designed to affect the health of the church. Shamar prophets are needed for the overall health of the church.

In addition to identifying these potential enemies, shamar prophets ought to seek God and develop strategies to resist, expel, and overcome them. These strategies can include prayer, fasting, worship, teaching, preaching, correcting, and expelling. In other words, prophets should do more than cry "Thus saith the Lord". They are a part of the covenant community and have a vested interest in the health of the flock. They are not outsiders looking in. They must love the church. They must experience the joy of victory and the grief of the enemies' attacks. Jeremiah wept for Israel because he was a part of Israel and suffered with Israel. Prophets must understand that God has "set" them in the church. To set means to be appointed, established, or positioned.

The shamar prophet helps to protect the vision of the church. They also help to confirm the vision of the church. They help ward off satan's attack on the vision of the church. They must share a divine jealousy for the health of the church and the purposes of God for the church (see 2 Cor. 11). They must understand that the church is a divine institution ordained by God and hated by the enemy. The church is the Israel of God.

Now will I sing to my well beloved a song of my beloved touching his vineyard. My well-beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill: And he FENCED IT, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and BUILT A TOWER in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein... (Isa. 5:1-2)

Israel is God's vineyard. The church is God's vineyard. The result of the planting of the Lord should be fruitfulness. The Lord hedges his vineyard. He places a tower in the midst. These are both pictures of the prophet's ministry in the church. The hedge and the tower are necessary to keep the enemy out.

We have been ordained to bring forth fruit, and for the fruit to remain (John 15:16). The enemy wants to destroy the fruit of churches and ministries. Prophets are needed in the local church to prevent the fruit from being destroyed. It is unwise to plant a vineyard without a fence. A fence provides a protective barrier for the vineyard. A tower is a place for the watchman. Vineyards need watchmen. Local churches need towers and watchmen to protect the vineyard.

...I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof... (Jer. 11:19)

The enemy plots to destroy the tree with its fruit. He devises devices. Devise is the Hebrew word, chashab, meaning to plait or

impenetrate, to weave. Impenetrate is related to the word impenetrable meaning that which cannot be solved or understood. To plait means to braid or interweave. To interweave means to connect closely or intricately. The enemy sets up intricate plans against the church. It takes a prophet's anointing to unweave these plots.

The Prophet's Ward

3

...My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my WARD WHOLE NIGHTS: (Isa. 21:8)

Ward is the Hebrew word mishmereth meaning watch, the sentry, the post, preservation, office, ordinance, a safeguard. It is from the root word mishmar meaning a guard. The prophet was set in his ward. Set is the Hebrew word natsab meaning to station, a pillar. A ward is a means of defense or protection. Ward is the root of the word warden. A warden is a person who guards, or has charge of something. Prophets are spiritual wardens. They help guard and protect the house of the Lord from the enemy. Many local churches have been defenseless against the enemy because of the lack of prophets stationed in their wards.

Prophets must station themselves in their respective wards. Local churches must have prophetic wards established to preserve the church from the attacks of the devil. Prophets are spiritual superintendents. They watch and fortify the church. The church was never intended to be without prophets. A church, without prophetic wards, can be infiltrated. The prophet was set in his ward whole nights. I believe this can be a reference to all night prayer being an effective way of preventing the enemy from infiltrating the church.

Prophets are appointed and set in their wards by God. They are responsible to take their place as watchmen and protect the church. They must stand continually upon the watchtower. They must be faithful to their assigned posts. They cannot vacate their wards. They must understand their importance to the safety and protection of the church.

They must set themselves in a posture of prayer and intercession. Set means to position. It means that they will not move from a position. Satan will attempt to cause prophets to move out of this place. He will attempt to discourage them and prevent them from taking their place in the watchtower. Prophets must take an attitude of being unmoveable. They must stand in their assigned places and fulfill their ministries.

The prophet should ask, "Where is my ward?" Prophets should know their ward. They should know where God has placed them. They must have a revelation of their assigned positions. They must set themselves in that place and watch. They must operate as spiritual wardens to protect those whom they have been given charge. They must take their places as spiritual wardens in nations, regions, cities, and local churches.

For thus hath the LORD said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth. (Isa. 21:6)

Watchmen need to be set. They are responsible to declare what they see. Shamar prophets are watchmen. To set means to put in the proper or designated place. Shamar prophets need to be set in their designated places. They need to be set in their wards. Prophets have the ability to see. Prophets were called seers. Every local church needs watchmen.

A watchman is one who stands guard. Ancient cities had watchmen stationed on the walls. Their responsibility was to sound a warning if an enemy approached (2 Kings 9:17; Ezek. 33:2-3). Israel's prophets saw themselves as watchmen warning the nation of God's approaching judgment if the people did not repent. Vineyards and fields also had watchmen, especially during harvest. Their responsibility was to guard the produce from animals and thieves. (Holman Bible Dictionary)

There are three words for watchman: tsaphah, shamar, and natsar. Tsaphah means to lean forward, i.e., to peer into the distance; to observe, await-behold, espy, look up, wait for, keep the watch. Shamar means to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard, to protect, attend to, beware, be circumspect, take heed, keep mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save, sure, (that lay) wait, watchman. Natsar means to guard, in a good sense or a bad one (to conceal), besieged, hidden thing, keep, monument, observe, preserve, watcher. Each of these words provides insight into the function of the watchman. As the watchman peers into the distance, receiving forewarning from God, he speaks forth the word that can bring preservation, change, protection, and strategy. (Martha Lucia and Dana Millar)

Watchman prophets help prevent the enemy from destroying the church and its leadership. Synonyms for prevent include obstruct, hinder, hamper, block, impede, interrupt, interfere, stop, put a stop to, halt, check, arrest, abort, frustrate, thwart, foil, restrain, hold back, oppose, prohibit, neutralize, and turn aside. No wonder the enemy hates the prophet's ministry. Many things can be prevented through the prophet's ministry. Everything that happens is not necessarily the will of God. God allows what we allow. It is the will of God that many things be prevented. Prophets help us prevent things that are not the will of God.

Being a watchman for this ministry, I have often seen the enemy's strategies and, at times, received specific insight ranging from the exact name of the spirit to specific responses in spiritual warfare, which we were to battle with. I have also had a watchman's eye to see the times and seasons of God which we were in.

I have watched and warned when the enemy was on the move, when we as a ministry were out of God's spiritual position, or challenged to rise up and lay hold of God's seasons of release and blessing lest we miss what he is doing in our midst. (Marcia Lucia)

And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. (Neh. 4:8-9)

The adversaries of Nehemiah came to hinder the building of the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah is a picture of the apostolic ministry. Apostles are builders. Opposition to building is to be expected. The strategy to overcome the adversaries was to set a watch against them day and night. Apostles and prophets should work together in the building of the church. Apostles need prophets who will assist them in building.

Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet... (Jer. 6:17)

The watchmen blew the trumpet to warn of coming danger. The trumpet is symbolic of the voice of the prophet. The LORD sets watchmen over his people. They have the authority to sound the trumpet. The enemy's plans can be thwarted when the people respond to the sound of the trumpet. To ignore the trumpet is to invite danger.

...make the watch strong, set up the watchmen... (Jer. 51:12)

We need to make the watch strong. We need to set the watchmen. A strong prophetic ministry will strengthen the watch. The watchmen (prophets) need to be set in place. No city could be defended without a strong watch. No church can be defended without a strong watch.

...all the people shall keep the watch of the LORD. (2 Chron. 23:6)

All believers are commanded to watch. All believers however are not watchmen. Watchmen are prophetic intercessors (prophets) who have a special grace to shamar the church. Watchmen have grace and discernment to see clearly the approach of the enemy.

But if they be prophets, and if the word of the LORD be with them, let them now make intercession to the LORD of hosts... (Jer. 27:18)

This verse shows us that one of the responsibilities of prophets is to make intercession. The word of the LORD can stir us to intercession. The false prophets of Israel had no burden for intercession. They were not concerned about protecting the people. They were blind to the danger approaching. They were not fulfilling a shamar function.

The prophet's primary charge, if you recall, is to stand in the gap and make up the hedge for God's people on earth. This responsibility is where Israel's prophet's fail in Eze. 13:5. (Paula Price)

New Testament Prophets

4

But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake (egeiro) thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (sophos), redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Eph. 5:13-18)

The Greek word for "wise", sophos, used in the passage relates to the watchman. The Greek word for "awake", egeiro, is associated with the watch of the Lord, which is related to the intercessor. The lexical aid to the New Testament in the Hebrew Greek Study Bible says: "Sophos derived probably from the Hebrew sophim, signifying watchman. The Greeks apparently derived their Sophia from this sophim. In the O.T. these watchmen used to ascend to the mountains so that they might see all around (Num. 23:14), but in the absence of mountains, The Greeks just observed the course and motions of the heavens and called themselves sophoi. Therefore, in its basic meaning sophos is the one who knows how to regulate his course in view of movements of the heavens or of God". (Martha Lucia and Dana Millar)

Some believers will argue that the prophet's ministry in the Old Covenant is different from the prophet's ministry in the New Covenant. Dr. Bill Hamon states, "No text in the New Testament states or even suggests that a church prophet does not have all the ministry rights of the prophets of old as well as the Christ-prophet-anointing gift and grace. If the New Covenant does not do away with certain practices or ministries available in the Old, then they are still available in the Church Age. All the Law and Prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus. When He ascended into heaven, he gave the prophets back to the Church and all that Jesus gave in the New Covenant is better than that in the Old Covenant. Jesus gave prophets to the Church, and they have all the rights and privileges of the Old Covenant, and more."

The shamar prophets need to be awakened in the church. They must tap into the wisdom of God for the church. The watchmen cannot remain asleep. God has promised to give light. The light the watchmen receive helps to overcome the darkness.

TONGUES AND INTERPRETATION

Praying in tongues is one of the most effective ways to intercede. Prophets should not limit themselves to prophecy. Tongues are utterances of the Spirit. One of the strengths of the prophet is utterance. Spiritual utterance (preaching, teaching, prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues) releases the power and purposes of God in the earth. The word placed in Jeremiah's mouth was able to root out, tear down, throw down, destroy, build and plant (Jer. 1:10). The key to Jeremiah's authority was utterance. Prophets will often intercede in tongues with interpretation. Tongues give them the ability to pray beyond their natural understanding.

Demons hate tongues. We have seen them react in anger to tongues when casting them out. We speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit gives utterance. Tongues are Holy Spirit anointed languages. They are expressions of the Holy Spirit that impact the spirit realm.

Prophets will use tongues in intercession to build a spiritual hedge around the church. Prophets cannot be limited by their natural understanding. Tongues help take prophets beyond their natural understanding into the mind of the Holy Spirit. Prophets need the mind of the Holy Spirit in order to comprehend what is happening in the spirit realm.

DISCERNMENT AND WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE

John Sanford states, "God wants to protect his people through gifts of discernment that He gives to His prophets and others. Many who are not prophets receive keen discernment, which ought to be heeded. But such discernment happens only sporadically. Discernment ought to be the abiding equipment of the prophets, who should always be on the alert, ready to receive and act on discernment given by the Lord."

The gifts of revelation are important gifts that manifest through the prophet. These gifts include discerning of spirits, words of knowledge, and words of wisdom. Discerning of spirits is needed to discern the operation of evils spirits and people motivated by the wrong spirit. A word of knowledge is information given by the Holy Spirit. Through words of knowledge, prophets can know facts about people, churches, and places supernaturally. These words of knowledge can be a matter of life or death.

Elisha had a word of knowledge concerning the actions of Gehazi. Peter had a word of knowledge concerning the plan of Ananias and Sapphira. Peter discerned the spirit of Simon the sorcerer. The enemy always attempts to plant people with ungodly motives in the church. These people can bring harm if not discerned and exposed. Many leaders have suffered setbacks and hurts from people with ungodly motives.

Leaders must realize that the prophet's ministry and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are absolutely necessary for the health and protection of the church. These gifts are not optional. They are given to the

church by the wisdom of God. God knows the challenges and pitfalls of ministry and provides the grace we need to overcome these challenges and pitfalls.

DREAMS AND VISIONS

...If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. (Num. 12:6)

Warnings often come in dreams. Dreams are a way that God can speak without the mind blocking and hindering the communication. Through a dream, the Holy Spirit can bypass the intellect and carnal reasoning that often obstructs the message. Dreams come during sleep when the mind is not preoccupied with the cares of this life. God can instruct us in the night season.

Visions are another way the Lord communicates to his prophets. Visions occur while we are awake. A vision is a picture. Visions are the language of pictures. God speaks through pictures. There is a saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words". One picture can communicate the thoughts of God.

Paula Price states, "Visions and dreams are the customary way the Lord awakens the spirit of prophets to let them know they are ordained to fill the office. According to Numbers 12:6, these are essential prophet faculties without which the prophet ceases to be a prophet. Otherwise the lack of visions and dreams by a prophet is exhibitive of the Lord's punishment for disobedience, rebellion, and misuse of the office's crucial gifts."

INTERPRETATION OF DREAMS

Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt: And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land. (Gen. 41:29-30)

Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream prepared the nation for deliverance. Joseph's wisdom guided Pharaoh and helped him prepare for seven years of famine. Prophets can help interpret dreams. God often speaks to leaders in dreams. These dreams can be warnings of things to come. God in his mercy and love will prepare us for the future.

Interpretation is explaining difficult thoughts, teachings, or information in terms that people can understand. Many believers can be dull of hearing (Heb. 5:11). It takes spiritual people to understand spiritual things.

DARK SPEECH

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD... (Num. 12:8)

God can speak to prophets apparently or in dark speeches. Dark speech is when he speaks in parables (Psa. 78:2). Dreams often have meanings that cannot be interpreted immediately. The meaning could be hidden and need interpretation. Prophets should familiarize themselves with the meanings of different symbols. Animals and colors represent certain truths. Some have double meanings. The Bible is filled with types and symbols. Sometimes prayer and meditation is necessary to interpret dark speech. Some symbols have both positive and negative meanings.

Dark speech is veiled spiritual language. Prophets have the ability to understand hard sentences. This includes solving riddles and explaining enigmas (Dan. 5:12, NKJV). Dark speech causes us to seek the Lord for understanding. This reinforces the fact that we are dependent upon him for understanding.

Warfare

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Thou also, son of the man, take thee a tile, and lay it before thee, and portray upon it the city, even Jerusalem: And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set battering rams against it round about. (Ezek. 4:1-2)

Ezekiel was told to lay siege against the city of Jerusalem. He was told to portray it upon a tile. This was a prophetic act demonstrating and releasing the siege of the Babylonians upon Jerusalem. This is a picture of the warfare aspect of the prophet's ministry. Prophets have the ability to attack strongholds. They war against the powers of hell. They lay siege. They build forts against the enemy, they cast mounts, they set a camp against, and they set battering rams against. This is a picture of siege warfare.

And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Make this valley full of ditches. (2 Kings 3:16)

Elisha instructed the king to dig the valley full of ditches. The Moabite saws the ditches filled with water and thought they were full of blood. The enemy was confused and thought the Israelites had smitten each other. When they came to the camp of Israel they were smitten and defeated. Elisha gave the king a prophetic strategy to defeat the enemy. Prophets give strategies the church needs to overcome the attacks of the enemy. Prophets are needed in warfare. The prophetic word can release strategies to overcome the enemy and cause the church to be victorious.

Problems That Can Occur Without The Shamar Anointing:

·         Accidents

·         Apathy

·         Attacks on pastors and the family Broken relationships Confusion

·         Backsliding

·         Church splits

·         Control and domination Failures in leadership

·         Conspiracies

·         Divorces and separations

·         False brethren

·         False prophets, teachers, apostles Family problems

·         False teaching/error/heresy

·         Financial setbacks

·         Hindrances/blockages/obstructions

·         Immorality

·         Infighting and division

·         Loss of anointing

·         Manipulation

·         Occultists

·         People leaving the church

·         Premature deaths

·         Satanists

·         Stagnation

·         Unexplained sicknesses and illnesses

·         Warlocks

·         Witches

·         Wolves entering the flock

GAPS AND HEDGES

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none. (Ezek. 22:30)

O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.

Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. (Ezek. 13:4-5)

The New English Bible says, "They have not gone up into the breach to repair the broken wall round the Israelites, that they might stand firm in the battle." Prophetic intercession fills the gaps. A gap is an opening. Demons look for gaps to enter. Prophets have the ability to see the gaps and stand in them. They position themselves to pray and intercede in the gaps.

Prophetic intercession makes up the hedge. A hedge is a protective barrier, a fence. Broken hedges allow serpents to enter

(Eccl. 10:8). Broken hedges are the result of sin and disobedience. Broken hedges need to be built up through the prophet's intercession.

God's indictment against the prophets was that they had not gone up into the gaps and made up the hedge. God looked for a man to make up the hedge. A lack of prophetic intercession causes the gaps to remain open and the hedges to remain broken.

Prophets must identify the gaps and broken hedges. They must enter into those gaps and build up those hedges. Prophets provide a protective barrier through their intercession. They have the anointing to fill the gaps. They have the authority to stand in the gaps.

Is not this the fast that I have chosen...and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, (Isa. 58:6,12)

Fasting is one of the ways the gaps (breaches) can be repaired. Fasting is another tool of the shamar prophet. Fasting helps us become rebuilders of broken walls.

Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many...(Isa. 22:9)

The city of David was also known as the citadel of Zion. Zion was a stronghold of righteousness. It had towers and bulwarks (Psa. 48:12). The city of David was fortified against attack. The once impregnable city was now filled with breaches. It could no longer defend itself against attack. Churches with breaches will be invaded by the enemy The shamar ministry is desperately needed to fill the breaches.

By reason of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover thee: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into thy gates, as men enter into a city wherein is made a breach. With the hoofs of his horses shall he tread all thy streets: he shall slay thy people by the sword, and thy strong garrisons shall go down to the ground. And they shall spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water.

And I will cause the noise of thy songs to cease; and the sound of thy harps shall no more be heard. (Ezek. 26:1013)

The RSV translation says, "and your mighty pillars will fall to the ground". Pillars refer to leadership. When there is a breach, the enemy comes in to remove the pillars. Another area of attack is the finances. The NEB says, "your wealth will become spoil". Another area of attack is the music. Praise and worship is attacked when there is a breach. The stones are removed. Believers are called "living stones". Breaches must be repaired. The gaps must be filled. This is why the shamar function of the prophet is so important.

PROPHETS IN A PROPHETIC COMMUNITY

For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1 Cor. 14:31)

Old Testament prophets were often rejected. Israel was a nation governed by the Mosaic Law. They were natural people without the new birth. Moses desired all of God's people to be prophets. The New Testament church is intended to be a prophetic community. The Holy Spirit is poured out upon all flesh causing the sons and daughters to prophesy. Prophets should be accepted within this prophetic community. They should minister in an atmosphere of love and acceptance. Prophets are a part of the Body of Christ. They must function with the measure of grace given to them by God.

All of God's people should operate to some degree in the prophetic. All are not prophets, but all can prophesy. Prophets should feel welcome and comfortable operating in this prophetic community. Prophets should not feel isolated and rejected under the New Covenant. Prophetic intercession should be the norm. The shamar aspect of the prophet's ministry will become a common and integral part of the church.

Churches that are not prophetic may have a hard time embracing and receiving prophets. Churches should embrace the prophetic and become a prophetic community. This includes personal prophecy, corporate prophecy, prophetic presbytery, prophetic worship, prophetic intercession, prophetic teams, prophetic dance, and the prophet's ministry.

Today's church can unfortunately operate in rebellion, stubbornness, disobedience, and pride. This can cause some to reject and despise the prophet's ministry. Some simply lack understanding of this ministry and are afraid. Humility is essential. We need to know our dependence on God and his grace. Churches should humbly accept the need for prophets and prophetic intercession.

Spirits To War Against

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1. THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT

Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. (Rev. 2:20)

There are certain spirits that will attack congregations. Included in this list is Jezebel. Elijah warred against Jezebel. Elijah represents the prophetic anointing. God raised up Elijah during the time Jezebel was destroying the nation through idolatry and witchcraft. Jezebel will attempt to kill true prophets. The Jezebel spirit will always seek to destroy and hinder the development of the prophetic ministry in a church. Jezebel calls herself a prophetess. Jezebel is responsible for false prophetics. Jezebel operates through divination, control, manipulation, and domination. Jezebel is also responsible for false teaching and sexual impurity. Jezebel spirits have destroyed many congregations. Prophets are raised up to confront and stop Jezebel.

Many leaders have fallen victim to Jezebel. Jezebel is a spirit. Jezebel was able to enter into Israel through marriage. Ahab married Jezebel. Marriage is a covenant. This marriage covenant gave Jezebel the legal right to enter Israel. She brought with her all her idolatry, witchcraft, and whoredom. Leaders must be very careful with whom they enter into covenant with. Wrong covenants can open the door for Jezebel. Prophets should pray for the leaders of the church. They must provide a prayer covering to prevent Jezebel from gaining influence.

Jezebel loves to be in a position of leadership. She will gain influence by speaking against the ordained leadership. Jezebel uses slander and gossip to destroy ordained leadership. Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel, attempted killing the royal seed (see 2 Kings 11:1). Jezebel hates ordained leadership and will do everything possible to destroy it or control it. Jezebel hates prophets because they are her greatest threat. Jezebel will attempt to cut off intercession. Jezebel will attack the prayer ministry of a church.

Jim Goll states, "A Jezebel spirit stirs up fear, flight, and discouragement, often prompting a spiritual leader to flee his or her appointed place just as Elijah did. Every year hundreds of spiritual marketplace and governmental leaders resign because of debilitating discouragement, confusion, depression, loss of vision, despair, disorientation, withdrawal, a sense of worthlessness, defeat, burnout, physical illness, financial insufficiency, character assassination, moral failure, and an almost infinite variety of other factors. In many cases, this maligning control spirit is responsible."

Prophets walk in discernment and can detect Jezebel. Jezebel is very manipulative. Jezebel needs to be discerned and exposed. Jezebel will operate through teaching. Jezebel will also operate through false prophecy and flattery. The spirit of Jezebel cannot be allowed to operate in a congregation. Jezebel will destroy a church. The result of Jezebel's influence will always be false teaching, witchcraft (control), seduction and sexual sin. These are cancers to the church. A church cannot remain healthy with Jezebel's influence. Jezebel is a seducing spirit. Seduce means to mislead. Believers will be led astray and destroyed if Jezebel is not stopped. Jezebel can cause much hurt and damage to the body.

Jezebel causes churches to be carnal and fleshly. Jezebel draws churches away from purity and true worship. Spirits of perversion, adultery, immorality, and fornication will run rampant when Jezebel is in control. Slander and gossip are also the marks of Jezebel. Churches under the influence of Jezebel will also go astray in their doctrine. Heresy and false teaching are dangerous. Our teaching always affects our lifestyles. Truth and sound doctrine must be preserved if a church is to remain strong. Jezebel's insect type is a black widow spider. The black widow is deadly. The black widow will eat its mate. Jezebel means "unhusbanded".

John Paul Jackson states, "No church is too great, too healthy or too pure to be exempted from a Jezebel spirit. In fact, the greater the church, the greater the assurance that those with a Jezebel spirit will seek to gain influence and power—unless the pastor, the leadership team, the intercessors, and those who are prophetically gifted exercise their responsibility and withstand this spiritual attack."

2. THE ABSALOM SPIRIT

And Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the GATE...so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel...And the CONSPIRACY was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom. (2 Sam. 15:2,6,12)

Absalom spirits are another danger to churches. Absalom rebelled against his father and tried to seize the kingdom. He was disloyal to his father. He acted out of pride, vanity, rebellion and bitterness. Absalom represents betrayal and treachery. Many leaders have suffered betrayal and treachery from other leaders with Absalom spirits. Prophets need to be on guard against this spirit that seeks to divide and separate churches.

Absalom turned the hearts of the people away from David. David was the rightful king. Absalom tried to usurp his authority by gaining followers. Ahithophel, David's wisest counselor, joined the rebellion. Many leaders have suffered betrayal from people with Absalom spirits. This must be stopped through prophetic intercession. It is interesting that Absalom stood by the way of the gate to seduce the people. This is why we need prophetic intercession at the gates.

David almost lost his throne to Absalom. He had to flee

Jerusalem for his life. He was unaware of what Absalom was doing. This was a conspiracy. A conspiracy is a planning and acting together secretly, especially an unlawful and harmful purpose. The conspiracy continued to gain strength as the people increased with Absalom. Absalom spirits will attempt to get as many people on their side against leadership as possible. Absalom is subtle and cunning. Absalom will carry out his rebellion secretly. Absalom is ambitious. He desires what is his father's. This spirit will sometimes attack the spiritual sons and daughters of a leader. Absalom is a serpent. He is subtle and crafty.

Many leaders (set men) have fallen victim to ungodly conspiracies by other leaders in the church. These hidden plots have surprised leaders who try to recover when it is too late. Hidden conspiracies need to be exposed. The shamar anointing is designed to see hidden conspiracies and expose them before it is too late.

3. THE KORAH SPIRIT

And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron... (Num. 16:3)

Korah also represents rebellion. He is more open and defiant than Absalom. Korah openly challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Whereas Jezebel primarily works through women, Korah primarily works through men. Korah is represented by a scorpion. Korah accused Moses of exalting himself above the other leaders. The insinuation was that he was holding the other leaders down. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft (1 Sam. 15:23). Witchcraft operates through Jezebel, Absalom and Korah, and, if unchecked, can blind and seduce many believers in a congregation.

The Korah spirit will cause a leader to exalt himself in the midst of the congregation. This spirit does not recognize God's appointed leadership. Korah is bold and brazen. Korah is not afraid to speak openly against leadership. Prophets must stand with leadership against the spirit of Korah. Korah represents the spirit of revolt. A revolt is the refusal to submit to established authority.

The devil hates God's ordained leaders. He will attempt to slander, pull down, accuse, and overthrow those ordained to be leaders. The Korah spirit is one of those spirits that attempts to exalt a person to challenge true leadership. The Korah spirit hates apostolic and prophetic leadership. This spirit accuses leaders of being self-appointed instead of God appointed.

4. THE PYTHON SPIRIT

And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination (python) met us... (Acts 16:16)

A python is a constrictor. Pythons kill their victims by squeezing the breath out of them. Breath represents spirit. Python spirits attempt to choke the life out of churches. This can include choking the life out of the praise and worship, and the prophetic ministry. Python spirits also attempt to squeeze the prayer out of the church. The damsel possessed with the spirit of python met the apostles as they were going to prayer.

Python is translated as divination. Divination is the knowledge branch of witchcraft. People with python spirits will attempt to stop or constrict the move of the Holy Spirit in the church. This spirit can attack leaders and cause them to draw back from the gifts of the spirit and the move of the Holy Ghost. Python will attack the praise and worship ministry. Python will attack the prayer ministry.

Witchcraft is a spirit that will attempt to stop the flow of the Holy Spirit or pervert it. False gifts and manifestations can occur instead of genuine manifestations of the Holy Spirit. Prophets are sensitive to the operations of the Holy Spirit. They have the ability to sense when something is wrong. They not only sense something is wrong, but they can identify the problem. Prophetic intercession can stop witchcraft and divination from entering and affecting the spiritual flow of a congregation.

The characteristics of python spirits can include a lack of prophecy and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit, prayerlessness, tiredness and spiritual lethargy, lack of fervent praise and worship, and lack of development of ministries. Churches should experience a continual flow and anointing of the Holy Spirit. Nothing should be allowed to choke the spiritual life out of the church.

5. THE LEVIATHAN SPIRIT

In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. (Isa. 27:1)

Leviathan is the king over all the children of pride. Leviathan's representation is a crocodile or a large sea serpent. Leviathan attacks leaders causing them to become arrogant and puffed up. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5). Humility is necessary to access the grace of God. The most extensive reference to Leviathan is in Job chapter 41. The characteristics of the Leviathan spirit include prayerlessness (Job 41:3), covenant breaking (Job 41:4), harsh words (Job 41:4), inability to serve others (Job 41:4), no breath (spirit, air, Job 41:16), stubbornness (stiff-necked, Job 41:24), hardness of heart (Job 41:24), and pride (Job 41:34).

Ministries can become proud through knowledge and success (1 Cor. 8:1). Prophets call for humility. Humility is the key to honor and success. A lack of humility will open the doors for spirits of pride, arrogance, haughtiness, and self-exaltation. These are dangerous spirits to be identified and driven out and away from the assembly. Pride opens the door for destruction (Prov. 16:18).

Each area of the church should be covered by the prophet's intercession. They include:

The pastor (apostle, set man)

The elders (presbytery, bishops)

The prophets and prophetic teams, intercessors The praise and worship teams (minstrels and psalmists)

The deacons

The pastors (shepherds)

The teachers (doctors, instructors)

The evangelists and evangelistic teams

The helps ministry

The administrators (governments)

The dance teams The youth ministry The children's ministry The business ministry The finances The missions (nations)

The media outreach (television and radio)

The new believers

The new members

Married couples

Singles

Men/women

Widows

Families

Prophetic intercession also includes prayer for the release of:

·         Church growth

·         Deliverance

·         Evangelism

·         Favor

·         Gifts of the Holy Spirit

·         Glory

·         Healing

·         Holiness

·         Humility

·         Love

·         Miracles

·         Peace

·         Property

·         Prophecy

·         Prophetic worship

·         Prosperity

·         Protecting Angels

·         Revelation

·         Salvation

·         Signs and wonders

·         Strength

·         Wisdom

·         Unity

LAMENTATIONS OF JEREMIAH

...for thy breach is great like the sea: who can heal thee? (Lam. 2:13)

The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem. (Lam. 4:12)

The Lamentations of Jeremiah gives a picture of what happens when the enemy enters the gates. Jerusalem's breach was like the sea. Gaps and broken hedges gave the enemy the right to enter. The following things are the result of the enemy entering:

The city is solitary (1:1), weeping, treachery (1:2), captivity, servitude (1:3), mourning, no one attends the feasts, desolate gates, bitterness (1:4), enemies prosper, children in captivity (1:5), loss of beauty (1:6), Sabbaths mocked (1:7), nakedness (1:8), no comfort, affliction (1:9), heathen enter the sanctuary (1:10), sighing (1:11), sorrow (1:12), faintness (1:13), loss of strength (1:14), young men crushed, virgins trodden (1:15), weeping, children desolate (1:16), uncleanness (1:17), young men in captivity (1:18), death of elders (1:19), bowels troubled, death (1:20), trouble (1:21), faint heart (1:22), covered with a cloud (2:1), strongholds thrown down (2:2), loss of protection (2:3), mourning and lamentation (2:5), feasts and Sabbaths forgotten (2:6), altar cast off (2:7), walls destroyed, languishing (2:8), gates destroyed, bars broken, loss of prophetic vision (2:9), elders silenced (2:10), crying, bowels troubled, liver poured out, children and babies faint (2:11), breach great like the sea (2:13), prophets vain (2:14), mockery (2:15), children faint (2:19), priest and prophet slain (2:20), young and old destroyed (2:21), terror (2:22), darkness (3:2), premature aging, broken bones (3:4), gall and travail (3:5), dark place, the grave (3:6), hedged in, heavy chain (3:7), unanswered prayer (3:8), ways enclosed, crooked paths (3:9), arrows into reins (3:13), bitterness and wormwood (3:15), broken teeth, ashes (3:16), loss of peace, loss of prosperity (3:17), loss of strength and hope (3:18), affliction, misery, wormwood, gall (3:19), fear, snare, desolation, destruction (3:47), cruelty (4:3), starvation (4:4), living in the dunghill (4:5), famine (4:8), foundations devoured (4:11), wandering, blindness (4:14), loss of favor (4:16), loss of breath (4:20), loss of inheritance (5:2), orphans (5:3), labor, no rest (5:5), ruled by servants (5:8), women ravished (5:11), elders not honored (5:12), loss of elders, loss of music (5:14), loss of joy, no dancing (5:15), loss of authority (5:16), heart faint, eyes dim (5:17), and rejection (5:22).

References

Elijah Among Us by John Sanford, Chosen Books, 2002, Grand Rapids

Church Prophets by Paula Price, Flaming Vision Publications, Tulsa

The Unveiled Ploy by John Paul Jackson, Streams Publications

The Watchman by Martha Lucia and Dana Millar, Christian International, Santa Rosa Beach, 2002

The preserving and guarding aspect of the prophet’s ministry is needed in every local church. This is accomplished through intercession, discernment, praise, preaching, teaching and worship. This helps defend the church against error, heresy, witchcraft, carnality, perversion, legalism, sin, and deception. Each church should develop and train the prophets that have been set in the assembly hy God. A failure to do so can result in a local church suffering from many attacks that could have heen averted. A revelation of the prophet’s ministry is vital to the success and health of the church. A revelation of the shamar aspect of the prophet’s ministry will help churches protect and defend the flock.

Shamar means to guard, to keep, to he a watchman. It can refer to guarding a flock, the heart, the mind, a nation, or a city from outside attack or ungodly influences. It is used in reference to keeping (guarding) the gates or entries to cities. Each local church needs a prophetic guard. 1 his is not one prophet, hut a company of prophets who help guard the church from the invasion of the enemy. Churches that develop the prophetic ministry will have the advantage of heing protected through prophetic intercession and the shamar aspect of the prophet’s ministry.

JOHN ECKHARDT is called to impart and activate the gifts of the Spirit in order to raise up strong ministries in the Body of Christ. A gifted man with an apostolic and prophetic call on his life, his desire is to infiltrate the world with the Word of God. He is dedicated to perfecting the saints, and training ministers to fulfill the call of God on their lives. Along wi th his apostolic responsibilities, John Eckhardt is the Pastor and Overseer of Crusaders Ministries/Crusaders Church of Chicago, Illinois. He has ministered in over 60 nations, and throughout the United States.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 The Role And Function Of Prophets In The Local Church

2 Prophets at the Gates

3 The Prophet's Ward

4 New Testament Prophets

5 Warfare

6 Spirits to War Against

References