“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith…” (Rom. 12:6).
Some people have difficulty understanding prophecy. Years ago there was a lady who attended a denominational church that did not believe in the gifts of the Spirit.
But she started seeking the fullness of God. She started reading material that talked about people getting a word from God.
One day I was talking with her and she said that after much prayer that she had received a word from God. After asking her what the word was, she replied, “The word I received from God was ‘pineapple.'” Well, according to God’s Word, all prophecy must be judged and I judged this word a little “fruity.”
“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge” (1 Cor. 14:29). Even though prophecy differs, it still must be judged. Here are three main criteria for judging prophecy.
#1: Does it bring glory to Jesus?
“And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy'” (Rev. 19:10).
All prophecy must lift up and exalt Jesus. Any prophecy that lifts up a man or an organization above Jesus is not of God. A false prophecy will always try to divert the glory, the honor and the attention to another person or group.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God:
Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
(1 John 4:1-3)
Prophecies should never be flatteries or motivated by ulterior motives. The character of a prophet will reflect Jesus. “You will know them by their fruits.”
#2: Does it agree with God’s Word?
“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21).
Deuteronomy 13:1-5 tells us that we should never believe a prophecy because of a sign only. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 tells us that a true prophecy will always come to pass because God does not lie.
#3: Does it produce liberty or bondage?
Prophecies are given through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Ask yourself this question after hearing a prophecy. “How does it feel in my spirit? Does it agree with the anointing in me?”
“It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil” (Isa. 10:27).
A prophecy from God will always produce liberty because it is soaked in love. “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2).
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.