There is no place in the Bible that says that the ministry of the prophet was to cease (Heb. 13:8), but that it would operate "till” the Church comes to maturity and the Glorious Church is presented unto Jesus her Husband (Eph. 4:11-16; 5:27). The evil religious tradition of cessassionism thwarts this prophetic purpose—true theocratic order strikes the very heart of denominationalism and democratic church government.

The Greek word for "PROPHET” is prophetes, and it means, "a foreteller, an inspired speaker; one who speaks forth openly, one who speaks for another; the open proclaimer of a divine message; an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things.”

A prophet is God's MOUTHPIECE, His spokesman. Prophets are the eyes of the Church, vocalizing, articulating, and revealing the mind, word, and will of God to men.

Deuteronomy 18:18, KJV I will raise them up a PROPHET from among their brethren, like unto THEE (Moses), and will put My words in His mouth; and HE (Jesus the Messiah) shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him.

Acts 3:22-23, KJV For MOSES truly said unto the fathers, a PROPHET shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto Me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you…every soul, which will not hear that PROPHET (Jesus), shall be destroyed from among the people (cp. Acts 7:37).

Matthew 21:11, KJV And the multitude said, This is Jesus the PROPHET of Nazareth of Galilee (compare Jn. 4:19; 7:40).

Jesus is the real Prophet—He is the very Word of God (Jn. 1:1,14). Jesus spoke only the words of His Father (Jn. 5:19-20; 12:49; 14:10,24; 17:8), and moved in the ministry of prediction (Lk. 11:49; Matt. 24).

Jesus is the consummate New Testament pattern Prophet, and personifies each of the fivefold ministries (Eph. 4:8-11). Moses was the Old Testament mediator (Jn. 1:17; Gal. 3:19); Jesus, the Prophet like Moses, mediated the New Testament (1 Tim. 2:5). Whoever would not obey the words of "that prophet” (Jesus) would be "destroyed.” He who has the Son has life; He who ignores the prophetic Son has no life (1 Jn. 5:12).

Have you heard the voice of the Spirit of God in your spirit? Are you among those who hear and obey His voice (Jn. 10:3-5,16,27; 18:37; Heb. 3:15)? Does Jesus the Prophet speak into your life? Is He, is His Word, alive in your heart and mind?

FURTHER RESOURCE: The Golden Candlestick (the Gifts of the Spirit) in my book, The Tabernacle is Jesus, Volume Two, available at http://www.kvmonlinestore.org/.