Category: Words of Study & Instruction: Scribes & the Arts

Copyright 2013 Theresa Harvard Johnson

 

In a previous article, I was able to address “The Signs of a Prophetic Scribe or a Prophetic Writer” in great detail. Now, it’s time to build upon that foundation and discuss the signs of a scribal prophet. In writing this article, I am making the assumption that you are already aware of the core functions of the office of the prophet so some of those areas may not be mentioned. In addition, most people focus on “prophesying and prophecy” — but also keep in mind that the “administration and instruction” that is released from this office is extremely significant. With that said, there are three additional things that we need to clarify and establish:

1.      A scribal prophet is indeed a prophet called and sent by God to operate fully in that Ephesians 4:11 office for the purpose equipping the Body and maturing the saints. This means that those moving in this area should be mature, stable in the faith. The scribal prophet isn’t a separate or different gift from the prophet; rather, it is a distinct function that flows from the foundational call or office that is more prevalent than other areas. In other words, it has become God’s preferred vehicle through which He administrates the office of the prophet in this person’s life.

Jeremiah 23:30 says, “Therefore,” declares the LORD, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me.”

If you are a prophetic scribe, prophetic writer or operating as a scribal prophet, this book is a must. The subject of plagiarism is thoroughly addressed here from a scriptural, biblical perspective — educating those in need of a Christ-centered, spiritual perspective.

Copyright 2013 Theresa Harvard Johnson

Whether you’re surfing the web about goings-on in the church today or casually engaging in conversations with experienced leaders in the body of Christ, the mere search on the Internet or mention of the term “plagiarism” in connection with the congregation initiates a string of editorials online and long, in-depth discussions concerning the state of the congregation today.

      On one side of the discussion, leaders talk about how the Internet has made today’s ministers lazy and trapped them in cycles of what some call “borrowing sermon ideas from others” instead of searching the Spirit through their relationship with God for their own unique messages. On the other hand there is this belief that in the present day church, a number of leaders just don’t care – and want the easy way out in their bible studies and Sunday morning services. Then there’s this group of broken believers, those whose lives have been disrupted, and in some instances devastated by the effects of plagiarism among the congregation, who write or record their experiences or share testimonies about how they’ve been affected by the sin of plagiarism.

      Regardless of the conversations, we cannot deny that the moral and ethical climate of the church today is at an all-time low. The news media and the web have made it increasingly difficult for anyone to hide their bad or even questionable behavior as it occurs. It has also provided a blindingly bright platform for the congregation to take center-stage amid increasing accusations – some valid and divisive, and others fictitious. It forces us to confront ourselves in the mirror and take a close look at who we view as leaders, truly considering whether or not our motives for ministry are centered upon God’s heart – reconciliation; or an increased man-made focus in hot pursuit of prestige, entitlement and ease in a celebrity driven man-made-ministry environment.

 

Copyright 2013 Theresa Harvard Johnson

Sometimes I know you desire to stand from the rooftops and give your testimony concerning how our Father placed this love for scribal ministry on the inside of you. Instead of standing quietly in the shadows, you want to expose the obstacles that have come your way to defer you faith by saying, “You can’t do this. This world doesn’t need another play, book, poem or song. After all; you’re just not that special.” I know you want to share with the world how you overcame them.

For a long time, I was my own obstacle – my greatest opponent and sabotaging agent. Then, when I finally thought I’d overcome that place the obstacles of discouragement intensified, seeking to fortify the lies rolling around in my head. I wrote about this in my book, The Scribal Anointing: Scribes Instructed in the Kingdom of Heaven, but Father is pressing me to share it again.