Black Sheep Believers | EP 16 Prophecy **Episode Summary: Your Front-Row Seat to Prophetic Insights!** In this episode, we dive headfirst into the wild world of self-control struggles (trust us, you're not alone!), emphasizing how crucial it is to keep that connection with Christ strong, especially when life throws you curveballs. Join us as we reminisce about our podcast journey, highlight the power of prayer, and unravel the compelling concept of prophecy—what it meant back in the day and how it still resonates in your life today! We explore the fascinating realm of spiritual gifts and the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a prophet. Get ready to sharpen your discernment skills, because we’ll discuss how true prophecy should lead to transformation and blessings for your community, not just personal glory. We’ll also navigate the sometimes murky waters of dreams and visions, pointing out the potential pitfalls of deception lurking in the spiritual landscape. Whether you’re already well-versed in prophecy or just looking to enhance your ability to discern, we’re here to serve up insight with a fair dash of humor—you won’t want to miss it! Takeaways Self-control is often a struggle, but relationship with Christ helps.Life responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially with family.Taking a break from the podcast can be a form of spiritual Sabbath.Prayer and reflection are essential for personal growth.Understanding prophecy requires education and discernment.Spiritual gifts can grow and change over time.The role of prophets is to remind people of God's words.The Holy Spirit empowers everyone to use their gifts.Encouragement is a key aspect of spiritual gifts.Prophecy involves discernment and speaking truth in love. Prophets served as God's communication channel to His people.Understanding the context of Old Testament prophecy is crucial.Modern interpretations of dreams and visions vary widely.Prophecy is not limited to a select few; it can be for all believers.Discernment is essential to differentiate between true and false prophecies.The enemy can distort spiritual gifts, leading to deception.True prophecy should encourage community and transformation.Personal experiences with God can validate the continuation of prophecy.The purpose of prophecy is to bless others, not just the individual.Awareness of the Spirit's work is vital for spiritual growth.   Chapters 00:00 The Struggle for Self-Control02:50 Navigating Life's Responsibilities05:58 The Importance of Prayer and Reflection08:47 Embracing the Podcast Journey11:09 Understanding Prophecy15:02 Spiritual Gifts and Their Significance20:11 The Role of Prophets in the Bible29:46 The Functions of Prophecy34:05 Understanding Prophecy and Its Impact37:55 The Role of Prophets in the Old Testament39:12 Modern Perspectives on Dreams and Visions43:08 The Continuation of Prophecy Today48:20 The Deception in Spiritual Gifts54:00 Discernment in Prophetic Messages01:00:40 The Purpose of Prophecy for the Community