Elijah Among Us: Understanding and Responding to God's Prophets Today [Paperback]

John Loren Sandford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002

Twenty-five years after the release of his ground-breaking book The Elijah Task, co-authored with his wife, Paula, a sequel comes from the powerful pen of John Sandford. In Elijah Among Us, he outlines a biblically rooted discussion of prophetic history and functioning, both how to instruct prophets and commission their office and how to inform the church about prophetic ministry. Sandford wrote this follow-up book because he sees a strong and even dangerous overemphasis in the church on the "giving of personal words," which is only one role of the prophetic office.
The first section of this book develops a history of the prophetic office, how the office metamorphosed from one of warning into proclaiming God's gentle and merciful side, and becoming burden-bearers. Second, Sandford sets forth the working functions of prophets, explaining how they serve in twelve major roles, including bringing blessings, healing, warning of impending judgment, giving protection from tragedies, and offering direction, guidance, or confirmation.
Readers will gain crucial knowledge of a widely misunderstood topic, helping them be discerning in these strategic end times. Authoritative and compelling, Elijah Among Us is a timely and vital work for the Body of Christ.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

While the word prophet may summon images of bearded folk proclaiming the end of the world, Sandford, a Congregational pastor, sees prophets as intermediaries, people who help others hear God and who offer blessings, healing, judgment, warning, intercessory prayer and reconciliation for both individuals and institutions. This book is about the history of prophecy and prophets as well as practical ways to understand and apply prophecy today, based on Sandford's own experience as a modern prophet. Sandford relies heavily on the Bible to describe the prophetic office, asserting, for example, that prophets are not, contrary to popular Christian tradition, infallible. Instead, he says, prophecy is a gift honed over time; those who hear prophetic words should subject them to tests of judgment by praying, waiting and asking others for advice. Sandford also acknowledges that sometimes God works in completely unfathomable ways, as when people die despite intercessory prayer, or when tragedy occurs to someone walking closely with God. Prophets must learn to live with unanswered questions, he explains. There comes a time when God does not answer, when we just have to let go and trust and honor His arcane wisdom. This frustrated yet faith-filled acknowledgment of mystery, as well as Sandford's frequent admissions of his own mistakes over the years, contributes to a humble tone throughout the book. Combined with Sandford's anecdotes and sensible advice, this is an appealing introduction for even non-charismatics interested in learning more about this particular area of Christianity.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

A job description for prophets-then and now.

Is the prophetic gifting for today? If so, whom does it involve and how does it work? In this sequel to John and Paula Sandford's classic The Elijah Task, John teaches about the history of prophecy and its biblical application for today. He shows those who have this extraordinary gift how to discharge the office properly, and he gives the Church a vision for God's purpose in this ministry. From Elijah Among Us you will gain crucial knowledge of a widely misunderstood gift, helping you be discerning in these strategic end times.

"Elijah Among Us reveals deep truths gleaned from many years of understanding the prophetic gift. John is one of the pioneers of the prophetic movement. Those of us who cut our teeth on the prophetic by reading The Elijah Task have waited a long time for this book."
Cindy Jacobs, cofounder, Generals of Intercession
author, Possessing the Gates of the Enemy and The Voice of God

"With the brush of a master and the wisdom of a sage, John Sandford presents a gem that will shine bright and cast light for all those looking to know the ways of God on the prophetic pathway. I am personally delighted that this long-awaited sequel is now among us!"
Jim W. Goll, cofounder, Ministry to the Nations
author, Kneeling on the Promises and The Coming Prophetic Revolution

"Few have the ability to panoramically and prophetically view the past, present and future as does John Sandford. He serves the information on a nutritionally balanced platter that one can savor. It is with great honor and urgency that I commend to you Elijah Among Us."
Dr. Dutch Sheets, founder, Dutch Sheets Ministries
author, Intercessory Prayer

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Chosen Books; Reprinted edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080079303X
• ISBN-13: 978-0800793036
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,322 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Education

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Writing for Those Who are The Called, March 17, 2009

By 

Daniel Brooks "Dan" (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Elijah Among Us: Understanding and Responding to God's Prophets Today (Paperback)

This book is not for the everyday christian reader. It is very specifically targeted to those who have the prophetic calling on their life. It deals with the issues that today's prophets must endure in a way that makes it clear that seasoning is not only required but in the hands of the writer.

No question, if you are called to the prophetic ministry, this book is a must read.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-have for every Christian, February 2, 2006

By 

Akisanmi Oluwaseun "OLUWASEUN" (Lagos, Nigeria) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elijah Among Us: Understanding and Responding to God's Prophets Today (Paperback)

Most christians av little or no knowledge of what it really takes to be a man God is willing to use at any time. whether or not u're a prophet, this is recommended for every Christian as a must-read. it gives u a better understanding of God and his ways.. The knowledge in the book takes you a a higher level of maturity in christianity. enjoy and get a copy for a friend.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prophets, September 30, 2002

By 

Larry A. Magnello (Punxsutawney, Pa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elijah Among Us: Understanding and Responding to God's Prophets Today (Paperback)

Very well written anointed book. I highly recomend it
to everyone.

This is a keeper!