Customer Reviews

The Gift of Prophecy (The Beginner's Guide to)

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Here is a little further perspective on this book; Jack Deere is a former cessastionist scholar who encountered God in a dramatic way and was mentored by John Wimber and Paul Cain. I've read all or part of several other books on the prophetic, but this one is special because of its Spirit:
Mike Bickle's book helps you relax and believe that prophecy is normal.
Bill Hamon gives you the ins and outs of almost every question or situation you could imagine about the operation of the gift
Steve Thompson's "You may all Prophesy" is really excellent at as a practical introduction-- covering all the bases of how God speaks, and the stopping places most people hit.
But Jack Deere's book actually made me cry at least once. There is such a revelation of humility and reverence for God that your eyes will opened to see prophecy in a whole new light. Not as a thing, but you will taste the Spirit of the Person who is Prophecy.
If you are burned out from the false prophets and failures since the Latter Rain, or if you are concerned that prophecy and prophets are just too weird and that it doesn't seem like the right Spirit, read this book. In fact, if you have any interest in speaking prophetically, please read this, and then move on to some of the other great books.

For some time now I have been on the edge of the prophetic ministry, trying the gift, making mistakes, being humiliated, being encouraged but not giving up. Thanks to Jack Deere I have been greatly encouraged by this book. I am not placing myself in the same league with these great men of God but it helps to know that they have gone and are going through the same things. The book addressed more than the Prophetic. It is full of deep spiritual truths that bring revelations which are useful in anyones Christian walk. Thank you Jack.

I truly was refreshed by reading this book. I love the practical insight and humility that this book displays. If you ever had a desire to move in the prophectic this book will encourage the process. "Pursue Love , and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1). Very well written and balanced theologically. Excellent!

I have read other books about Prophecy and honestly most have been quacky and out of line with Christian scripture. Jack Deer's book was great, he explains what true Prophecy is, the good, the bad and the humiliating aspect of it. I can not stress how informative yet entertaining this book was. He is a very good writer and by the end of the book you have a feel for his character and personality. The book never contradicts the Bible and is well worth reading.

Awesome, practical, balanced, scholarly, warm, positive, handbook on developing the gift of prophecy; from a former fundamentalist scholar/professor (OT; Dallas Seminary). Must reading if God has gifted you in the prophetic, or you want to pursue the gift; with case studies, personal experiences, insights Dr. Deere got from being up close to heavy-weight and life-long prophetic persons. Shows how to activate and start developing in the prophetic without becoming offensive, weird, intrusive, negative, out of control, etc. Any church would enjoy having the prophetically-gifted in their midst if Deere's inspired guidelines were followed. Bishop Pytches said of Jack's scholarship (and I completely concur): 'This wise, balanced, very readable and practical book from a Bible-loving academic is full of common sense, healthy warnings and correctives, encouragements and illustrations...one of the best I have read.'

Dr. Deere is the balanced, savvy, and hi-IQ scholar you were looking for to help move you out of the "Bible's yellowed pages" into a supernatural walk of hearing and living under the 24/7 coaching/voice of God, without openly offending, becoming unbalanced in over-emphasis on emotion/experience over the authority of Scripture. Must reading for anyone "surprised by the voice of God/surprized by the power of the Spirit."

Addendum: Plan A Cessationalist Group: "Gifts like this ceased in 1st century." Plan B Charismatic Group: "Yeah, they may have ceased on a experientially-my church level; but have always been available theologically."

Plan C: "Ready or not, I AM GONNA Interrupt You End-Time People: regardless of your personal view; power gifts breaking out all over, World-Wide; on all groups/peoples/positions, as tools, tech, and equipment to prep you for the final harvest / roundup....followed by unpleasant news and views in the skies and heavens above; days of the comet of Revelation 8.7 - 9.2, and Luke 21.25-36...." -- CEO; Joel 2.28-32

As the "End-Times" Group, don't be shocked @ what's coming; when it strikes, be savvy: SADDLE UP AND "get ready, Get Ready, GET READY" FOR MAJOR DISPLAY OF POWER GIFTS TO INTERRUPT AND BREAK LOOSE IN YOUR FELLOWSHIP; to facilitate some unfinished Cowboys work of rounding up and roping in all those mavericks and strays of Luke 14.22-24; John 9.4; 10.16; Joel 2.28-32...meandering and browsing over there near the edge of the cliff....

I have felt the potential for the prophetic calling on my life so I really wanted to get down to the core questions surrounding prophecy. Rather than going into a how-to manual which you might expect from a book entitled "The Beginner's Guide," Jack Deere describes his journey from a skeptic to a firm believer reassuring our readers that the prophetic voice of God is just as loud today as it was 2,000 years ago. Reading the testimonies of how God spoke through His prophets made me intensify my prayers to God in accordance with Paul when he encourages us to actively seek the gift of prophesy. I highly recommend this book to those of you who want a better understanding of prophesy along with an increased desire for this gift from the Holy Spirit.

Although I am now leery of some of Deere's associations mentioned in this book (maybe Deere is too?) the book containes very good, strong, practical advice. Approach is simple and straightforward. Also useful for one's personal walk with the Lord and learning to hear, understand and apply when the Lord is speaking to one's heart. I found it and continue to find it to be most helpful.

If you want to read a book on prophecy that is simple, full of real-life stories and practical application then this is the book for you. Jacke Deere weaves in his own stories along with teaching what prophecy is and how to be used by God in this gift. The stories bring the teaching to life and provide some good real-life examples of how to use prophecy. The part on dream interpretation was especially helpful.

If you don't believe prophecy is for today like a cessationist, then don't read this book. I doubt your mind will be changed by a book-only be revelation. If you do want to grow in the prophetic gift and want a solid, practical and easy to read guide then pick up Jack Deere's book today!

exellent, gives lots of insight to the world of prophesy,very interesting and easy to read and understand!

This book is wonderful. The author is great communicator. His stories are compelling and inspiring. His theology is solid and revolutionary. I've only had it a few weeks and have read it twice. I have renewed hope, joy and faith from reading the book. Get this book! Give it to all of your friends, and everyone you love.