Customer Reviews

Prophetic Etiquette: Helpful Guidelines for Giving and Receiving Prophecy

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When I discovered the gift of prophecy (a discovery that came late in life as my right-wing fundamentalist upbringing caused me to miss out on this sweet kiss from God in my younger years) I read just about every prophecy book I could get my hands on. From the truly bizarre and misguided to the genuinely helpful and beautiful. I now recommend Sullivant's book to everyone as the one-stop beautiful shop. I read Michael Sullivant's book last, and I have to say that I find it to be the best. The reason I love it so is because it isn't just about the gift of prophecy. Instead, it is about being a child of God and living out that relationship lovingly and obediently. One could "plug in" any spiritual gift in the place of Sullivant's discussion of prophecy and the book would still be as powerful. But having said that, I have to add that it is a real and powerful blessing to read Sullivant's humble perspective on the gift of prophecy. Michael, having been powerfully gifted in the prophetic for a long time, obviously knows what he is talking about, and he writes beautifully and humbly.

I say that Sullivant's book is the "best," but Jack Deere's "Surprised by the Voice of God" book is also extremely wonderful and is essential. Very much so. In fact, I think that it is a "requirement" for any person of "my heritage" to read Deere's book FIRST, because Deere takes the time to address all the issues that any cessationist (I hate that word) type would raise. After addressing these issues, then Deere goes on to talk about prophecy. Sullivant doesn't feel the need to baby-sit the reader, and plunges right into the whole prophecy picture. Thus, I believe that Deere's book is "essential" for beginners-in-prophecy (or any "gifts" for that matter), and that Sullivant's book is essential as the next step in looking at prophecy in a mature and humble light of ministry. I really like the writing styles of both Deere and Sullivant. After reading Sullivant's book, I want to find him and introduce myself and just "hang" with him.

Michael Sullivant definitely DOES have special insight into the prophetic gifts, just as Paul Cain says. This book is more conceptual than practical. (If you want practical tips on the prophetic, I suggest: "You May All Prophesy!" by Steve Thompson and "The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy" by Jack Deere.) He shares foundational truths about the prophetic, which has released me from some lies that I've learned regarding how prophecy is supposed to operate in the church.

This book is very good for those who don't believe that prophecy is for today or have their doubts about hearing from other believers. I have used a specific chapter several times when talking to unbelievers about God and His requirements on speaking to people today.

He also lays down a basis for a "new breed" of prophets who aren't like the old typical (and many times offensive!) people. He has a chapter "What does humility look like?" that blew me away. Also, one of his other chapters changed my life in reference to "everything in moderation." I got a serious desire for being holy just as God is holy.

I strongly suggest buying this book. It will change your walk with God and re-lay truths about the prophetic that need to be taught.

Thoughtful insights and instruction by a man experienced in the prophetic. A good read for beginners and those experienced in the prophetic. The author's transparency and humility are humbling.

Michael Sullivant delivers one of the finest books on maturing in the voice of God available. Unfortunately it is currently out of print. Hopefully, Charisma House will reprint it or Sullivant will republish it with someone else. Unlike the title or subtitle suggest, this is not a book on the simple gift of prophecy, a "how-to" manual or a book on Prophetic Etiquette but a book on knowing Jesus, being intimate with his voice and maturing in ministry within the context of the prophetic. It is unfortunate that Mike Bickle's book "Growing in the Prophetic" has sold so many copies and this book remains obscure. Sullivant's book is truly a book on "Growing in the Prophetic" while Bickle's book is much more a book on Prophetic Etiquette. Read this book. It will draw you deeper into a love relationship with Christ and with the ministry of being His voice to the body and the world at large.