An Outside Voice

Why do most attempts at genuine Transformation in the church fail? Lack of effort - No. Lack of desire - No. Lack of energy expended - No. Lack of authenticity - No.

They fail because the message is not delivered by an Outside Voice. In the OT this individual wore the mantle of Prophet. He came from a perspective that was not beholden to the system. He spoke for God and was undeterred by the usual arguments designed to preserve 'status quo'. He was in the system but in a very real way not 'of the system'. He was truly an Outside Voice. His message was exactly what was needed even though it was clearly not popular and most assuredly not well received (Acts 7:51-52).

He was God's spokesman. His message was from God. This is confirmed in the NT - -

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2Peter 1:19-21).

There are no Prophets today who are the equivalent of the OT Prophet. Having offered that caveat, let me provide some observations concerning the message of the OT Prophet and the message necessary to bring genuine Reformation to the church in America today.

The Prophet's message was supported in every facet by the Word of the LORD.
The Prophet's message was primarily Theological not Methodological.
The Prophet did not attend an episodic event, a conference at which he received a notebook.
The Prophet did not call for a 'vote of confidence' to 'approve' his message.
The Prophet was spiritually and emotionally immersed in the lives of those to whom he spoke. They were his people and he loved them as did the LORD for whom he spoke. His message was not just a 'process to be checked off'. It was not the most recent popular fad to sweep across Israel. It was the very substance of God's prescription for blessing His people. Jeremiah said the message was a virtual 'fire in his bones' (Jer. 20:9).
The Prophet spoke with persistence and weeping that covered decades. There are no quick fixes.

Pastor, lay leader, does your church need that "Outside Voice?" Are you being that man like the prophet of old? Do you need help? IgniteUS is here to help you.