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The Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy
An authentic gift of prophecy - What is it? Who has it? Can you hear God's voice for yourself? In T he Beginner's Guide to the Gift of Prophecy, Jack Deere describes the operation of the prophetic gift in the church today. He offers not only a balanced overview of the role of prophecy in the Christian community, but also practical information to help readers discern the authenticity of prophecies and learn to exercise the gift themselves. Topics covered learning how God speaks, understanding His messages, avoiding prophetic craziness, giving prophetic messages, discerning deceptions, demons and false prophets and growing in your prophetic gift.
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First published January 1, 2001
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About the author
Jack Deere
34 books76 followersJack Deere, formerly an associate professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary, is a writer and lecturer who speaks throughout the world on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He is the author of the bestselling book Surprised by the Power of the Spirit. Follow Jack on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorJackDeere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 28, 2011
For those that believe they have the spiritual gift of prophecy, I wholeheartedly recommend this book for a Jesus-centered, Biblical approach to the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life.
I was thankful to see Dr. Deere share honest stories of humiliation and errors when using his gift, which was a refreshing change from seeing many charismatics flaunt their gift in a way that I believe is endangering to Scriptural truth and honoring Jesus with our gifts.
This book has many practical elements for how to nurture and grow the gift of prophecy, but never forgets to point back to Jesus and intimacy with the Father. After all, the Holy Spirit is predominantly concerned with pointing to Jesus, not the works that He would do through believers.
Even if you happen to be a cessationist, don't believe you have the specific gift of prophecy, or are confused about things you have seen/heard people doing in the name of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Deere's book will be a refreshing, level-headed look into all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
I was thankful to see Dr. Deere share honest stories of humiliation and errors when using his gift, which was a refreshing change from seeing many charismatics flaunt their gift in a way that I believe is endangering to Scriptural truth and honoring Jesus with our gifts.
This book has many practical elements for how to nurture and grow the gift of prophecy, but never forgets to point back to Jesus and intimacy with the Father. After all, the Holy Spirit is predominantly concerned with pointing to Jesus, not the works that He would do through believers.
Even if you happen to be a cessationist, don't believe you have the specific gift of prophecy, or are confused about things you have seen/heard people doing in the name of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, Dr. Deere's book will be a refreshing, level-headed look into all the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
January 16, 2012
Overall I liked the book. A very thoughtful, reasoned, and honest argument that uses scripture to back up thoughts. If he proposes something that is not clear from scripture, the author says he clearly states this. I would argue that point with him as in many cases he would state his opinion and place a scripture verse that was very loosely related in parenthesis at the end of the sentence. It gives the appearance that there is scriptural support but if you actually take the time to look it up - it's flimsy at best.
As I said though, it's a great book for a rational use of the supernatural gift. I'll be interested in reading some of the other suggestions he gives at the back of the book from the Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Conservative Evangelical traditions to fill some of this in too.
Overall, a great overview - very practical!
As I said though, it's a great book for a rational use of the supernatural gift. I'll be interested in reading some of the other suggestions he gives at the back of the book from the Charismatic, Pentecostal, and Conservative Evangelical traditions to fill some of this in too.
Overall, a great overview - very practical!
May 19, 2020
4.5 stars
It was a healing, validating, comforting and challenging experience to read this book after suffering such a limited perspective of spiritual gifts for most of my life, despite the fact that my spiritual gifts contradicted that perspective. I highly recommend reading this if you are wanting to start a learning journey.
It was a healing, validating, comforting and challenging experience to read this book after suffering such a limited perspective of spiritual gifts for most of my life, despite the fact that my spiritual gifts contradicted that perspective. I highly recommend reading this if you are wanting to start a learning journey.
May 5, 2021
Quite the practical quite to the gift of prophecy. Filled with personal experiences and the author’s own journey. So so Helpful for the beginners, highly recommend it!
January 1, 2020
Both deep and practical
What is most memorable to me about this book is the emphasis on the prophet's need for humility. This Book is a quick, easy read, but don't let that fool you. It is deep! I recommend it for anyone seeking to learn more about the Spiritual gift of prophesy.
What is most memorable to me about this book is the emphasis on the prophet's need for humility. This Book is a quick, easy read, but don't let that fool you. It is deep! I recommend it for anyone seeking to learn more about the Spiritual gift of prophesy.
October 29, 2019
Always enjoy his books. This book was well done and very helpful in understanding the gift of prophecy if you are unfamiliar with it. Highly recommend.
April 20, 2025
While widely practiced (and sometimes abused) in charismatic circles, the gift of prophecy is largely ignored in evangelical churches. If its mentioned at all, it's in the context of social justice or speaking truth to power. However, there's no reason to believe that the spiritual gift of prophecy as practiced in the New Testament - foretelling future events, revealing revelations or words of knowledge - has come to an end.
Jack Deere's book provides important and biblical insights into this gift along with practical suggestions for cultivating it within a corporate context. His experience in this area has made him aware of the dangers that can emerge within prophetic ministry, which he addresses.
At a practical level, this book provides a good though incomplete introduction to prophetic ministry. So why only 3 stars?
First, in my experience hearing the voice of God requires silencing all other internal voices. While Deere acknowledges that we can mistake our internal voices for the voice of God, he offers no real advice for addressing this other than practice.
Second, while I agree that prophetic ministry can be practiced by all (just as evangelism or teaching aren't limited to those with those gifts), I believe there's a danger in assuming that we can become prolific in prophetic ministry. Prophesies, as Deere states, are gifts. It's dangerous to assume that there are prophetic messages readily available. They may be, but they may not as well. Some may never receive prophetic messages, while others may receive only a few over the course of a lifetime. Deere gives the impression that we can receive such messages just about whenever we want them.
Third, his endorsement of people like Mike Bickel and Rick Joyner shows a lack of discernment. The book was written before the scandals associated with these men were known, but one would think that someone with a high sense of the prophetic would have been more discerning. Since then, Deere has stated that Bickel is unfit for ministry.
Fourth, most of the examples of prophetic ministry that he cites are from the stage. In my experience, public prophecy like this is easily abused, and I prefer to practice the gift in more private settings. Additionally, in many of the examples he speaks of general prophecies becoming more clear. However, this can also be easily abused. For example, publicly stating that "there is someone here in need in prayer for a health issue" is a safe bet. One need not be prophetic to make such a statement.
Lastly, while he states at the end that the goal of prophetic ministry is to reveal Jesus, he doesn't unpack prophetic ministry in light of Jesus, our Prophet. For prophetic ministry to be healthy, it needs to be Christological.
Deere's book is a good resource, though incomplete. It needs to be read in a discerning way. If one is new to prophetic ministry, it would be good to read this book with someone who is more experienced.
Jack Deere's book provides important and biblical insights into this gift along with practical suggestions for cultivating it within a corporate context. His experience in this area has made him aware of the dangers that can emerge within prophetic ministry, which he addresses.
At a practical level, this book provides a good though incomplete introduction to prophetic ministry. So why only 3 stars?
First, in my experience hearing the voice of God requires silencing all other internal voices. While Deere acknowledges that we can mistake our internal voices for the voice of God, he offers no real advice for addressing this other than practice.
Second, while I agree that prophetic ministry can be practiced by all (just as evangelism or teaching aren't limited to those with those gifts), I believe there's a danger in assuming that we can become prolific in prophetic ministry. Prophesies, as Deere states, are gifts. It's dangerous to assume that there are prophetic messages readily available. They may be, but they may not as well. Some may never receive prophetic messages, while others may receive only a few over the course of a lifetime. Deere gives the impression that we can receive such messages just about whenever we want them.
Third, his endorsement of people like Mike Bickel and Rick Joyner shows a lack of discernment. The book was written before the scandals associated with these men were known, but one would think that someone with a high sense of the prophetic would have been more discerning. Since then, Deere has stated that Bickel is unfit for ministry.
Fourth, most of the examples of prophetic ministry that he cites are from the stage. In my experience, public prophecy like this is easily abused, and I prefer to practice the gift in more private settings. Additionally, in many of the examples he speaks of general prophecies becoming more clear. However, this can also be easily abused. For example, publicly stating that "there is someone here in need in prayer for a health issue" is a safe bet. One need not be prophetic to make such a statement.
Lastly, while he states at the end that the goal of prophetic ministry is to reveal Jesus, he doesn't unpack prophetic ministry in light of Jesus, our Prophet. For prophetic ministry to be healthy, it needs to be Christological.
Deere's book is a good resource, though incomplete. It needs to be read in a discerning way. If one is new to prophetic ministry, it would be good to read this book with someone who is more experienced.
November 5, 2020
1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit.
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.
The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.
The church ignored some parts of God's word, it's time to regain what we lost.
Last page from the book:
Human: "God, why don't You speak louder"
God: "Human, why don't you come closer "
For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit.
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.
The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.
I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened.
The church ignored some parts of God's word, it's time to regain what we lost.
Last page from the book:
Human: "God, why don't You speak louder"
God: "Human, why don't you come closer "
July 30, 2023
I enjoyed much of this book. I would have gone 4 stars, but I felt this book didn't have as much practical and easily implementable advice like I had hoped from the title.
I would consider myself a person who's growing warmer to the prophetic. While I found much encouragement, conviction to pray more and differently, and some inspiration in this book, I didn't feel like I got a clear, "so here's where you start tomorrow Jake" - which I had hoped to gain.
But Jack pointed his reader back to Jesus and to his/her knees, so for that, I am thankful. Maybe that's just where I'll start tomorrow...
I would consider myself a person who's growing warmer to the prophetic. While I found much encouragement, conviction to pray more and differently, and some inspiration in this book, I didn't feel like I got a clear, "so here's where you start tomorrow Jake" - which I had hoped to gain.
But Jack pointed his reader back to Jesus and to his/her knees, so for that, I am thankful. Maybe that's just where I'll start tomorrow...
June 22, 2021
Clarity for prophecy
While Deere says several times that prophets won’t always get it right for a variety of reasons, he walks the reader through a framework of trust and humility that would have enabled us to take a hard pass on the mess in 2020. Great read for all who trust in Jesus.
While Deere says several times that prophets won’t always get it right for a variety of reasons, he walks the reader through a framework of trust and humility that would have enabled us to take a hard pass on the mess in 2020. Great read for all who trust in Jesus.
March 3, 2022
Very well written guide to the gift of prophecy!
Simple, practical and profound. This book truly sets a proper foundation for anyone interested in knowing more about the gift of prophecy.
Simple, practical and profound. This book truly sets a proper foundation for anyone interested in knowing more about the gift of prophecy.
November 9, 2017
Some nice insights into the prophetic
I liked the book.
It has some great insights, and helps in keeping your motives for ministry straight and pure!
I liked the book.
It has some great insights, and helps in keeping your motives for ministry straight and pure!
February 21, 2021
Essential reading for those exploring this ministry
Didn’t tell me anything new but good to hear it from such a learned teacher.
Some more anecdotes would make it lighter
Didn’t tell me anything new but good to hear it from such a learned teacher.
Some more anecdotes would make it lighter
October 27, 2021
A good introduction to the gift of prophecy, especially for those who grew up cessationist.
May 9, 2022
Fantástico
May 23, 2022
Great book to tip your toes into the Gif the Prophecy. It's not overly complicated. But for those who have been around the Gift of Prophecy for a while, you should find some great gems as well.
March 19, 2024
Very well written. I preached my very first sermon in Bible school on Prophecy. It was there in the Bible it made perfect sense to me. This book helps a lot.
August 20, 2025
Good book
I learned a lot from this book. He gives good counsel and teaching on how to hear from God and how to share what you hear. I will read more of his books
I learned a lot from this book. He gives good counsel and teaching on how to hear from God and how to share what you hear. I will read more of his books
December 10, 2021
insightful and pastoral
Excellent work. Short, sweet, deep, gracious, biblical, practical.
Deere is insightful and thoughtful. Recommend to all, especially those in the conservative tradition.
Excellent work. Short, sweet, deep, gracious, biblical, practical.
Deere is insightful and thoughtful. Recommend to all, especially those in the conservative tradition.
January 2, 2026
Gifts are not meant for the mind to analyze, but for the heart to enjoy, experience, and share with others.
March 4, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by how beneficial this book was, and I am not sure why. I’ve liked every Jack Deere book I’ve read (I think this is the fifth, after Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, Surprised by the Voice of God, While I Am Still Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, and Even in Our Darkness). I guess I was expecting it to simply be a condensed version of Surprised by the Voice of God, but either (a) I had read the previous, larger work too many years ago to remember the similarities, or (b) it is fresh material, different from the previous work on the topic. Either way, it was worth my effort. I felt like the more the book advanced, the more beneficial it was. Perhaps that’s because I am pretty well-versed in the basics of the gift of prophecy and it’s in the latter part of the book that one finds the practical hints and tips to practicing the gift personally, and in the life of the church.
June 12, 2022
Best book on the Gift of Prophecy
I liked that this book points everything back to Jesus. This man is humble. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand how prophecy should and should not work.
I liked that this book points everything back to Jesus. This man is humble. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand how prophecy should and should not work.
June 11, 2015
"Paul knew that one of the quickest ways to fall into deception was to try harder to please men than to please God.
How do prophets avoid deception? The same way as all other believers: by trying to please God rather than men, by delighting in him above everything else, and by loving him more than all else, especially more than our ministries." ~ Jack Deere, The Beginner's Guide to The Gift of Prophecy, Page 140-141
There is much wisdom that can be gleaned from this book if you desire to prophesy or have prophesied in the past. Jack Deere starts off the book explaining how God took him from being critical of the gift of prophecy and starting to operate in this gift himself and now he trains others in the blessings of this gift.
He also teaches you how to avoid common mistakes that prophets or someone operating in this gift make.
You will feel like a father is teaching you when you read this book. The father is teaching and warning on this greatest of gifts to the Body of Christ and the unbeliever.
God wants you to prophesy so you can build, encourage and comfort others. (See 1 Corinthians 14:3)
How do prophets avoid deception? The same way as all other believers: by trying to please God rather than men, by delighting in him above everything else, and by loving him more than all else, especially more than our ministries." ~ Jack Deere, The Beginner's Guide to The Gift of Prophecy, Page 140-141
There is much wisdom that can be gleaned from this book if you desire to prophesy or have prophesied in the past. Jack Deere starts off the book explaining how God took him from being critical of the gift of prophecy and starting to operate in this gift himself and now he trains others in the blessings of this gift.
He also teaches you how to avoid common mistakes that prophets or someone operating in this gift make.
You will feel like a father is teaching you when you read this book. The father is teaching and warning on this greatest of gifts to the Body of Christ and the unbeliever.
God wants you to prophesy so you can build, encourage and comfort others. (See 1 Corinthians 14:3)
March 29, 2008
The best introduction to this most crucial aspect of the disciple's life that I've read. Deere's other books are far more comprehensive, but this primer is great for anyone just beginning to explore this area. Deere's teaching is so balanced, calm, scriptural and without pretension or unbelievability. I was pretty skeptical of this whole area of Christian living before I started receiving quality teaching and others may be too, but I would encourage you to put aside any preconceptions and read without bias. You may just find yourself, surprised by the voice of God.
February 14, 2014
Very short book. Exactly what it says it is, a beginner's guide to the gift of prophecy. Can we please make this book mandatory for everyone who claims to have this gift? Well, I mean at least for those who do not have someone spiritually mature personally teaching and correcting them.
This book is littered with personal stories, that will not only encourage you and warm your heart to the love of a supernatural God, but also correct any false preconceptions you may have of this gift and warn your soul of the potential dangers of thinking you are hearing God.
This book is littered with personal stories, that will not only encourage you and warm your heart to the love of a supernatural God, but also correct any false preconceptions you may have of this gift and warn your soul of the potential dangers of thinking you are hearing God.
January 23, 2017
"I don't know the next movement of my own little symphony, but that is fine with me. I am at peace knowing that His mercy will be directing it. The mystery makes the music even more enjoyable.
A great book to acquire a knowledge about how to start to manage and use the gift of prophecy. It is a how to's and do's and don'ts when a person believed that he has this kind of gift. Additionally, it is a scripture-based ideals. I like this book because it I learned from it that i can actively apply to my life.
I will definitely reread it again some other time.
Love.
A great book to acquire a knowledge about how to start to manage and use the gift of prophecy. It is a how to's and do's and don'ts when a person believed that he has this kind of gift. Additionally, it is a scripture-based ideals. I like this book because it I learned from it that i can actively apply to my life.
I will definitely reread it again some other time.
Love.
February 2, 2016
I really enjoyed. It talks about what prophecy is and is not. Although the book talks about prophecy from a personal perspective, it is full of scriptural references and gives one a clear overview of the spirit of prophecy, the gift, and the office of the prophet. It really answered a lot of basic questions and concerns about the prophet office. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants and introduction to the prophetic ministry.
Read
February 12, 2011I very informative book, would fully recommend to anyone interested in receiving the gift of prophecy, and for those who would like more in-site into this gift.
October 4, 2012
I LOVE this book so far!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews