Prophecy Witness Pt. 4 - May 3rd, 2026 - Pastor Brian Glubish

May 03, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Power in the Upper Room

Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit came. They huddled behind locked doors, unsure what “power” meant. Then fire fell. Tongues like flames rested on each head. Fishermen declared God’s wonders in languages they’d never learned. The crowd marveled—some sneered. But Peter stood, quoting Joel: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” The same power that birthed the church now lives in you. [41:54]

The Spirit’s arrival wasn’t a private mystic experience. It propelled ordinary people into public witness. Jesus didn’t give a motivational speech—He gave raw divine authority. The disciples’ fear melted as the Spirit rewired their priorities.

Many of us crave that fire but avoid the risk of speaking. We prefer safety over Spirit-led boldness. What if your next conversation held eternal weight? Ask the Spirit to highlight one person today. How might your words shift if you saw them as eternal?

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
(Acts 1:8, NIV)

Prayer: Ask the Spirit to ignite fresh boldness to speak Christ’s name without hesitation.
Challenge: Text one person today: “How can I pray for you right now?”

Day 2: Tongues of Fire, Tongues of Truth

The Pentecost crowd heard Galileans speaking their native dialects. Parthians, Medes, and Egyptians froze. “Aren’t these fishermen?” The Spirit bypassed language barriers to declare God’s wonders. Some dismissed it as drunken chaos. But Peter reframed the moment: “This is what Joel promised.” The miracle wasn’t the tongues—it was the testimony. [48:25]

God’s power always points to His character. The disciples didn’t preach self-help—they proclaimed His deeds. The Spirit’s fire burns away trivialities, leaving Christ’s supremacy. Every supernatural gift exists to magnify Jesus, not impress crowds.

You don’t need ecstatic experiences to prophesy. What if “declaring God’s wonders” starts with naming His faithfulness aloud? When did you last recount His miracles in your life? Who needs to hear that story today?

“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
(Acts 2:11, NIV)

Prayer: Thank God for one specific blessing, then share it with someone before sunset.
Challenge: Write “God’s wonder in my life: ________” on a sticky note. Place it where you’ll see it hourly.

Day 3: Daughters and Servants Will Speak

Joel’s prophecy shocked religious elites: daughters and servants would prophesy. In a culture silencing women and dehumanizing servants, God elevated the marginalized. Philip’s four daughters prophesied. A slave girl in Acts 16 proclaimed truth until Paul freed her from demonic manipulation. The Spirit democratizes His voice. [50:11]

Hierarchy stifles the Spirit. God entrusts His words to janitors, teenagers, and retirees—not just professionals. Prophecy isn’t about status but surrendered hearts. When a cleaning lady whispers “God sees you,” that’s as prophetic as any pulpit.

Who have you overlooked as a potential Spirit-voice? Could your child, coworker, or barista carry a word for you? What pride keeps you from hearing God through “unlikely” people?

“Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
(Acts 2:18, NIV)

Prayer: Confess any bias against “unqualified” people. Ask to hear God’s voice in unexpected places.
Challenge: Compliment three people today on a Christlike trait you see in them.

Day 4: Strengthen, Encourage, Comfort

Paul defined prophecy’s purpose: strengthening, encouraging, comforting. No doom-saying. No fortune-telling. Just life-giving words that align with Scripture. The Corinthian chaos needed reining in—prophecy isn’t about theatrical displays but building up. A timely “God hasn’t forgotten you” can steady a sinking soul. [01:04:39]

Jesus’ words always brought life. He told the bleeding woman, “Daughter, your faith has healed you,” not “You missed a spot in repentance.” Prophetic ministry reflects His heart—truth wrapped in grace, diagnosing to heal, not to shame.

When you speak to others, does it leave them heavier or lighter? What if your next critique began with affirmation? Who needs you to be Christ’s microphone today?

“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging, and comfort.”
(1 Corinthians 14:3, NIV)

Prayer: Pray for one struggling person by name. Ask God for a specific phrase to share with them.
Challenge: Handwrite an encouraging note using the sentence, “God wants you to know…”

Day 5: When the Word Dwells Richly

Paul told the Colossians to let Scripture “dwell richly” in them. Prophecy flows from a mind saturated with God’s Word. The disciples’ Pentecost preaching quoted Joel. Peter’s sermons dripped with Psalms. When the Spirit speaks, He harmonizes with the Bible’s melody. [01:04:58]

You can’t prophesy beyond your grasp of Scripture. The Spirit ignites the kindling of God’s Word in your heart. A verse buried in your memory becomes a lifeline for someone’s crisis. Memorization isn’t homework—it’s weaponry.

What Scripture have you neglected? Could a forgotten psalm become someone’s rescue? When will you carve time to hide His Word in your heart?

“Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.”
(Colossians 3:16, NLT)

Prayer: Ask the Spirit to quicken one Bible verse to your mind. Write it where you’ll see it daily.
Challenge: Memorize Colossians 3:16 by repeating it aloud three times this hour.

Sermon Summary

Acts 1:8 frames the discussion by promising power from the Holy Spirit so followers can witness from local neighborhoods to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit emerges as the source of boldness, a unifying gift that enables ordinary believers to speak Godward words that build up others. Historical context highlights ancient oracles and a spirit called python to show how cultures trusted ecstatic utterances, and how the New Testament reorients prophecy away from pagan practices toward Godly, intelligible speech. Episodes from Acts illustrate both disruption and deliverance: a slave girl with a python spirit, the Pentecost outpouring where people declared the wonders of God in known languages, and prophets like Agabus who offered timely warnings and encouragement.

The New Testament democratizes prophecy. Joel and Peter present prophecy as a Spirit-given practice for sons and daughters, young and old, servants and leaders, not a title reserved for an elite few. Paul’s letters then shape how prophecy should function in community. He elevates prophecy over unintelligible ecstatic displays because prophecy speaks plainly, strengthens the church, and serves the common good. Prophecy therefore includes foretelling at times but more often includes inspired words of warning, comfort, and exhortation that call people to repentance and perseverance.

Practical guidance flows from scripture. Believers receive spiritual gifts in proportion to faith and should root prophetic words in scripture and wisdom. Testing prophecies, avoiding contempt for the Spirit, and not quenching the Spirit’s work receive clear emphasis. Cautions include skepticism toward celebrity prophets who can centralize authority and foster ego; genuine gifts should empower local communities rather than elevate individuals. Everyday acts of love, timely scripture brought to mind, and prayers for others can all function prophetically when the Spirit uses them to strengthen, encourage, or correct.

The call centers on being a prophetic witness in the city. A church that cultivates Spirit-led words of encouragement, warning, and comfort will increase unity and effectiveness in mission. The Holy Spirit wants to magnify Christ through ordinary people whose lives, words, and acts testify to God’s love and power.

Key Takeaways

1. Prophecy belongs to all believers Prophecy in scripture extends beyond an elite class to sons and daughters, young and old, servants and leaders. This movement collapses spiritual hierarchies and invites every follower to expect Spirit-empowered speech. Openness to the Spirit matters more than status or training. [50:11]
2. Prophecy builds up the church Prophetic words serve the common good by strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the community. When prophecy aligns with scripture it corrects, guides, and knits congregations together toward maturity. The aim remains edification rather than spectacle. [64:39]
3. Clear prophecy over ecstatic noise Paul privileges intelligibility because meaningful speech reaches others and advances communal faith. Ecstatic utterance without interpretation isolates the speaker and fails to serve the congregation. Clarity protects against confusion and cultivates lasting spiritual fruit. [57:49]
4. Everyday acts can be prophetic Simple acts of love, a remembered scripture, or an urge to pray for someone can carry prophetic power when the Spirit uses them to pierce a heart. Prophecy often looks like practical care or a timely word, not dramatic performance. Expect God to work through ordinary faithfulness. [66:33]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:54] - Acts 1:8 and mission
[42:34] - Inviting the Holy Spirit
[46:44] - The python spirit in Acts
[48:25] - Pentecost and tongues
[50:11] - Joel and prophecy for all
[55:45] - Paul's corrections in Corinth
[64:39] - Purpose of prophecy explained
[66:33] - Everyday prophetic practices
[72:17] - Be witnesses in the city

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Acts 1:8 (NLT)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Joel 2:28-29 (NLT)
“Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike.”

1 Corinthians 14:3 (NLT)
“But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.”

Observation Questions

According to Joel 2:28-29, which groups of people are specifically mentioned as recipients of the Spirit’s prophetic gifts? How does this contrast with cultural norms of the time? [50:11]
What three purposes of prophecy does Paul highlight in 1 Corinthians 14:3?
In Acts 16:16-18, Paul encounters a slave girl with a “spirit of python.” How does this story illustrate the difference between pagan spiritual practices and New Testament prophecy? [46:44]
What example does Acts 2:11 give about the content of the disciples’ Spirit-inspired speech at Pentecost? [48:25]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul prioritize intelligible prophecy over ecstatic tongues in 1 Corinthians 14? How might this relate to the cultural context of pagan oracles? [57:49]
Joel’s prophecy emphasizes that the Spirit is given to “servants—men and women alike.” How does this challenge hierarchical views of spiritual authority, both in the early church and today? [50:11]
The sermon warns against “celebrity prophets” centralizing authority. How might Paul’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 14:3 and Colossians 3:16 guard against this danger? [01:03:24]
Agabus’ prophecy in Acts 21:10-11 warned Paul about future suffering. How does this example redefine the purpose of prophecy beyond mere prediction? [54:35]

Application Questions

The sermon suggests everyday acts like sharing a Scripture or praying for someone can be prophetic. When have you experienced or witnessed a “timely word” that strengthened or encouraged someone? How could you cultivate more awareness of these moments? [01:06:33]
Paul urges believers to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). What practical steps could you take to evaluate whether a prophetic word aligns with Scripture and serves the common good?
Joel 2:28-29 includes “servants” as recipients of the Spirit’s gifts. How might your background, age, or social role uniquely position you to speak God’s truth to others in your community?
The sermon cautions against “quenching the Spirit” by dismissing prophecy. Are there ways you’ve resisted opportunities to encourage others out of fear or skepticism? What would it look like to step into this more boldly? [01:09:40]
Acts 2:11 shows the disciples declaring “the wonders of God.” What specific “wonders” (e.g., answered prayers, acts of mercy) in your life or church could you share this week to point others to Jesus?
How can you intentionally create space in your relationships or small group for Spirit-led encouragement, correction, or comfort—without forcing “spectacle”? [01:04:39]

Sermon Clips

25s

#ChristianDiscernment

“Why is it that Christians are sometimes gullible? Why is it that we listen to some of these people on TV or who write books, and because it's public published, we think that it's authoritative, and we need our discernment to say, you know what? There's nothing wrong with me being skeptical about that. So I really don't believe that Jesus came back in 1992 or in 1988. Otherwise, we're all in trouble.”

29s

#ProphecyForAll

“So does this apply to us? Let me give you a few key observations from that little text. Peter is saying that the last days has already begun. Alright? We are now living in the last days. And prophecy, whatever all it includes, is no longer restricted to a few chosen prophets, some special high priest or whatever it is, like we see in the old testament. Nor is prophecy related or restricted to certain classes of people.”

22s

#PropheticStrength

“And what did the prophecy do for Paul? Did it scare him? Did he say, well, that must not be God's will for me to go to Jerusalem? No. He knew he had to go. So what was the purpose of telling him that? So that Paul would be strong in his spirit, knowing that he's going to suffer for Jesus. And he went.”

26s

#HungryForSpirit

“So how does prophecy how does this power show up in our lives? The question is, how hungry are you? How hungry are you for the holy spirit? It is not how much knowledge you have. It's not how long you've been a Christian. It's about how willing you are to prophesy, to tell people, to encourage people, to bless people, to lift them up.”

25s

#EncouragementIsProphecy

“Not all words of encouragement or comfort they give to people may be a word of prophecy, but some are. And perhaps the spiritual gifts are indeed occurring among us without us even recognizing it, and that's why we should be offering praise to God for this. Encouragement is prophecy by what you can see, and prophecy is encouragement by what only God can see.”

31s

#EverydayProphecy

“Is it actually possible that some of you may have already been prophesying at times without even knowing it? Without having maybe the terminology about what you've been doing? We might tend to think that the spiritual gifts being supernatural, and they are, should show up in some mystical, glorious fashion, that is, the prophesiers will have the heebie jeebies, they'll be, you know, doing weird things on the platform.”

23s

#LoveAsProphecy

“And I asked this question, why would the holy spirit hold back the gifts that we so desperately need? So pray daily for the holy spirit to guide you and expect opportunities to either speak into people's lives or to love them somehow with the love that Jesus would show. I wonder if even acts of love are prophetic. I believe they are.”

29s

#SpiritualAntenna

“Along with prayer and immersing yourself with scripture, get your spiritual antenna out. Have you ever had someone come to mind out of the blue, and you felt the urge to pray for them? Is that not prophetic? Of course, it is. And maybe some attempts to prophesy may not be that polished, but they're still holy spirit empowered.”

Ask a question about this sermon

Evolve Church This sermon · AI assistant

How should prophecy function within the local church?

What distinguishes tongues from prophetic speech?

How can ordinary believers practice prophetic encouragement?

Prophecy Witness Pt. 4 - May 3rd, 2026 - Pastor Brian Glubish

Devotional

Day 1: Power in the Upper Room

Day 2: Tongues of Fire, Tongues of Truth

Day 3: Daughters and Servants Will Speak

Day 4: Strengthen, Encourage, Comfort

Day 5: When the Word Dwells Richly

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Prophecy Witness Pt. 4 - May 3rd, 2026 - Pastor Brian Glubish

Share