The Seer

1. Seer and Prophet: Distinct Yet Complementary Prophetic Streams

All true seers are prophets but not all prophets are seers.

Two Prophetic Streams. The prophetic realm is like a river fed by two distinct streams: the prophet (nabiy’) and the seer (ra’ah or chozeh). While all seers are prophets, not all prophets are seers. The prophet is primarily an inspired hearer and speaker, emphasizing communication, while the seer is primarily visual, focusing on reception. Both are vital for the full expression of God's prophetic word.

Biblical Roots. In the Old Testament, the word "nabiy'" emphasizes hearing and speaking God's word, while "ra'ah" and "chozeh" focus on the visual experience of receiving that message. Figures like Nathan were prophets, while Asaph and Gad were seers, demonstrating the distinct roles within the prophetic ministry. The two streams are equally valid expressions of God's prophetic power.

Modern Manifestations. Today, these streams are re-emerging, with figures like Bill Hamon representing the verbal stream and Paul Cain exemplifying the visionary. The Church needs both to fully understand and communicate God's will. Ultimately, both prophet and seer serve the same Lord and share the same goal: to edify, exhort, and comfort the Body of Christ.

2. Varied Dimensions of the Prophetic Anointing

God does not anoint projects; He anoints people!

Anointing Defined. The anointing is the supernatural enablement or grace, the manifested presence of the Holy Spirit, operating upon or through an individual or group to produce the works of Jesus. It's God with you and God in you, enabling you to speak His words and walk in His ways. This anointing empowers believers to live on the cutting edge of God's eternal purpose.

Diverse Expressions. The prophetic anointing manifests in various ways, reflecting the diversity of people and their gifts. These include dreamers and visionaries, proclaimers of God's corporate purpose, advocates for holiness, champions of social justice, strategic administrators, prophetic worship leaders, and intercessors. Each expression is vital to the Church.

Avoiding Covetousness. It's crucial to avoid comparing ourselves to others and coveting their anointing. Instead, we should walk in accountability, cultivate faithfulness, and give ourselves to the unique expression of grace God has imparted to each of us. The Holy Spirit liberates us to be unique and varied expressions of His wonderful prophetic presence.

3. Vision: The Sustaining Power for Believers

Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law.

Vision Provides Direction. Without vision, people lack restraint and purpose, leading to destruction. Vision, whether from God's Word or current-day revelation, provides guidance and a goal to strive for. Like Paul, believers need to set their sights on the Lord and aim at His goals.

Biblical Examples. Elisha's vision of Elijah's ascension sustained him through his prophetic ministry. Jacob's dream of a ladder to Heaven guided him through years of hardship. Zechariah's vision of the lampstand encouraged the rebuilding of the temple. Daniel's vision of the Son of Man sustained him amidst the revival of evil.

Seeking Vision. We must seek the Lord for a vision of His calling on our lives, praying for enlightenment and revelation. Like Elisha, we should be tenacious in pursuing our goal, never letting go of the vision God has given us. Vision is a power that sustains a people, providing hope and direction in the midst of life's challenges.

4. Diverse Visionary States: A Spectrum of Spiritual Sight

The Spirit has found in Jim Goll a yielded vessel who loves the Father and has the heart of the Father.

Multiple Visionary States. The Holy Spirit works in a multiplicity of ways, and the New Testament uses various Greek words to express different visionary states. These states are not hierarchical but simply different, each serving a unique purpose. Understanding these states enhances our appreciation for the diversity of prophetic expression.

Eight Visionary States. These include:

• Onar (common dreams)
• Enupnion (surprising dreams)
• Horama (waking visions)
• Horasis (sight in external or internal sense)
• Optasia (self-disclosure)
• Ekstasis (trance)
• Apokalupsis (revelation)
• Egenomehn ehn pneumati (being in the Spirit)

Engaging the Spirit. By understanding these visionary states, believers can better recognize and engage with the Holy Spirit's diverse ways of communicating. Each state offers a unique lens through which to perceive spiritual truth and experience God's presence. The key is to be open and receptive to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to guide us into deeper understanding and revelation.

5. Wisely Judging Revelatory Encounters: A Foundation of Discernment

Step by step, Jim Goll will carefully explain to you the nature of the prophetic experience at every level: from what it means to hear from God, speak for God, experience seeing something that relates to the nature of God and His purpose, and how to discern the genuine experience of God in the Spirit from the false experiences that are counterfeited by the powers of darkness.

Discernment is Essential. In a world filled with spiritual voices, Christians need to discern the source of revelatory encounters. Not all experiences come from God; some originate from the human soul or evil spirits. Discernment is crucial for navigating this spiritual landscape.

Foundational Practices. Before engaging in discernment, believers should establish foundational practices:

• Regularly study the Scriptures
• Maintain a life of prayer
• Seek purity and holiness
• Be a worshipful member of a local church
• Commit to peer relationships for accountability

Testing the Source. The origin, content, and fruit of a revelation must be examined. Is it from self, Satan, or God? Does it align with Scripture, exalt Jesus, and produce good fruit? These questions help determine the source of the encounter.

6. Discerning of Spirits: Distinguishing the Source of Spiritual Activity

The single most characteristic mark of a true prophetic person is the evidence that he or she has stood in the counsel of God and has, therefore, faithfully declared what he or she heard from His mouth.

Defining Discernment of Spirits. Discerning of spirits is a supernatural gift enabling believers to recognize the identity, personality, and condition of spirits behind different manifestations. It goes beyond general discernment, requiring divine impartation. This gift helps distinguish between human, demonic, and divine sources.

Discernment Through Senses. Discernment often operates through our five senses, becoming stronger through practice. Sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing can all be avenues for spiritual perception. As we yield our senses to the Lord, we become more sensitive to His promptings.

Purpose of Discernment. The gift of discerning of spirits serves a sixfold purpose:

• Deliverance from demons
• Revealing servants of Satan
• Exposing and defeating demonic utterances
• Exposing error
• Acknowledging and confessing Christ
• Knowing and cooperating with the Holy Spirit

7. Dream Language: Unlocking Symbolic Communication

The seer hears as much as he sees; it’s just a different deep touch from the same dear Jesus.

Dreams as Communication. Dreams are a form of visionary revelation, often filled with symbolic images and elements. God uses dreams to communicate with both believers and non-believers, providing guidance, warnings, and revelation. Understanding dream language is key to interpreting their messages.

Biblical Examples. Joseph's dreams foretold his future prominence. Pharaoh's dream predicted years of plenty and famine. The wise men were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. These examples demonstrate the power and purpose of dreams in God's communication.

Symbolic Elements. Dreams often contain symbolic actions, colors, creatures, directions, names, numbers, and objects. Understanding these symbols, as used consistently throughout Scripture, helps unlock the meaning of the dream. Humility and asking for interpretation are key to understanding.

8. Levels of Supernatural Visions: Ascending to Higher Realms

The Nile is truly one of the great rivers of the world.

Spectrum of Visions. Supernatural visions range from simple spiritual perception to profound heavenly visitations. Each level offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual realm, with increasing intensity and clarity. Understanding these levels helps believers recognize and interpret their visionary experiences.

Twelve Levels of Vision. These include:

• Spiritual perception
• Pictorial vision
• Panoramic vision
• Dream (sleeping vision)
• Audible messages
• Appearance (apparition)
• Divine sight
• Open heaven
• Trance
• Out-of-body experience
• Translation
• Heavenly visitation

Seeking the Vision. By understanding these levels, believers can better recognize and engage with the Holy Spirit's diverse ways of communicating. Each level offers a unique lens through which to perceive spiritual truth and experience God's presence. The key is to be open and receptive to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to guide us into deeper understanding and revelation.

9. The Ecstatic Realms of the Spirit: Experiencing Divine Trance

In these last great days of visitation God is growing up a people who can be effective in bringing the things of the invisible world to bear on the visible world.

Defining Trance. A trance, or ekstasis, is a state where a person's body is overwhelmed by the Spirit of God, and their mind is arrested and subjected to visions or revelations. It's a displacement of the mind, often accompanied by joy, rapture, and delight. This state allows for heightened spiritual perception.

Biblical Examples. Peter's vision on the rooftop, Paul's encounter in the temple, and John's experience on Patmos all demonstrate the power of trances to impart divine revelation. These experiences often involve a suspension of natural consciousness and a heightened awareness of the spiritual realm.

Modern Testimonies. Accounts from figures like Mahesh Chavda and Maria Woodworth-Etter demonstrate that trances continue to occur today, bringing believers into contact with the love and power of God. These experiences are not self-induced but initiated by the Holy Spirit. The key is to be open and receptive to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to guide us into deeper understanding and revelation.

10. Standing in the Council of God: Accessing Divine Counsel

If all you have is the Spirit, you can blow up, but if you have the Spirit and the Word, you will grow up.

Defining the Council. Standing in the council of God means accessing divine counsel, wisdom, and direction through intimate fellowship with Him. It involves both seeing and hearing God's word, with the purpose of turning people back from evil and promoting holiness. This requires a deep level of trust and friendship with God.

Biblical Examples. Jeremiah speaks of those who have stood in the council of the Lord. Habakkuk describes himself as a guard on the rampart, watching for God's word. These figures demonstrate the importance of seeking God's counsel and declaring it faithfully.

Accessing the Council. To stand in the council of God, we must walk in His ways, perform His service, and cultivate a holy fear of the Lord. This involves humility, obedience, and a commitment to purity. By doing so, we gain access to His wisdom and revelation, becoming effective ambassadors of His kingdom.

11. Hidden Streams of the Prophetic: Contemplative Prayer

The world of the Spirit is a world where Christ is seen in all His glory, seated on the throne at the very center of the universe and ordering all things after the counsel of His will.

Contemplative Prayer Defined. Contemplative prayer is an ancient Christian practice focused on intimacy with God. It involves quieting the soul, letting go of distractions, and focusing on the Lord who dwells within. This practice, distinct from intercessory prayer, allows believers to connect with the very life of God.

Three Stages of Contemplation. Richard Foster identifies three stages:

• Recollection: Letting go of distractions and focusing on the Lord
• Prayer of Quiet: Basking in God's presence and receiving His love
• Spiritual Ecstasy: Being overwhelmed with God's presence and experiencing His glory

Benefits of Contemplation. Contemplative prayer cultivates inner peace, enhances spiritual perception, and deepens our relationship with God. It prepares us for effective ministry by grounding us in His presence and empowering us to reflect His glory. The goal is to maintain the inner life to be effective in the outer life.

12. Intimacy: The Key to Open Heavens

The Seer is a boat to shoot over the dangerous rocks of the rapids into the high seas of prophetic expression and fruitfulness in the Lord.

Intimacy as the Goal. The ultimate goal of all spiritual practices, including prophetic ministry and visionary experiences, is to grow in intimacy with God. This involves a passionate pursuit of Him, a commitment to purity, and a willingness to surrender our lives to His will. Intimacy is the key that unlocks open heavens.

Balancing Subjectivity and Objectivity. While visionary experiences are valuable, they must be balanced with a firm foundation in Scripture. The revelatory word should complement, not compete with, the written Word of God. We must always test our experiences against the objective truth of Scripture.

Trusting God's Leading. Ultimately, we must trust God to lead us safely and securely. This involves cultivating the fear of the Lord, obeying His voice, and relying on His guidance. As we do, He will reveal His secrets to us and empower us to fulfill His purposes.

Last updated: March 12, 2025