Prophetic teacher Perry Stone is sounding an urgent alarm to the body of Christ, warning that many believers are unprepared for what lies ahead because they have neglected biblical prophecy.
In a recent message, Stone emphasized that he does not casually claim divine revelation. “If you’ve ever noticed my channel,” he said, “I don’t come on saying ‘God said, the Lord said, the Spirit of God said,’ unless I really know I hear something.”
Stone explained that during a time of intense prayer, the Holy Spirit impressed a sobering message upon his heart. “The Holy Spirit out of my spirit said, ‘My people…are ignorant of what’s coming in the future.’”
According to Stone, that statement compelled him to examine how often Christians actually engage with biblical prophecy. He cited research suggesting that while roughly half of American Christians occasionally follow prophetic topics, only 10–20% study them consistently.
“There are probably about 50% of people in the body of Christ…who either don’t believe in prophecy, don’t care to study it, think it’s too negative [or] think it’s too difficult,” he said.
Stone said the Lord then instructed him to issue a warning and share five reasons believers must study prophecy.
1. There is a unique blessing attached to prophetic Scripture.
Quoting Revelation 1:3, Stone reminded viewers, “‘Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it, for the time is near.’” He added that many Christians are unfamiliar with the rebukes and promises found in Revelation because they avoid the book altogether. “Why do we not know it? Because we’re not studying the book of Revelation,” he said.
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2. Reading prophecy gives us the favor and understanding of God.
Stone referenced 2 Timothy 2:15, urging believers to “study to show yourself approved unto God.” He explained that the Greek word dokimos means “approved” after testing.
“God wants you to read the Word, to understand the Word, to experience the Word,” he said.
3. Without understanding biblical prophecy, we are vulnerable to the things of this world.
Stone warned that ignoring prophecy leaves believers vulnerable to being caught off guard. Quoting Jesus’ words in Luke 21, he said, “That day will sneak upon you, and you will not be ready.” He emphasized that Christ warned against overindulgence, drunkenness and the cares of life dulling spiritual awareness.
4. Prophecy helps us to discern the signs of the times.
Referencing Matthew 16, he noted Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees: “You can discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the time.” Stone stressed that deception, false prophets and doctrinal error are all end-time warnings believers must recognize.
5. Understanding prophecy helps us to witness to non-believers.
Stone explained that studying prophecy prepares Christians to answer questions from a skeptical world. “The reason that many of them don’t witness to other people is they are afraid that people will ask them a question from the Bible that they’re not able to answer,” he said, citing 1 Peter 3:15.
Ultimately, the study of prophecy is not optional. It is preparation for what lies ahead. The question is, are you committed to seeking the Lord for what He has planned next?
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
