SERIES ONE: THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
a sign of the timesIt is the Jewish Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost), a festival celebrating the harvest's firstfruits and also the giving of the Law. Some 120 of Jesus' disciples are together, expectantly waiting the coming of God's Spirit ... Suddenly supernatural manifestations fill the room
the end of a good thingOrdinary Christian prophecy is a hallmark of the Christian era and a particularly desirable gift (Acts 2:16-21; 1 Cor. 14:1). Yet when prophecy has fully served its purpose, it will come to an end.
the Bible is not 'perfection'we have seen that "perfection" here refers to the fullness of God's saving purpose and the complete maturity of Christ's people when Jesus returns. Even if we did not know that, there are numerous other reasons why "perfection" here does not refer to the completion of the New Testament books.
Hebrew prophets and Christian apostlesOrdinary Christian prophecy comes through ordinary Christian people -- "your sons and daughters," to use Joel's words which Peter quoted on Pentecost (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21). As we learn more about ordinary Christian prophecy we will learn also not to confuse this kind of revelation with the "Thus says the LORD" messages given through Moses, Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah.
what prophecy is notOne manifestation of God's Spirit in this messianic era is the widespread gift of prophecy -- not through a select few as in past ages but through God's children in general -- men and women, young and old, servant and master alike.... Before we try to describe ordinary Christian prophecy in a positive way, it is helpful to note some things it is not.
what 'ordinary Christian prophecy' isAs presented in the New Testament, ordinary Christian prophecy is a message that encourages, strengthens or comforts a specific Christian believer or group of believers, relating in fallible human language what God has directly impressed on someone's heart or mind.
christian prophecy"Does God still speak directly to his people today?" someone asks. "Does the prophetic gift belong to the Christian age?"
prophecy's purpose"Why would we need prophecy today?" someone asks. "We have a completed Bible."
prophecy: safeguards"If we say that God speaks through prophetic words today," someone asks, "do we not open the door to every form of abuse and exploitation?"
church fathers and prophecyThe year 1918 saw the publication of Counterfeit Miracles, in which Presbyterian theologian Benjamin B. Warfield argued that supernatural prophecy stopped shortly after the New Testament was written. According to Warfield, spiritual gifts ... ceased when the last person died who had known the Apostles personally.
prophecy illustrated"Can you give an example of ordinary Christian prophecy today?" someone asks. "What does it look like when it occurs?"
prophecy: rational wordsAfter I related a modern story of Christian prophecy, a subscriber asked how often "similar situations lead to disaster," whether this does not open the door to "deceit" and if I am saying that we should be ruled by "feelings rather than by rational content."
"Sure, God spoke to Noah, Isaac and Phillip," we sometimes think. "But he would never speak to me." Little wonder that when he does speak directly today, it is often a shocking experience.