Your Sons & Daughters Shall Prophesy - Prophetic Gifts Today In The New Testament Church

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MADNESS: WHAT

COMPELLED

THE FALSE PROPHET?

. . . A dumb donkey . . . restrained the madness of the prophet. 2 Peter 2:16

WHAT WAS THE DRIVING force behind the prophets? Without question the genuine biblical prophet was inspired, carried along and given impetus by the Spirit of God. This chapter will focus on the prophet who brought false prophecy and the "madness" that compelled it. A strange, idolatrous climate existed in Bible times that encouraged the proliferation of soothsayers, magicians and false prophets. The role of the genuine prophet is set in stark contrast to these deceivers. What was the basic error of the false prophet? Special attention needs to be given to Bal aam, the ultimate example of the false prophet for hire. Also, it is impor tant for us to look at the spiritual events surrounding the exodus and the time just prior to Israel's entering the Promised Land. This background will lend depth to our discussion and define the essence of the false prophet.

Moses and the Gods of Egypt

Around 1500 B.C. the entire area from Egypt to Babylon was covered by a sinister shadow of magic and idol worship. At that dark time and 111.