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

Introduction

Christianity.Paul's admonition is timely for all Christians, both in the early Church and today : "Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy ..." (1 Corinthians 14:39, NKJV).This book is an attempt to explain, empha size and bring to fulfillment this challenging admonition. My desire is to appeal to all Christians, not just those called to prophetic ministry, and share principles that will help and encourage each one to a more vibrant life in the Spirit-and, in particular, to inspire a new appreci ation in this generation for God's voice.Every reader will be encouraged to follow Paul's advice to "eagerly desire" prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1, NIV). Many serious Christians are frustrated by the absence of spiritual gifts in the Church and want to understand and participate in the gift of prophecy.I hope this book will help.I use a precept-on-precept approach in explaining prophetic history and ministry.We will consider the dan gers of undisciplined prophecy but with a healthy view to correction, not elimination.I will not advocate na"ivete or gullibility among church mem bers, but present biblical proof that prophecy is truth for today, and call for balance in areas where prophecy has been mishandled, misrepresented or exploited.Prophecy is one of the most valuable and necessary gifts for the edification of the Church. The books available on prophecy seem to be grouped mainly at the two ends of the spectrum. On the one hand, some informative monographs, such as doctoral dissertations and journal articles, present excellent research, but most Christians do not know this information even exists. On the other hand, books written in a popular, personal, subjective and exciting manner appeal to the general reading public.The first group deals for the most part with the past and does not promote contemporary prophecy.The second group, highly circulated, consists of the lighter-weight charismatic pamphlets, booklets and books that lack the scholar's depth but extend a happy biblical invitation for all Christians to enjoy this gift of God.Both groups have an important contribution to make. My approach is different.I would like to bridge the gap between a schol arly approach and a popular presentation, taking issues that are academ ically important and making them intelligible to a wider audience, and at the same time making the biblical material practical and usable in our churches.Thus I have interspersed footnotes of renowned biblical schol ars with those of charismatic pastors. Since my driving desire is to see prophecy reactivated and prospering in the Church, I seek balance between theoretical concepts and practical expression. This book is designed to hold the interest of the general reader and scholar alike. Early Christian prophecy is a topic of wide range, and it would be im possible to cover it all in a study likethis.I will concentrate on several aspects: • 14