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

Introduction

• An overview of prophecy in the Old Testament • An appraisal of prophecy in the New Testament

• A brief look at prophecy in early and modern Church history • Practical suggestions for implementing prophecy in today's churches

Real-life illustrations will bring clarification and make clear that prophecy for today is within everyone's grasp. You will notice a section called "Reflections" at the end of each chap ter with appropriate (usually sympathetic) quotations from popular writ ers, pastoral leaders and academic authors. Those quoted on a given page will not necessarily agree with my thesis for that chapter, but all of these authors (nearly one hundred of them) have a serious interest in the sub ject and valuable insights. You will find an amazing assortment of writ ers with a lot in common. In ancient Hebrew times, selected individuals spoke forth the words of God to His people. Called prophets, these inspired men and women were spokespersons and messengers-forerunners of a coming era when all God's people would experience the prophetic Holy Spirit. Jesus came as a dramatic fulfillment of many predictions declared by those early van guard prophets. He embodied the finest characteristics of every prophet who preceded Him while demonstrating amazing qualities and actions never before seen. Jesus walked among men and women as the supreme example of all things prophetic-in a real sense the Prophet of God. When Jesus completed His earthly ministry, He returned to heaven and threw open the spiritual floodgates that would allow all nations and peo ples to experience a wonderful new outpouring of the Spirit. Prophecy moved into the era of the Holy Spirit. The Church was birthed amid a spectacular display of prophetic activ ity. Peter announced boldly that the grand happening of Pentecost was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. Continuing unabated during the time of the apostles and the writing of the New Testament, the voice of God caused the Church to flourish. The apostles never taught that New Testament prophecy was just for their own generation. They believed fervently that this awesome mani festation held key importance in the life of the Church. Their clear intent: that prophecy continue as a vital function in the ongoing generations of the Church. This is the thesis of my book. A worldwide resurgence of interest in contemporary, biblical prophecy is now taking place. This encourages me, for the prophetic experience belongs perpetually in Church life and its presence is a sign of spiritual health. The prophecy of the New Testament churches is lost only when it is neglected. 15.