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

Channels of Prophetic Expression in the Church

will be able to prophesy regularly among God's people, enabled by the resident gift to function apart from those special occasions when the Spirit's unction charges the atmosphere of a service. I realize that neither Romans 12:6 nor 1 Corinthians 11-14 says all this specifically, but the approach seems logical in light of Paul's discus sions and has proven workable and practical.I agree with Mike Bickle as he endeavors to clarify the various levels of prophetic activity: "These are not biblical distinctions.These are simply categories that help us to com municate with each other more effectively." 20 My classifications are based on Scripture, insights from serious thinkers and the practical experience that comes from pastoring.This approach also allows each classification to be broad enough to allow for a great variety of manifestations yet still conform to Scripture. An unusual illustration of the gift of prophecy is the four virgin daugh ters of Philip the evangelist.The NASB says they were "prophetesses" (Acts 21:9) while the KJV describes them as "daughters ...which did prophesy." The Greek text does not warrant calling them prophetesses, although we may infer that.The present tense of propheteuousai suggests more than a particular prophecy on one occasion; it indicates that they probably exer cised the gift of prophecy regularly. 21 Although Paul had been living "many days" in this home with four sisters, all of whom had the gift of prophecy, God chose to send a prophet to give direction to the apostle.Here is a clear example of the diversity of function between the gift of prophecy and the ministry of a prophet. (Since I have three married daughters who proph esy, I can readily understand the blessing on Philip's house!) Some feel it is more logical to divide into two groups those who proph esied in early Christianity: prophets and others who prophesied. 22 Per haps no designations at all are needed, since all may prophesy.But needed is an honest attempt to harmonize both scriptural research and practical experience gleaned over a number of years.I certainly have no desire to split hairs! My goal: an efficient and effective prophetic ministry in our churches.

Prophetic Calling

The office ofprophet. The New Testament prophet, a gift ministry that the Lord Jesus Himself set in the Church, brings significant prophetic direction and edification in conjunction with other Church leadership. The gift of prophecy is given to the Church by the Holy Spirit, who dis tributes His gifts "to each one individually just as He wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11); hence it is called a gift of the Holy Spirit.Significantly, however, 187.