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

2

INCREASED INTEREST

IN PROPHECY

A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The LORD GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy? Amos 3:8

A REMARKABLE COVER and lead story appeared in the January 14, 1991, issue of Christianity Today. Caricatured on the front cover in striking pose, an acclaimed modern prophet stands on a jagged rock over looking a city. The wind whips his tie and flowing cape as he stretches forth his left hand dramatically while grasping a Moses-like walking staff firmly in the other. The caption proclaims, Seers in the Heartland. 1 In his opening page announcement of the lead article, managing edi tor David Neff says: "If, in the 1960s, you had said someone had 'a prophetic ministry,' you would have probably meant that person offered a radical social critique-and had an abrasive personality, long hair, and love beads. Say 'prophetic ministry' today, and people will think you mean someone speaks a word from God." We live in a time when people desire-and desperately need-to hear from God. It is natural, therefore, that Bible-believing Christians are look ing seriously at the gift of prophecy and the ministry of prophets. Is this ministry available and valid? The inquiry is legitimate since prophetism runs throughout the Bible. 25 ■