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

Christ's Continuing Voice in the Church

Let's briefly explore each of these seven developments and their rami fications.

1. Withstandi ng Heresies

The young Church faced a formidable challenge, especially with the departure of her founding apostles.Paul had warned: "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.Therefore be on the alert ..." (Acts 20:28-31). Two troublesome heretical movements during this period, Gnosticism and Marcionism, accelerated the formation of the New Testament canon. It was a time to defineorthodox Christian faith.The Church saw the great need for a recognized collection of Christian documents to which it could appeal in refuting false doctrines and heresies.The purity of faith was at stake.Latourette says that "by at least the end of the second century a body of writings embracing a majority of the present twenty-seven was being regarded in the Catholic Church as the New Testament and was being placed alongside the Jewish scriptures." 3 2 Gradually a basic dogma of belief was developed and Church office referring to ministerial status, ecclesiastic authority, religious power --:- was strengthened.Some have said that the formation of the canon occurred because the time of revelation was past, but this idea has been thoroughly challenged by those who have studied the period, showing that prophecy and spiritual gifts were still functioning in the Church. 33 It would have been ideal if the Church had carefully maintained her enthusiasm and spiritual manifestations as she worked on the canon, dogma and Church office.Unfortunately, as in our day, some felt that to avoid wildfire it was necessary to eliminate all fire. Because accurate, uniform interpretation of Scripture and creeds was needed, an increasing emphasis was placed on developing teachers and theologians.This was an important requirement, of course, and contin ues to be.But our need for a rational approach to Christianity must be balanced with our need for spiritual revelation and inspiration.Acade mic and prophetic brothers and sisters should walk hand in hand, as in Antioch, where teachers and prophets worked together (Acts 13:1). 8 256 2. Developing Teachers and Theologians