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

The Use of Prophecy in Church Today

to prophesy. We must know the joy of sin forgiven and be walking in this state of gratitude and appreciation.

Five Basic Bible Safeguards

As prophets and prophecy are emphasized more in conferences, semi nars and writings, we must maintain balance in our churches by practic ing five basic Bible safeguards: 22 1. We must elevate the written Word above all gifts, including prophecy. 2. We must elevate Jesus above all personalities, including charismatic ministers with dynamic prophetic gifts. 3.We must respect the local church under the leadership of pastors and elders as the primary place for ministering prophecy, not con ferences or seminars where prophecies can be given without proper oversight. We should train our people not to run to get prophecies, and to examine them if they are given. 4.We must elevate the use of wisdom and basic Bible principles as means for church problem-solving above the gift of prophecy or the word of a prophet. 5. We must practice the principle that "in the multitude of counselors there is safety" ( Proverbs 11:14, KJV) , and not allow a single prophecy or prophet to guide our lives. We need two or three witnesses, not two or three prophecies, for confirmation. Confirmation obtained from counseling with wise leadership and from the written Word of God, as well as the confirmation of our own personal spiritual peace, must be considered. My prayer is that Holy Spirit renewal will invigorate our churches and that the gifts of the Spirit, particularly prophecy, will again become com mon among us. May God use this book to help accomplish this purpose.

Selected Reading: Practical Advice for Church Prophecy

This page replaces my usual "Reflections." These authors present insightful help in developing a balanced prophetic ministry in the local church. They represent various streams of renewal, so they will not see eye to eye with each other or with me on every issue. For publication infor mation refer to the Bibliography on p. 410. • 374