Prophecy in the Local Church

What is prophecy?

• A message from God through an individual

• God’s response to a human situation

What is prophecy for?

• To strengthen, to encourage, to comfort (1 Cor. 14: 3)

• To convince, to instruct (1 Cor. 14: 24, 31)

• To direct (Acts 13: 2)

• To predict (Acts 27: 10, 23-24)

2 kinds of Prophecy - OT

• Authoritative• Actual words of God• Revealing God’s

general will• Establishing doctrine• eg. Moses (Deut.18)

• Particular message for particular people at a particular time

• A sign of God’s presence

• eg. 70 Elders (Numbers 11: 24-30)

2 kinds of Prophecy - NT

• Absolutely authoritative

• Actual words of God• Revealing God’s

general will• Establishing doctrine• eg. Paul (1 Cor. 14:

36-38)

• Particular message for particular people at a particular time

• A sign of God’s presence

• eg. Paul (1 Cor. 14: 31, 39)

If any think they are prophets or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that

what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. Those who ignore this will

themselves be ignored.

1 Corinthians 14: 37 - 38

2 kinds of Prophecy - NT

• Absolutely authoritative

• Actual words of God• Revealing God’s

general will• Establishing doctrine• eg. Paul (1 Cor. 14:

36-38)

• Particular message for particular people at a particular time

• A sign of God’s presence

• eg. Paul (1 Cor. 14: 31, 39)

For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.

1 Corinthians 14: 31

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy…

1 Corinthians 14: 39

2 kinds of Prophecy – Today ?

?• Particular message

for particular people at a particular time

• A sign of God’s presence

Science

Sex

Handle with Care!

Gifts, not Certificates

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

1 Corinthians 12: 27 - 30