What does the New Testament teach about the spiritual gift of prophecy? What is it? How does it function? Can evangelical Christians use it in their churches today? This updated, comprehensive work answers such questions and points the way to a renewed understanding of the gift of prophecy—an understanding that suggests how the body of Christ may enjoy one of the Holy Spirit's most edifying gifts without compromising the supremacy of Scripture.
Early Christian communities accused each other's prophets of madness and of making false claims to divine knowledge. This book argues that they did not seek to answer questions about true prophecy or to define madness and rationality, but rather used this discourse to control knowledge, to establish authority, and to define Christian identity.
The Bible teaches us that we are to be filled with God's Spirit and that God's presence and grace is manifested among his people as they serve, love, and minister to one another. Yet some of the gifts that God offers to his people aren't commonly seen in many churches today. Gifts of prophecy, healing, tongues, and other supernatural gifts of God seem to be absent, and many Christians are unsure how to cultivate an atmosphere where God's Spirit can work while remaining committed to the foundational truth of God's Word. How can Christians pursue and implement the miraculous gifts of the Spirit without falling into fanatical excess and splitting the church in the process? In Practicing the Power, pastor and author Sam Storms offers practical steps to understanding and exercising spiritual gifts in a way that remains grounded in the word and centered in the gospel. With examples drawn from his forty years of ministry as a pastor and teachers, Storms offers a guidebook that can help pastors, elders, and church members understand what changes are needed to see God move in supernatural power and to guard against excess and abuse of the spiritual gifts. If you long to see God's Spirit move in your church and life, and aren't sure why that isn't happening or where to begin, this book is for you.
Patrick Curry rediscovers the history of astrology in early modern England: he seeks to overturn the accepted view that astrology was a marginal pursuit that died out after the mid-seventeenth century. Curry demonstrates that in reality astrology was a vital part of English cultural life, surviving in various forms and despite powerful opposition throughout the eighteenth century. Drawing on a wide range of unpublished primary sources, he examines the heyday of astrology, its practitioners, clients, and critics--and the power struggles that characterized its development in the midseventeenth century. He analyzes the subsequent decline of astrology in early modern England, showing how most astrological practice was marginalized, or, among the elite, absorbed into the development of Newtonian natural philosophy. This accessible work provides a picture of the values of a complex and important age. Informed by an awareness of contemporary debates in history and social theory, it will appeal to social historians and to students and researchers in the history and philosophy of science and the history of ideas, as well as the general reader interested in astrology.
The modern chasm between "secular" work and "sacred" worship has had a devastating impact on Western Christianity. Drawing on years of research, ministry, and leadership experience, Kaemingk and Willson explain why Sunday morning worship and Monday morning work desperately need to inform and impact one another. Together they engage in a rich biblical, theological, and historical exploration of the deep and life-giving connections between labor and liturgy. In so doing, Kaemingk and Willson offer new ways in which Christian communities can live seamless lives of work and worship.
Dr. Grudem discusses the relevance, purpose and function of prophecy in the church today. He provides fresh understanding that preserves the distinctive authority of Scripture, while giving the church space to enjoy Holy Spirit's most edifying gifts.
*Designed to accompany the Basic Training for the Prophetic Ministry DVD Study The gift of prophecy is not reserved for a super-spiritual, elite group of Christians. Scripture promised that in the last days, the Holy Spirit would be poured out and the people of God would prophesy. This is the hour. This is your time. This study guide includes group activities, engaging devotional readings, and space for interactive journaling to help you activate the gift of prophecy in your everyday life. Get equipped to: Tell the difference between Old and New Covenant prophecyand correctly operate as a New Testament prophetic voice Learn the languages of God and hear His voice like never before Discover and develop your prophetic gifts in a safe environment Step out and confidently share words of knowledge, wisdom, and prophecy Recognize a true prophet from a false prophet Designed for use with the Basic Training for the Prophetic Ministry DVD curriculum, these study guide exercises will help you clearly understand and confidently operatein the prophetic ministry. Get ready to hear the voice of God in a fresh way, speak His word with power, and release hope, life, and destiny to those around you!
There are More examples of personal prophecy in Scripture than in any other biblical subject. "Prophets and Personal Prophecy is not an abstract theological doctrinal statement but a practical "how to" guide on what personal prophecy is and what you are supposed to do with it. This book is an absolute must for anyone who has ever heard (or even thought they heard) from God." -- Dr. John Gimenez Jim Jackson, Earl Paulk, Ken Sumrall, Gary Greenwald, Norvel Hayes and Emanuele Cannistraci have also endorsed this manuscript. Read their comments in the front pages of this book. Prophets and Personal Prophecy, God's Prophetic Voice Today, makes incredible strides towards restoring Personal Prophecy to the Church and is the only book of its kind. Topics covered include: Putting Personal Prophecy in proper perspective The nature of Personal Prophecy Decisions of marriage, business and geographic moves Guidelines for handling Personal Prophecy God's purposes for Prophets
