Prophecy
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A.W. Tozer said: “If the Holy Spirit were to withdraw Himself from the church today, 95% of what we do would go right on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit were to be withdrawn from the church in the book of Acts, 95% of what they were doing would have come to a screeching halt and everybody would have known the difference."
Tozer, an American Christian pastor, preacher, magazine editor and spiritual mentor, lived from 1897 until 1963. Since he said these words over 50 years ago, how much more relevant are they today? It could be estimated that with each year the church in America had drifted further from the realization of the power of the Holy Spirit. This is in direct proportion to our moral and political decline, which is no coincidence.
That drifting might be considered outright denial. We have denied the Holy Spirit because we have become too sophisticated for any emotional reactions during times of “worship.” Churches also teach that people do not hear from God anymore. (I wonder why they tell them to pray and read the Bible). Church leaders program meetings to the point where nobody but the preacher is allowed to talk and there is not room for any spontaneity.
There have been abuses in which people have attempted to manifest gifts of the Holy Spirit, seeking self-aggrandizement instead of ministering the Word of God. That is why teaching of about the Holy Spirit must be balanced and coupled with love and discernment. Paul instructed the Philippians, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.” (Philippians 1:9 English Standard Version)
Jesus was rather specific when He talked about the unpardonable sin, “Therefore, I tell you, every sin of blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven, either in this age or the age to come.” (Matthew 12: 31-32 ESV)
We want to know God's will on the grand scale. We search the scriptures to find specific answers to God’s will for our lives. We have the Ten Commandments and Jesus boiled the law down to, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27, ESV)
There is another New Testament passage that gives more specific insight into the will of God for your life than the rest of the Bible. Paul said, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks is all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-20 ESV)
When was the Holy Spirit introduced to mankind? There are entire teachings on the Jewish feasts and the timing of the ministry of Jesus. He was crucified at the exact timing of the traditional Passover, when a lamb was slain and the blood used to cover the door post. The ceremony caused death to "pass over." He rose from the dead three says later at the Feast of First Fruits. He became the last sacrifice to die for our sins and the first to live. He sent the Holy Spirit fifty days later at the time of Pentecost.
In the second chapter of Acts, we find, "Now there were dwelling Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, the multitude came together in bewilderment, because each one of them heard speaking in his own language. And they were, saying, 'Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that we, each of hear of us in his own language?'" (Acts 2:5-8 ESV)
On Pentecost God spoke to the people, each in his/her own language. This miraculous sign was so each could understand the message without a scholar of their own nationality presenting it. It was direct prophecy from God. Isn't it interesting that God scattered the languages at the Tower of Babel because He said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." (Genesis 11:6&7 NIV)
So, God scattered the people and confused their languages when man was attempting to resolve the world issues and reach heaven in his own understanding. When Jesus was crucified and resurrected, He left the Holy Spirit to empower us. There are several examples of scripture referring to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and how the church should embrace Him. Should we limit our perceptions of the power of God's ability and desire to save the world? Who can determine what will happen when we truly surrender and depend upon Him?
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, people were amazed. Peter, who was always ready to give an answer, said, "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.'" (Act 2: 17, continues on through 21 NIV)
Peter goes on to prophesy from verse 22 through 35. He ended with, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
The people who heard it were cut to the heart and asked what they should do. Peter told them to repent and be baptized. Prophecy is not just forth telling or telling the future. It is also about connecting the dots for instruction and edification. He continued, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Finally, “Those who accepted the message were baptized and about three thousand were added." (Acts 2: 40&41 NIV)
A similar example of prophecy is Stephen in Acts 7:2-52. He gives a Biblical account that demonstrates divine guidance beyond his level of education. Stephen ends with telling them they have murdered the Righteous One. The results are different. The hearers are convicted and enraged. They immediately drag Stephen and stone him.
Let me ask two questions; 1) Has the world ever been more perverse and corrupt? 2) Have we ever been closer to the end times (last days) than we are now?
The Holy Spirit works through willing believers to equip the church. More needs to be shared about the balance and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church. Below are a few of the benefits. (All in New International Version)
Encourage and Strengthen: “Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.” (Acts 15:32)
Understanding: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For everyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, Indeed, no one understands him, he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:1)
Common Good: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Personal Revelation Leading to Conviction: “But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare.” (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)
If you are willing to experience more of the Holy Spirit pray, “Fill me with your Holy Spirit. Reveal to me anything that separates me from your love. God, open my mind to You and make me a living and willing sacrifice to accomplish your will, no matter how impossible, no matter how miraculous. Show us your ways Lord. Prepare our hearts and our land for revival.”
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Find Jerry Slauter's articles at FaithWriters.
About the Author:
Jerry is a retired school teacher who loves to spend time with his family, including children and grandchildren. He published Woodcutter’s Revival in 2012 and is finalizing the sequel, Fine Line for release in 2014. He likes to travel and speak about writing and the topics of his writing and research. He works in his wood, leather and metal shops at home. Writing aligns well with his passion of reading and research. Jerry is available to speak in schools and churches or conferences and seminars.
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