Prophecy & The Bible The Bible is totally reliable and trustworthyThe Bible is totally reliable and trustworthy Who feeds you?Who feeds you?

Why do we need Prophecy? God speaks todayGod speaks today Through His written word – the Bible Through His “now” word 2 primary Greek words for “word”2 primary Greek words for “word” “Logos” – written or description “Rhema” – spoken or utterance DangersDangers Taking Scripture out of context Relying on people ‘In the beginning was the Word…with God…was God’ ‘In the beginning was the Word…with God…was God’ – John 1:1 (NIVUK) ‘For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart’ ‘For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart’ – Hebrews 4:12 (NIVUK) Mary – “Let it be according to your word” Mary – “Let it be according to your word” (John 1:38) Peter – “remembered the word of the Lord” Peter – “remembered the word of the Lord” (Acts 11:16)

Types of Prophecy Foretelling – predictiveForetelling – predictive 350+ prophecies about Jesus’ first coming 1,500 about His second coming Warn and encourage Forth-telling – spoken outForth-telling – spoken out Often involves other spiritual gifts Blessing – imparted prophesyBlessing – imparted prophesy Declarations Building – releasing prophesyBuilding – releasing prophesy Laying foundations Jesus – Jairus Jesus – Jairus (Luke 8) Agabus – famine Agabus – famine (Acts 11:28) Agabus – Paul Agabus – Paul (Acts 21) Paul – last days Paul – last days (2Timothy 3) KnowledgeWisdom Distinguishing between spirits 1Corinthians 12:4-11

Biblical basis for Prophecy How do we know it’s prophesy?How do we know it’s prophesy? Strengthen | Encourage | Comfort Builds up rather than cuts up Not judgmental but brings reconciliation Who can prophesy?Who can prophesy? Everyone who is a Christian How much do we want to? What’s our faith level? Is there a difference between prophesying and having a prophetic ministry?Is there a difference between prophesying and having a prophetic ministry? Build up the Church ‘But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort’ ‘But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort’ 1Corinthians 14:3 (NIVUK) Joel 2/Acts 2 Peter at Pentecost young men and women ‘Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy’ ‘Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy’ 1Corinthians 14:1 (NIVUK) Prophecy is given ‘in proportion to our faith’ Prophecy is given ‘in proportion to our faith’ Romans 12:6 (NIVUK) 5-fold ministry gifts 5-fold ministry gifts Ephesians 4:11-16

Biblical basis for Prophecy What does it mean to test prophecy?What does it mean to test prophecy? Does it line up with the Bible? Can you trust the person? Does it strengthen, encourage, comfort? Is Jesus honoured and glorified? Do/have others confirmed it? Do I have a sense of peace? Is it wise advice? Don’t read into it what you want to hear! ‘Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world’ ‘Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world’ 1John 4:1 (NIVUK) ‘Do not treat prophecies with contempt (or despise them) but test them all; hold on to what is good’ ‘Do not treat prophecies with contempt (or despise them) but test them all; hold on to what is good’ 1Thessalonians 5:20-21 (NIVUK) ‘…the Spirit of prophecy bears testimony to Jesus’ ‘…the Spirit of prophecy bears testimony to Jesus’ Revelation 19:10 (NIVUK) ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts’ ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts’ Colossians 3:15 (NIVUK)

The Challenge ‘When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up’ ‘When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up’ – 1Corinthians 14:26 (NIVUK) Don’t panic – pray for inspiration! Get into groups of 3 or 4 Speak over each other’s lives A Bible verse/passage; a picture; a feeling; a blessing; a prayer It doesn’t have to be long You don’t need to have the interpretation Act in faith and believe you are God’s mouthpiece