Lesson 4: The Place of Prophecy in the Churches Today.

by Dr Ern Baxter.

These are the glorious times of restoration of the New Testament church. While apostasy is running it's deadly course in Christendom, God's remnant is experiencing restoration. The vineyards of the Lord have been ravaged. Joel 1:2-4 - Now the Holy Spirit is reviving and giving new life. Joel 2:23-25 - Where the prophetic gifts are in evidence, prophecy is creative as in the vision of Ezekiel 37. What will it all lead to? "An exceeding great army". Ezekiel 37:10.

1. The Vision of Dry Bones.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 - v11 - God's people are like dry bones with no hope.

v2 - "Can these bones live?".

v4-6 - "Prophesy!".

v7-10 - "Prophecy is creative!".

Will God's end-time army be created by prophecy?

2. "We have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts!".

2 Peter 1:19 - The day has dawned! The Morning Star has arisen in our hearts!

3. Prophecy can be evangelistic.

1 Cor 14:24-25 - Note how the unbeliever is convinced by the revelation of prophecy. Philip was an evangelist and he had four daughters who prophesied. There is a connection here between evangelism and prophecy.

4. Do we win or lose the unbeliever by the prophetic gifts in the church?

Our experience shows that in the churches most of the new coverts and members are brought in through personal revelation and prophecy! God meets them and creates in them through the prophetic word.