Years ago, our church prepared to bring in some prophets who would minister by sharing words from the Holy Spirit with selected individuals in the congregation. One friend, nervous about the upcoming ministry time, said, “I’m afraid God is going to smite me!” (“Smite” is KJV English meaning “to strike or afflict suddenly.”) Our friend’s fear stemmed from a misunderstanding about how the New Testament gift of prophecy functions. Five factors contribute to the changes between covenants regarding prophecy.[i] 1. The Old Covenant featured prophets, priests, and kings. In the New Continue Reading
What the Story of Elizabeth Means for Women Today
This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, I’ve been pondering women in Scripture who play important roles in Jesus’ early life. Here’s how I imagine and comment on the story of Elizabeth: Hands clasped around her protruding abdomen, the woman glows. Her smile deepens the lines on her weathered cheeks, betraying an age far beyond that of most women in her condition. But her age only heightens her joy, for the Lord has done the impossible for her. ‘Just like Sarah,’ she whispers to herself, ‘Yahweh has replaced my bitterness and disgrace with great joy and wonder.’ Continue Reading
Why You Don’t Need to be Nervous about the Gift of Prophecy
When I say “prophecy,” what pops into your head? Old Testament eccentric loners rebuking ungodly kings? Apocalyptic visions of cosmic dragons? Let’s narrow the topic down to the gift of prophecy mentioned in 1 Cor. 12:10 and Rom. 12:6. Some folks believe this gift of the Holy Spirit is not legitimately in operation today, so they aren’t comfortable with it. Others believe it is for today, but don’t quite know what to make of it. Common reservations about the gift of prophecy include its supernatural aspect and the fear of feeling exposed or punished by God through prophetic Continue Reading
How the Gift of Prophecy Functions in our Ordinary Lives
She sat alone at a picnic table in the local park, highlighting a hard-cover book and making notes in the margins. I planned to either read or take a nap in the shade while my husband completed the business meeting for which we’d come to this town. But the Holy Spirit prompted me to approach the woman. I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, so I asked if it was okay for me to sit at the other end of the table. She nodded as I opened my book. After a few minutes, I asked her name and what she was studying. Conversation began to flow, and I found out “Helen” was going through a Continue Reading