Beginning with the assumption that the function of prophecy (which is paramount over even the office of prophet) is absolutely necessary in the church, Sparks delves into the who, what, where, when, and why of prophecy. The result is a fascinating look at an often neglected topic. Sparks begins by defining prophecy and relates it 'to the full, original and ultimate purpose of God in and through His people.' Unfortunately, in the modern church Sparks sees evidence that we have failed 'to recognize that God's purpose must be reached in God's way, and by God's means ....' Only with prophecy can a church hope to achieve God's ends by God's means. According to Sparks, the three important aspects of the prophetic function are: anointing by the Holy Spirit; impartation of knowledge through revelation; and exact conformity to God's thoughts. To this end, Sparks emphasizes the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church and of the prophet. And since, ultimately, all prophecy points to the ministry and person of Christ, the ministry and function of prophecy is pivotal in the body of Christ. To understand how prophecy manifests itself, Sparks explores the following issues: how a prophet is made; why prophetic revelation is not always heeded; the lifestyle of the prophet; how prophecy relates to the Kingdom of God and entrance into it; the difference between adherence to the letter of God's word and adherence to the Spirit of God's word; and the cry of the prophets for holiness. It is because we do not generally understand these issues in the church that prophecy is not considered as important as it should be. |
