Gift of Prophecy Honor

Missionary Activities - Bible Studies

Requirements

1. Know through whom God transmits his messages to human beings. (Amos 3:7)

   Answer: Amos 3:7: 'Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.' God transmits messages through the prophets, his chosen servants. In the Scriptures: prophets of the OT (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel) and NT (John the Baptist, the apostles). It continues: Ellen White in the modern era. — Prophets: divine spokesmen (Heb 1:1). Marks: fulfillment of prophecies (Dt 18:22), biblical conformity (Is 8:20), holy fruits (Mt 7:15-20), confession of Christ incarnate (1 Jn 4:1-3). Ellen White: co-founder of the SDA, recognized prophetic gift. The Bible is primary; prophets confirm and illuminate. Adventism: the gift of prophecy active in the remnant church.

2. Know who the people were that served as the foundation for the establishment of the Church. (Ephesians 2:20-21)

   Answer: Eph 2:20-21: 'built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.' The apostles and prophets are the foundation. Christ is the chief cornerstone. The Church is built on the apostolic and prophetic testimony around Christ, the unshakable basis of the Christian faith. — Apostles: the 12 + Paul + others who were sent. Prophets: OT (Moses, Isaiah) and NT. Christ: the cornerstone supports the entire structure. The early church: apostolic teaching (Acts 2:42). Adventism: the continuity of the prophetic gift with Ellen White. The Bible (written by apostles and prophets) is the supreme rule. Christ is the central theme of everything. Adventism emphasizes unity.

3. Understand what the purpose of the gift of prophecy is within the Church. (1 Corinthians 14:4)

   Answer: 1 Cor 14:4: 'but the one who prophesies edifies the church.' The purpose of the gift: to edify (strengthen spiritually), to exhort (encourage, admonish) and to console (comfort). It is God's tool for the growth of the church, doctrinal clarification, the correction of errors, warning against dangers, encouragement to the faithful in the Christian walk. — 1 Cor 14:3: 'the one who prophesies speaks to people for their edification, exhortation and consolation.' Edification: building faith on Christ. Exhortation: moving toward discipleship. Consolation: encouraging the persecuted. Adventism: Ellen White applied it: books, counsels, doctrinal warnings. It does not replace the Bible, but it amplifies understanding. The church benefits collectively. Adventism values prophecy as a continuous gift of the Spirit.

4. Explain what the two main characteristics of the true church in the last days are. (Revelation 12:17; 19:10)

   Answer: Rev 12:17: 'keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.' Rev 19:10: 'the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.' Characteristics: keeping all 10 commandments (including the 4th = Sabbath) and having an active gift of prophecy (with a true prophet, such as Ellen White). The unique markers of the biblical remnant. — Revelation 12:17 describes the final church: the remnant persecuted by Satan. 2 marks: the law (the 10 Commandments) + prophecy (the testimony of Jesus). Adventism: the 28 doctrines include both. The Sabbath is a commandment forgotten by the majority. Ellen White confirms the prophetic gift of the era. Other churches: either abandoned the law (especially the Sabbath), or do not have a current prophet. Adventism fulfills the 2 marks.

5. Define what the marks of a true prophet are. (Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 7:16, 18-20; Galatians 5:19-23)

   Answer: Is 8:20: conformity with the Law and the testimony (biblical agreement). Mt 7:16-20: good fruits (holy character). Gal 5:19-23: the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) vs. the works of the flesh. Others: fulfillment of prophecies (Dt 18:22), confession of Christ incarnate (1 Jn 4:1-3). The set identifies a true prophet versus a false one. — Biblical tests: 1) doctrinal (Is 8:20): a message aligned with the Bible; 2) character (Mt 7): a sanctified life; 3) fulfillment (Dt 18); 4) Christological (1 Jn 4). Ellen White passes all of them. False prophets: contradict the Bible, have an immoral life, their prophecies fail. Caution: appearance can deceive. Consistent fruits over time confirm authenticity.

6. Memorize and recite 2 Peter 1:20-21.

   Answer: 2 Pet 1:20-21: 'Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.' It confirms the divine origin of the biblical prophecies, inspired by the Spirit, not a human invention. — An important principle: the Bible has a divine origin. The prophets wrote moved by the Holy Spirit. No private interpretation: the Bible interprets itself (the analogy of faith). Adventism: Sola Scriptura, the primacy of the Scriptures. Later prophets (such as Ellen White) confirm, they do not replace. Bible study needs the Spirit that inspired it. Adventism emphasizes this interpretive principle.

7. Share with a friend what the benefits are for those who trust in God's prophets. (2 Chronicles 20:20)

   Answer: 2 Chr 20:20: 'Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.' Benefits: spiritual and physical security, real prosperity, victory over adversity, direction in life, spiritual growth, avoiding doctrinal errors, peace in the heart. Trusting generates positive and tangible results. — Jehoshaphat said this before the battle; victory over enemies. A universal principle: obedience brings blessing. To trust = to listen + to obey. Spiritual benefits: discernment, wisdom, peace. Material ones: financial guidance (Mal 3:10), health (EGW's health counsel). Adventism: trusting in biblical and modern prophecy generates an abundant life. Sharing it with a friend witnesses to the power of the prophets.