THE PROPHETIC VOICE OF THE CHURCH

The Power of Prophetic Voice

Lesson: The Prophetic Voice of the Church

We Represent God

God has positioned the Church to act as His voice in the earth. We are His representative presence in the earth. Throughout the New Testament the Church is challenged to use her prophetic voice. In this lesson we examine passages in which the Church is called on to be a prophetic voice.

To address issues of discrimination and doctrine

The Church cannot remain silent on issues of discrimination and doctrine. When the Church remains silent, she fails to represent God well. We must take a position on issues of discrimination and doctrine.

Read Acts 15:13-29

What are the issues confronting the church in this passage?

How did they address the issues?

What lessons do we learn to assist us?

To confront and correct sin in her midst

Just as the Church must address issues of discrimination and doctrine, she must confront and correct sin. When the Church fails to confront and correct sin, her righteous witness of is lost and the power to transform is forfeited. This is not comfortable or easy, but it is necessary.

Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

What is the issue confronting the church in this passage?

How was it addressed?

What lessons do we learn to assist us?

To cross cultural lines to spread the Gospel

Another aspect of the prophetic voice of the Church is her counter-cultural witness. The Church is called to cross cultural lines to advance the Gospel. This aspect of prophetic voice provides the world with a true picture of what God’s love looks like.

Read Acts 11:19-26

What is the issue confronting the church in this passage?

How did the church respond?

What lessons do we learn to assist us?

Conclusion

Let us lift up our voices prophetically to address issues of discrimination and doctrine, to confront and correct sin, and to cross cultural lines to spread the Gospel. As we do so, we will make God known to the world in a real way. Let us utilize the power of prophetic voice!