Lesson 326: STUDIES IN ACTS PART 7

INTRODUCTION:
In the last part of this series, we saw that when Holy Spirit came down, the joyful noise of heaven came down too. Some were amazed and some mocked. Today, as we continue our study, may the Holy Spirit fill us to overflowing in Jesus Name. Amen.

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT KNOWS THE FUTURE AND CAN REVEAL IT THROUGH PROPHECY.

Paul exhorts believers to covet the gift of prophecy because he knows that is one way they could know about the future Acts 14:18; I Cor. 14:39; Jer. 1:9; II Sam. 23:2; Acts 19:6; Acts 21:11. Also, it is also one way by which they could detect false prophecies, since prophecies could come from various sources, even from evil and lying spirits I Kings 22:20-22; Isa. 8:19-20; Matt. 8:29; Acts. 16:17; Jer. 23:31-32; II Chr. 7:14; Rev. 19:10; Matt. 23:37-39. Every believer should be able to detect false prophecies promptly, particularly in last days.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN ALSO REVEAL THE FUTURE THROUGH VISIONS AND DREAMS.

A vision is a direct illumination from God, at times given to those who are too busy to hear the small still voice of God Exo. 3:1-4; Acts 9:1-4; Jos. 5:13-65; Jud. 6:11-21; Acts. 16:22-24; Luke 1:26-38;Act. 10:9-20; Exo. 3:1-10; Acts 10:1-8; Acts 9:10-16; Isa. 6:1-5; Dan. 5:1-5; 25-30; Gen. 20:3; Gen. 11:25-32. Dreams are more gentle and subtle means of learning about the future. As in the case of prophecies, both visions and dream must be properly checked against the settled word of God. Dan. 7:1, 9-11; II Cor. 11:14; Gal. 1:9; John 15:12.

Further Reading: Jer. 23:16; Acts 16:9-20.