A SECOND STUDY OF THE PROPHETS

INTRODUCTION

The two courses, Prophets I and Prophets II, are studies of the prophets in the Old Testament; their fight against idol worship and all false worship. It is a study of the prophets, their ministry and messages about sin, the will of God, judgments and the future.

What Is A Prophet? What is a true prophet? What is a false prophet? How many books did the prophets write in the Old Testament? What is the true and false religion? Who is right? These questions and others will be answered in these courses. This is a much needed study for the deaf. America has become the same as Israel in the Old Testament, having many different religions and beliefs. These courses will give better understanding about the true and false religions. What is right and wrong, true and false, good and bad. The Word of God will teach Christians to identify false prophets, cults and false religions.

The Prophets I – A study of the writings and life of the prophets; the times and history of the prophets; the people and how they worshipped in the Old Testament days.

The Prophets II – A study of the fight of the prophets against false worship and idols. This course has strong teaching against the false doctrines and religions of today.

Note to Teachers – “The Prophets” are two important courses because they teach what is truth and false, and true religion and false religions. These two courses teach about false religions and idol worship in the Old Testament. Prophets I introduces the prophets and their ministries. Prophets II teaches the false religions of the past and today. Review both lessons before you teach.

Teachers: Try to study both courses before you begin to teach so that you will not repeat what could be taught later. Do not rush the courses. Take time to explain the meaning of prophet and prophesy, who they were and what they did. Explain the prophets in the Old Testament and New Testament. What about prophets of today? Give a sign name for each prophet so you will not have to spell it each time. Remember the one goal of these courses is to strengthen the deaf against false worship so they will not be stolen by false shepherds. Many cults have learned sign language and are now pulling deaf people into their beliefs. Do not teach in depth about false religions of today until Prophets II is being taught. Do not make the mistake of hurrying through these courses because you may have regrets later… Ted Camp, Author

“…and they that have not heard shall understand.” — Romans 15:21

WHAT IS A PROPHET?

In the Old Testament, three key terms are used for prophet. The Hebrew words Ro’eh and hozeh are translated as seer. The most important term, nabi, is usually translated prophet. It means “one who is called of God to speak.” God used prophets to speak for Him to the people. The prophets spoke only what they were told or what they saw from God. Prophets were used as messengers from God to the people. The word “Prophecy” means to speak about future happenings from God. Today there are many “psychics” or “seers” seeking to predict the future but they are not prophets from God. Israel looked for prophets to lead them (Deuteronomy 34:10). Some Great Prophets in the Old Testament: Moses, perhaps Israel’s greatest leader, was also a great prophet (Acts 3:21-24). Moses appeared in the transfiguration with another great prophet, Elijah (Elias) (Matthew 17:1-8). Samuel, who was a prophet, priest, and judge (1 Samuel 3:20; 7:6,15). Samuel was able to see into the future by a vision (I Samuel 3:11-14) and to ask God for thunder and rain (12:18). He led in victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 7). God used Samuel to anoint David as King. Both Elijah and Elisha offered counsel to the kings. The prophets did more than predict the future they also were leaders of Israel.

Prophets in History – Prophets wrote Old Testament history and events during their lifetimes. Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Micah wrote about the Assyrian rise to power. Jeremiah and Ezekiel wrote about the Babylonian threat. Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi wrote about the advent of the Persian Empire in the sixth century. Prophets recorded their prophecies events and happenings during their lifetimes.

Prophets Represented God – The prophets were messengers from God. The prophets influenced almost all of Israel, despite the fact that they were often viewed with contempt: (Jeremiah 37), ignored (Isaiah 6:9-13), and persecuted (1 Kings 19:1-2).

Prophets Warned the People – The prophets served judges and kings. They also led the people in worship (Amos 5:23-24). The prophets also spoke the word of the Lord in worship (Psalm 50:5; 60:6; 95:8-11). The prophets revealed the Law of God to the people (Isaiah 58:6-9; Micah 6:6-8; Amos 2:4; 5:21-24). The prophets of God represented God to the people.

Prophets Trained Other Prophets – Prophets formed guilds or schools (II Kings 4:38; I Samuel 10:5; 19:20). While most  references to prophetic schools belong to the period of the monarchy, there is some evidence to believe the schools continued (Jeremiah 23:13-14).

Prophets of God – A prophet must show proofs of his calling:

1. A Prophet was called from God and known as a man of God.
   All other prophets were false (Jeremiah 14:14).
2. Prophets saw heavenly things (Isaiah 6:1-7).
3. God spoke to His Prophets in many ways; personally, visions, dreams, or an appearance.
4. Prophets spoke the true word of God.
5. Prophets gave God’s message by illustrations as well as by word (Isaiah 20:1-3; Ezekiel 4:1-3).
6. The prophets also performed miracles which proved their message. While some prophets like Moses (Exodus 4:1-9) and Elijah (1 Kings 17) worked many miracles, virtually all prophets did some miracle to fulfill God’s word (Isa. 38:8). Some healed others (1 Kings 17:17-22; 2 Kings 5).
7. Prophets also wrote the word of God (Isa. 8:1; Ezk. 43:11).
8. Prophets were to minister to the people. They were to test God’s people (Jeremiah 6:27) and be a watchmen for what is right or wrong (Ezekiel 3:17). Prophets also represented the people to God (1 Kings 13:6; 17:17-24).
9. Throughout Israel’s history prophets had great experiences.
10. Prophets were one-hundred percent correct in their writings and preaching. It was the Word of God.