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Item ΛΟΓΟΣ ΓΝΩΣΕΩΣ as a Prophetic Speech-Act: A Theological and Biblical Evaluation of the Gift of the Word of Knowledge(South African Theological Seminary) Goosen, Hugh Ralph; Asumang, AnnangThis systematic-theological study has sought to provide an account of the nature and purpose of λόγος γνώσεως (logos gnōseōs), the spiritual gift variously translated as a word, message, or utterance of knowledge in 1 Corinthians 12:8. It was shown that throughout history, there has never been a time where there has been a unified understanding of the gift. Broadly defined, it has been interpreted in one of three ways, namely, as a gift that provided either (1) academic insight into the Scriptures, (2) an ability to teach, or (3) supernatural knowledge that allowed the recipient to minister effectively within a particular context. The study argues that while this third understanding comes close to accounting for all the data in the text, it is not sufficiently distinctive to warrant classifying it as something separate from prophecy, a defining characteristic of which is the miraculous provision, and subsequent utterance of special knowledge. The study employs speech-act theory as an exegetical tool, examining the locutionary and illocutionary acts within three select biblical passages where prophecy features. It argues that there were three knowledge components common to prophecy–reception, comprehension, and transmission components–and that it is the transmission component where the spiritual gift of λόγος γνώσεως finds expression. More specifically, the study argues that λόγος γνώσεως is an informative-assertive component of the broader prophetic speech-act that articulates supernaturally revealed information about matters past, present,or future, for the purpose of edifying, or motivating the hearer(s) to conform or adhere to the will of God. This contribution is unique in that it provides a comprehensive account of how the gift has been understood and practiced throughout history, demonstrating not just its ongoing relevance, but also how varying contexts have affected the ways in which it has been interpreted. Furthermore, it is the first systematic and inter-disciplinary study into this elusive gift, employing speech-act theory to comprehensively define, analytically clarify, and theological exemplify its distinctive features, showing how it relates to the widely practised spiritual gift of prophecy, and demonstrating its continuing relevance for church praxis.Item Perceiving God’s Voice: What Can We Reasonably Expect to Experience When God Speaks?(South African Theological Seminary Johannesburg, South Africa) Goosen, Hugh Ralph; Peppler, Christopher; Peppler, ChristopherPerceiving God’s voice: what can we reasonably expect to experience when God speaks?The aim of this practical-theological study is to investigate what the average Christian can reasonably expect to experience when God speaks. Given that vagueness exists amongst Christians with regards to what it is like to experience the voice of God practically, the study takes as its objectives the task of identifying objective criteria for the evaluation of religious experience as well as the offering of practical guidelines for the development of a discerning heart. The study begins with a presentation of the findings of an empirical investigation into current perspectives amongst Christians from various denominations in the Muldersdrift area.The data that was gathered by means of both surveys and interviews is then further expounded upon in a biblical-theological analysis. Under consideration are differing perspectives on the will of God and its discover ability; the nature and purpose of divine communication; the levels of awareness and certainty of divine communication as evidenced by select biblical characters; the condition and role of the human spirit in discernment; the need for regular infilling as a prerequisite for effective discernment,environmental influences and practical exercises in preparation for discernment. The study concludes with a summary of the findings of the biblical-theological analysis, presented in the form of a study guide.The results of the study show that while there are differences of opinion with regards to how Christians are to go about seeking divine guidance, the general consensus is that we should have, as our primary concern, a focus upon fostering a deep and intimate relationship with God, out of which direction and instruction will naturally and invariably flow.The ways in which Christians experience this direction, moreover, are as unique and varied as each individual relationship with God is unique and varied. The ultimate purpose of the study is fulfilled through the inspiration and facilitation of relationship-building as opposed to the presentation of a methodology for the divination of the will of God.