Ok. That is a good definition.
Do we "fact check" prophets, to see that everything they "prophesy" comes true? It would be a simple matter to predict some future event, and say that "God told me about it"... but how often do these things come true?
I would love to see something documented as being truly prophetic. I just never have.
The gift of prophesy is not clairvoyance.
When a person speaks forth in a tongue that is different from their daily prayer tongue
(that is our daily and often praying in the Holy Ghost) then this is followed by what is
called an "interpretation" of that speaking in tongues.
Interpretations tend to be about our faith, our walk, our need to improve and do things better,
or to love others more sincerely, to stay on track, keep the faith, to endure,
to build up our faith and to exercise the gift of the Holy Spirit by praying often in our spiritual
prayer language because it goes directly to God who is Spirit.
Interpretation confirms that tongues is God given and of the Holy Spirit.
Prophesy on the other hand is not about tomorrow you will meet someone tall, dark and handsome.
There are no personal revelations concerning tomorrow or next week this shall happen, so sell
up and hold hands.
When the prophets speak to a maximum of three, one after another - they speak of things in a
more generalised manner. This is for the edification and comfort of the body of Christ.
The Lord might speak along the lines of ... be not concerned with what is happening in the
world these days. My word and my prophecy concerning these last days shall come to
fruition. Endure and keep your faith for therein is your safety. There are still persons looking
for the truth and you must continue to go out and preach the gospel of salvation to them.
The time is short and my Son shall return in power and glory to claim his church.
Therefore do not be slothful but rather be diligent in serving Jesus your Lord and Saviour.
Prophesy is much more about what we need to do, and in giving direction for our efforts as
a church, as saints in the body of Christ.
One thing I know with all certainty through the gifts of prophesy that there will be no
pre-tribulation rapture for anybody. All Christians both Pentecostal or not will suffer
what is coming upon the world.
There will be a great falling away, but the wheat shall be separated from the chaff.
Are we ready? Will the Lord find faith on the earth when he returns?