Where are Our Prophets

[ChristianTonyB]

Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, at least, that Prophecy is a Gift of The Spirit.
the message of wisdom, the message of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in various tongues, interpretation of tongues. "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines."

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul tells us that he wants us to seek Prophecy above all other gifts.
"Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.... the one who prophesies edifies the church. ...
Tongues... are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers....

But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”

Has this been true of Our Worship? This was the epitome according to Paul. Which churches are currently teaching that the members interrupt the Pastor when they receive a revelation during the "service"? Why are "western" churches denouncing the very idea of prophecy, such that anyone who points to the bible instead of their own thoughts, is accused of "Trying to be some prophet!"

Which of the methodologies of our common denominations, are instructing that we pursue prophecy? Tons of them want women to shut up in church, plenty want to eat the Passover, or eat the communion, or pray the proper wording in the prayer of some famous Saint, and not a few just want to hug a tree and everyone on earth.

Revelations 19:10 confirms there must be yet a place for Prophecy.
"“... I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

It seems to me we have abandoned our bomber fleets, and are running about trying to defeat Satan's hosts with supply trucks.

Personally, I would be wary of any prophecy that comes out of a worship service.

I agree, that any person having the Spirit of God indwelling them can be used by Him to expound the will of God in a matter. But the Holy Spirit can do that anywhere, anytime, and not at some formalised religious meeting. You can't regiment the Holy Spirit.

Paul also explains that there are certain talents individuals have that influence the way they think and act. These talents are measured out according to God's grace at human birth, and can be categorised. One of those is an insiteful knowledge into justice, and truth. When such a person that has that gift (combination of faculties, qualities and talents) becomes a Christian, is born again, that truth is no longer inspired by their own instinct and opinion, but by God's ways. They expound this desire for truth and nothing but the truth, in their normal chit chat...such as here on Christian Chat. However, there will be some here that are inspired by their natural instincts and biblical knowledge, but not necessarily by God.

Then there's the 'specialist'. The man set apart by God to be a wayfarer and provide direction to the church as a whole. You won't know from what direction he comes, or to where he is going.

That's my personal take on how God prophesies to His church, or rather, that has been my personal experience.

 

[apwall21]

Personally, I would be wary of any prophecy that comes out of a worship service.

I agree, that any person having the Spirit of God indwelling them can be used by Him to expound the will of God in a matter. But the Holy Spirit can do that anywhere, anytime, and not at some formalised religious meeting. You can't regiment the Holy Spirit.

Mostly I agree with your post, but after this bit of study, I think I want to offer some difference in view that I'm seeing now.

The church, when meeting, is to edify and build the church, perhaps first, so that we can be prepared to deal with the world the rest of the week. And if we already know that prophecy is a thing, then perhaps it's most useful for us. We don't have to entertain a question if there's an ulterior motive, or if the guy is just crazy, if we've seen it in action before. We can have expectations and a way to understand how to test.

"You can't regiment"
This is what I would have thought, Meshuginas from the OT and such. But if you read on in this thread, I found Paul is explicit. The Spirit of Prophecy is under the control of the Prophet. So while we can't, perhaps, force the Holy Spirit to move to us, when it does, Paul suggests we are able to control the expression of Prophecy, by our will.

 

[ChristianTonyB]

Mostly I agree with your post, but after this bit of study, I think I want to offer some difference in view that I'm seeing now.

The church, when meeting, is to edify and build the church, perhaps first, so that we can be prepared to deal with the world the rest of the week. And if we already know that prophecy is a thing, then perhaps it's most useful for us. We don't have to entertain a question if there's an ulterior motive, or if the guy is just crazy, if we've seen it in action before. We can have expectations and a way to understand how to test.

"You can't regiment"
This is what I would have thought, Meshuginas from the OT and such. But if you read on in this thread, I found Paul is explicit. The Spirit of Prophecy is under the control of the Prophet. So while we can't, perhaps, force the Holy Spirit to move to us, when it does, Paul suggests we are able to control the expression of Prophecy, by our will.

Well that's true, when the church meets we ought be building each other up in the faith, encouraging each other to stand fast in it. One of the best instances of that I encountered was at a hamburger shop where a group of us Christian motorcyclists called in for lunch. We chatted amongst ourselves, discussing how the Lord was dealing with us in each of our lives, and sharing the Word of God over hamburgers and fries. I learnt more about God and His dealings with His church there, then I would ever have learnt in a worship service.

As far as those set apart to be prophets and they controlling the Holy Spirit and how and when He wishes to prophesy, we better ask Jonah how that works out. A true prophet is inspired by the Holy Spirit, not the other way round. He knows he works at the behest of God, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit as and when that Spirit desires.

 

[Jackson123]

Personally, I would be wary of any prophecy that comes out of a worship service.

I agree, that any person having the Spirit of God indwelling them can be used by Him to expound the will of God in a matter. But the Holy Spirit can do that anywhere, anytime, and not at some formalised religious meeting. You can't regiment the Holy Spirit.

Paul also explains that there are certain talents individuals have that influence the way they think and act. These talents are measured out according to God's grace at human birth, and can be categorised. One of those is an insiteful knowledge into justice, and truth. When such a person that has that gift (combination of faculties, qualities and talents) becomes a Christian, is born again, that truth is no longer inspired by their own instinct and opinion, but by God's ways. They expound this desire for truth and nothing but the truth, in their normal chit chat...such as here on Christian Chat. However, there will be some here that are inspired by their natural instincts and biblical knowledge, but not necessarily by God.

Then there's the 'specialist'. The man set apart by God to be a wayfarer and provide direction to the church as a whole. You won't know from what direction he comes, or to where he is going.

That's my personal take on how God prophesies to His church, or rather, that has been my personal experience.

Yep I read and watch YouTube about Kenneth Copland prophecy about Covid and was wrong
some people say hear God say that and that but is not

 

[presidente]

Yes, all who have the gift of prophecy. There's no way you can make this say they all have the power to prophesy. To do so you have to ignore 1 Corinthians 12:29. Out of curiosity, what is your interpretation of 1 Corinthians 12:29?

You are assuming anyone who prophesies is a prophet. I suppose you would say yes to 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'

We are all supposed to teach our children, right? Does that make us all I Corinthians 12:29 teachers? Hebrews 5 says, 'For when for the time ye ought to be teachers..."

Throughout the epistle 'ye' means the church, and in this passage, Paul talks about 'prophets' in the third person. Why would he get inconsistent with his grammar and use 'ye' just to refer to prophets all of a sudden in verse 31? He already discussed a hypothetical scenario in which 'all' prophesied earlier in the chapter.

 

[presidente]

What is plainly written is that PROPHECIES SHALL CEASE. And they ceased around 96 AD. So why are your running after more prophecies? The Gospel should be given absolute priority, followed by sound doctrine. And as is quite evident on this and other forums, even these basics are not clearly understood, or acknowledged, or taught. Otherwise there would not be so much spiritual confusion.

Do you have complete knowledge now?

How much money do I have in my wallet? Where are my lost donkeys?

If you ever read a passage of scripture you have read before, but pick up on some doctrine, mystery, knowledge, etc. that you did not see before, you disprove your own interpretation. It proves your knowledge was not perfect after 96 AD and that you know in part like that rest of us.

 

[Edify]

What is plainly written is that PROPHECIES SHALL CEASE. And they ceased around 96 AD. So why are your running after more prophecies? The Gospel should be given absolute priority, followed by sound doctrine. And as is quite evident on this and other forums, even these basics are not clearly understood, or acknowledged, or taught. Otherwise there would not be so much spiritual confusion.

The scripture in Acts 2 is as much the permanent Word of God as any other scripture.
If you want to imply 1Cor 13:8, I suggest you read all of Paul's epistles first to find proper context.
Don't feel bad..... you wouldn't be the first to overlook multiple major scriptures to prove your point.
Please tell me you'll at least search it out.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Please tell me you'll at least search it out.

I have searched out this matter. Now if you want to run after modern prophets, you could start with Joseph Smith.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Do you have complete knowledge now?

As complete as in necessary. No need to be chasing prophets around.

 

[Nehemiah6]

On what verse

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (Rev 22:18)

"These things" are the total contents of the book of Revelation -- a book of prophecy as noted by John. And since this is "the Revelation of Jesus Christ", that is about as final as it can get. John was writing these words around 96 AD. After John NOT A SINGLE APOSTOLIC FATHER claimed to be either an apostle or a prophet. End of story.

 

[Jackson123]

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (Rev 22:18)

"These things" are the total contents of the book of Revelation -- a book of prophecy as noted by John. And since this is "the Revelation of Jesus Christ", that is about as final as it can get. John was writing these words around 96 AD. After John NOT A SINGLE APOSTOLIC FATHER claimed to be either an apostle or a prophet. End of story.

I have deferent interpretation

to me it mean no body allow to ad or remove the rev in this book of revelation
but if God spoke to a person on different subject for example what kind of job you need to do
is not in the Bible
you need pray asking personal revelation
for example most pastor that I know think God call him to be pastor
I don’t think they are lie

i know some prophecy are lie but not all

 

[presidente]

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (Rev 22:18)

"These things" are the total contents of the book of Revelation -- a book of prophecy as noted by John. And since this is "the Revelation of Jesus Christ", that is about as final as it can get. John was writing these words around 96 AD. After John NOT A SINGLE APOSTOLIC FATHER claimed to be either an apostle or a prophet. End of story.

You shouldn't add a doctrine that God doesn't give the gift of prophecy then.

Do you think Revelation is set in the future? If so, the two witnesses will prophesy, so the gift of prophecy couldn't have ceased yet.

 

[ResidentAlien]

You are assuming anyone who prophesies is a prophet. I suppose you would say yes to 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'

We are all supposed to teach our children, right? Does that make us all I Corinthians 12:29 teachers? Hebrews 5 says, 'For when for the time ye ought to be teachers..."

Throughout the epistle 'ye' means the church, and in this passage, Paul talks about 'prophets' in the third person. Why would he get inconsistent with his grammar and use 'ye' just to refer to prophets all of a sudden in verse 31? He already discussed a hypothetical scenario in which 'all' prophesied earlier in the chapter.

Sorry but I have no idea what your point is supposed to be.

 

[JaumeJ]

All who have come to Jesus Yeshua have the Spirit of prophecy, so you need not look too hard.

The Spirit of Prophecy  Revelation 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Read the definition of the Spirit of prophecy posted above, quoted above, from Revelation. Prophecy is not simply predicting, it is also knowing Salvation in our Lord, Jesus Yeshua, and his Teaching. Passing it on is being a prophet, but do not let anyone know who refuses to learn this.

 

[presidente]

I have deferent interpretation

to me it mean no body allow to ad or remove the rev in this book of revelation

I agree. In chapter 1, we read that Jesus said to write these things down in a scroll. At the end of it, there is a warning against adding or taking away from the scroll.

Revelation 1
11 which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.”

Revelation 22
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.


@Nehemiah6

 

[phil36]

The word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! Your prophets, Israel, are like jackals among ruins.

You have not gone up to the breaches in the wall to repair it for the people of Israel so that it will stand firm in the battle on the day of the LORD. Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. Even though the LORD has not sent them, they say, “The LORD declares,” and expect him to fulfill their words.

Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, “The LORD declares,” though I have not spoken? “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: Because of your false words and lying visions, I am against you, declares the Sovereign LORD.

My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD. “‘Because they lead my people astray,

Ezekiel 13:1ff

 

[Webers.Home]

.
• 1Cor 14:1b . . eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

This particular prophecy genre is different than prognostication. This relates
to inspirational speakers; e.g. Anne Graham Lotz and Kirk Cameron.

"Everyone who prophesies speaks to folks for their strengthening, their
encouragement, and their comfort." (1Cor 14:3)
_

 

[Dirtman]

America is full of false ones. All ya gotta do is flip on the tv to the so called Christian station.

 

[presidente]

Read the definition of the Spirit of prophecy posted above, quoted above, from Revelation. Prophecy is not simply predicting, it is also knowing Salvation in our Lord, Jesus Yeshua, and his Teaching. Passing it on is being a prophet, but do not let anyone know who refuses to learn this.

The passage does not say that testifying about Jesus is prophesying. It says the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Notice 'spirit of prophecy.' Not 'this is what prophesying is'.

By the point in time this was written, we've had quite a lot of scripture telling us what prophesying is. In Deuteronomy 18, the LORD said that he would put His words in the prophets mouth. We see countless examples of messages spoken in the first person on behalf of God, sometimes preceded by 'Thus saith the LORD.' Prophecies could be about present, past, or future-- whatever God wanted to say.

In the New Testament, the prophet Agabus signifies a coming famine. In another passage, he starts off a prophecy with 'Thus saith the Holy Ghost.' I Corinthians 14 indicates that prophecies can make manifest the secrets of one's heart.

Then there is II Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Speaking as moved by the Holy Ghost.... And the New Testament uses 'prophecy' to refer to what the Old Testament prophets did and what the New Testament prophets did.

Genuine prophesying occurs when the Spirit moves an individual to speak a message from the Spirit. Prophet is a different gift from teacher as we see in I Corinthians 12:29. Romans 12:6-8.

Equating prophesying with pulpit preaching, as some in the Reformed moving (going a little beyond Calvin's fuzzy opinion on this) do. Nor is it merely making 'faith declarations' of what you hope to happen, as some in the WOF movement call 'prophesying. One can teach already revealed prophecies given in scripture. But in giving instructions regarding prophesying in church in I Corinthians 14, Paul says if a revelation comes to one sitting by, let the first hold his peace. Prophesying is a __revelatory__ activity.

Prophesying in church occurs when the Spirit moves an individual to speak, and that individual speaks that message to the congregation. According to I Corinthians 14, if another sitting by receives a revelation, the first is to hold his peace, for ye may all prophesy one by one.

Where are the prophets? Some churches have prophets, but the prophets do not feel free to speak. This could be because they do not know that they may? Some churches may outright disobey the scripture that says, "Let the prophets speak two or three...' and will have an usher throw someone in the congregation out if they begin to give a prophecy. The idea of one pastor preaching on sermon is held as sacrosanct, even though it isn't commanded in scripture, but the commands regarding allowing prophets to speak are often ignored and outright disobeyed.

 

[JaumeJ]

In order to give testamonyt one must testify to what is being purported. Yes, it is the Spirit of prophecy.