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Prophecy: Spiritual Gift in Modern Times

Wrangler

Wrangler

Active member
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Consider the following verses

Joel 2:28
And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy

1 COR
12:10 Some of us are prophets
12:29 not everyone is a prophet
14:5 I prefer you to prophecy

in light of general lack of faith in modern day prophets and even scorn, ridicule and condemnation towards them. I heard it said that there are no modern day prophets but find the opposite statement in Joel and 1 COR. Can you explain that?
 
I think part of the problem is our understanding of the definition of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:3 NET
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,[a] encouragement, and consolation.

]
 
1 Corinthians 14:22-24
Contemporary English Version
22 Languages others don't know may mean something to unbelievers, but not to the Lord's followers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is for followers, not for unbelievers. 23 Suppose everyone in your worship service started speaking unknown languages, and some outsiders or some unbelievers come in. Won't they think you are crazy? 24 But suppose all of you are prophesying when those unbelievers and outsiders come in. They will realize that they are sinners, and they will want to change their ways because of what you are saying.
 
SteVen said:
I think part of the problem is our understanding of the definition of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:3 NET
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,[a] encouragement, and consolation.

]
Click to expand...
You do admit there is a Christian bias against modern prophecy though, right?
 
Wrangler said:
1 Corinthians 14:22-24
Contemporary English Version
22 Languages others don't know may mean something to unbelievers, but not to the Lord's followers. Prophecy, on the other hand, is for followers, not for unbelievers. 23 Suppose everyone in your worship service started speaking unknown languages, and some outsiders or some unbelievers come in. Won't they think you are crazy? 24 But suppose all of you are prophesying when those unbelievers and outsiders come in. They will realize that they are sinners, and they will want to change their ways because of what you are saying.
Click to expand...
That scripture contradicts itself. - LOL

First it says...
"Prophecy, on the other hand, is for followers, not for unbelievers."
Then it says...
"... when those unbelievers and outsiders come in. They will realize that they are sinners,
and they will want to change their ways because of what you are saying."

So... is prophecy for unbelievers or not?
The next verse speaks volumes. (in reference to the unbeliever)

1 Corinthians 14:25 NET
The secrets of his heart are disclosed, and in this way he will fall down with
his face to the ground and worship God, declaring, “God is really among you.”

So... is prophecy for unbelievers or not?

]
 
SteVen said:
I think part of the problem is our understanding of the definition of prophecy.

1 Corinthians 14:3 NET
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening,[a] encouragement, and consolation.
Wrangler said:
You do admit there is a Christian bias against modern prophecy though, right?
Click to expand...
If you agree with my definition. Then, yes. (I suppose)
The evangelical church I was raised in had a leaning toward Cessationism.
When I left the evangelical church and explored Charismatic/Pentecostal churches I learned about Continuationism.

Cessationism = The miracle "sign" gifts stopped when the Apostles died.
Continuationism = The miracle gifts are still in force today.

/
 
SteVen said:
So... is prophecy for unbelievers or not?
Click to expand...
Yes. Are you truly confused by the goal of evangelism?

Scripture is very clear to me on this point. There are 2 types of unbelievers.
  1. Those whose heart is hardened against the truth.
  2. Those who can be persuaded with the truth.
Scripture says prophecy is for believers. Simple. If you need to, you can interpret that to mean both current and future believers.

Hope this helps.
 
Wrangler said:
Can I sigh now to help advance the discussion?
Click to expand...
Please do. Thanks.

I was frustrated because...
1) You have yet to define "prophecy".
2) You didn't know what a Charismatic church was. ??? (unfathomable to me) But... okay... fine.

]
 
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