Gift of Prophecy

[Indentured Servant]

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy."

     -1 Corinthians 14:1

 

A.   Why Prophecy?  And why would Paul say, "especially" prophecy?

Many theologians, preachers, teachers, and parrots say, "the gift of prophecy is no longer valid." 

B.   Why the huge gap between Scripture and theology?

[Live2believe]

1 hour ago, Indentured Servant said:

"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy."

     -1 Corinthians 14:1

 

A.   Why Prophecy?  And why would Paul say, "especially" prophecy?

Many theologians, preachers, teachers, and parrots say, "the gift of prophecy is no longer valid." 

B.   Why the huge gap between Scripture and theology?

Prophecy (Strongs # 4395): speak under inspiration

Preaching the Gospel under inspiration of the Holy Spirit is the great gift benefiting others.

[Michael37]

2 hours ago, Indentured Servant said:

Why the huge gap between Scripture and theology?

Filed under Examples Of Authoritarian Pressure In Ecclesiastical Matters:

The Church of England's uniformity laws have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in religious, political, and social contexts.

Historical Uniformity Laws

The Acts of Uniformity were a series of laws passed in the 16th and 17th centuries to establish consistency in worship and doctrine within the Church of England. Key examples include:

• Act of Uniformity 1549: Introduced the first Book of Common Prayer under Edward VI.
• Act of Uniformity 1552: Revised the prayer book to reflect more Protestant practices.
• Act of Uniformity 1559: Part of Elizabeth I's Religious Settlement, it mandated the use of the 1559 Book of Common Prayer and required attendance at Anglican services.
• Act of Uniformity 1662: Following the Restoration, this act enforced the use of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and led to the ejection of nonconforming clergy.

Current Uniformity Laws

Today, the Church of England operates under a more flexible framework:

• Measures and Canons: These are forms of legislation created by the General Synod, addressing issues like ordination, forms of worship, and governance.
• Secondary Legislation: Includes rules and regulations that must often be approved by Parliament.

The modern approach emphasizes inclusivity and adaptability while maintaining core Anglican traditions.

[timf]

Why Prophecy?  And why would Paul say, "especially" prophecy?

As Christians we are dependent upon the word of God. Until Paul's letters and the gospels were written down and circulated, Christians were dependent on individuals directly receiving the word of God. Paul wrote that when that which was complete came, what was incomplete would pass away.

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

There were very powerful supernatural gifts demonstrated in the early church. However, these were referred to as a "taste" of the power of the age to come. Which seems to indicate they were only to be temporary.

Heb 6:5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

[Indentured Servant]

8 hours ago, timf said:

Why Prophecy?  And why would Paul say, "especially" prophecy?

As Christians we are dependent upon the word of God. Until Paul's letters and the gospels were written down and circulated, Christians were dependent on individuals directly receiving the word of God. Paul wrote that when that which was complete came, what was incomplete would pass away.

1Co 13:9  For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

There were very powerful supernatural gifts demonstrated in the early church. However, these were referred to as a "taste" of the power of the age to come. Which seems to indicate they were only to be temporary.

Heb 6:5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

An interesting progression from the use of supernatural gifts of the apostles to Paul instructing believers to seek the spiritual manifestations ("gifts") left for following generations.

Awesome!

[tatwo]

On 3/28/2025 at 5:43 PM, Indentured Servant said:

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy."

     -1 Corinthians 14:1

Consider this...Revelation 19:10 NASB  "Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he *said to me, "Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." emphasis mine...

Paul obviously did an in-depth teaching on the subject of "prophecy" in his letters...so nearly everything one would need to understand his position is covered there...along with the abundant and available support from the "Holy Spirit of Truth"...the subject matter can be known and understood. None the less as is with all scripture it requires revelation from the Spirit. Many believe that simply because they can read...that they understand the mind of God...this can never be...that is just pure human reasoning.

The above quote from Revelation 19 is taken from a rather exciting scene which is yet "sometime in the future"...the luminary in that scene is of course Christ. The apostle John in this setting...which is quite amazing really...falls before "a fellow servant" and is quickly admonished by the servant not to do that...saying..."I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus."  So he is a servant of John and his "brethren"...likely an angel...who rejects Johns adoration of him.

He notes that John and his brethren [Body of Christ] "hold the testimony of Jesus"...this is reference to those who have the "Holy Spirit" which...we are taught in the Gospels and the epistles is the Spirit of the Lord Himself...of course. This "testimony," is a witness, evidence, or proof of the presence of the "living and alive" Lord Yahshua Himself...in His people...who worship Him.

Then the "angel" says this..."For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" so the witness, evidence, or proof of the presence of the Lord Himself...the Holy Spirit...is "the spirit of prophecy." This just never seems to difficult really...if one has the Holy Spirit which is the proof of the presence of the Lord Yahshua..."you possess the spirit of prophecy."

In part this is what Paul is referencing...first and foremost...we are to learn to love and then he encourages us to "desire gifts of the Spirit"...meaning that we are to actively and continually seek the Lord about our gifting's and graces that He gave us...so that we may live out our unique calling in God.

His emphasis "but especially that you may prophesy" is delineating the fact that when one who "bears the testimony of Yahshua"...prophesy's...they are "establishing...first and foremost" the "presence of the Lord" which is important in that scenario and here's why. "But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation." This is what Paul wrote in 1st Corinthians 14:3 just two verses below your quoted verse.

This is nothing less than absolute proof that the Lord of glory Himself...is...speaking, moving, touching, healing, edifying, exhorting, consoling, interacting, loving and generally dwelling among His people...in an "obvious and effectual" manner...through His Body. Now you may have a better idea about Paul's strong urge for his brothers and sisters to "prophesy!"

So...any one who says these gifts are not for today...they ended some time ago, or that we don't need them today because the Scriptures have been completed...or for any reason really...they are openly denying the Lord Yahshua Christ before men.

Tatwo...:)

 

[Indentured Servant]

45 minutes ago, tatwo said:

Many believe that simply because they can read...that they understand the mind of God...this can never be...that is just pure human reasoning.

Well said.

 

49 minutes ago, tatwo said:

So...any one who says these gifts are not for today...they ended some time ago, or that we don't need them today because the Scriptures have been completed...or for any reason really...they are openly denying the Lord Yahshua Christ before men.

Yes, I've heard the "Scriptures have been completed," argument against the gifts, but also used to declare we don't have the Holy Spirit and don't need Him since we have His bible. 

Brother, I enjoyed reading your response. Thank you.

[tatwo]

21 hours ago, Indentured Servant said:

Yes, I've heard the "Scriptures have been completed," argument against the gifts, but also used to declare we don't have the Holy Spirit and don't need Him since we have His bible.

Thank you for the encouragement "ID"

I have never been able to accept the "cessation perspective" and I have studied the most popular teachers. I came away from my research feeling like "Cessationism" is just a license for man to interpret the scriptures for themselves with no accountability to the Holy Spirit...and they do just that. That however really only leads to deception for them and whoever follows them...but its comfortable to the soul...because it makes man god.

Consider that in the Garden of Eden...the serpent twisted what God had said and convinced Adam and Eve that they could be like God...so he's the best when it comes to that scheme.

Tatwo...:)

[Indentured Servant]

2 hours ago, tatwo said:

I came away from my research feeling like "Cessationism" is just a license for man to interpret the scriptures for themselves with no accountability to the Holy Spirit...

That's heavy! Sadly though, I absolutely see this happening, almost as if that was the real game plan... (It's a game plan for Satan, for sure)

It is somewhat reminiscent of the Pharisees and Sadducees and the theological replacement of God's wisdom with men who seek to control "knowledge," as well as rule over the people.

[jswauto]

How about this:  What's the Spirit of the Lord saying? How could we accomplish the work of the Lord without the Lord?  

Rev 19 is most certainly a great reference scripture. What about Isiaih 6: 

8Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. 

That voice is calling you right now! Look at John 6:

⁵⁸ This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever

And that bread is available each and every morning to you anew. Just simply open your heart and align yourself with the Lord. Here may be a great alignment:

 

 

Remember the classic prophesy scripture Amos 3:

7Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Now listen to the Lord and you will certainly hear those words of your future!

 

Edited May 30 by jswauto