ListenDaily - 03 February 2009; "To another, prophecy"
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
To one there is given...to another prophecy...
From 1 Corinthians 12 (find these or any other passages at www.Biblegateway.org)
"to another prophecy..."
The word 'prophecy' has widely come to be known as a sort of foretelling, the sharing of events before they happen. Although some prophetic events in Scripture were of this nature, prophecy is not limited to knowing, or telling, the future. Prophecy, is insight from God, whether about past, present, or future events.
Even though we hear so much talk about "prophecies being fulfilled', the Old and New Testament examples of prophecy bear out that prophesy has other purposes as well.
In the New Testament, the gift of prophesy is referred to as Godly insight for current events ( see Matt.26:67-68, John 4:16-19). It certainly can involve future events. (Acts 21:10-11) Prophesy is understood withing the limits of our minds, and to the level God would have us understand, but always points toward ultimate truth. (1 Cor.13:9).
Some question whether or not God uses prophets today, the argument often being that Scripture has taken the place as the mouthpiece for God.
One thing is certain; a prophet is subject to God and His Word. Anything that anyone ever speaks, whether prophesying or sermonizing, must be compared to God's Word. "If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored." (1 Cor. 14:37-38)
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Questions:
1. Do you think there are prophets in the world today?
2. Is this view of prophecy different from your earlier understanding?
3. Why do we not see more manifestations of the gifts?
INTERESTING THOUGHT:
"We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum."
A.W.Tozer
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