What do you need a prophet for? I understand why the early church needed them, and in the sense of a proclaimer of God’s word, we need them now.
That is why I mentioned ‘1st Apostles, 2nd Prophets, 3rd Teachers’...the Apostles were undoubtedly first in the church’s need. Then prophets, since the NT wasn’t written. And then teachers...
Now, in the sense of gifts, I don’t doubt some still are given prophecies. As I’ve mentioned before, in my experience, it is usually someone known for their close walk with God who brings up concerns involving purchases, someone’s motives, etc.
But a wandering Prophet, to proclaim God? How does that differ from a Preacher? Unless, of course, he gives specific prophecies about the future - which, as I’ve said, I have seen before and they have invariably been wrong.
Where are YOUR prophets? Did Isaiah operate in secret? Did Elijah act in private? Where are YOURS?
Who do YOU believe is currently a Prophet of God, ministering to the world today?
These are the Gifts of the Spirit. We ALL need them. These are true offices of the Church. If they are not in evidence, then the Spirit is not in evidence.
That is why I mentioned ‘1st Apostles, 2nd Prophets, 3rd Teachers’...the Apostles were undoubtedly first in the church’s need. Then prophets, since the NT wasn’t written. And then teachers...
So, it is your contention that certain of the gifts have passed away? Then why is it that the reader is encouraged to attain the "higher" gifts, if they no longer apply?
If one reads further in I Corinthians (as I had mentioned before), it provides for structures regarding how the gifts are to be applied within a congregation, especially prophecy... I Corinthians 13:2 obliquely refers to the highest prophetic kind - a prophet who speaks to nations (mountains)... And in the process defines the work of a prophet:
1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
Now, in the sense of gifts, I don’t doubt some still are given prophecies. As I’ve mentioned before, in my experience, it is usually someone known for their close walk with God who brings up concerns involving purchases, someone’s motives, etc.
That is called a "word of knowledge" in some circles, which is a good thing - but it is a far cry from that described above.
Where are YOUR prophets? Did Isaiah operate in secret? Did Elijah act in private? Where are YOURS?
Who do YOU believe is currently a Prophet of God, ministering to the world today?
I have met some few, regionally... five that I consider to be prophets- Folks you have never heard of, who serve in their capacity. One of rare authority. Another handful which are unproven, but seem worthy.
All are wanderers, reclusive, or in small Church bodies, which seems to be somewhat of a stereotype in my observation, though that may not be typical, as much as some bias on my part (I tend to find solace in such places).