If Paul had meant something else, he would have used a different word.
Prophesy:
προφητεύω
prophēteuō
prof-ate-yoo'-o
From G4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under
inspiration, exercise the prophetic office: - prophesy.
Ref:Strongs Concordance (KJV)
There are probably 3-4 prophets per congregation, and possibly more - after all, if one lets 2-3 speak, and other weigh what is said, then the minimum would be 3-4. Per congregation.
Okay... But that was in a time when prophets were accepted, and when the Spirit was accepted. Did you miss the part about the whole congregation speaking in tongues, and the whole congregation prophesying? Hmmm... That part doesn't sound so much like any mainstream church I heard of... But it does sound a whole lot like the Spirit coming down upon the whole house.
If I am right, and this office describes preaching the word of God, then I’ve seen this many times.
Except for one problem:
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.
The prophets are those endowed with knowledge and revelation. As the Prophecy unrolls it is the prophets who see (though through a veil), and acknowledge the passing milestones. It has also been the prophets who have pronounced God's favor and disfavor upon cities and nations, and have been the bearer of warnings of impending doom.
Unless it is your argument that the New Testament Scripture is the "perfect" that "does away" with the prophesying, it must still serve it's purpose. In fact, since that seems to be your argument, I find it horribly flawed, as without prophets to reveal the New Covenant prophecies, the Church is flying blind, and has been for many, many years.
If all that has been reduced to a mere "word of knowledge" about whether or not someone should make a purchase, or some such nonsense, then the coming of Christ performed the exact reverse of the Pentecostal promise:
Joe 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
This verse, by the way, directly ties the Old Testament word for "prophesy" (naw-baw') directly to the New Testament word thereof (propheteuo - see Acts 2:17).
Of course, if you are right, then you have enough folks wandering around in secret to support a single congregation in one meeting.
If I am right (which I know I am), It speaks to the nakedness of the visible Church today - and the literal blindness - Relying on the baptism of water, when they should be looking for the baptism of the Spirit
Note that I do not mean to disparage the "word of knowledge". That such is recognized within your Church is a very good thing, and it is a worthy thing to defend. Many denominations would call even that "crazy".
My testimony regards the true and real power of the Holy Spirit. Real miracles. Real prophecy. Real foreknowledge and revelation. Real healing. Tongues and interpretation.
These were promised to the Church. Where are they?
Guess I did, since I read, "When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up."
The teaching to Corinth came because they were going bonkers over gifts. They sought the spectacular gifts for their own show.
Have I ever spoken in tongues. Yes and no. I did, but it wasn't from God but from my flesh. It was sin and rebellion, not submission to God.
Have I seen congregations where everyone was speaking in tongues? Well, I've been in congregations where there was a lot of noise, but I saw no sign that their 'tongues' were any more true to scripture and God than 'mine' were.
"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.
The prophets are those endowed with knowledge and revelation. As the Prophecy unrolls it is the prophets who see (though through a veil), and acknowledge the passing milestones. It has also been the prophets who have pronounced God's favor and disfavor upon cities and nations, and have been the bearer of warnings of impending doom.
Unless it is your argument that the New Testament Scripture is the "perfect" that "does away" with the prophesying, it must still serve it's purpose. In fact, since that seems to be your argument, I find it horribly flawed, as without prophets to reveal the New Covenant prophecies, the Church is flying blind, and has been for many, many years."
No, the prophets were given revelation. And in the early days of the church, with no New Testament and probably not a lot of Old Testaments in the hands of believers, that revelation was critical. With people claiming that grace made 'free sin' possible, someone needed to counteract it - and needed to do so, in many cases, without scripture available to them.
That day has passed. I have 'God-breathed' revelation on my shelves, and it is "able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus", and is useful to "thoroughly equip" "the man of God" "for every good work." - 2 Tim 3
Where would I expect to find modern day prophets? In places scripture is not available.
"the Church is flying blind, and has been for many, many years".
You seem to have little regard for the power of God. The church is the body of Christ, and Christ is its Head. Do you REALLY think Jesus has been defeated?
The gifts of the Spirit are GIFTS, which are given by the Holy Spirit! Where is your faith? Do you believe Satan has hog-tied the Holy Spirit? Do you believe Satan has defeated Jesus Christ?
Because that is the inescapable conclusion of what you wrote.
Do you think the Southern Baptist Convention can overpower God, and prevent the Holy Spirit from giving someone the gift of prophecy? I've argued a fair bit with Catholics, but do you really believe, in the darkest days of the Catholic Church, when there were a string of Godless men as Popes, and indulgences were for public sale, do you REALLY believe no one was faithful? That God had been utterly defeated?
I don't. Remember Elijah? "I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too." - 1 Kings 19 But God said, "Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and all whose mouths have not kissed him."
God has never been defeated. Satan doesn't have Him in a headlock. The Spirit moves as He wills, and gives the gifts He chooses when and where He wills.
If you read the Old Testament, you will realize that miracles and prophets were NOT evenly distributed. At times they were common, and at times they were not. There were no prophets during the 400 years before Christ's incarnation.
I'm enough of a Calvinist to believe in the sovereignty of God. If God wants me to work a miracle, I will. If he wants me to speak in tongues, I will. If he doesn't, then only sinful pride would lead me to imitate it.
You want to know why there aren't more miracle workers walking the streets? Ask God. He is the one who decides.
Not you. Buck up, and strengthen your faith. God hasn't lost squat to anyone.
THANKS THANKS.
VERY WELL PUT.