The end of prophecy? 1 COR 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

1. What is 1 Cor. 13 really saying? 1 COR 13:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

2. What about personal prophecies? ACTS 21:10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”

3. What about the biblical emphasis on prophecy? 1 COR 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 

So what is contemporary prophecy? Receiving a message (relating to present or future) from God for others through the Holy Spirit and passing it on Always under submission to Scripture. Comes in different ways An impression (mind) – picture, word, Scripture, idea A strong urging in your Spirit (heart) An enlivened Scripture (sometimes preaching) An interpreted dream A word for word statement

What is the purpose of prophecy? 1 COR 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 

How do you develop the gift of prophecy? It’s a gift – not everyone can prophesy to the same extent, but some will be clearly gifted Some have a head start – more spiritually sensitive Ask for God to open your heart to the things he is saying Read Scripture and meditate Write down anything you sense Share your impressions with spiritual leaders Step out in faith being careful not to claim too much

Other guidelines – Practical Application Under the overall authority of Scripture, we encourage prophecy (1 Cor 14:1) In the Church, prophecy is primarily for “strengthening, encouragement, and comfort” (1 Cor 14:3). Other key guiding verses are 1 Cor 14:12, 26, 31 – 33. Be careful about prophetic words that align with your personal agendas/passions. There is a huge danger that you will confuse what God is saying with what you are thinking. Spend some time “listening for others” when you are intimate with God.

Other guidelines – Practical Application If you get a sense that God has given you a word/vision/dream for an individual that fits the 1 Cor 14:3 criteria, please pass it on to them either verbally or in writing. But do so with humility along the lines of “I think God may be saying to you…” rather than “Thus says the Lord…” Be very careful about giving directional prophecy to individuals, “God is telling you to do…” “God is telling you to go…”. At times this can seem manipulative, or, for vulnerable individuals, it can become spiritual abuse If you receive a prophecy for our Church as a whole when you are on your own, please pass it on, preferably in writing, to the Senior Pastor or one of the other Pastors

Other guidelines – Practical Application If you receive a prophecy for our Church while in a church prayer meeting, please feel free to share it unless it is strongly directional. If you receive a prophecy for our Church while at a public Worship Service, please only share it if the worship leader or Pastor has created space in the service for public sharing. If this space has not been created and permission given, approach the Senior Pastor or one of the other Pastors, briefly share your word and wait for permission to be given or withheld. (The Pastor may deliver the prophecy, ask you to deliver the prophecy, or say No or Not Yet).

Other guidelines – Practical Application If you receive a prophecy for an individual or for the church, your responsibility is only to pass it on. After that, step back. It is then the responsibility of the individual or the church leaders as to how they receive and follow through with that prophecy.