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Prophet or Profit?

Here is something I wrote for a class regarding 'prophesy'. Is it for today? We seem to have a plethora of 'Prophets' running around. I wonder about that...

Since the closing of the Cannon (Bible), we neither add to nor subtract from God’s word. A prophet is one today who forth-tells, that is expounds on God’s Word. A prophet (before the Bible was completed) then received the Word directly from God and had elements of foretelling contained within his message. Then, as now, there was the admixture of exposition
I do not believe that God, today is speaking through anything or anyone else save His Word and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. He needs prophets who proclaim His Word, as is, and add nothing to it. II. Peter tells us in Chapter 1 verses 16-21 "¹⁶ For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. ¹⁷ For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” ¹⁸ And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
¹⁹ And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; ²⁰ knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, ²¹ for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
What can we learn from this? First of all it is in the past tense ..meaning it has happened and is not an on going thing. It has been confirmed, Peter tells us, no more proof is needed. Also prophecy is not given to certain people as it once was. We all have equal access to God through His word. It is not a thing where I must go in private and get special messages to give to people, I am able to be guided by His word and be thus illuminated by His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Prime Mover of it all and as Jesus says He will illuminate what is left for us-His Words- See John 14. To add to this idea of a closed Cannon (i.e. no more prophecy as in foretelling..not speaking the truth of God's Word) We see Paul say in I. Cor. 13:8-11 "⁸ Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part. ¹⁰ But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
¹¹ When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. " It will cease when the Perfect as come, as He HAS. The part IS done away with as we have a whole Bible. We need not rely ever again on the things we would have in our 'childhood' that is someone speaking a prophecy (future) when as mature believers we already know the answer. Finally John warns us, via the Inspiration of the Holy Spirit that "¹⁸ For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; ¹⁹ and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Rev. 22:18-19. I simply do not have the authority to add to or take from God's Word. I can't presume to speak a Word unless it is already contained within His Word-the Bible. Prophecy as expounding on what is already there-teaching is commended in the Bible-trying to usurp God's Authority never is. The Word is there. We have a complete and finished Bible that speaks to those who would simply listen. Hope that helps and clarifies.

Strange day

As I sit here and look out the parsonage window I see a sight that seems to be rare in Eastern NC-Snow. What is all the more strange to me is that that is a Sunday, the Lords Day , and for me a day of 'work'. Sensibly, church has been called off so as not to endanger the property as well of lives of this precious flock. I said earlier a day of 'work', but it is more than that, it is a day of worship. every day should be a day of worship, but often we neglect to do so in our hustle and bustle world.
The snowy white landscape reminds me of WHY we worship. Isaiah 1:18 says "Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD,
“ Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool." Wow! what a promise. Though my sins keep me apart from God, though they glare through whatever I do to cover them up, He has promised He would make them pure as snow.What a REASON to worship, and even greater..what a reason to tell others about Him.
Pastor Gordon

First!

This is my first blog. I hope subsequent blogs will be more interesting than this one.

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James