Has prophecy ceased in the Church today?

Do ya'll think that Prophesy ended when the last apostle died?
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Ephesians 4:11-13 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be 
prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to 
prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built 
up UNTIL we ALL reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God 
and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 
(See also I Corinthians 12:28-29)
 
NO, the office of the prophet did not end with the last apostle. Prophets, along 
with pastors, teachers, etc. are one of the offices that Jesus has set in the church 
to build us up. Notice that verse 13 says that these offices will continue UNTIL 
we ALL are built up in the faith and in unity - which hasn't happened yet - so ALL 
of these offices are still necessary and functioning.

Prophecy in the New Testament and today is mostly forth-telling the truth of the 
Word in such a way that it is more understandable to us, or as it applies to a 
specific individual or group, for instruction, strengthening, encouragement and 
comfort. In fact, the whole 14th chapter of I Corinthians is devoted to this topic.

I Corinthians 14:1,3-4 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, 
ESPECIALLY THE GIFT OF PROPHECY... But everyone who prophesies 
speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. He who 
speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 

Prophesy is also a sign to the unbeliever and brings conviction upon him of his 
sin and a recognition that God is present among us.

I Corinthians 14:24-25 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand 
comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a 
sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So 
he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" 

More rarely it is FORE-telling the future, as the Holy Spirit directs. It is NOT 
"psychic ability" or "clairvoyance" - that is, it is not an ability that a person has - it 
is knowledge of a future event given by God who knows everything. 

I Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture 
came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin 
in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the 
Holy Spirit. 

And not everyone who calls themselves a "prophet" is one of course! So we must 
test their "prophecies" by the Word and by the inner witness of the Holy Spirit. 
Also look at their actions - if they are dabbling in the occult, run like lightning in 
the opposite direction! 

If you are God's child, He can and will speak to you directly about your needs 
and His will for your life. It may be confirmed by a prophecy, or by a teaching, or 
by godly counsel. But beware of "prophets" who go around telling everyone "how 
it is"! As always, TEST ALL THINGS BY THE WORD!!!! 

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Posted at "Ask OldTimer" 
www.members.tripod.com/~KarleenP/text/askoldtimer.htm