Amazed said:
Prophecy does not always concern the future. The word means to forthtell, or to bring forth truth. In 1 Co. 14:24,25 we read:
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
"And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth."
Prophecy reveals the hidden things of the heart, not just the future.
I'm replying to your post because you began the thread in the first place and because I agree with much you have said.
So here goes.
Before I begin let us keep in mind that the word for Prophet or Prophecy really means, as Amazed stated, to forthtell, to proclaim and to perceive. Although prophets at times would foretell the future, this was not there main focus. They were called to be the mouth piece of God, His proclaimers.
The following are the Gifts of the Godhead as listed in the Scriptures. Each list has the gift of prophecy, yet they differ one from the other because of their application and purpose.
Gifts of the Father Romans (12:1-15)
Operational gifts
- Prophecy
Serving
Teaching
Exhorting
Giving
Ruling
Showing Mercy
Gifts of the Son Ephesians (4:4-13)
Administration Gifts
- Apostle
Prophet
Evangelist
Pastor
Teacher
Gifts of the Spirit 1 Corinthians (12:1-14)
Manifestation Gifts
- Information
[list:36jeyms3]Tongues
Interpretation
Prophecy
Inspiration
- Wisdom
Knowledge
Disc. of Spirits
Impartion
[/list:u:36jeyms3]
The definition of these 3 lists is found in 1 Cor. (12:4-6).
Vv.4 “There are diversities of gifts (Manifestations), but the same Spirit.â€
Vv 5 “There are differences of ministries (Administrations), but the same Lord.â€
Vv 6 “And there are diversities of activities (Operations), but it is the same God who works all in allâ€
These are gifts given by each member of the Trinity. The Gifts given by God the Father have been given the every human that has walked this planet. Seven gifts where God works all in all, as stated above. They are creational gifts that man will use either for the Kingdom of God or for their own selfish reasons.
We can operate in every one of the 7 gifts but there is one that is predominant and defines us as an individual. (Email me if you would like more details)
Ephesian 4 Gifts are considered positional within the body. They are callings given by Jesus for the edification of the Church. They have a seven fold purpose:
1-Perfecting of the Saints
2-Work of the Ministry
3-Edifying the Body of Christ
4-Unity of Faith
5-Knowledge of the Son of God
6-A perfect man
7-Measure of the Stature of the Fullness of Christ.
The Corinthian gifts are manifestations given to us at the will of the Spirit. They are the signs and wonders that accompany the work of the ministry. The reason that they have become so rare is because of our lack of faith in them. It could also be because we would rather debate them than seek God’s face in order to have them released in our lives.
The Gift of Tongues is the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as seen many times in the book of Acts. It is a personal prayer language given by the Spirit for the edification of oneself, a language that is used when we do not know what to pray for. It is for private times with God and not public.
The Tongues mentioned in Corinthians are different manifestations given to the Body to profit all. This manifestation must also remain silent if there’s no interpretation. However if one feels that the Spirit is leading him in to speak in Tongues, Paul says he should be prepared to also interpret. BTW interpretation does not mean literal translation. “Bonjour, mes amis†can be interpreted “Good day, friends†or “The Father bids everyone a wonderful day.â€
An Interpretation depends on many things: Freshness of ones walk with God, Depth of Biblical knowledge, Ones own edification, Life richness, Background, Personality, etc.