Truthful predictions

[RandyK]

Thanks, but none of that answers the question asked. I'd simply like to know if this board contains any examples of any poster making a prediction s/he's based on Bible prophecy that has happened when that poster said it would. Nothing more is requested at this time.

Yes, but you certainly avoid engaging in any conversation about it. There is an historical background behind such questions being asked.

If you're asking if people are making "crystal ball predictions," most definitely some Christians engage in this (without the "crystal ball"). The Bible isn't into this kind of "on demand" type of consorting with witches or mediums. Automatic writing, ouga boards, or any kind of sooth-saying is out biblically. And yet, many Christians who are interested in prophecy cross the line by trying to predict "what will happen next."

Certainly God gives prophecies, dreams, and visions. But it isn't to satisfy the thirst of the "flesh" for appearing to have a knowledge of things so as to "win the lottery" or be the source of "all things prophetic."

Your questions appear to be so limiting as to be answering themselves--your agenda is to prove a carnal display of "prophesying" is fake or occultic, it seems. And I wouldn't disagree with that, if that's the case.

But again, you wish to separate yourself so much from the background that it's difficult to tell what you want? You've already been given examples of people predicting Trump's victory.

I, for one, have drawn attention to the "Singing Prophet" prediction, made back in 2007 of Trump's 2-term presidency. https://charismanews.com/news/kim-clements-two-term-trump-prophecies-fulfilled/ Doesn't this qualify?

 

[Josheb]

Yes, but you certainly avoid engaging in any conversation about it.

Ad hominem noted.

 

[JLB]

I notice this board has posts that go back to 2012. Can any of you cite a specific prediction any forum member has posted since then that has come true?

I have a prediction about the rapture.


The resurrection and rapture occur at the coming of the Lord.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:15

 

[RandyK]

Ad hominem noted.

It was not intended as such. I'm questioning why you place so many limits on how others answer your questions, as if to pursue a particular answer. In other words, you *appear* to be trying to answer your own question.

I answered your question directly with a specific example. And your response is to get defensive, avoiding my example entirely. If you think pointing this out is insulting to you, then you can go on and characterize it any way you want, wrong or right.

 

[miamited]

Hi RandyK

For some, ad hominem has become akin to the use of false news. Anything that someone doesn't like or agree with is an ad hominem attack. Just as any report someone doesn't like or agree with in the media is false news.

ad ho·mi·nem

1. (of an argument or reaction) directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining:
   
   
   
   
   Apparently Josheb believes that if you use pronouns to refer to someone that it then becomes an attack against the person rather than the issue. Personally, I don't think he even understands what the term ad hominem actually means, so I've posted the definition for him. I honestly didn't see the ad hominem in your post that he quoted. Perhaps he'd be good enough to point it out to us.

 

[RandyK]

Hi RandyK

For some, ad hominem has become akin to the use of false news. Anything that someone doesn't like or agree with is an ad hominem attack. Just as any report someone doesn't like or agree with in the media is false news.

ad ho·mi·nem

1. (of an argument or reaction) directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining:
   
   
   
   
   Apparently Josheb believes that if you use pronouns to refer to someone that it then becomes an attack against the person rather than the issue. Personally, I don't think he even understands what the term ad hominem actually means, so I've posted the definition for him. I honestly didn't see the ad hominem in your post that he quoted. Perhaps he'd be good enough to point it out to us.

Well for some use of the "ad hominem" argument is just a diversion away from a losing argument. For some it isn't a conscious strategy, but just a sense that someone doesn't like the opinion.

Obviously, there are very real "ad hominem" attacks, and they are quite apparent. Calling someone insulting names is an example. Sarcasm can also accomplish the same, basically calling someone "stupid." But we all should put up with a little disagreement, even if it isn't done with perfect tone and grace. ;)

So when I fight back against an "ad hominem" accusion, I tend to fall into the trap, by looking even more "disagreeable." ;) The best I can do is do what you do, which is explain the difference...

Thanks!

 

[miamited]

Hi RandyK

Well, hopefully Josheb will entertain my question and tell us what it was exactly that you said in your post that was an ad hominem attack on him and not his position.

 

[Josheb]

I have a prediction about the rapture.


The resurrection and rapture occur at the coming of the Lord.

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4:15

That is a doctrinal statement, not a prediction. If, on the other hand, a date period of time was specified, then that would be a prediction.

• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen next week.
• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen before next month.
• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen within the next year
• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen by 2030.

Those are predictions, and it is about those types of posts this op is inquiring. Anyone know of any op in this board that has correctly predicted anything eschatological?

 

[Follower Of Christ]

Those are predictions, and it is about those types of posts this op is inquiring. Anyone know of any op in this board that has correctly predicted anything eschatological?

I thought it was understood in my original answer to your beginning post that Amos 7 through 9 has eschatological implications.

The house of Jeroboam in Amos 7 is the Trump dynasty and it's the last dynasty to head US and Western World until US topples down. God has set a plumb line amongst His people Israel and has decreed a final warning with Donald J Trump's reelection. Some shall heed the warning, some shall not. I have talked elsewhere in this forum about what the plumb line is etc so I am not going to repeat it here.

This post definitely answers your OP. If you have other questions, please start a new thread. Also keep in mind that a lot of faithful in Christ in this forum are wondering (including me) about the motives for your questions.

Let me say that biblical prophecy especially eschatological is heavy business and God has issued all the core prophecies in the OT and NT. All we can do at this age is interpret those prophecies the best we can and sometimes come up with a prediction. But if you think you are going to play chess with God and anticipate His next move you are sadly mistaken. Prophecy is about God always winning and setting His plans in motion at His place and time of choice for the salvation of His people. And the faithful in Christ understand that!

 

[Rodger]

I notice this board has posts that go back to 2012. Can any of you cite a specific prediction any forum member has posted since then that has come true?

Josheb......I will say something that will bring a lot of negative responses especially from my Charismatic. friends.

Biblically speaking, there is no such thing as a "Prophet" or and "Apostle" today!

Without debate, Prophets were foundational to the church. The prophet proclaimed a message from the Lord to the early believers. Sometimes a prophet’s message was revelatory and sometimes a prophet’s message was predictive.

That iis because the early Christians did not have the complete Bible. Some early Christians did not have access to any of the books and letters of the New Testament, and the majority could not read anyway. The New Testament prophets “filled the gap” by proclaiming God’s message to the people who would not have access to it otherwise. The last book of the New Testament was not completed until late in the first century. So, the Lord sent prophets to proclaim God’s Word to His people.

That being the historical record, and since the purpose of a prophet was to reveal truth from God, why would we need prophets if we have the completed revelation from God in the Bible? If prophets were the “foundation” of the early church, are we still building the “foundation” today?

Can God give someone a message to deliver to someone else? Absolutely! Does God reveal truth to someone in a supernatural way and enable that person to deliver that message to others? Absolutely! But is this the biblical gift of prophecy? No.

Now think!!!!!

If and when a person claims to be speaking for God (God spoke to ME and said) the key is to compare what is said with what the Bible has already said! If God were to speak through a person today, it would be in 100% complete agreement with what God has already said in the Bible because God does not contradict Himself and if He did He would be a liar and NO ONE would be saved!

Now, to be an Apostle.... It should be noted that every Apostle was "personally" chosen by Christ . All of Those 12 men were given the task of setting up the foundation of the church.

If we miss or understand that, we completely alter the CONTEXT of Scriptures for personal gain. It was for the universal church that these men were a part of the foundation. The foundation of the church (universal church) was laid in the first century. This is why the office of apostle is no longer functioning.

Then secondly, the original twelve apostles had to be eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, all who had the gift of the apostle had to have seen the risen Christ. Paul, who was not one of the Twelve, wrote in 1 Corth, 9:1.......
"Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?

 

[Rodger]

That is a doctrinal statement, not a prediction. If, on the other hand, a date period of time was specified, then that would be a prediction.

• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen next week.
• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen before next month.
• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen within the next year
• The resurrection and the rapture co-occur at Christ's coming and that will happen by 2030.

Those are predictions, and it is about those types of posts this op is inquiring. Anyone know of any op in this board that has correctly predicted anything eschatological?

All of those questions are none Biblical and anyone that responds with a "Time or Date" is not truthful.
“88 Reasons Jesus Is Coming Back in 1988!”
“October 21, 2011, is the end of the world!”
“December 21, 2012, is the end of the world!”
“Jesus is going to return during the year of Jubilee!”
“Jesus is going to return during the next blood-red moon!”

Pronouncements like these surface every few years, and many gullible people make life-altering decisions based on them. The primary reason that date-setting for the end times is wrong is that Jesus told His disciples, in reply to their question about the timing of future things........

Acts 1:7.........
“It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority”.

The date-setting predictions people make have always been wrong. Always.

Date-setting for the end times—and then being proven wrong—also prompts derision from unbelievers..........."See, I told you there was No God"!

 

[RandyK]

Josheb......I will say something that will bring a lot of negative responses especially from my Charismatic. friends.

Biblically speaking, there is no such thing as a "Prophet" or and "Apostle" today!

Without debate, Prophets were foundational to the church. The prophet proclaimed a message from the Lord to the early believers. Sometimes a prophet’s message was revelatory and sometimes a prophet’s message was predictive.

That iis because the early Christians did not have the complete Bible. Some early Christians did not have access to any of the books and letters of the New Testament, and the majority could not read anyway. The New Testament prophets “filled the gap” by proclaiming God’s message to the people who would not have access to it otherwise. The last book of the New Testament was not completed until late in the first century. So, the Lord sent prophets to proclaim God’s Word to His people.

That being the historical record, and since the purpose of a prophet was to reveal truth from God, why would we need prophets if we have the completed revelation from God in the Bible? If prophets were the “foundation” of the early church, are we still building the “foundation” today?

Can God give someone a message to deliver to someone else? Absolutely! Does God reveal truth to someone in a supernatural way and enable that person to deliver that message to others? Absolutely! But is this the biblical gift of prophecy? No.

Now think!!!!!

If and when a person claims to be speaking for God (God spoke to ME and said) the key is to compare what is said with what the Bible has already said! If God were to speak through a person today, it would be in 100% complete agreement with what God has already said in the Bible because God does not contradict Himself and if He did He would be a liar and NO ONE would be saved!

Now, to be an Apostle.... It should be noted that every Apostle was "personally" chosen by Christ . All of Those 12 men were given the task of setting up the foundation of the church.

If we miss or understand that, we completely alter the CONTEXT of Scriptures for personal gain. It was for the universal church that these men were a part of the foundation. The foundation of the church (universal church) was laid in the first century. This is why the office of apostle is no longer functioning.

Then secondly, the original twelve apostles had to be eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, all who had the gift of the apostle had to have seen the risen Christ. Paul, who was not one of the Twelve, wrote in 1 Corth, 9:1.......
"Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?

My "negative" response here need not be viewed too "negatively." ;) I simply disagree with you. God hasn't changed from the time He set up the Church, using apostles and prophets. He would be no different today in managing His Church, although obviously circumstances are different.

When the Church was 1st being set up, God chose 12 Apostles in Israel because at that time only Israel was "God's People," and Jesus determined to begin with Israel in the Gospel of Salvation. Those Apostles were specially trained to accurately present what Jesus lived and said so that the record would be pure.

But those Apostles were no different than the Church Fathers that followed or leaders in Reformations and Revivals, or in major missionary movements. It's not the title that is central but the office in which God calls someone.

When Miriam and Aaron challenged their brother Moses they were rebuked, not because Moses was more perfect than them but only because God gave Moses an office in which he came to represent God Himself in that office. Similarly today, when one is called to an office or ministry, or to an anointed position, that person even in his imperfection represents God.

We should then not commit to some kind of Dispensational separation between leaders in the early Church and leaders in the endtimes Church. The point is, God is still calling leaders, including prophetic leaders.

If you haven't experienced it, perhaps it is because you have a bias against it? Why not just be open to whatever God wants to do, and ensure it aligns with Scriptural truth?

That being said, I agree with your sense that dates should generally not be given, except in exceptional cases. We were told to avoid dating schemes, although there is nothing wrong with speculating over various future developments based on Scriptural prophecies. This is not prophecy, but speculation.

 

[Consecrated Life]

No. I am asking about the poster's handling of Biblical prophecy, and specifically about posters who have claimed some Bible prophecy will occur at a time they specify..... and then that happens as they posted.


Can anyone cite a specific end times prediction any forum member in this board has posted since 2012 that has happened as that poster predicted?

If anyone is familiar with the biblical timetable they would know that the next events declared by God to take place have no set time that we are to know:
Mar 13:32
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

We are living in a very unique time biblically speaking.
That is not to say that we are not able to perceive the "signs of times" in terms of events drawing near.
For where we live right now the clearest sign we have is the prophesized reformation of Israel as a nation after being non-existent for thousands of years, along with the constant threat they are under being surrounded by those that would love to kill them all , what is to follow :

Jeremiah 30:3
For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.
For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.
Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

 

[Follower Of Christ]

For where we live right now the clearest sign we have is the prophesized reformation of Israel as a nation after being non-existent for thousands of years, along with the constant threat they are under being surrounded by those that would love to kill them all

That is the crux of the matter. As long as U.S. is still strong, nothing happens to Israel and its borders. If E.U. takes center stage though, then it's a different story. Yet by God's divine intervention Israel shall be saved at the end.

 

[Josheb]

Josheb......I will say something that will bring a lot of negative responses especially from my Charismatic. friends.

Biblically speaking, there is no such thing as a "Prophet" or and "Apostle" today!

Without debate, Prophets were foundational to the church. The prophet proclaimed a message from the Lord to the early believers. Sometimes a prophet’s message was revelatory and sometimes a prophet’s message was predictive.

That iis because the early Christians did not have the complete Bible. Some early Christians did not have access to any of the books and letters of the New Testament, and the majority could not read anyway. The New Testament prophets “filled the gap” by proclaiming God’s message to the people who would not have access to it otherwise. The last book of the New Testament was not completed until late in the first century. So, the Lord sent prophets to proclaim God’s Word to His people.

That being the historical record, and since the purpose of a prophet was to reveal truth from God, why would we need prophets if we have the completed revelation from God in the Bible? If prophets were the “foundation” of the early church, are we still building the “foundation” today?

Can God give someone a message to deliver to someone else? Absolutely! Does God reveal truth to someone in a supernatural way and enable that person to deliver that message to others? Absolutely! But is this the biblical gift of prophecy? No.

Now think!!!!!

If and when a person claims to be speaking for God (God spoke to ME and said) the key is to compare what is said with what the Bible has already said! If God were to speak through a person today, it would be in 100% complete agreement with what God has already said in the Bible because God does not contradict Himself and if He did He would be a liar and NO ONE would be saved!

Now, to be an Apostle.... It should be noted that every Apostle was "personally" chosen by Christ . All of Those 12 men were given the task of setting up the foundation of the church.

If we miss or understand that, we completely alter the CONTEXT of Scriptures for personal gain. It was for the universal church that these men were a part of the foundation. The foundation of the church (universal church) was laid in the first century. This is why the office of apostle is no longer functioning.

Then secondly, the original twelve apostles had to be eyewitnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, all who had the gift of the apostle had to have seen the risen Christ. Paul, who was not one of the Twelve, wrote in 1 Corth, 9:1.......
"Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?

Thanks, but most of that is off topic and whether it will "bring a lot of negative responses" or not is irrelevant. If facts provoke folks then that's on them not the one observing the fact(s).


It is a fact there are ops in this board that make predictions that never came true.


Everyone, regardless of their theological/eschatological orientation/affiliation can objectively look at those examples and acknowledge say to themselves, "That did not happen as stated," and there's absolutely no reason why we shouldn't say that. There's also no reason why we couldn't/shouldn't discuss what to do about them. That's all this op is about.

 

[Josheb]

Date-setting for the end times—and then being proven wrong—also prompts derision from unbelievers..........."See, I told you there was No God"!

I completely agree!

And that's one of the reasons why the op was posted. Not only is date setting (and its kinsman time-frame-setting) bad practice, it also leads to a poor witness to Christ. When Bertrand Russel wrote his infamous polemic, "Why I am not a Christian," he was influenced by the liberal theologians who argued Jesus failed in his predictions and the conservative modern futurists who'd been telling everyone Jesus was going to come in the 19th century. Had he consulted more traditional, historical, and orthodox alternatives he wouldn't have grounds for that complaint. As I noted earlier in the thread, I can turn on Christian radio any day and hear preachers telling the listeners X, Y, or Z is going to happen relevant to some recent newscast, or within some vaguely specified timeframe and none of it ever happens. The average listener has very little interest and recourse to address that (although I have personally contacted some of those preachers). Their practiced is modeled for others and they then bring that practice into the Christian discussion boards..... where we can say and do something about it.

One respondent to the op said, "I do not dabble in prophecy for it takes one single false prediction to disqualify someone from being a prophet." I completely agree, especially if the errant predicter has claimed scripture means "X" and "X" is going to happen in a specified period of time. I don't recall whether it is in this forum or another, but just today I read an op predicting the tribulation (or was it the rapture? not sure) is going to happen in eight years. That is what was specified in the post. Eight years is a long time to wait in a discussion board but if that post doesn't get flushed at the next server dump, then it will sit in that forum as a false prediction if the event predicted does not occur. Most eschatology boards in most Christian forums are filled with those kinds of posts. It undermines the veracity of the predictor's eschatology and bears a poor witness to Christ. If pointed out, it may foster rancor among the posters...... but it shouldn't.

 

[Josheb]

If anyone is familiar with the biblical timetable they would know that the next events declared by God to take place have no set time that we are to know:
Mar 13:32
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

We are living in a very unique time biblically speaking.
That is not to say that we are not able to perceive the "signs of times" in terms of events drawing near.
For where we live right now the clearest sign we have is the prophesized reformation of Israel as a nation after being non-existent for thousands of years, along with the constant threat they are under being surrounded by those that would love to kill them all , what is to follow :

Jeremiah 30:3
For, lo, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the LORD: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
And these are the words that the LORD spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.
For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.
Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:
But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.

Thank you for that response but, again, much of it is off-topic. Whether Christians can know the day and hour or not, whether it is good practice to date-set or time-frame-set or not, the fact is there are a lot of Christians who do it. Many of them will, themselves, say, "No one can know the day or hour," and then they go right ahead and claim to know the day or hour. The only difference is their day or hour is within some range of specified time this year, next year, this decade or next. The longer the stretch, the more difficult it is to prove them wrong because who's going to call up a post from last year, or last decade and ask, "Hey, whatever happened to that prediction you made back in 2012?" and anyone who does so is likely to be greeted with ad hominem rather than repentance. Those of us old enough to have been around in the 80s and 90s know there was a swath of people making specified predictions and many of them are still alive today, but they've adjusted their practice to time-frame-set rather than date-set.

That is a fact.

Notice I have not once asserted a specific eschatological position. There are a lot of different viewpoints in Christendom. That's the reason I haven't couched the op in a specific position. No matter what a person's eschatological viewpoint may be..... it's not okay to go around making predictions that never come true. There are 75 pages worth of ops in this board! If it is true date/time setting is to be avoided, then there shouldn't be any specified predictions in this entire board. If it is true date/time setting is to be eschewed (and the consensus appears to be unified on that position).

 

[Rodger]

My "negative" response here need not be viewed too "negatively." ;) I simply disagree with you. God hasn't changed from the time He set up the Church, using apostles and prophets. He would be no different today in managing His Church, although obviously circumstances are different.

When the Church was 1st being set up, God chose 12 Apostles in Israel because at that time only Israel was "God's People," and Jesus determined to begin with Israel in the Gospel of Salvation. Those Apostles were specially trained to accurately present what Jesus lived and said so that the record would be pure.

But those Apostles were no different than the Church Fathers that followed or leaders in Reformations and Revivals, or in major missionary movements. It's not the title that is central but the office in which God calls someone.

When Miriam and Aaron challenged their brother Moses they were rebuked, not because Moses was more perfect than them but only because God gave Moses an office in which he came to represent God Himself in that office. Similarly today, when one is called to an office or ministry, or to an anointed position, that person even in his imperfection represents God.

We should then not commit to some kind of Dispensational separation between leaders in the early Church and leaders in the endtimes Church. The point is, God is still calling leaders, including prophetic leaders.

If you haven't experienced it, perhaps it is because you have a bias against it? Why not just be open to whatever God wants to do, and ensure it aligns with Scriptural truth?

That being said, I agree with your sense that dates should generally not be given, except in exceptional cases. We were told to avoid dating schemes, although there is nothing wrong with speculating over various future developments based on Scriptural prophecies. This is not prophecy, but speculation.

Since we have the completed Word Of God, we are then not in need of prophets.

What the church is in need of is "teachers" of what God has said.

Prophets spoke for God and God has said all He wanted to say hence the canon of Scriptures.

I think also sometimes people want immediate clear direction from God as to what they should do in one situation or another, and they think that prophets would enable them to do that. But we never see prophets doing that kind of thing in the Old Testament. Their message is always more general, unless they're confronting a specific sin by a specific king"say, Nathan with David. But other than that, we don't see prophets speaking to the individual concerns of people at large.

As we all have seen over the years, men have set themselves up as prophets and they may not intend to be dangerous, but they can and have lead the people of God astray very easily.

 

[Consecrated Life]

Thank you for that response but, again, much of it is off-topic. Whether Christians can know the day and hour or not, whether it is good practice to date-set or time-frame-set or not, the fact is there are a lot of Christians who do it. Many of them will, themselves, say, "No one can know the day or hour," and then they go right ahead and claim to know the day or hour. The only difference is their day or hour is within some range of specified time this year, next year, this decade or next. The longer the stretch, the more difficult it is to prove them wrong because who's going to call up a post from last year, or last decade and ask, "Hey, whatever happened to that prediction you made back in 2012?" and anyone who does so is likely to be greeted with ad hominem rather than repentance. Those of us old enough to have been around in the 80s and 90s know there was a swath of people making specified predictions and many of them are still alive today, but they've adjusted their practice to time-frame-set rather than date-set.

That is a fact.

Notice I have not once asserted a specific eschatological position. There are a lot of different viewpoints in Christendom. That's the reason I haven't couched the op in a specific position. No matter what a person's eschatological viewpoint may be..... it's not okay to go around making predictions that never come true. There are 75 pages worth of ops in this board! If it is true date/time setting is to be avoided, then there shouldn't be any specified predictions in this entire board. If it is true date/time setting is to be eschewed (and the consensus appears to be unified on that position).

You can't listen to what people say regarding what God has said in His Word.
It is all right there , black ink on white paper.

 

[RandyK]

Since we have the completed Word Of God, we are then not in need of prophets.

What the church is in need of is "teachers" of what God has said.

Prophets spoke for God and God has said all He wanted to say hence the canon of Scriptures.

I think also sometimes people want immediate clear direction from God as to what they should do in one situation or another, and they think that prophets would enable them to do that. But we never see prophets doing that kind of thing in the Old Testament. Their message is always more general, unless they're confronting a specific sin by a specific king"say, Nathan with David. But other than that, we don't see prophets speaking to the individual concerns of people at large.

As we all have seen over the years, men have set themselves up as prophets and they may not intend to be dangerous, but they can and have lead the people of God astray very easily.

Prophets sometimes wrote works that became Scripture canon, but their ministry was not just devoted to that. There is no essential connection between the ministry of a prophet and Scripture. A prophet ministered as a prophet regardless of whether their writing became Scripture canon or whether Scripture canon was "finished" or not.

There is no sense that the "word of God has ever been completed." The Scripture canon came to a point where there came to be no more need for preserving the fundamental truths of the original Christian faith. But the word of God lives on in the Church even today, and never excludes the ministry of a prophet.

Elijah and Elisha were very much oriented towards addressing specific individuals and bringing about miraculous interventions for them. I don't know why you suggest prophets are normally more "general?"

The fact we don't have, in history, records of prophets after the early Church may be strictly because there was a wish to avoid confusing NT ministries with the OT Prophets. But did they exist in the early Church? Definitely.

And I have no doubt they have existed and ministered all through NT history. I'm sure they exist today, although I think we err in requiring of them the kind of sinless perfection that not even the OT Prophets had. It is the focus of their message that is of great importance with respect to warning the Church about sin and corruption, in order to avoid divine judgment.