Actually, that is not what is says. It says, "But earnestly desire the greater gifts."
true
This comes on the heels of his having just made the point that not everyone in the church shared these gifts. He was telling them to not desire a SPECIFIC gift like tongues (as Charismatics do), but the greater gift. There is much dispute on what this means, but in the context of the whole discussion, it seems to imply that they should desire whatever was needed in their church so that they might build others up.
No, it states that the greatest spiritual gifts are Tongues and Prophecy, and tells us to eagerly desire them. NOT "the greater gift." but "the greater *gifts*"
But this was spoken to the Corinthians who needed these gifts because they did not have the written revelation that we have today.
What difference does that make? The "revelation" that we have today makes no difference to the fact that the holy spirit is withus, and why should this change his behavior? He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!! You're making something out of nothing.
Immediately following this statement, Paul tells them that he will show them a more excellent way; the way of love. He was showing them that their motivation behind ANYTHING they did in the body of Christ, including the use of these gifts, was to be love. This is really the essence of all that Paul is saying to this point.
Obviously they should be used in love, like anything we do! But how on earth, does this change the relevance of the gifts today??
Yes I am implying that. This is not to be offensive, but I have been in so many of these services. Everyone responds with incredible emotion when someone shouts out in tongues or just shouts as loud as they can. When a worship service causes some to weep, they imply that they KNOW the Holy Spirit was there today. Was He not there last week? The Holy Spirit dwells in believers of Christ and is among us whenever we gather together. This does not take some "powerful" service for this to happen. So often, they are looking for that emotional charge that comes from singing loud or 'so-called' prophesying or shouting.
Yes, this does offend me. Yes, some churches use the gifts as a way of making them feel good.. usually this stems from not using them with the correct attitude.. in the way that they are meant to be used.
However, implying that any church service where the gifts are used, is done with the wrong attitude, i'd have to ask you to read the BIBLE!
Yes, sometimes they are misused, but by no means does that justify saying that they are always misused!!!!!
Yes, I have seen him. And I have heard directly from his mouth several false prophesies. I also heard him pronounce a curse on those who come against him (including any Christians who do). Just my own observations.
False prophecies. What were they? How do you know they were false? Please give me an example...
The curse. Did he pronounce a curse on the people who went agaist him, or against God?? there is a big difference. If he believes that he is doing Gods work, and someone is trying to sabotage it.. does he not have a right to curse them? since they are going against Gods will by opposing Bennys work? Also, please give me an example.
You have to be careful when deciding if someone is a false prophet, just as you are careful when you are deciding that they are a true prophet! Don't Judge others, thats Gods job! You have to have coclusive proof, not just rumors and guesswork. I'm not saying that you are wrong about him being a else prophet, he may well be! I'm just warning you to be careful so that you will not be judged as you judge him..