Posted January 31, 2008
ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). should awaken all of us to the urgency of our times and the need to change our lives.
Last week we held another successful World News and ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). seminar in Fairview Heights, Illinois. We had nearly 200 interested readers of the publication attend the all-day seminar put on by senior writer Robin Webber and myself. We always enjoy these opportunities to interact with our audience, gaining feedback from them as well as giving out some valuable information on BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. prophecy and world trends.
I gave a short introduction and overview about prophecy that I think would be good to share with you. I went into the words of the apostle Peter in his second letter. In the first century Peter saw some of the same issues that still cloud the subject of BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. prophecy for a lot of people. Let me mention just two.
People like to study prophecy and form their own conclusions about future events. They will study chronology, history and the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. to find obscure statements—then stretch them into a future scenario. In an attempt to unravel a puzzling segment of prophecy, some will make a scripture from Isaiah or RevelationThe disclosure of God's Word and plan to mankind. In the Bible this refers to making obscure things clear; bringing hidden matters to light; causing especially called individuals to see, hear, perceive, know and understand the things of God; the unveiling of biblical mysteries (Romans 16:25). sound like a riddle, the kind of riddle you have for a treasure hunt. Conclusions will be drawn and an entire prophetic scenario constructed. But it is most likely wrong.
We don't read prophecy like we are on a treasure hunt. Peter says, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of ScriptureThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18). is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21). Let the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. interpret the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.. Listen and learn when the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. speaks loud and clear on a subject. When ScriptureThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18). is less clear, resist the temptation to inject your own ideas.
The second issue Peter addressed has to do with a world that denies the authority of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. and God. He said, "Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming?'" (2 Peter 3:3-4).
The first century had many who denied the inspiration of ScriptureThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18)., just as we do today. We live in a world that sees a constant assault upon the authority of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., the divinity of Christ and the existence of God. And though many people profess to be believers, it is evident this constant spiritual assault has worked to loosen the bonds of morality, ethics and righteousness in society.
ProphecyA prediction of events to come. "A discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp[ecially] by foretelling future events" (Revised Thayer's Greek English Lexicon, "Propheteia"). should awaken all of us to the urgency of our times and the need to change our lives. Peter uses the dramatic reality of the Day of the Lord to make his key point in the letter. "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" (2 Peter 3:11). There it is, "holy conduct and godliness." That is the ultimate end of the study of BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. prophecy: To be a better person. To be motivated to live by God's laws every day of our lives.
So why do you study prophecy? Is it to try to figure out knowledge that has eluded others, therefore making you seem smarter—having more BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. knowledge? If so, be very careful. You will miss the real lessons to be learned from studying the ScripturesThe divinely inspired writings of both the Old and New Testaments. The term Scripture is used in the New Testament to refer to both the Hebrew Bible (Luke 24:44-45) and the new apostolic writings accepted as inspired (2 Peter 3:16; 1 Timothy 5:18). inspired by God to assure us His great and glorious plan will be brought to pass. God will bring His plan together according to His timetable. As you and I live godly lives, we will be prepared for that time of glory.
Keep watching.
