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Prophecy
I wonder what will happen today? Have you ever asked this question? The writers of the Old and New Testament of the Bible may certainly have. Moses, having seen the providential deliverance of his people from Egyptian slavery, perhaps wondered the same.
In today’s news we may almost predict some things with general accuracy having studied the past and current trends but the prophecy of scripture has been accurate to details that are merely impossible.
In a post by Hugh Ross of “Reasons to Believe” he states that “Approximately 2,500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2,000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors.”
Fulfilled Prophecy: Evidence for the Reliability of the Bible
The most well known prophecies of scripture concern the Messiah Savior Jesus Christ. It is said that the probability of all the details of these prophecies being fulfilled about His birth, life, death and resurrection are astronomical.
44 Predictions of the Messiah Fulfilled in Jesus Christ
Chart of Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus
Today we wake to news from around the world. Events are witnessed and broadcast around the world via social and news media. Prophecy concerning the end times draws the attention of many believers and skeptics. In the Old and New Testament we read passages describing the times which many consider to be the days before Jesus Christ returns.
Are these reliable prophetic signs or just coincidence?
Moral Collapse
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.”
“At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.”
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”
72 Bible verses about the Last Days
The most recent prophetically relevant event is the newly formed peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and nations surrounding Israel.
Administration Strikes Peace Deal Between Israel and UAE
A Coming Peace Plan For Israel
What Should Christians Know About Israel and the End Times?
Knowing that biblical prophecy speaks of future events and is most likely to be fulfilled accurately gives many a sense of hope. This is hope that good will prevail that justice will come and that a bright eternal future awaits the believer. Come Lord Jesus!
Purpose
How should we respond? If prophecy is likely to be fulfilled perhaps even in our lifetime what then is our role, what is our purpose?
The words of the apostles speak to how we should live today redeeming the times (Eph 5) and our lives in service to Him who has brought us from darkness to light (Col 1 13:14) (Acts 26 15:18).
We are called to live as salt and light (Matt5:13-16) so that others may see the good works that we do and give glory to God the Father.
We are called to be as salt which preserves good things and as light which shines into the darkness and reveals the lies of the enemy (Eph 5:11-14) (1 John 2:8) and brings truth to bear upon the consciences of all.
We are called to walk in the spirit (Gal 5: 16-24) humbly loving mercy and justice (Micah 6:8).
We are called to love one another (John 13:34) encouraging and edifying and exhorting the weak.
We are called to rescue those who are lost (Jude 1:23) and to persevere in this outreach to save.
We are called to spread the gospel (Mark 16:15) and to assemble together in worship (Eph 5:19).
We are called to bring hope and healing to a lost and hurting world (Eph 1:18).
We are called to live without fear (2 Tim 1:7).
When we see the signs of His coming we are to look up and be encouraged knowing that our redemption is near (Luke 21:31).
The Bible has words of love, hope, meaning, purpose and clear instruction. The following passages speak clearly and help us strive in confidence and boldness in our lives today.
Instructions for living in the last days
Prayer
The most important of our instruction is to watch and pray. In prayer we are filled with His Spirit to do the works He is calling us to do.
Eph 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Prayer is the communication of our willingness to do these works, which is pleasing to our Father. The Lord knows what we are capable of and is willing to help us. Prayer affirms that our conscience and will agrees with God. In this affirmation comes great Holy Spirit power to move boldly into the work that God has for us.
Matt 26:41– the spirit is willing but the body is weak
Mark 13:33 – Be on your guard
Luke 21:36 – “and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Eph 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.”
In the everyday situations we find ourselves prayer is effective. Whether we are dealing with anxiety about the current virus and its debilitating effects personally or worldwide, the orchestrated violence focused on destroying America and its principles securing life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness or the assaults on family, faith and freedom, prayer is a powerful force for good!
The most important of my prayers is and always has been for discernment. I highly recommend that you make this a priority in prayer. Understanding the truth and the lies that come against it is the most essential foundation for hopeful living and effective prayer. Let us pray that we would not be deceived but would be empowered with the truth and to pursue it passionately for ourselves and for those who are lost.
Jude 1:18-25 NLT
“They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen”
Eph 5 – Redeeming the times
Col 1 13:14 – rescued us from the dominion of darkness
Acts 26 15:18 – from darkness to light
Matt 5:13-16 – be salt and light – do good works
Eph 5:11-14 – exposed by the light
1 John 2:8 – true light is shining
Gal 5: 16-24 – walk by the spirit
Micah 6:8 – love mercy
John 13:34 – love one another
Jude 1:23 – save others
Mark 16:15 – go into all the world
Eph 5:19 – Sing and make music
Eph 1:18 Hope of His calling
2 Tim 1:7 not given fear
Luke 21:31 “look up your redemption is near”
Momeaning 