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Are the Prophecies of the Bible Important?
- Thread starter Hobie
- Start date
From Jack Kelley
Question: The asst. Pastor in the church that I attend, knowing of my interest in prophecy, recently tried to debunk this interest by quoting Acts 1:6-8 and saying that there were more important things to understand than prophecy, and sermonized for an hour regarding these verses, implying that prophecy was unimportant. I would appreciate it if you would clarify this.
Answer: Acts 1:6-8was the Lord’s answer to a specific question about restoring the Kingdom to Israel and was not meant to be taken as a general principle.
Otherwise, why would God have devoted over 25% of the Bible to prophecy?
And why did Jesus criticize the Pharisees for knowing the signs of the weather but being ignorant about the signs of the times (Matt. 16:2-3)?
And why did He command us to understand the prophecies of Daniel as they pertain to the End of the Age (Matt. 24:15)?
And why did Paul tell us that the end times events should not take us by surprise (1 Thes. 5:1-4)?
And why does the Lord promise a crown of righteousness to those who long for His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8)?
And why is the Book of Revelation the only book in the Bible that promises a blessing to those who read, hear, and take it to heart (Rev. 1:3)?
You probably won’t change his opinion of prophecy, but at least you’ll know your interest in the subject is not misplaced.
Is Prophecy Unimportant? – Grace thru faith
gracethrufaith.com
Of course, project is important. Through the prophet Isaiah, God Himself says it proves He alone is God.
Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. 9Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
Isaiah 46:8 “Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’
What God says in those above passages forms the entire argument He makes throughout Isaiah 45, as well. People need to read that entire chapter, for in it God speaks of a coming pagan ruler named Cyrus, who had not yet been born (Isaiah 45:1-25)! Cyrus appeared 150 years later and fulfilled exactly what God had said he would.
People who discount prophecy do so because they do not want to believe in God ... or, at least, in whom God says He is. After all, if there is a God, they could no longer continue to live the way they want.
Isaiah 42:8 “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. 9Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
Isaiah 46:8 “Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,’
What God says in those above passages forms the entire argument He makes throughout Isaiah 45, as well. People need to read that entire chapter, for in it God speaks of a coming pagan ruler named Cyrus, who had not yet been born (Isaiah 45:1-25)! Cyrus appeared 150 years later and fulfilled exactly what God had said he would.
People who discount prophecy do so because they do not want to believe in God ... or, at least, in whom God says He is. After all, if there is a God, they could no longer continue to live the way they want.
TCC
Well-known
That is a super great question @Hobie. In a day and age like today, we have a lot of contrast out there. I came out of the Reformed movement who generically live in the sphere of replacement theology (that the church replaced Israel). So as a sample in our world today of prophetic "mood," it is understandable a lot of folks would be influenced by reformed thought too (as much of Western Christianity has deep historical roots coming out from that very theological perspective). So there are many who don't see Israel being back on the scene is "the real Israel." And see it to some degree like some fake sound stage Rothchild production.
But I just bring that up to demonstrate that regardless what value prophecy might provide the believer or even unbeliever, there will be strong forces against even caring to consider what that looks like. But as far as not having relevance on our lives, I guess I would say...."Tell that to the Middle East." Although we could also say what goes on in Israel or the middle east does not effect lives in the world or the USA. I would beg to differ. I believe in part the reason America is more secure from terror threats (than lets say Europe is) is due to American alliances in favor of Israel. And in that sense, America honoring Israel as a way of life seems to be honored by God (even toward the unbeliever) in a nation that stastically be under far more terror attack then we have had. So in that sense, maybe prophecy directly might not affect some. But the residual outcome of prophecy unfolding underneath our feet, seems to also be "a thing" that keeps us alive and out of the hospital.
This is a very different approach to answer such a great question. But trying to be somewhat creative here in welcoming you to our forum. Blessings.
But I just bring that up to demonstrate that regardless what value prophecy might provide the believer or even unbeliever, there will be strong forces against even caring to consider what that looks like. But as far as not having relevance on our lives, I guess I would say...."Tell that to the Middle East." Although we could also say what goes on in Israel or the middle east does not effect lives in the world or the USA. I would beg to differ. I believe in part the reason America is more secure from terror threats (than lets say Europe is) is due to American alliances in favor of Israel. And in that sense, America honoring Israel as a way of life seems to be honored by God (even toward the unbeliever) in a nation that stastically be under far more terror attack then we have had. So in that sense, maybe prophecy directly might not affect some. But the residual outcome of prophecy unfolding underneath our feet, seems to also be "a thing" that keeps us alive and out of the hospital.
This is a very different approach to answer such a great question. But trying to be somewhat creative here in welcoming you to our forum. Blessings.
Ghoti Ichthus
Genesis 18:32, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Acts 5:29
Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Jesus show He is God's Son and the Messiah.
Coming to saving faith is the most important thing everyone has to do before he or she dies.
Coming to saving faith is the most important thing everyone has to do before he or she dies.
The Word of God is Truth and Life. Every Word of it. It's all important.
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