Bible prophecy distinguishes our God from every other would-be god and religion. His track record in bringing prophecies to fulfillment has been 100% spot on. Since His words are truth, we can rest assured that any remaining prophecy yet to happen will be fulfilled to the letter. End-time Bible prophecy provides Christians an excellent opportunity to point lost souls to Jesus and encourage other believers as we see the Day approaching. A disturbing trend is gaining momentum, using end-time prophecy for ego, entertainment, or greedy gain instead of equipping the saints.
Let’s take a realistic look at the scheme of profiteering from end-time prophecy and how the remnant church should respond.
Before we continue, I want to distinguish between sound Bible teachers and selfish shepherds. I started Concerning The Times more than a decade ago, and over those years, I’ve been encouraged by many fellow Bible teachers who also focus on end-time prophecy, people and ministries like Dr. John Barnett of Discover the Book Ministries, Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries, Dr. Mark Hitchcock, The Berean Call, and too many others to mention here. They teach end-time Bible prophecy to show how to live as we see ‘The Day’ approaching and to glorify Christ alone, not themselves. 2 Peter 3:11. Moreover, these ministries don’t charge for end-time Bible prophecy conferences and to hear the gospel proclaimed. Their books and articles cause us to be alert, aware, and fruitful in light of current geopolitical events.
Unfortunately, there’s also a growing number of pseudo-shepherds using end-time prophecy for personal gain, including writing books to promote themselves and unbiblical sensationalism. Do you remember the blood-moon hype of 2015, the Y2K scaremongering of 1999, or, if you are old enough, the book 88 Reasons Why the Rapture is in 1988? I mention these because many well-intentioned readers were caught up in teachings and hype that brought notoriety and book sales to authors but often resulted in disillusionment, doubt, and even spiritual shipwreck to many readers.
Here we are decades later, and not much has changed because of a growing number of end-time prophecy teachers using the genre for greedy gain, selfish ambition, or conceit. Titus 1:7.
As mentioned, many end-time prophecy conferences don’t charge a dime for proclaiming the gospel and equipping the saints. Ephesians 4:12. I can certainly understand that there are costs associated with renting a venue and equipment, and asking for a love offering or even a nominal fee to help offset the cost of travel or expenses is one thing. As a self-funded ministry, I understand the costs associated with itinerant preaching. Love offerings, honorariums, and book sales are how many fellow Bible teachers have their practical needs met.
But why do many other end-time Bible prophecy conferences and teachers charge exorbitant fees to attend in person or online? It is a fact that many of these prophecy conferences charge upwards of $50.00 to $100.00. Dear friends, this isn’t a nominal love offering at the door; this is profiteering in the name of Jesus. I wonder how many Christians and curious non-Christians are missing out on solid Bible teaching because attending some conferences is cost-prohibitive. If we truly believe Jesus is coming soon and people must be warned, shouldn’t we examine the motives behind charging high fees to hear the gospel and equip the saints?
www.raptureready.com
Let’s take a realistic look at the scheme of profiteering from end-time prophecy and how the remnant church should respond.
Before we continue, I want to distinguish between sound Bible teachers and selfish shepherds. I started Concerning The Times more than a decade ago, and over those years, I’ve been encouraged by many fellow Bible teachers who also focus on end-time prophecy, people and ministries like Dr. John Barnett of Discover the Book Ministries, Jan Markell of Olive Tree Ministries, Dr. Mark Hitchcock, The Berean Call, and too many others to mention here. They teach end-time Bible prophecy to show how to live as we see ‘The Day’ approaching and to glorify Christ alone, not themselves. 2 Peter 3:11. Moreover, these ministries don’t charge for end-time Bible prophecy conferences and to hear the gospel proclaimed. Their books and articles cause us to be alert, aware, and fruitful in light of current geopolitical events.
Unfortunately, there’s also a growing number of pseudo-shepherds using end-time prophecy for personal gain, including writing books to promote themselves and unbiblical sensationalism. Do you remember the blood-moon hype of 2015, the Y2K scaremongering of 1999, or, if you are old enough, the book 88 Reasons Why the Rapture is in 1988? I mention these because many well-intentioned readers were caught up in teachings and hype that brought notoriety and book sales to authors but often resulted in disillusionment, doubt, and even spiritual shipwreck to many readers.
Here we are decades later, and not much has changed because of a growing number of end-time prophecy teachers using the genre for greedy gain, selfish ambition, or conceit. Titus 1:7.
As mentioned, many end-time prophecy conferences don’t charge a dime for proclaiming the gospel and equipping the saints. Ephesians 4:12. I can certainly understand that there are costs associated with renting a venue and equipment, and asking for a love offering or even a nominal fee to help offset the cost of travel or expenses is one thing. As a self-funded ministry, I understand the costs associated with itinerant preaching. Love offerings, honorariums, and book sales are how many fellow Bible teachers have their practical needs met.
But why do many other end-time Bible prophecy conferences and teachers charge exorbitant fees to attend in person or online? It is a fact that many of these prophecy conferences charge upwards of $50.00 to $100.00. Dear friends, this isn’t a nominal love offering at the door; this is profiteering in the name of Jesus. I wonder how many Christians and curious non-Christians are missing out on solid Bible teaching because attending some conferences is cost-prohibitive. If we truly believe Jesus is coming soon and people must be warned, shouldn’t we examine the motives behind charging high fees to hear the gospel and equip the saints?
Is End-Time Prophecy for Ego, to Entertain, or Equip? :: By Howard Green
Link to our YouTube channel: Concerning The Times youtube.com Bible prophecy distinguishes our God from every other would-be god and religion. His track
www.raptureready.com
