Much has been learned about the earth from going out into space and looking back or down. Things are observed such as weather patterns, location of natural resources, and other things, which we could never have known from earth, where we are too close to really see what is there.
In a similar fashion, prophecy takes us out of the limitations of seeing only what our immediate circumstances allow and helps us to see the big picture of what the world is really coming to.
When you understand prophecy, you understand better what is happening on this earth. You understand that everything is moving toward a culmination of events and that the architect of these events is God Himself. God, the architect of the ages, has seen fit to take us into His confidence concerning His plan for the future. He has revealed His purpose and program in detail.
Unfortunately, many churches and pastors do not teach about end-time events. One reason they give is that they want to stay away from controversial topics. The Bible itself is controversial because it tells the world that there is only one way to heaven. Others say that it does not deal with the "kitchen table" issues of life. They say, "We just want to keep it practical!" While these views may be well-intentioned, they really show a lack of understanding of the Word of God.
Let me give you some reasons why we should study prophecy....and why we are doing that in our new series.
1. Because Prophecy Exists Throughout The Bible
The fact that the Bible is replete with prophecy is enough reason to see it as something that should be studied and understood.
A. 27% of the Bible is predictive prophecy
1) O.T. -28%
2) N.T. -21%
3) At the time when the Bible was written, a fourth of it was predictive.
B. 5,459 verses are of a predictive nature.
C. Approximately, 730 different subjects are predicted.
D. The return of Christ alone is mentioned more than 300 times in the N.T.
E. This means that one out of every 25 verses in the N.T. deals with the return of Christ.
So if we are to know the whole counsel of God and be committed to understanding the whole counsel of God, we should definitely study God's prophetic plan for the ages.
2. Because Prophecy Answers The Difficult Questions
Only the prophetic scriptures shed light concerning questions such as:
A. Where are the dead?
B. Who will share in the resurrection?
C. How many judgments are there in the Bible?
D. Who will be judged?
E. Will believers be judged?
F. Will the nations be judged?
G. When will the tribulation take place?
H. How long will it last?
I. Will believers be present or absent?
J. What about the battle of Armageddon?
K. When will it take place? Where?
L. What about the 1,000 year reign of Christ? Who will reign with Him? Is it a literal reign?
M. When will the lion and the lamb lie down together? Who are the 144,000?
These and a multiplicity of others questions can only be answered by a study of prophecy.
3. Because Prophecy Encourages Patient Waiting
James 5:7-9 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
The context speaks to those who are growing weary and are complaining. We can have encouragement in trials knowing that the one who will control world events and bring them to a culmination as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, is also the blessed controller of my life.
4. Because Prophecy Sets Everything In Perspective
Without a perspective that includes the realization of prophetic events, we are doomed to frustration and anger concerning earthly events. We can watch the Hitlers, the Stalins, the Bin Ladens and even our neighbors prosper and become easily upset, unless we realize daily that one day Christ is coming back to set the books straight. It is prophecy that takes away the fear and gives us that future hope.
5. Because Prophecy Is To Have A Purifying Effect On The Life Of The Believer
I Peter 1:13 --therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
I Peter 4:7--The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer
One of the greatest motivations for living a godly life is knowing that Christ is coming back and I will have to give an account of my life before Jesus Himself. It is an uninformed mind that delegates the study of prophecy to the bookshelf without a deep appreciation for its role in the life of every believer.
Dr. James Gray, the 3rd President of Moody Bible Institute said,"Taking it in bulk, more than one-half of the Bible is predictive, so no further reason is necessary as to why Christians should study prophecy."
As we walk through God's prophetic calendar for the ages in this new series, I pray that each of us will see the importance of prophecy as it relates to our everyday lives. Though some of it might be difficult to grasp, don't listen to Satan's lie that will tell you, "it is not that important." It is vitally important!