Prophecy and My Daily Life : What I believe about Prophecy affects what I think and do

With over one-fourth of the Bible consisting of prophetic texts, we cannot simply state,"It's too difficult to interpret." "There are so many different views." "Understandingprophetic texts is for full-time theologians." To ignore or mishandle one-fourth of Scripturemakes no logical sense. Passages related to prophecy are included in the whole counsel ofGod (Acts 20:20) .God has given us His Word to inform us as His children. He's given us the Holy Spirit toreveal what His Word means and how to apply it correctly in life. We must grasp God's Wordto live out our faith in Christ. More specifically, we need to grasp the eschatological truths sowe can function wisely now and be prepared properly for what God says is to come.Additionally, our understanding of the Bible's many "future events" greatly affects how welive daily for Christ. It also affects the focus of our life and ministry. Are we engaged withChrist in building the church or building the kingdom? (Matthew 16:18, 1 Corinthians 3:9) Is a kingdom coming, or is it already here? How are some people set on interpreting someprophetic Scriptures literally and other prophetic Scriptures figuratively or spiritually? DidGod indeed give us the Bible to encourage and guide us or baffle us?Eschatology, the Biblical truths concerning future events in God's economy, should be taughtto all believers - especially novice believers. Gaining this knowledge will help the novice(1) stand fast, holding to God's truth during mass apostasy, which will occur in Christendomas the last days approach, (2) know what to look for in discerning the times and days unfolding,(3) be encouraged as very difficult times for all believers unfolds before our eyes, and(4) be guided by the Holy Spirit in how we should be praying - for the body of Christ andfor Israel."Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christand our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composureor be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to theeffect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for itwill not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealedthe son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called godor object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himselfas being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I wastelling you these things?". . . . "So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditionswhich you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us."2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 15.May our Lord, Himself, grant you understanding and wisdom with clarity as you readProphecy and My Daily Life. May He grant you confidence in knowing and applying His Word rightly.