One of the dangers of studying Bible prophecy is that people can become so focused on identifying every headline that they forget the clear commands God has already given them.
Some Christians spend all their time trying to predict dates.
Others become consumed with conspiracy theories.
Still others live in constant fear, convinced tomorrow will bring disaster.
None of those responses honors the Lord.
The purpose of prophecy is not to frighten God's people.
It is to prepare God's people.
The Lord never intended prophecy to produce panic.
He intended it to produce faithfulness.
As I shared in my previous article, I believe we are living in remarkable days. Those are my personal observations as I compare current events with the teachings of Scripture. I recognize that sincere Christians differ in their understanding of prophecy, and I do not claim to know every detail of God's prophetic timetable.
But one thing is certain.
Whether Christ returns in our lifetime or whether He calls us home first, every one of us needs to be spiritually prepared.
That preparation begins, not with studying world events, but with walking closely with Jesus Christ.
Keep Your Eyes on Christ
Peter once stepped out of the boat and walked upon the water.
As long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked where no man could naturally walk.
But when he looked at the storm, he began to sink.
That is still true today.
Some Christians spend so much time watching the storm that they lose sight of the Savior.
Our confidence is not found in understanding every prophecy.
Our confidence is found in knowing the One who fulfilled every promise He has ever made.
Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."
The devil would love nothing more than to fill our minds with fear.
Jesus calls us to fill our hearts with faith.
Stay in the Word of God
The greatest protection against deception is not human intelligence.
It is the Word of God.
Every teaching...
Every prophecy...
Every dream...
Every vision...
Every preacher...
Every internet video...
Every popular opinion...
must be measured by Scripture.
Paul reminded Timothy,
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
If someone teaches something that contradicts God's Word, it does not matter how convincing they may sound.
Truth never contradicts truth.
The more familiar we become with the Bible, the easier it becomes to recognize error.
A banker does not study every counterfeit bill ever printed.
He studies the genuine one.
So should we.
Live Ready Every Day
Many people ask,
"What should I do if we are living near the end?"
The answer is surprisingly simple.
Live today exactly as Jesus told you to live yesterday.
Love God.
Love your neighbor.
Forgive others.
Walk in holiness.
Serve faithfully.
Witness boldly.
Pray continually.
If Christ comes today, let Him find you doing exactly what He commanded.
Luke 12:35-37 (KJV)
"Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;
And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord..."
Notice they were not standing on a hillside trying to calculate dates.
They were faithfully serving while waiting.
That is biblical readiness.
Pray More Than You Speculate
There is nothing wrong with studying prophecy.
We ought to study the whole counsel of God.
But there is a difference between careful Bible study and endless speculation.
Some people become experts on theories while neglecting prayer.
Jesus gave us a better pattern.
Luke 21:36 (KJV)
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always..."
Notice those two words.
Watch.
Pray.
He did not say,
"Watch and worry."
He did not say,
"Watch and argue."
He did not say,
"Watch and panic."
He said,
"Watch...and pray."
Prayer keeps our hearts anchored when the world around us is shaking.
Guard Your Heart Against Fear
Fear is one of Satan's greatest weapons.
He delights when Christians become discouraged.
He wants believers to think everything is out of control.
But nothing has ever occurred outside God's knowledge.
Nothing surprises Heaven.
Nothing catches God unprepared.
Isaiah reminds us,
Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God..."
Our circumstances may change.
Governments may change.
Economies may change.
The world itself may change.
But God never changes.
That is where our confidence rests.
Build Your House Before the Storm
Every wise farmer repairs the barn before winter.
Every wise hunter prepares his equipment before opening day.
Every wise family puts food away before a hard season.
Preparation is good stewardship.
The same principle applies spiritually.
Do not wait until persecution comes to begin reading your Bible.
Do not wait until hardship comes to learn how to pray.
Do not wait until suffering comes to discover God's promises.
Fill your heart with His Word now.
Build your faith now.
Strengthen your family now.
Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
When the storm arrives, you will draw from what has already been stored within your heart.
Encourage One Another
One of Satan's strategies is isolation.
God's answer is fellowship.
The writer of Hebrews reminds believers,
Hebrews 10:24-25 (KJV)
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together... and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Notice that last phrase.
"As ye see the day approaching."
The closer we believe we are to Christ's return, the more important Christian fellowship becomes—not less.
We need one another.
We need faithful churches.
We need Bible preaching.
We need prayer meetings.
We need encouragement.
A coal removed from the fire soon grows cold.
The same is true of Christians who isolate themselves from the body of Christ.
Keep Sharing the Gospel
One danger in prophecy study is becoming so fascinated with future events that we forget the people standing beside us today.
Jesus' final command was not,
"Figure out every prophecy."
His command was,
"Go."
Tell people about Christ.
There are still souls to be saved.
There are still prodigals to come home.
There are still children who need to hear about Jesus.
There are still neighbors waiting for someone to invite them to church.
Until the Lord calls us home, our mission has not changed.
Our Blessed Hope
The Christian does not wait for the Antichrist.
We wait for Jesus.
We do not rejoice because darkness is increasing.
We rejoice because our Redeemer lives.
Paul wrote,
Titus 2:13 (KJV)
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;."
That is our hope.
Not fear.
Not speculation.
Not sensational headlines.
Our hope is Jesus Christ.
Final Thoughts from an Old Country Preacher
Over nearly six decades of ministry, I have watched many predictions come and go. I have seen people set dates that passed quietly. I have seen world events that many believed would certainly bring the end, only to watch history continue.
Those experiences have taught me humility.
They have also strengthened my confidence in God's Word.
Whether the Lord returns this year or many years from now, His command remains the same.
Stay awake.
Remain faithful.
Keep your lamp burning.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
Walk in holiness.
Love one another.
Preach the Gospel.
Pray without ceasing.
And never let fear replace faith.
One day our faith will become sight.
The trumpet will sound.
The King will appear.
The battle between righteousness and evil will finally be over.
Until then, let us be found faithfully serving our Lord, trusting His promises, and remembering the words of Jesus:
Luke 18:8 (KJV)
"...Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"
By the grace of God, may He find that faith in us.
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