The idea that the world may soon be coming to an end has always captured the imagination of authors and movie makers alike. There has certainly never been a shortage of end-time books, articles or of the end-time prophets who write them, from antiquity to modern times every generation has had them. People have always been fascinated with the sensational graphic imaginations of those who are claiming to have a correct understanding of the “signs of the end-times.”

History records numerous failed predictions from ranging the start of the “Great Tribulation” the coming of the “Antichrist” and “Armageddon” to the time of the “rapture.” Many have pointed to political events as well as natural disasters occurring in their days as signs of the end. They all have one thing in common, and that is that they've been wrong every time.

There’s a multitude of people today who are completely unaware that many of the current end-time prediction makers have made these same “date setting” predictions in the past. They have also had to revise their books and articles to keep pace with their changing predictions.

Most recent is the claim that the rapture will take place on Saturday May 21^st, and that the end of the world will follow in October. This is not the first time this person has claimed to have such knowledge. I personally have known him to make such predictions in the past that have obviously failed to come to pass.

What leads so many intelligent people to make such predictions, is the particular type of eschatology (doctrine of last things) they adhere to. We can say that this fairly modern system of eschatology (being less than 200 years old) is a merging of what is called “hyper-dispensationalism” with “pre-millennialism.” This produces a mindset which causes the individual who reads prophetic scriptures, to see Christ’s return in the light of the current events around them.

To allow modern events to guide one’s interpretation of the bible is generally unwise for the simple reason that, as the current events around the world changes so must the interpretation of those prophetic scriptures, hence the reason for so many failed predictions and so much confusion.

Much of this confusion comes from how one reads the Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21. For centuries many able Bible Expositors understood these chapters to be warnings of events that would take place in the lifetime of the early Apostles. Many scholars understand these to have taken place by AD 70, a view that is thoroughly supported by historical data and the writings of many who were there!

By adhering to the simple principles of bible interpretation (especially the first one which states that “the context always rules”), even the average reader could see that the events mentioned in the Olivet Discourse occurred within the lifetime of those disciples that Jesus was talking to. Jesus using plain language states in Matthew 24:34 that “this generation will not pass away until all these things be fulfilled.”  Keep in mind that Jesus was answering His disciple’s questions when He warned them of the soon coming events.

This is the plain understanding of the text when we do not the lift verses out of their original settings.

Most modern end-time predictors are dispensationalists, and they try to lift verses out of their original settings and have even tried changing the meanings of the words that Jesus used, so that the verses will make sense in modern settings. This can only be done by violating the basic rules of bible interpretation. Now many books have Jesus saying today what He never said in the Gospels... this is always a dangerous thing to do.   

When addressing the questions about the end in His own day, Jesus plainly stated in Matt.24:36 “But of that day and hour no man knows, not even the angels in heaven, but my Father only”. In Acts1:7 Jesus told His disciples that it was not for them to know the times or the seasons that the Father has placed under His own authority... but they were to be more concerned about being witnesses to a lost and hurting world.

Finally and quite simply, Jesus hasn't changed His mind on the subject. All end-time prophecy books, articles and/or declarations claiming to know the day the hour or the times and the seasons of the end, have built those predictions on the very things that Jesus said no one would know. They are also claiming to have knowledge that God the Father has reserved for Himself alone... enough said. Enjoy the weekend!

THE ENDURING POWER OF GOD’S WORD

By John S Picarello

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10 -11).

Without doubt the Bible is a unique book. The Bible also known as the Word of God, has always been the most read, the most loved, and the most attacked piece of literature in human history. No one with even a basic understanding of the scriptures would argue that the written word is the inspired Word of God. Many attacks have been leveled against the Word of God throughout history. Some of the most brilliant minds (misguided as they may have been) have attacked the credibility and authenticity of the scriptures, all to no avail.

      
With the passing of time their names as well as their criticisms have faded into the past and have been largely forgotten, while the Bible continues to be the most widely sold and widely read book throughout all history...its credibility intact.

The Sacred Scriptures

The Scriptures are divided into two parts, the Old and the New Testaments. The Bible contains sixty-six books, 39 Old Testament and 27 New Testament. We are told that these writings are of Divine origin and were directly revealed to the writers by God Himself.

God has revealed His Word to His Apostles and prophets throughout history. Peter vouched for the truth of the word of God when he wrote; “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation, For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2Peter 1:20-21). Jesus called all scriptures “truth” in His High Priestly prayer saying: “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17).

The scriptures clearly state that Almighty God is all knowing, all powerful and infinitely wise. We are also told that fools reject His words to their own destruction. We are instructed time and time again throughout the scriptures to think, speak, and practice God’s word in daily life. This enables us to walk in line with all that God is doing.

The Bible calls for complete cooperation on the part of all believers.

We are instructed to live by the word of God and stand against any and all contradictory influences. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”. This is to help us to think and to see clearly.

The Only Sure Foundation

Jesus said in Matthew 7:24 that those who listen to His words, and puts them into practice is like a wise builder who builds his house on the rock. The word picture is clear. Building a life according to the scriptures protects us and causes us to weather the storms of life more successfully than those who ignore the Word of God.

       The Word of God is the only foundation on which people can rightly view the world. Paul instructed Timothy to depend upon the word of God when training people to live correctly; “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 mature, and thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16- 17).

God’s Word is Powerful

Seeing that God is all powerful and all knowing, it stands to reason that His word has the power to reveal the secrets of our hears as well; Psalm 119:130  says "The entrance of Your words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple." The word of God sheds light on what is on the inside of us, as seen in the following verse; “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

The productive power of God’s Word laid out in Isaiah 55: 10-11 is clearly seen throughout history. Whenever He speaks about those things He has planned to do, His word carries with it the power to bring those plans to pass. Not one single prophetic utterance from the scriptures has ever failed to come to pass exactly as God said it would, when He said it would, a careful examination of history proves this in every instance.

The Power of God’s Word in Creation

The Creative power in God’s word is also seen in the opening passages of the Bible.

God demonstrates His absolute authority over all His created order by speaking the universe into existence as He wills. By His Word and His Word alone were all things created: At least nine times in Genesis chapter one we are told “God said” and things came into being. This shows the Power of the words that come from God’s mouth.

David understood the wisdom and the power of God’s word over all creation and was inspired to write:

Psalm 33:4-6: “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loves righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.”

In considering these truths taught in the Bible, the validity of its wisdom supported by history, and proved by over 30 years of my own experience, I will gladly continue to trust the scriptures as the supreme authority to guide my life, and to love God as the bible tells me to, as I continue living in the blessings He grants me by walking according to the enduring power His written word.

HAVE FAITH IN GOD: is a simple command to those of us who are walking with God. It's a mystery to those who are not intimate Him. The word of God is filled with promises that we can use in prayer if we believe them. To have faith that a promise will bring an answer when we pray, we must have faith in God who makes the promise. We can only have faith in Him if we know Him. This is exactly whay Jesus meant in Mark 11:22. When we come to know a person of integrity, we come to trust that person. Trusting the person causes us to believe what they say...the same is true with God.

Intimacy with God is personal, and it takes time alone with Him to develop. No one falls in love with a person they are not familiar with, they must get to know them. As we spend much time alone with God our hearts and minds are influenced by His great love for us. His love continually draws us and fills us with great desire to dwell with Him in His Holy Presence.

When we know God intimately we will love Him with all our heart, and obeying His word becomes easy because it is now something we long to do for the one who has captured our heart (John 14:23-24). As we continue to keep (or walk in) His word, truth continues to be revealed to us. The liberty that we come to experience from living like this is sometimes overwhelming.

In this kind of relationship with God a great capacity to believe what He says is formed within us by the Holy Spirit. When we read the word of God our hearts begin to respond in the affirmitive to every promise we see. This is how simple faith in prayer is developed. Continued exposure to intimacy in God's presence developes a hearing heart within us. It is quite natural to believe we will receive what we ask for from the one who we've come to adore.

God can easily trust those who adore Him with great answers to prayer because they would not be asking for things He is not willing to give. This brings us back to the necessity of knowing Him intimately. When we delight ourselves in Him, He places His desires on our heart. When you are really in love with someone you come to share the same desires.

All of this is made possible by the Holy Spirit in the life of those who are drawing nearer to God in prayer. What power and influence the Church would have in society if more believers would learn to live a lifestyle of prayer and fasting when seeking God. How rapidly the Gospel of Jesus Christ would advance and set people free from the corruption of sin in the world if more of us had the faith to Pray without ceasing!

Jesus plainly taught how the prophetic utterances of the Old Testament pointed to him. On one occasion he told the religious leaders in John 5:39 that the scriptures testified of him. In Luke 24:27 Jesus opens the scriptures from Moses through all the prophets pointing to himself to the two on the road to Emmaus. The bible even concludes the N.T. record with a statement in Revelation 19:10 that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” The Church is to safeguard this truth as God’s mouthpiece in the earth.

History has proven time and time again the biblical truth that the local church is the vehicle through which all ministries of the Body of Christ are rightly birth, and the foundation on which they must stand. I speak of course of the Church “The body of Christ” across denominational lines, where ever it is abiding by the written word of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit advancing the cause of Christ.

When it comes to the prophetic, I have long felt the need for reform in order to restore integrity to the prophetic ministry. I believe that the turbulent climate in the Church of the 1980's contributed to a move away from that which could be labeled as Pentecostal or Charismatic.

The lack of ministerial ethics and solid biblical education among the masses actually allowed the abuses and misuse of the gifts by influential ministry leaders to go unchecked. This greatly contributed to a wave of unbiblical ideas and practices among an entire generation.

While exalting “spiritual experiences” and neglecting the necessity for teaching sound biblical thinking, godly character was no longer a requirement for ministry. Many immature and untrained individuals were allowed to start their own evangelistic or prophetic ministries. These enabled prophetic gifts to operate out of order in the church, leaving people horrified and disillusioned.

In search of more solid and biblically grounded practices, many sought the security of a more reformational theological world and life view. I feel that this has helped to restore character and sound biblical thinking to the Church; unfortunately it has also caused many to intellectualize their faith. By an overemphasis on education and relying on reason, natural gifts and talents have taken the place of Spiritual wisdom and understanding. By neglecting the gifts and operations of the Spirit many have drifted into a cessationist viewpoint which cannot be supported through a sound exegetical expounding of the scriptures, nor is it substantiated by history (ecclesiastical or otherwise).

The Church must be strong spiritually as well as intellectually, as it has always been in its unswerving loyalty to the written word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Genuine prophetic ministry has always been the vehicle through which God has birthed His vision and mission in the earth. The biblical norm is for the Gospel to advance in the power of the Holy Spirit with signs following. This has continued from the early Church of the book of Acts to the present day.

The Apostle Paul stands as an excellent example for the need of both intellectual education and Spiritual power in this generation.  In no other way can the Church's prophetic voice be heard as salt and light to a lost and hurting world.