Bible Discussion Thread

Walking in the Spirit (part 10).

When we look at scripture and have say a Word of knowledge or prophetic message it certainly can be done based on scripture alone and incorporate current events as a general principle. When we try to set certain dates or times (such as the Rapture) of course we are violating instructions by Christ Himself ( Matt. 24:36) (note: this could also be referring to the time of the Second Coming as well from the present moment). Once we get much further in predictions; we more often than not see error. Whether anyone alive today has always been 100 percent accurate can be debated. We also have to see that in the age of Grace God has been longsuffering; and that since there are certain promises for the church age (see Matt. 16:18 for example) prayers of the saints can delay or alter certain specific events even if seen accurately as a potential thing to occur. Once again; in surveying Agabus as an example; we not only see specific "bad news" events predicted that wouldn't fly well with som many so called prophets today; we also see it is a specific audience who was given a message; it wasn't blazed abroad for everyone to hear. This would be especially true in the case of Paul being arrested; as no one would want the authorities to perform a "self fulfilling" prophecy-Paul was in enough constant persecution as it was without giving an excuse for further intimidation.

We do well to heed to the exhortation in Revelation 3 given to the Philadelphia church. They had but little strength; but held on which is a type of the church today who has persevered while much of society and indeed others calling themselves believers succumb to damnable heresies. Enduring patiently to the end is certainly a crucial element of saving faith; with that virtue of patience being repeated throughout many Old and New Testament writings. We must trust that God is faithful to remove us from wrath to come ( 1 Thess. 5:9; Romans 5:9). May we endure.