Prophecy

God warns us regarding our need for prophecy.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).

He says we are to read, hear and take Prophecy to heart.

Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near (Revelation 1:3).

He stresses the importance of prophecy.

 For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10)

He provides special blessings to those that keep His prophecy.

"Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!" Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near (Revelation 22:7-10).

Notice that these warnings and blessings from God specifically concern prophecy related to the return of Christ and the coming Kingdom.

God considers prophecy important.  But, how do we treat prophecy?  How does God say we will treat prophecy in "the Time of the End" ?

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation" (2 Peter 3:1-4)

If we live as though everything goes on as it always has and we do not have an expectancy regarding the Lord’s return, then we are scoffers and treat prophecy with contempt. You say, I’m no scoffer, I don’t treat prophecy with contempt. Then you must know the prophecies relating to Jesus’ return and understand what to watch for.  Right?

"Yes, I am coming soon." (Revelation 22:20) 

"Therefore keep watch” (Matthew 24:42)

Richard H Perry