_Ministry_Encounter #5_The Baptism of the Holy SpiritRohan Dredge
In this fifth stage in the ENCOUNTER series I teach on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. One of the most empowering experiences a Christian can have in their spiritual journey.
As I prepared and taught this, I was super mindful of the spectrum of beliefs and experiences around this topic. Even in my home Church we have a series of experiences that are quite different to one another.
That said, I’m convinced in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as an empowering experience available to believers so they are more useful and effective for Kingdom orientated ministry.
I also cover off on the topic of “speaking in other tongues” and how it is available to believers as an empowering and edifying discipline for our discipleship.
You’re invited to head into a deeper, more dynamic and empowered relationship with Jesus. The key is the personal spiritual revolution that comes from the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
#leadershift
Roh
The Holy Spirit
The Comforter
Counselor -
Helper, Advocate – our defender
*Intercessor
Strengthener, Standby
I will send to you from the Father,
the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.”
John 15:26 (AMP)
www.oralhazellministry.org
_Ministry_Encounter #5_The Baptism of the Holy SpiritRohan Dredge
In this fifth stage in the ENCOUNTER series I teach on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. One of the most empowering experiences a Christian can have in their spiritual journey.
As I prepared and taught this, I was super mindful of the spectrum of beliefs and experiences around this topic. Even in my home Church we have a series of experiences that are quite different to one another.
That said, I’m convinced in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit as an empowering experience available to believers so they are more useful and effective for Kingdom orientated ministry.
I also cover off on the topic of “speaking in other tongues” and how it is available to believers as an empowering and edifying discipline for our discipleship.
You’re invited to head into a deeper, more dynamic and empowered relationship with Jesus. The key is the personal spiritual revolution that comes from the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
#leadershift
Roh
The Holy Spirit
The Comforter
Counselor -
Helper, Advocate – our defender
*Intercessor
Strengthener, Standby
I will send to you from the Father,
the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.”
John 15:26 (AMP)
www.oralhazellministry.org
Here is my attempt to explain in short fashion what the Bible has to tell us about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, complete with my own short testimony of who God “zapped” me in as a Marine Lieutenant in Japan in 1973. God wants to fill us all again and again with His Spirit so we can be powerful and fruitful witnesses for Him here and around the world.
Pray for God to fill you again and to baptize you with His Spirit if you have never experienced that.
To be baptized in the Holy Spirit is a wonderful, rewarding, powerful experience. The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural gifts to make us more effective in spreading the Gospel. Be very careful that you don't quench the Spirit.
This class will examine the ways we can know who Jesus is by discussing the Doctrine of the Bible & Revelation. It will further develop the concepts of the origin of our mission and praxis as disciples of Jesus by looking at Jesus (Christology), His Mission/Our Mission (Missiology), & How this mission can be accomplished (Ecclesiology).
Dec 21-27-08 The Bible Getting The Big PictureRick Peterson
Our little Church is using a Chronological Bible Reading Schedule by Skip Andrews. It can be found here: http://www.churchofchristduluthga.org
Each Sunday a lesson is given from some of that week's reading. This lesson covers Dec 21-27
Here is my attempt to explain in short fashion what the Bible has to tell us about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, complete with my own short testimony of who God “zapped” me in as a Marine Lieutenant in Japan in 1973. God wants to fill us all again and again with His Spirit so we can be powerful and fruitful witnesses for Him here and around the world.
Pray for God to fill you again and to baptize you with His Spirit if you have never experienced that.
To be baptized in the Holy Spirit is a wonderful, rewarding, powerful experience. The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural gifts to make us more effective in spreading the Gospel. Be very careful that you don't quench the Spirit.
This class will examine the ways we can know who Jesus is by discussing the Doctrine of the Bible & Revelation. It will further develop the concepts of the origin of our mission and praxis as disciples of Jesus by looking at Jesus (Christology), His Mission/Our Mission (Missiology), & How this mission can be accomplished (Ecclesiology).
Dec 21-27-08 The Bible Getting The Big PictureRick Peterson
Our little Church is using a Chronological Bible Reading Schedule by Skip Andrews. It can be found here: http://www.churchofchristduluthga.org
Each Sunday a lesson is given from some of that week's reading. This lesson covers Dec 21-27
1. Why is the Gospel Important? Notes (Letter Sized)William Anderson
The first teaching in the series "Growing Deep in the Gospel". In this teaching we answer the question "Why is the Gospel Important?" by looking at Romans 1:16, several other Bible verses and quotes from pastors and Christian authors. Then in light of the importance of the gospel we look at what we should do with the gospel.
Additional Resources on Understanding the GospelWilliam Anderson
This includes a few articles, some definitions of the gospel and descriptors of the gospel found in the Bible that I think are helpful in understanding what the gospel is.
There are lots of theories out there about 'pre-tribulation or post-tribulation', but this should not be a basis for dividing true believers; as ultimately, the most important thing is that we are in a relationship with God, that we are walking closely with God and that we are ready for whatever comes in the end times.
Pastor Elio Marrocco's "The Doctrine of Christ" sermon at New Life Christian Church on July 6, 2014. You can learn more about New Life Christian Church here: http://www.newlifecc.ca
Glory of the Lord in the Sanctuary Episode 3 Sanctuary Hermeneutics.pptxJackieSparrow3
MR No. 866—E.G. White Materials Cited by R. Edward Turner in Proclaiming the Word, published by Andrews University Press in 1980
MR No. 867—Christ's Work in the Sanctuary
Christ's Work in the Holy and the Most Holy Places—Then he [Moses] was carried down to the period of time when a view of the heavenly sanctuary should be given to God's people; when the veil would be parted, and by faith they would enter within the Holy of Holies. Moses knew something about the sanctuary in heaven. He understood the sacred ministrations connected with the holy place and the Most Holy. The significance of the typical service in the earthly sanctuary was made light and clear by the reflection of the Sun of Righteousness upon the types and symbols. 11MR 54.1
When Christ, the Mediator, burst the bands of the tomb, and ascended on high to minister for man, He first entered the holy place, where, by virtue of His own sacrifice, He made an offering for the sins of men. With intercession and pleadings He presented before God the prayers and repentance and faith of His people, purified by the incense of His own merits. He next entered the Most Holy Place, to make an atonement for the sins of the people, and cleanse the sanctuary. His work as high priest completes the divine plan of redemption by making the final atonement for sin.—Manuscript 69, 1912, 13. (“The Sin and Death of Moses,” copied September 10, 1912.) 11MR 54.2
Cleansing the Heavenly Sanctuary and the Soul-Temple—Godliness, sobriety, and consistency will characterize the life and example of every true Christian. The work which Christ is doing in the sanctuary above will engage the thoughts and be the burden of the conversation, because by faith he has entered into the sanctuary. He is on earth, but his sympathies are in harmony with the work that Christ is doing in heaven. Christ is cleansing the heavenly sanctuary from the sins of the people, and it is the work of all who are laborers together with God to be cleansing the sanctuary of the soul from everything that is offensive to Him. Everything like evil surmising, envy, jealousy, enmity, and hatred, will be put away, for such things grieve the Holy Spirit of God and put Christ to an open shame. Love of self will not exist, nor will any engaged in this work be puffed up. The example of Christ's life, the consistency of his character, will make his influence far-reaching. He will be a living epistle, known and read of all men.—Manuscript 15, 1886, 2, 3. (“Christian Integrity in the Ministry,” n.d.) 11MR 54.3
White Estate
Washington, D. C.,
July 9, 1981.
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty,
International FDP on Fundamentals of Research in Social Sciences
at Integral University, Lucknow, 06.06.2024
By Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
Executive Directors Chat Leveraging AI for Diversity, Equity, and InclusionTechSoup
Let’s explore the intersection of technology and equity in the final session of our DEI series. Discover how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be used to support and enhance your nonprofit's DEI initiatives. Participants will gain insights into practical AI applications and get tips for leveraging technology to advance their DEI goals.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Normal Labour/ Stages of Labour/ Mechanism of LabourWasim Ak
Normal labor is also termed spontaneous labor, defined as the natural physiological process through which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal at term (37 to 42 weeks
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
1. ==== ====
The Truth About The Last Days, Antichrist, The Rapture, More.
http://www.teachingfaith.com/content.cfm?id=304
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Is bible prophecy really important? And if so, how important? And aren't people who expend more
than a passing moment examining bible prophecy simply uneducated crackpots and lunatics
yearning for the destruction of the world? These are just a few of the questions bombarding
today's Christians when it comes to the study of bible prophecy.
That bible prophecy is irrelevant to the Gospel or a mere playground for the mentally unstable is a
message we constantly receive from the media, pop culture, and many so-called church leaders.
It's unfortunate, because this false image of bible prophecy has succeeded in turning many
Christians away from the Gospel. Although recent history is marked by an untold number of date
setters and false prophets claiming to speak for God, this is no reason to ignore bible prophecy.
Such people were never true Christians, but rather enemies of God in disguise.
So instead of relying on the words of ministers, priests, journalists, and other humans, let's
examine the primary source. Here's what the bible says about prophecy, including every verse of
God's Holy Word:
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what
is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of
preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy
3:16-17 (NLT)
The word "all" includes bible prophecy, and that's good, considering more than 25% of the bible is
fulfilled or yet to be fulfilled prophecy. Why is so much of the bible dedicated to prophecy? There
are many reasons, but in the end, there is only one purpose: to direct the attention of the human
race to Jesus Christ.
"For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus." Revelation 19:10 (NLT)
Previously fulfilled prophecies lend unprecedented credibility to the bible's claim to be the Word of
God, and the Messianic prophecies fulfilled by the birth, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and
ascension of Jesus of Nazareth authenticate his claim to be the one true Christ. In essence, bible
prophecy is the most powerful witness to the divinity of Christ. So don't listen to those who claim
that bible prophecy distracts us from the true Christian mission. Quite to the contrary, all bible
prophecy points to Jesus Christ Himself.
Jesus Instructs Us
Despite its many detractors, the study of bible prophecy is an essential aspect of proper Christian
living. The Lord Himself expected his disciples to carefully examine the Word of God and to be
2. prepared for His return:
"So be prepared, because you don't know what day your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:42 (NLT)
In fact, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for not recognizing the signs of the times, for the religious
leaders of His day had full knowledge of the prophecies of the Messiah, yet they still chose not to
believe in Him.
"One day the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus' claims by asking him to show them a
miraculous sign from heaven. He replied, 'You know the saying, 'Red sky at night means fair
weather tomorrow, red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.' You are good at reading
the weather signs in the sky, but you can't read the obvious signs of the times!'" Matthew 16:1-3
(NLT)
Jesus expected the people of His day to fully recognize and eagerly await the time of His first
coming. As we patiently await His second coming, he holds our generation to the same standard
of accountability.
There are many reasons for the Lord's repeated command to study bible prophecy, but three of
the most significant are found below:
1) Authentication of the Bible
Bible prophecy offers the clearest indication that the bible is the verifiable Word of God. Yet
despite the millions of people who attend church and synagogue every week and the existence of
countless books on the subject, most people are simply unaware of these prophecies. They
feverishly search through the writings of Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce, the Koran, and countless
other "sacred texts" in hope of finding a profound truth or revelation concerning the future, only to
be disappointed time and again.
Somehow, the most credible source of information on future events, the Bible, escapes notice. Yet
the fulfilled prophecies of the bible are backed by mountains of historical data, archaeological
evidence, and the staggering mathematical probability of their occurrence merely being the result
of chance. No other source of historical knowledge can make the same claims, and for good
reason. No other source is the inspired Word of God.
"And do not forget the things I have done throughout history. For I am God - I alone! I am God,
and there is no one else like me. Only I can tell you what is going to happen even before it
happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish." Isaiah 46:9-11 (NLT)
The very definition of God includes His unique ability to see from the distant past to the distant
future, from the beginning to the end. He alone can foresee world events with 100% accuracy
centuries in advance. The apostle Peter testified to this fact:
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophets
themselves or because they wanted to prophesy. It was the Holy Spirit who moved the prophets to
speak from God." 2 Peter 1:20 (NLT)
3. Unlike other sacred texts that claim divine origin, the bible can point to its unprecedented track
record in foreseeing future events. This is because the bible is not the product of imaginative men,
but rather the testimony of prophets who were moved by the Holy Spirit to speak from God.
Fulfilled prophecy authenticates the bible, proving it to be the Word of God. For this reason alone,
bible prophecy is worth every iota of our attention.
However, when it comes to spreading the Word of God, there is no greater tool of evangelism than
bible prophecy.
2) Assistance in Spreading the Gospel
One of the easiest and most natural methods for spreading the Gospel is the sharing of bible
prophecy. In fact, in the early days of the Church, sharing of fulfilled bible prophecy was the
primary method for spreading the Gospel. On the day of Pentecost, Peter gave a rousing speech
in Jerusalem in which he cited fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies as clear proof that Jesus
was the long awaited Messiah (Acts 2:14-42). This speech led to three thousand people devoting
their lives to Jesus Christ. Later in the same book, we learn the story of Philip and the Eunuch, in
which Philip uses a fulfilled prophecy from the Book of Isaiah in order to explain the Gospel to an
Ethiopian traveler (Acts 8:26-39). These are just two of many instances in which the early church
emphasized bible prophecy as a tool for evangelism.
In one of the New Testament books which bear his name, Peter underscores the important role of
bible prophecy:
"For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus
Christ and his coming again. We have seen his majestic splendor with our own eyes. And he
received honor and glory from God the Father when God's glorious, majestic voice called down
from heaven, 'This is my beloved Son; I am fully pleased with him.' We ourselves heard the voice
when we were there with him on the holy mountain. Because of that, we have even greater
confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. Pay close attention to what they wrote, for
their words are like a light shining in a dark place - until the day Christ appears and his brilliant
light shines in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:16-19 (NLT)
In Peter's words, bible prophecy is "like a light shining in a dark place." Bible prophecy provides us
with confidence in the coming glory of Christ and the necessary hope to see us through the daily
rigors of life until that day appears. He further proclaims his confidence in the words of the
prophets, both fulfilled and unfulfilled, because he has witnessed firsthand the authenticity of the
scriptures.
Therefore, we should afford the utmost respect for the words of the prophets, and rejoice in the
fact that we are able to understand their fulfillment in the life of Christ:
"This salvation was something the prophets wanted to know more about. They prophesied about
this gracious salvation prepared for you, even though they had many questions as to what it all
could mean. They wondered what the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told
them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward. They wondered when and
to whom all this would happen. They were told that these things would not happen during their
lifetime, but many years later, during yours. And now this Good News has been announced by
4. those who preached to you in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful
that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen." 1 Peter 1:10-12 (NLT)
The prophets yearned to know more about bible prophecy, and the Spirit of Christ was within
them. Even the angels are eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of bible prophecy. If this is true, then
how can we say bible prophecy is insignificant or of secondary importance?
3) Encouragement of Holy Living
In the end, dedicated study of bible prophecy leads to holy living. Fulfilled prophecy is a constant
reminder of God's awesome power, the glory of Jesus Christ, and the absolute certainty that
promises yet unfulfilled will come to be. This breeds a number of Christ-like characteristics in the
life of a Christian, a fact attested to by Paul:
"For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to
turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right
conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our
great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed." Titus 2:11-13 (NLT)
If we acknowledge the prophecies of the Second Coming as well as the command of Jesus to stay
awake and alert, we will be driven to live godly lives. Paul also emphasized this in his letter to the
Romans:
"Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the
coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." Romans 13:11 (NLT)
Peter also recognized the power of prophecy to motivate Christians toward holy living, citing faith
in the imminent return of Christ (unfulfilled prophecy) as reason for modifying behavior and living a
life in harmony with God:
"So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the special blessings that will come to
you at the return of Jesus Christ. Obey God because you are his children. Don't slip back into your
old ways of doing evil; you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything
you do, just as God - who chose you to be his children - is holy." 1 Peter 1:13-15 (NLT)
James underlined the important role of bible prophecy in fostering patience in the life of Christ's
followers:
"Dear brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the
farmers who eagerly look for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They patiently wait for the
precious harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord
is near." James 5:7-8 (NLT)
Harboring the hope that Christ can return at any moment encourages patience in our daily lives.
In addition, Paul points out the importance of studying bible prophecy in order to identify false
prophets and recognize evil:
5. "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to
what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil." 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NLT)
If a Christian ignores bible prophecy, that Christian is ignoring a large portion of God's Word. As a
result, they will be unable to adequately counter arguments and false doctrines put forth by false
prophets and enemies of God. Like the people of Berea (Acts 17:11), we are encouraged to
personally examine the Word of God and use it as the yardstick by which we measure truth. A
Christian who lacks knowledge of bible prophecy will be severely lacking in this area, and as a
result, they will be more susceptible to errant teachings.
Reward Awaits
As if the above reasons weren't enough, the bible promises special blessings to those who
faithfully examine bible prophecy. As an example, one of the most prophetic books in the bible, the
Book of Revelation, promises a special blessing to those who merely read it. Moreover, God
further blesses those who listen to what this book has to say and take it to heart:
"God blesses the one who reads this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to it
and obey what it says. For the time is near when these things will happen." Revelation 1:3 (NLT)
Remember, the Book of Revelation is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Despite what some think, it's
not the revelation of John, or the imaginative writings of a cave dweller. It is direct correspondence
from Jesus to His followers, and although some of it is difficult to understand, it contains some of
the most wonderful promises from God to man in the entire bible. As Paul states:
"That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no
mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.' But we know these things
because God has revealed them to us by his Spirit, and his Spirit searches out everything and
shows us even God's deep secrets." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NLT)
Paul knew the importance of bible prophecy and the significant role it played in the daily life of a
Christian. In fact, he earnestly looked forward to the day when he would be rewarded for his hope
in an unfulfilled bible prophecy - the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ:
"And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will
give me on that great day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look
forward to his glorious return." 2 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
This crown of righteousness is not just for Paul, but for all who "eagerly look forward to His
glorious return," providing those who receive it with an eternal reward. Still think bible prophecy is
unimportant?
Conclusion
Remember, the early church warned the last generation that unfulfilled prophecies would be a
source of derision:
"First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will be scoffers who will laugh at the truth
6. and do every evil thing they desire. This will be their argument: 'Jesus promised to come back, did
he? Then where is he? Why, as far back as anyone can remember, everything has remained
exactly the same since the world was first created.'" 2 Peter 3:3 (NLT)
Our generation has done more to fulfill Peter's prophecy than any generation before. Today, bible
prophecy and those who study it are mocked and ridiculed. And it's not just the general population
attempting to marginalize prophecy. In most cases, it's prominent leaders of mainstream Christian
denominations - ministers, priests, and community leaders of all types.
Such people attempt to justify their personal disdain for prophecy by relegating it to second tier
status behind salvation and evangelism. They say, why waste time studying bible prophecy when
it detracts from good works and spreading the gospel message? They fail to realize that prophecy
is the essence of the gospel message.
Almost every one of the promises Christians hold near and dear are based on prophecy. The
promise of heaven is. The hope of salvation is. The joy of eternity with Christ is. Each of these is a
promise from God guaranteeing our future. And what is a prophecy if not a guaranteed future
event? So don't let the mockery of others discourage you from studying bible prophecy.
Remember, Jesus Christ Himself was mocked and ridiculed by this world. If you want to follow
Him, He says you must be willing to be mocked and ridiculed yourself. Bible prophecy is the
message of Jesus, and as Christians, we must be willing to endure persecution for it:
"Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish
ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will
lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain
the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process? If a person is ashamed of me and
my message, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in my glory and in
the glory of the Father and the holy angels.'" Luke 9:23-26 (NLT)
To learn more about bible prophecy, visit Britt's website, End Times Bible Prophecy, a Christian
site examining the relationship between bible prophecy and emerging technology.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Britt_Gillette
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7. The Truth About The Last Days, Antichrist, The Rapture, More.
http://www.teachingfaith.com/content.cfm?id=304
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