2012 Sept/Oct Good News Press

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September/October 2012

A Message From Good News Press Good News Press is an outreach publication. The Christian message is often referred to as the "Gospel," which means Connie Woods "good news." Specifically, it is the good news about Jesus—who he is, what he has done, and what he offers. Essentially, the message is that Jesus was God in the flesh, that he came into the world to reconcile humanity to himself, and that his salvation is freely offered to each person who will respond in faith. The Gospel message explains that salvation is only possible through the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. Though thousands of books have been written about these events, the core idea is that, through his sacrifice, Jesus paid the price for our sinfulness (rebellion against God), thus offering us forgiveness. Then through his Resurrection he conquered death, removing it as the penalty for our sin and replacing it with the offer of eternal life that is only available from him to all those that place their faith in him.

God’s Plan of Salvation:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

(Left) Governor Mitt Romney during a campaign stop in Philadelphia. (Right) Obama greets friends and neighbors as he arrives to vote at his polling place in Kenwood. RNS photos by Roger Barone

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

In these very difficult times politics alone can't resolve our problems.

Many of our problems nationally are spiritual, requiring a spiritual solution.

One such solution was often employed by our nation's founders -- a national day not just of prayer, but also of personal, and national, repentance. There is a growing movement, an awakening within the body of Christ, event after

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In This Issue Pres. Obama & Romney’s Spiritual..

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National Day of Repentance

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Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer”

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The Importance of Bible Prophecy

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Poetry

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National Day of Repentance event, in these next 90 days, pointing out that we believers in Christ need to pray and repent so that the Lord can step in with His miracles, which our nation now desperately needs. Many prayer events are planned, but a focus on repentance is vital for their success.

In local Christian churches and ministries across denominations and across

the nation just such a National Day of Repentance is set to take place from sundown Tuesday, September 25 through sundown Wednesday, September 26. To emphasize the value God places on repentance, this date will coincide with the 3,450-year-old Jewish holy day of atonement, Yom Kippur.

Continued on Page 2

Obama and Romney Offer Rare Glimpse of their Spiritual Lives

By Daniel Burke (RNS) President Obama says it’s not his job to defend his Christian faith against doubters who suspect he’s Muslim. His GOP challenger, Mitt Romney, says religion is “integral” to his life, even as often he avoids mentioning his Mor-

mon faith by name.

In interviews published Tuesday (Aug. 21) by Cathedral Age, the magazine of the Washington National Cathedral, the candidates responded in writing to nine questions about their faith.

Religion has been a tricky political is-

sue thus far for both men. A recent Pew Research Center poll found that only 49 percent of Americans can correctly identify Obama as a Christian.

More Americans know that Romney is Mormon, but a significant minority (30 Continued on Page 4

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Good News Press - 2 Black Churches Split Over Gay Marriage and Obama

By Adelle M. Banks (RNS) At Charity Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, S.C., the Rev. Nelson B. Rivers III supports and follows his AfricanAmerican congregation’s policy: They will only conduct marriages between one man and one woman.

But the vice president of the NAACP also backed his civil rights organization’s recent statement supporting “marriage equality.”

“We see no conflict in that,” Rivers said, “because I am the leader of the r-i-t-e at my church, the rites, but I’m also a strong advocate of the r-i-g-h-t-s of my members.’’

President Obama's support for gay marriage, followed quickly by the NAACP's, has put some black clergy in a bind, torn between their political loyalties and their religious beliefs. For some, like Rivers, it's been a both/and proposition, while others say they can support the president without endorsing his position on gay marriage.

But the issue has highlighted that the black church has never been monolithic.

The black church's response is further complicated by the fact that people in the pew may not always go along with what pastors in the pulpit preach.“You’ve got to balance religious convictions with all of your

other interests, your racial interests, your economic interests,” said Andra Gillespie, an associate professor of politics at Emory University who studies AfricanAmerican politics.

can-Americans remain one of the groups most opposed to gay marriage: 51 percent are opposed, while 40 percent support it, according to a recent poll by the Pew Forum on ReMost blacks still prioritize ligion & Public Life. That their rights as Africansupport, however, has Americans and economic edged up from 26 perissues over social issues, she cent just four years ago. said.

Among black ProtesAt Charity Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, S.C., the Rev. Nelson B. tants, opposition is Rivers III supports and follows his AfricanDrawing the same distincslightly higher, at 54 American congregation’s policy: They will only tion as Rivers, the African conduct marriages between one man and percent. one woman. RNS photo courtesy of Charity Miss Methodist Episcopal Zion Baptist Church.

Church issued a statement Pew researchers said about their stance, said the at its recent quadrennial Obama's support hasn't Rev. Cedric Harmon, comeeting declaring that its noticeably shifted opinion in director of the three-yearchurches cannot perform either direction, but some same-sex rituals. But it also smaller groups are seeking old nonprofit. noted that while it differed to galvanize lingering black “They’re weighing this out; with Obama on gay marskepticism over gay marthey’re considering who riage, his positions on riage to make it a wedge they know, what they behealth care and student issue for African-American lieve,” he said. “They don’t loans are “consistent with voters this November. want to be mean. They the interests of our congredon’t want to be hateful.” gant members.”

“I would hope that the president would become Rivers said while his church “We do not believe in same- wise, come to his senses doesn’t sanction same-sex sex marriage but we do not and know that he has made ceremonies, another across believe that’s the only isa mistake,” said the Rev. town might conduct them. If sue,” explained AME Zion William Owens, president of gay members were to reBishop Darryl Starnes. the fledgling Coalition of quest such a service from “There is more in the scrip- African-American Pastors, at him, he said he would rectures about treating the a recent National Press Club ommend they find such a poor right and championing news conference. His group congregation for a cerethe cause of the oppressed is circulating an online petimony because it is their than some of these other tion to ask Obama to right to have one. issues.” “repudiate his assertion that gay marriage is a civil right.” “On the issues of justice, Likewise, the Pentecostal fairness and equality and Assemblies of the World has Still others, including the the prophetic role of clergy said it is “in conflict” with Washington-based group and standing up for what is the president’s stance but Many Voices, are working to right, there is much consenapplauds Obama for “his reshape the notion that all sus,” he said. “On the other many achievements in imblack churches are against issues, how you interpret proving the quality of life for gay rights. Rather, many doctrine, that’s up to your all Americans.”Overall, Afri- clergy are thinking carefully church.”

National Day of Repentance from Page 1 The purpose of the National Day of Repentance is to bless the body of Christ, by focusing on repentance in our own lives, on this one key day; pull away from the world, and join many others across the nation, in local churches, homes, or ministries. We encourage the body of Christ to pray, to fast, and to do one's own spiritual inventory with God our Creator during a National Day of Repentance.

We believe this will open heaven for the Lord to forgive our sin and heal our land. A website, www.dayofrepentance.org, has been created to foster participation at the grassroots level.

The event is calling pastors, priests, intercessors, church leaders, prayer "warriors," those with the ability to discern the times like the sons of Issachar [1 Chronicles 12:32], those with spiritual discernment [1 Corinthians 12:9], those who understand the spiritual power of repentance individually, and for a nation.

Our Founding Fathers understood the power of repentance and declared Days of "Fasting, Prayer and Humiliation" as a key spiritual tool to establish and preserve this nation. When the Revolutionary War looked most bleak, John Adams, asked if he believed we could nonetheless defeat Great Britain, said: "Yes, if we fear God and repent of our sins."

This National Day of Repentance is set to coincide with Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. Holding this event on Yom Kippur, is in no way meant to preempt or replace what Yom Kippur means for the Jewish people, but is meant to honor the Jewish people's divinely mandated calendar (Lev 23:1-2), and to honor the holiness and seriousness of that day. It also honors the Jewish roots of the Christian faith in Romans 1:16. The Lord Himself said [Leviticus 23:27-31] that the Day of Atonement would be a "holy convocation", a day to "afflict" one's soul, to do no work; a "statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings."

Although 2 Chronicles 7:14 applies to Israel primarily, it also applies to all believers as a way to heal the nations, including our nation, in 2012. "If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

This is a nonprofit project, for the body of Christ, across all denominations, initiated by a small group of pastors nationwide. For more information please contact Pastor Jeff Daly, Director, National Day of Repentance, (707) 9879082, jdalylaw@aol.com, www.dayofrepentance.org.

Good News Press - 3 Being A Pastor and Speaking Out in Today’s Culture moral convictions that have been born out of a faith commitment? Because people squirm when sin is exposed in politics or culture, does it mean we should refrain from preaching? No. It may mean just the opposite.

- Commentary by Dr. Michael A. Milton A pastor I know recently told me that he was criticized for being "too political." He has heard such an indictment throughout his ministry, he said. Today he leads a major ministry in the U.S. battling daily for the rights of pastors to speak so that believers can speak. His prophetic word upsets the establishment. His voice is prophetic. His heart is pastoral. Can the two coexist?

I have heard similar charges in my ministry through the years.

I accept the critique. However, if the matter is important, I am compelled to address it in preaching or writing, and I believe that is just being pastoral to God's people. I cannot compartmentalize the Lordship of Christ to only one area of life. He is Lord of all.

Is it right that pastors should remain silent about important matters in society that are being debated in the public square because someone is trying to establish in our culture that there is no place in politics for religious beliefs or

Is a pastor solely limited to sharing the gospel to his flock on Sunday mornings? Or was the late Dr. John Stott right that one of our identities as gospel preachers, in a faithful biblical portrait of a pastor, is a "herald"? The pastor is not a prophet, yet he most certainly does carry a prophetic voice and speaks with biblical authority to other Beast-like powers when there are souls at risk or the honor of Christ and His Church is under siege.

I have an intuitive concern that the liberal professor who won't let the young believer raise her hand in a state university and speak from her conviction is now trying to govern public discourse. Well, I am not governed by political correctness that has been born out of a liberal educational system or by the pressure of a liberal press but by the one and only true God. The public square is not the university professor's classroom nor is it the TV news studio. This is my Father's world. Therefore, I speak, and I speak publicly, as the Lord gives an open door, through media, because I am compelled by compassion for souls that may be victims of systems that will ultimately enslave them.

I believe that pastors must speak to our declining culture.

I am pastorally concerned that

that there are dangerous idols masquerading under the banner of politics in this increasingly secularized culture. These heaven-rejected powers prefer that we keep quiet. But when the powers move beyond the Machiavellian machinations of politics to the advocacy of principles at odds with God's Word we must call them out.

The prophets and church fathers of old spoke forth concerning the actions of governments, individuals yielding power, and the idols of culture. Our Lord Jesus did when he said of Herod "Go tell that Fox" (Luke 13:32), St. Paul did, the church fathers did, and the Reformers did. In the 20th Century I thank God that J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937) was not afraid to speak to the ungodliness in his culture (read Stephen Nichols' fine biography). And what of Bonhoeffer?

Solzenitchen? Martin Luther King, Jr.? Today pastors like Ugandan Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi preach against the powers of darkness, expose evil in government, and even in churches in our own nation as missionaries to America, and warn people while compassionately inviting them to Christ. Why? Because pastors are like watchmen on the wall (Ezekiel 33) required

by God to sometimes warn of coming danger, even if others cry "Off limits!" To do otherwise is to be disobedient to our calling. God says if there is harm to his people because the watchmen were silent they will have the blood of the people on their hands. This is a sobering warning to pastors and trumps any criticism of being "too political."

Yet the challenge of discernment is acknowledged. What must we do?

(1) Pastors must represent no man but God and no party but His Kingdom. We therefore refuse to be used as pawns by any political party. We are aware of Psalms 2 that the rulers of this world conspire against God and His Son. We study. We pray. We speak, therefore, when we must, on behalf of the truths of God's Word to help people.

(2) Pastors must diagnose the presenting ill to discover the real issue beneath it. Only then do we speak. Diagnosis requires prayer, wisdom, courage, and the leading of the Lord. Speaking requires courage and counting the cost. If it is a real or potential spiritual harm coming from the presenting issues of culture or politics, then we must deliver the diagnosis and offer the cure in the Person of Jesus Christ and His Word. If I happen to yell "Warning!" and the demon under the cloak of culture is a straw-man then I have expended my pastoral capitol, perhaps compromising my ability to preach into real or more critical situations.

But if it is not a strawman, and instead an instrument of the "devil, the flesh or the world" that would further mar

the image of God in man for souls. That is my job. or further distance us And I will preach. That is from God, then woe to my calling. me if I speak not.

Dangers exist on all sides So we must preach, even for the pastor. But, who when the culture labels said the job would be our message "off limits." easy? Yet to silence the We will live with that pastor in any realm is to criticism because we are cause the Church to pastors and we follow retreat into a secluded Christ and His disciples ghetto where we can no who also were criticized longer be salt and light in (and crucified) for assum- the world. And that caning an authority that not be. We comfort the challenged theirs. afflicted and on occasion may afflict the comfort(3) Pastors must pray for able, as it is sometimes each situation that star- put. The ground of our tles our shepherding ministry is love from a instincts, and weigh pure conscience. Let us whether a given issue is not abandon our post as an assault on our conlong as God gives us the science worth exposing. strength to stand. Let us It is understood that be silent no more. some matters are just politics or a reflection of Michael Anthony Milton (Ph.D., University of a sick culture, and a pa- Wales) serves as the thology more ably adchancellor/CEO of Reformed Theological dressed by other men Seminary (one of the and women. largest accredited seminaries in the country), a (4) Pastors must ground U.S. Army chaplain their preaching in God's (instructing at the Armed Forces Chaplain School) Word, the Bible. We and the James M. Baird have no authority apart Jr. chair of pastoral thefrom His Word. We ology at RTS/Charlotte.

He is an author, songmust also always offer the way out through the writer, singer, ordained minister, former pastor gospel of Jesus Christ. of First Presbyterian To do less is to be emChurch in Chattanooga, Tenn., and he previously broiled in the political served as the president debate. But preaching of RTS/Charlotte. Dr. with a conclusion that Milton also hosts a naleads to freedom in tional Bible teaching television program, Faith For Christ is above the Living, broadcast on the storm, where it should NRB Television Netbe. work, and a radio program broadcast on sevMy pulpit and my writeral stations in the ings are not for sale to southeast. For 16 years any political party. I care he served in the business not a whit for using my world and served as a top-secret Navy linguist. position to promote a political agenda. I do care

Good News Press - 4 Filmmaker Spike Lee focuses on faith in “Red Hook Summer” Adelle M. Banks WASHINGTON (RNS) Spike Lee is not about to give up filmmaking but -- at least for a moment or two -- he sounded a bit like an expert on the challenges facing the church as he promoted his new movie "Red Hook Summer."

"Any church whose members are senior citizens and there's no youth coming behind, they're going to die out," Lee said in a roundtable discussion with reporters.

"Now that goes for synagogues, mosques, temples too -- any institution," Lee continued. "You got to always try to have that infusion of youth.

They might not be as smart but youth has energy."

"Red Hook Summer" opens Friday (Aug. 24) in cities such as Washington, Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles. The movie's main character echoes Lee's call to get young people to church, but he also has a particular drive to evangelize his grandson, who traveled from suburban Atlanta to spend the summer in the struggling Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y.

his grandson. They never set eyes on each other before and he's desperately trying to get him to accept God." But Flik Royale, the iPad-toting grandson, goes to the Little Piece of Heaven Baptist Church "kicking and screaming," said Lee. "You embarrass me," Royale, played by Jules Brown, told Rouse, a character who eventually is revealed to have a secret past.

vibrant worship -- rollicking organ, tambourine playing and clapping congregation -- at the services of the small Baptist church. And they also reflect the practice in some black churches of adorning the walls with images of a white Jesus.

fight for that one," he said.

"Jesus wept -- two words.

Can't go wrong with that, right?"

There are aspects of some real-life churches that clearly disturb Lee, especially prosperity gospel ministers in "25,000Is Lee for or against that depic- seat arenas" passing around "garbage cans" instead of offertion? ing plates.

"Can I go scriptural on you?"

"The politics of give me your asked Lee. "Jesus wept."

"You need Jesus in your life, son," his grandfather responds.

For his part, Lee wasn't raised a churchgoer but he says he's not totally unfamiliar with the black church, having visited congregations such as New York's Abyssinian Baptist Church.

"We're very reSpike Lee sits on the set of his film "Red Hook Summer" with actors Toni spectful of the church," said Lee, Lysaith and Jules Brown. RNS photo courtesy Variance Films who shared money and I'll put it in my Lee and his siblings competed screenwriting credits with to recite the short Bible verse pocket," he said. "I'm going to author James McBride. be honest: I'm not a fan of this McBride's mother co-founded when asked for one during the Brooklyn church where the childhood visits to their South- prosperity. Not having it." ern grandparents. movie was filmed.

But he quickly adds: "I'm not

"The good Bishop Enoch Rouse is trying to rally his flock, his congregation, in this cruel and harsh world," said Lee of the character played by actor Clarke Peters. "He's finally getting a chance to meet He and McBride capture the

"Me and my brothers would

saying I don't love Jesus."

President Obama and Romney continued from Page 1 percent) does not believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christian.

tion, Romney said: “I am often asked about my faith and my beliefs about Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Asked about people who the Savior of mankind. Every question the sincerity of his religion has its own unique faith, Obama responded: doctrines and history. These “You know, there’s not much should not be bases for critiI can do about it. I have a job cism but rather a test of our to do as president, and that tolerance.” does not involve convincing folks that my faith in Jesus is Both men said that political legitimate and real.” candidates should be judged by their works, not faith.

Answering the same ques-

“A political leader’s faith can tell us a great deal or nothing,” Romney said. “So much depends on what lies behind that faith. And so much depends on deeds, not words.”

Obama said.

Romney said that “faith is integral to my life. I have served as a lay pastor in my church. I faithfully follow its precepts.”

Both also men said that religion is central to their lives. The men differed slightly on the role of faith in public life.

“My Christian faith gives me Obama highlighted religion’s a perspective and security contributions to the sufthat I don’t think I would frage, abolition and civil have otherwise: That I am loved. That, at the end of the rights movements. He also said that faith provides a day, God is in control,”

“moral framework and vocabulary” for the country in times of crisis.

Romney said the country should “acknowledge the Creator, as did the Founders -- in ceremony and word.”

God should remain present in American currency, the Pledge of Allegiance and history lessons, as well as nativity scenes

and menorahs in public places, he added.

“In recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning," Romney said. “They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God.“

Good News Press - 5 Frequently Asked Questions How can I really know God? The idea of knowing the God of the universe in a personal way is unfathomable to the human mind. He is God, this ethereal, elusive, untouchable being that has more important things to do than be with you. Right?

talking about people who worked so hard that they thought they were earning God’s favor. They never took the time to sit at His feet, to really know Him.

How do you do that? In the Exodus verse above, it shows that one way to know God is to understand His ways. We can do that by studying His word and payThe truth is that there is ing attention to the way He nothing that will complete works in our lives. The your life more, or be more satisfying to you, than hav- verse found in Philippians asserts that we know God by ing a personal relationship with God. Believe it or not, sharing in His work and His there is nothing more satis- suffering. That basically means sharing His heart for fying to Him, as well. 2 the lost. Daily time spent Timothy 2:19a says, “The with God, however, is the Lord knows those who are most crucial way to assure his.” And Exodus 33:13 your intimacy with the Lord. says, “If you are pleased This needs to be time spent with me, teach me your alone, in prayer, seeking ways so I may know you God’s presence in your life. and continue to find favor with you.” And Philippians 1 Chronicles 28:9 promises, 3:10, “I want to know Christ “If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of forsake him, he will reject you forever.” sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. “ From those verses, What exactly is the tribulation? we begin to see that this relationship with God is reciprocal. He knows us; we The word "tribulation," used as a prophetic term, comes know Him. from Jesus' Olivet discourse, during which He laid out the We are not talking about future course of human hisknowledge of God. Satan tory all the way to its climax knows a lot about God and at His Second Coming. The the Bible, but there is no intimacy. Many people think Lord said, in response to His disciples’ question, "What that they know God, when shall be the sign of thy comin reality, they know a lot ing, and of the end of the about Him, but have yet to forge an intimate bond with world?" their loving Creator. Jesus warns about this misunder- "For then shall be great standing in Matthew 7:22tribulation, such as was not 23, “Many will say to me on since the beginning of the that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did world to this time, no, nor we not prophecy in your ever shall be" (Matt. 24:21). name, and in your name drive out demons and per"Tribulation" is the term for form many miracles?’ Then the general era of God's I will tell them plainly, ‘I judgment on a rebellious never knew you. Away from world of earth-dwellers. It is me you evildoers!” He was a time that will begin with

Antichrist signing a sevenyear covenant guaranteeing Israel's peace and security (Dan. 9:27). This era is kicked off, symbolically, beginning with the first horseman of the Apocalypse (Rev. 6:1).

"Great Tribulation" is considered to be the last three and one-half years of that seven-year period known as "Daniel's seventieth week."

The last three and one-half years is called "the time of Jacob's trouble" in Jeremiah 30:7, when God's most horrific, but totally righteous, wrath is poured directly upon the rebels of planet Earth. These judgments are portrayed and precisely outlined in Revelation, chapters 6 through 19. The Tribulation will end when Christ returns from Heaven to defeat God's enemies and set up His Millennial Kingdom on earth (Rev. 19:11-16).

What will happen to members of non-Christian faiths?

If the Word of God is true, Christianity is the only way to achieve eternal life. Accepting Jesus as your personal savior is the only way to obtain salvation. It may not be politically correct to say this, but if Jesus is truly the Son of God, then neither Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, nor any other faith can redeem your eternal soul.

In John 14:6, Jesus made it very clear that He is the only mediator who can span the sin-rift that exists between God and man: "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

(Frequently asked questions this issue courtesy of Raptureready.com)

Good News Press - 6 The Importance of Bible Prophecy A Playground for fanatics or Green Pastures for Disciples?

By David R. Reagan Although prophecy constitutes almost one-third of the Bible, its importance is constantly downplayed by those who dismiss it as having no practical significance or by those who object to it on the grounds that it is a "fad" that takes people's eyes off Jesus.

of that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. The Bible contains hundreds of fulfilled secular prophecies pertaining to cities, nations, empires, and individuals. Jeremiah predicted the Babylonian captivity would last 70 years (Jeremiah 25:11-12). Isaiah stated that the children of Israel would be sent home Revelation 19:10 says that from Babylon by a man "the testimony of Jesus is named Cyrus (Isaiah 44:28; the spirit of prophecy."

Ezra 1:1). Daniel prediThus, if prophecy is prop- cated the precise order of erly taught, there is no rea- four great Gentile empires son for it to divert any(Daniel 2 and 7). The deone's attention away from struction of Babylon was Jesus. In fact, it should foretold by a number of serve to emphasize the the Hebrew prophets centrality of Jesus.

(Isaiah 13). In the New TesIs prophecy practical? Con- tament, Jesus predicted sider that all the New Tes- the complete destruction of Jerusalem 40 years betament writers testify to fore it actually occurred the fact that the study of (Luke 21:6). prophecy will motivate holy living. What could be 2) Validator of Jesus — The more practical than that? Bible contains more than

that the Messiah's hands and feet would be pierced.

That prophecy was written

by David about a thousand years before the birth of Jesus. It was written 700 years before the invention of crucifixion as a form of execution. The literal fulfillment of so many prophecies in the life of one individual transcends any mere coincidence and serves to validate that Jesus was who He said He was — the divine Son of God.

has the mind of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him. But in the next verse Paul says those things have been revealed to us by God through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

4) Tool of Evangelism — Prophecy can be used as a very effective tool of evangelism, as illustrated in the story of Philip and the Eunuch (Acts 8:26ff). Philip used Isaiah's great suffering lamb passage (Isaiah 53) to teach that Jesus is the lamb who was 3) Revealer of the Future slain for the sins of the — Prophecy serves to tell world. Matthew and us some things that God Peter both used fulwants us to know about filled prophecy in the the future (Deuteronomy life of Jesus as one of 29:29; Amos 3:7). God their basic evangelistic does not want us to know tools. In fact, Peter everything about the fureferred to prophecy ture, but there are some constantly in his first things we must know if we gospel sermon on the are to have a dynamic Day of Pentecost (Acts hope. Thus, prophecy as2:14-39). He preached Prophecy does not have to 300 prophecies about the sures us that Jesus is com- that Jesus had been first coming of Jesus, all of ing back, that He will resurbe either faddish, othercrucified and resurwhich were literally fulrect us, and that He will worldly, or impractical if rected in fulfillment of take us to live forever with taught properly. Nor does filled (see Appendix 1).

Hebrew prophecies. it have to be a playground Every aspect of the life of Him and God the Father. In Later, Peter referred Jesus was prophesied — this regard, Peter likens for fanatics. It can and to fulfilled prophecy as should be green pastures the place of His birth, the prophecy to "a lamp shinone of the greatest nature of His birth, the ing in a dark place" (2 Pefor disciples. evidences that Jesus quality of His ministry, the ter 1:19). Paul makes the was truly the Son of Reasons for Study purpose of His life, and the same point in 1 Corinthians God (2 Peter 1:16-19). agony of His death. Conchapter 2. He begins by 1) Validator of Scripture — sider, for example, the observing that no eye has 5) Tool of Moral Fulfilled prophecy is one of prophecy in Psalm 22:16 seen, no ear has heard, nor Teaching — People the best evidences I know

often overlook the fact that the Hebrew prophets were forthtellers as well as foretellers. In fact, the prophets spent most of their time using God's Word to spotlight societal problems. They called their listeners to repentance, true worship, social justice, and personal holiness. One of the great recurring themes of the prophets is that "obedience is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22 and Hosea 6:6). That statement means that in God's eyes, obedience to His commands is more important than outward religious practices such as offering sacrifices. Prophecy is thus a great repository of moral teaching, and those moral principles are still relevant today.

(See Amos 5:21-24; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 58:39.)

(Titus 2:11-14). The result is holy living.

Paul exhorts us to "behave properly as in the day," because the time is at hand when the Lord will return (Romans 13:12-13).

Likewise, Peter calls us to gird up our minds and be sober and holy as we look forward to the revelation of Jesus (1 Peter 1:13-15).

Advice & Counsel In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Paul writes that all of God's Word is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." That includes God's Prophetic Word.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:20 the apostle Paul pleads with us to treat prophecy with respect.

Peter warns us in his second epistle, that one of the signs of the end times will be the 6) Generator of Spiri- appearance of "scoffers" who will tual Growth — Prophetic knowledge en- cast scorn and ridicule courages patient wait- on the promise of our ing (James 5:7- 8); pro- Lord's return (2 Peter vokes earnest watch- 3:3ff). The great tragedy of our day is that ing (Matthew many of the loudest 24:36,42); inspires scoffers are religious dedicated work (2 leaders who profess to Timothy 4:7-8); and follow Christ. Such enhances our hope

Good News Press - 7 leaders crucified Jesus the first time He came. They now scoff at His promise to return.

who read it (or hear it read) and who obey it (Revelation 1:3). It is the only book of the Bible to promise such a specific A good example of what blessing, but all God's I'm talking about is the Word is designed to bless "Jesus Seminar" that has us spiritually (Psalm 119), been operating for the past and that includes the Profew years. It is composed phetic Word. of forty New Testament "scholars" from a great va- Key Scriptures about riety of Christian seminar- Prophecy ies in America.

Let's conclude with a reThe seminar has been meeting every six months minder of what the Word of God itself says about the to vote on the sayings of value of prophecy. In this Jesus as recorded in the four gospels. They hope to way we can be assured that the effort we expend in produce a new version of looking at the prophetic the gospels in which the Scriptures will be time exsayings of Jesus will be color coded: red, if He said tremely well spent. it; pink, if He may have said "The secret things belong it; grey, if He probably did to the Lord our God; but not say it; and black, if He the things that are revealed definitely did not say it. belong to us and to our When they voted on the sayings of Jesus regarding His Second Coming, they voted that all the sayings were spurious and had probably been "made up"

by His disciples. What apostasy!

sons forever."

(Deuteronomy 29:29) "Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets."

(Amos 3:7)

that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.'" (Matthew 5:17) "[Jesus] said to them, 'These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.'"

(Luke 24:44) "Of Him [Jesus] all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins."

(Acts 10:43) "The prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow." (1 Peter 1:10-11)

"But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scrip"I am God, and there is no ture is a matter of one's Spiritual Food other; I am God, and there own interpretation, for no is no one like Me, declaring prophecy was ever made God's Prophetic Word is the end from the beginning by an act of human will, food for our spiritual growth. We need to take it and from ancient times but men moved by the things which have not been Holy Spirit spoke from off the shelf. We need to open it up and feast upon done. . . I have spoken; God." (2 Peter 1:20-21) truly I will bring it to pass.

I it, and we need to do so have planned it, surely I "The testimony of Jesus is with believing hearts. will do it." (Isaiah 46:9-11) the spirit of prophecy."

The book of Revelation (Revelation 19:10) "[Jesus said] 'Do not think promises blessings to those

A Hero by Kevin Tyner (Romans 8:38-39)

The one who makes the day will save, and who he saves will praise and worship him (Psalm 118:24).

If you call his name you will always be heard and in return you will find safety in his word (Acts 2:21; Proverbs 1:33).

His reward is not fame, silver, nor Gold, he not only saves lives, He saves souls (Luke 9:56).

He will come and bring light in the darkest hour and love, truth, and righteousness is his power.

No weapon formed against him shall prosper and all his enemies shall be conquered (Isaiah 54:17).

If you have faith, love, and hope in him and it never waivers, you will know he’s not only a hero, but Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior (Romans 3: 22 to 26).

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