Prophecy

[HisDaughter]

When you are studying prophecy what bible scholar do you feel comes the closest to what you believe?

In Christ,
Grammyluv

[Soldier4Christ]

First of all there's Jesus, then the Apostles follow that.

 

[HisDaughter]

First of all there's Jesus, then the Apostles follow that.

 

Of course.....but for folks that need help understanding it?  Or getting a clear picture.  Kind of like Prophecy for dummies?  Like me!

[Soldier4Christ]

Although I don't agree with everything he has to say there is a Jack Kelley that Brother Tom has posted some articles on that is in the Prophecy section that I think is quite good. He also has some other Bible studies besides prophecy that is pretty good.

http://forums.christiansunite.com/index.php?topic=22683.0

His web site:

http://gracethrufaith.com/

[HisDaughter]

Although I don't agree with everything he has to say there is a Jack Kelley that Brother Tom has posted some articles on that is in the Prophecy section that I think is quite good. He also has some other Bible studies besides prophecy that is pretty good.

http://forums.christiansunite.com/index.php?topic=22683.0

His web site:

http://gracethrufaith.com/

Yes.  I've read Brother Tom's posts and for lack of time have printed them out to read on the bus.  I have friends that really like J. Walvoord so I'm reading one of his right now.  I've got so many books going at one time though!  I would like to take a weeks' vacation and hole up and just read!

[nChrist]

Hello Grammyluv and All!

First, I like the answer Pastor Roger gave the best: GOD'S WORD.

Bible Prophecy is a very difficult issue to study, and we should all know that. I think that the best non-Bible writers on the subject of Prophecy make it known they are writing possibilities and opinions when it gets past the most obvious facts. Please let me give you some examples of obvious facts for the future:

THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST.

The Seven Year Tribulation Period.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

THE RULE OF CHRIST OVER THE EARTH from the Throne of David in Jerusalem.

I think that you get the general idea. There are many other Bible Facts that are GOD'S Promises to Israel and GOD'S Promises to the BODY OF CHRIST. Some promises are easy to determine the exact meaning, and other promises are difficult in various ways. I think that non-Bible writers should make this fact known in their writing, and many of them do. GOD'S WORD even warns that no man will know the day or the hour for some events, and the ways of GOD are past finding out. However, GOD told us what he wants us to know in HIS WORD, and it is profitable to study Bible Prophecy. For one thing, studying Bible Prophecy takes one all over the Bible. Secondly, it always involves the beautiful Promises of GOD to HIS Children.

There are many non-Bible prophecy writers who get WILD and actually abuse the Holy Bible with what they write. Some claim to be prophets themselves and have an agenda of making money and obtaining a following. However, there are some non-Bible prophecy writers who try to do a good job, and "for the LORD" is their primary objective. There is always going to be room for reasonable disagreement when a writer gets beyond the basics.

Sister Yvette, I think it would take up considerable space for me to describe which non-Bible prophecy writers to pay any attention to. First, I would say that GOD'S WORD and Bible writers are the obvious best, but I already said this and this isn't the question.

I first look to see how they handle the basics.

Date setting is a pretty quick turn-off.

Claiming to be a prophet is an absolute turn-off.

Writing on difficult issues as if their explanation is the ONLY reasonable explanation is a turn-off.

Confusing Israel with the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST is a turn-off.

The last would be denial of any Bible fact, and this would be a broad category involving the entire Bible. Denial of any member of the Holy Trinity would be a prime example. Many folks who belong to false religions and cults write about Bible Prophecy, so we shouldn't expect their writing on any Bible subject to be accurate.

Sister, I realize that part of my answer was vague, but it does describe how I look at non-Bible writers. Finally, I spend at least ten times the amount of time with GOD'S WORD than I do with non-Bible Writers. I do have issues of agreement and disagreement with the material from non-Bible writers I choose to read. 100% agreement is not necessary to identify areas where one wants to go back to the Bible and study some more.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Christian Quotes 188 - Gold, silver, jewels.. Now
anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold,
silver, jewels." 1 Corinthians 3:12 There is a
variety of work, and of capacity for work, in the
Christian Church. "Gold" - pure, noble-hearted and
open-handed men, of position and influence, who
use that influence for the highest ends; holy in
thought, word, and deed. "Silver" - True men, not
so talented, or wealthy, or influential, but who
do their part faithfully and unostentatiously.
"Jewels" - Those of special gifts, brilliant
attainments, whose endowments of nature and grace
are consecrated to their great Lord. -- John
MacDuff 1895

[HisDaughter]

Hello Grammyluv and All!

First, I like the answer Pastor Roger gave the best: GOD'S WORD.

Bible Prophecy is a very difficult issue to study, and we should all know that. I think that the best non-Bible writers on the subject of Prophecy make it known they are writing possibilities and opinions when it gets past the most obvious facts. Please let me give you some examples of obvious facts for the future:

THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST.

The Seven Year Tribulation Period.

THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.

THE RULE OF CHRIST OVER THE EARTH from the Throne of David in Jerusalem.

I think that you get the general idea. There are many other Bible Facts that are GOD'S Promises to Israel and GOD'S Promises to the BODY OF CHRIST. Some promises are easy to determine the exact meaning, and other promises are difficult in various ways. I think that non-Bible writers should make this fact known in their writing, and many of them do. GOD'S WORD even warns that no man will know the day or the hour for some events, and the ways of GOD are past finding out. However, GOD told us what he wants us to know in HIS WORD, and it is profitable to study Bible Prophecy. For one thing, studying Bible Prophecy takes one all over the Bible. Secondly, it always involves the beautiful Promises of GOD to HIS Children.

There are many non-Bible prophecy writers who get WILD and actually abuse the Holy Bible with what they write. Some claim to be prophets themselves and have an agenda of making money and obtaining a following. However, there are some non-Bible prophecy writers who try to do a good job, and "for the LORD" is their primary objective. There is always going to be room for reasonable disagreement when a writer gets beyond the basics.

Sister Yvette, I think it would take up considerable space for me to describe which non-Bible prophecy writers to pay any attention to. First, I would say that GOD'S WORD and Bible writers are the obvious best, but I already said this and this isn't the question.

I first look to see how they handle the basics.

Date setting is a pretty quick turn-off.

Claiming to be a prophet is an absolute turn-off.

Writing on difficult issues as if their explanation is the ONLY reasonable explanation is a turn-off.

Confusing Israel with the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST is a turn-off.

The last would be denial of any Bible fact, and this would be a broad category involving the entire Bible. Denial of any member of the Holy Trinity would be a prime example. Many folks who belong to false religions and cults write about Bible Prophecy, so we shouldn't expect their writing on any Bible subject to be accurate.

Sister, I realize that part of my answer was vague, but it does describe how I look at non-Bible writers. Finally, I spend at least ten times the amount of time with GOD'S WORD than I do with non-Bible Writers. I do have issues of agreement and disagreement with the material from non-Bible writers I choose to read. 100% agreement is not necessary to identify areas where one wants to go back to the Bible and study some more.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Christian Quotes 188 - Gold, silver, jewels.. Now
anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold,
silver, jewels." 1 Corinthians 3:12 There is a
variety of work, and of capacity for work, in the
Christian Church. "Gold" - pure, noble-hearted and
open-handed men, of position and influence, who
use that influence for the highest ends; holy in
thought, word, and deed. "Silver" - True men, not
so talented, or wealthy, or influential, but who
do their part faithfully and unostentatiously.
"Jewels" - Those of special gifts, brilliant
attainments, whose endowments of nature and grace
are consecrated to their great Lord. -- John
MacDuff 1895

Thank you Brother Tom for your answers and I wholehearted agree with you.  I have actually read prophecy books from many different authors as it is a subject I have been interested in since I first got saved in the 1970's.  I have run into those that have tried to set times or messed with the word to fit their point of view.  I agree and do respect the ones that will tell you this or that is possible but not a definate and will take you all over the old and new testiment to present their case.  I find that John Walvoord does that in the book that I'm reading now.
There were many that came out of the woodwork, at the turn of the century especially,  that were trying to set dates or even seasons that the Holy Spirit in me let me know were crackpots. I thank God for His Counselor because He has always given me very good discernment and I am amazed at how that works in all areas of my life!
While I do an extensive amount of reading myself, I like to ask lots of questions as a check and balance and also one can never know too much or learn too much either.
I think when one thinks they've learned it all or know it all, God is right there to let them know that is not the case!  He is the best "check and balance" of them all! But you have to be willing to listen to Him too!
Thank you both, again, for your answers.
In Chrst,
Grammyluv