(this is an update of a post that originally appeared on our blog: "Bible Prophecy--A Beginner's Guide)
According to "Doomsday Doug", "the hottest topic in eschatology today is the Revelation 12 sign and September 23, 2017."
While intriguing, speculation in regards to Christ's soon return is just that: speculation. Why? Because "no man know the day or the hour." Jesus could return at any moment and warned us to be ready. But let's face it, gang, we could also die at any moment. Jesus' advice is the same--be ready.
In his classic best seller, Erwin W. Lutzer cuts right to the chase and asks:
"Where will you be...one minute after you die?"
Will you be delighted beyond your wildest dreams or forever separated from all that is good?
"Many people spend more time planning for a vacation than preparing for eternity," say Lutzer. "So while relatives and friends plan your funeral, you will be more alive than you have ever been."
The Big Question? Where, exactly will you be? That depends on choices you make now. There are only two alternatives. "Either way, your future will be irrevocably fixed and eternally unchangeable," Lutzer explains. "One minute after you die, you will either be elated or terrified--and it will be too late to re-route your travel plans."
Wow...with stakes that high you'd think God would have given us detailed instructions on how to choose correctly. You'd think He would have sent a few messengers to make sure we understood exactly what we need to do to ensure we don't miss the boat on this one.
Guess what, gang--He did. It's that Bible some of us "messengers" are constantly trying to shove down your throat.
Atheist comedian Penn Jellette (of Penn & Teller, magician duo fame) once said,
"I don't respect people who don't proselytize. If you believe that there's a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it's not really worth telling them this because it would be socially awkward...how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?"
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is woven with predictions. In fact, more than 1/4 of the Bible is prophecy. Most of them (roughly 80%) have already been fulfilled with 100% accuracy.
These prophecies are very specific, provable events. God chose prophecy as the vehicle to authenticate the Bible. How better to prove One's existence and power over world events than to tell history in advance? Fulfilled prophecy conveys the unique signature of God, and is a powerful proof to an unbelieving world.
A supernatural book requires a supernatural key to unlock its mysteries. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and that God will flood you with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. "I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to His people" (Ephesians 1:18).
A wise man once said: "We must accept God as He is revealed in the Bible, whether He suits our preferences or not." -- Erwin W. Lutzer, author of One Minute After You Die
"I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 1:19,20).
News:
-FNC: N.Korea fires another missile over Japan Thursday fueling war fears.
-The Washington Post: S.Korea delegation asks Washington for nuclear weapons; meanwhile, N.Korea threatens to "sink" Japan, reduce U.S. to ashes.
-DailyMail.com: Antidepressants raise risk of early death by 33% study finds; the drugs do more harm than good, researchers say.