How important is biblical prophecy? There was a time not long ago when many in the church ignored prophecy as a strange mixture of ancient warnings and hard to understand symbols. However, today prophecy is in the forefront of biblical discernment, and once again it is being taught from the pulpits and discussed by people who are determined to understand the times that we live in.
This episode of SER is my conversation with prophecy expert Bill Salus.
BILL’S BIO
Bill Salus is an author, researcher, lecturer, and is the radio host of the popular Prophecy Update Radio Program heard in Southern California and worldwide over the web at www.prophecydepot.com
Bill has authored numerous books including Psalm 83: The Missing Prophecy Revealed; How Israel Becomes the Next Mideast Superpower, and The NOW Prophecies.
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Hello Pastor Mike,
As I listened to your interview with Mr. Salus, I was reminded by the Spirit of what the Apostle Paul desired – “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:10, 11
And then he told those dear brothers and sisters “in Christ” to follow him, and use him and others like him as their ensamples. Philippians 3:17
I’m saddened that as I survey the saints around me (looking for someone to use as an ensample for me and my family), and listen to the saints over the airwaves, and read in the many books published by the many authors…I find none who know, or even desire to know, the Messiah, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. I see no one living it, speaking about it or writing about it.
I do find many though, that when Prophetic events, past, present and future are introduced, the saints are eager to hear such things, dwell upon them and even argue about them.
Correct me if I’m wrong Pastor Mike, but it seems that in all of Paul’s writings, Prophetic events were of little importance. What was (and is) important, is knowing our Messiah intimately and standing fast in Him moment by moment; thinking, acting and speaking righteously – and above all, having charity (1 Corinthians 13). Would not the Apostles Peter and John want the same, for us to first know our Saviour intimately as they did, and only then pursue an understanding of Prophecy?
Thank you for your time,
Bud
Hi Bud:
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my conversation with Bill Salus and to write me. I appreciate both of those things. As I read your note I was reminded of Revelation 19:10 which says “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” My understanding of that verse is that Jesus is revealed in both NT and OT, and it is the Spirit of Christ that speaks prophetically to all His children today about who Jesus is and that He is coming again. The placement of that statement in the book of Revelation is interesting too. In both the book of Revelation and in the statement of 19:10 I believe we are told to know that prophecy will point people back to God the Father and His plan for the redemption of mankind through the Son. A person cannot understand anything of the Scriptures not to mention prophecy as it points to Christ without first belonging to Christ.
I see much prophecy in Paul’s writings. Paul’s message was always centered on a risen and returning Lord. He taught the Colossians and Thessalonians to expect a returning Lord. He encouraged them to remain faithful to the return of Jesus. He taught them about the coming man of apostasy and the Ephesians about the savage wolves that would enter into the fellowships after his departure. He wrote much to Timothy about the end times and what to expect. He told the Philippians that he was confident that Jesus would complete the work He had begun in them right up to the day of His return. Paul sprinkled nearly all his writings with prophetic information.
Jesus spent a great deal of time speaking to the disciples prophetically about the end times. The entire book of Revelation where Jesus Christ and His return is the centerpiece is one long prophetic masterpiece. His teaching about the Kingdom of God throughout the Gospels is prophetic as it points to what His hearers needed to know and certainly that includes every generation since then.
I think one reason a large segment of the Church is weak and worldly is because they do not have a prophetic understanding of Jesus and His soon return. They do not understand that time is a finite thing and that God is waiting and watching for the moment when He says to the Son, “It is time.” As you know Bud, at least 1/3 of the entire Bible is prophetic so it is no surprise that nearly every book of the Bible contains some type of prophetic information.
I agree with you Bud that many believers seem to want to elevate their understanding of specific prophecies to the level of doctrinal certainty. And from there use it as a litmus test for fellowship. I do not subscribe to that and encourage others to refuse that path as well. Someone’s view of end times events no matter how sincerely held, do not substitute for living for Christ now, obeying His commands to be salt and light, and occupying our place of ministry until He returns. Charity and prophecy are not mutually exclusive pursuits. One of the most loving things we can do is tell people who do not know Christ that He is coming again soon.
God bless you Bud.
Thank you Pastor Mike for sharing your insight with me in a loving, charitable fashion; I’m sure the Spirit will use this to further conform me to the image of our Saviour.
Quickened together with Christ,
Bud
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