Prophetic Times, Prophetic People

Prophetic times, prophetic people

Headline caught your attention, right? I have noticed that about 30% more people read The Daily Jot when it mentions something about prophecy in the headline. People are concerned about prophecy. They are concerned about events that may relate to prophecy. I get that. When I first started writing this column over 12 years ago, a prophetic event popped up here or there. Then it went to maybe once a week. Then several times a week. Now, there are usually many to pick from each day–events that may be related to prophecy. The prophetic times have accelerated. And while most churches don’t teach a lot about prophecy, there is great interest in the times in which we live and how they relate to the Bible.

Trouble is, with the greater interest in prophecy and how the times are influenced by it, a lot of false prophets have risen out of the world, claiming Christ, yet rewriting or reusing the scriptures to fit their own interpretations. There are so many who take verses out of context and quote them to fit their own interpretation or theology. This occurs so often that many people do not even know what the truth is because there are so many opinions taught as fact, and they are not in alignment with scripture. When that happens, the trumpeters of these “revelations” always blame it on the Holy Spirit. I have heard more than one say, “I know the Bible says this, but the Holy Spirit is telling me this.” And the two don’t match.

Jesus warned in Matthew 24:4, “Take heed that no man deceive you.” He talks a lot about false prophets and false teachers, deceiving even the elect if possible. He says they will “deceive many,” “shall show great signs and wonders,” and are “ravening wolves.” Peter warned of false prophets in 2 Peter 1:21-2:1, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. But there were false prophets also among the people, even denying the Lord that brought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” He goes on to say that many will follow them. I believe we live in prophetic times and we are in need of discernment on these “prophets.”

What happens is that people get wrapped around the axle of the extra-biblical, emotional, and self-indulgent. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” Fact is, if you want to be a prophetic people, don’t look for things that tickle the ears. Look for ways that you can make a difference in this dark and dying world. Stick with the Holy Scriptures because the Holy Spirit will not guide you apart from the Word of God. Strange fire burns. The light of Christ endures forever.