Posted on March 26, 2013 by Bro Hiltibidal — 34 Comments
The Hype over Non-Biblical Prophecy
It seems that many prophecy-type ministries of our times have become more interested in non-Biblical prophecies than they are of those from the Word of God. They get so excited about some non-Christian (if the Bible is used to check their doctrinal belief of salvation) who predicted something ages ago.
There has not been a day in recent months without an article in the news’ blogs concerning the new pope of the false Church of Rome, all based in a supposed prophecy of a sixteenth Catholic monk. Just because the Catholic church has placed sainthood on him doesn’t mean a thing concerning God.
I never cease to be amazed at the excitement so many exhibit about such matters as if all heaven is rejoicing, and yet seem to care so little about what heaven does rejoice in. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10).
With so many prophecies from the Word of God, why do those that seem to know so much of Scripture run to the pagan world for prophecy to explain their ideas rather than let the Bible reveal itself?
I am no man’s judge but wonder if the books to write, speaking engagements, and revenues from ventures may not fuel some of this passion for extra Biblical prophecies.
It saddens the heart to see some of the most reputable ministries with such a great track record for adherence to the Bible allowing themselves to be drawn into this love affair with those using so many pagan extra Biblical materials to advance their ideas and theories.
These are the same people, for the most part, that would criticize false science that would promote evolution to advance humanism, yet will take predictions from false and pagan prophets and attempt to make a case from a Biblical viewpoint.
We just went through this in 2012 and the Mayan calendar, now this, and the next will be some new sensational topic. We need to stick to the Book. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10).
I do not want to come off as the final authority, but I do believe that the Word of God is. Those of us involved in the ministry of discernment, teachers of Biblical prophecy, what every terms you choose to use, need to remember that our supreme purpose is the defense of the gospel and not self-promotion.
Some may simply be enamored by the outward acceptance and growth of the charismatic emergent church-type of prophecy teachings and feel they must get with the trend of the times. In doing so, they become part of the endtime scenario that the Scriptures predict. “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” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
The tendency to be ecumenical in the approach to Biblical matters, so as to not step on anyone’s toes, is the current mode of operation, but this has never been God’s mode of operation. We need to be more Christian or Christ-like in our approach and ministry and tell the truth whether popular or not. “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the father” (Romans 15:8).
If Scripture is unclear or silent, let us not become dogmatic on that subject, making ourselves the authority over God’s Word.
The underlying purpose of our ministry should be for the furtherance of the gospel. Paul, the great apostle of the Lord, recognized his imprisonment and impending death was for this purpose. “But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12).