When I got my first ten-speed, I took it over to my Elementary School to figure out how to shift gears without fear of cars. I was riding back and forth shifting through the gears and watching the sprockets down by my ankles. As the ride progressed, I got increasingly focused on that front double sprocket (every ten-year old in the 70’s needed to know how to shift on the fly). As my speed increased and my attention gaze stayed down, I ultimately ran into a light pole and messed up my front wheel and my face! I had to push my bike home while bleeding down my shirt – a very inglorious lesson; but a lifelong one. If my focus is ever and only on what’s going on down here; I WILL crash. God’s word tells us to look for Jesus and hope ONLY in Him – not, only, the stuff of this world (politics, job, house, $ – even family)!
We study prophecy because it gives us Hope (see verses below)!
We study prophecy to remind us that we need to Love each; other more and more as we see the day approaching (1 Peter 4:7-8). The “Great Commandment” isn’t just a cool slogan – it’s a mandate made by God’s Son and it is our greatest need in times of trial.
Finally, we study prophecy because it reveals, in graphic detail, the fate of those that never put their trust in Jesus. We study prophecy because it doesn’t let us half-close our eyes and pretend that our unbelieving friend isn’t going to die in her sins. We study prophecy because it should motivate us to fulfill the Great Commission.
Praying for you all, as I know you pray for me,
Pastor Scott
“He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” —1 Peter 1:3-4
“Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
—Philippians 3:20
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” —Psalm 39:7
“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ…” —Titus 2:13
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” —2 Corinthians 4:17-18
“The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” —Romans 8:18
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
—Romans 15:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4
“But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:21-23
“Behold, I am coming soon.” —Revelation 22:12
Grace Notes 