I happened to read an NPR article recently and the author attempted to surmise why Evangelical Christians voted a particular way. The conclusion the author reached was that because of the way Evangelicals voted, it would lead to the demise of the Evangelicals. I recognized that very often when someone writes about Christians and elections it is usually from the outside looking in rather than from an inside perspective. Some of the key points of Christianity, regardless of the brand, i.e. Evangelicals, Protestants, Catholics, are almost always overlooked. Christianity embraces the good news of a Savior, which seems to be the only point that journalists understand, even if they never write about it. But there is more; we have a book of prophecies that has never failed, and there are many aspects of these prophecies that almost all Christians are concerned about. If one wanted to write an intelligent news piece articulating the voting habits of Christians, that writer would actually have to spend time learning and reading Christian beliefs. To the world of non-Christians, prophecy seems like a P.T. Barnum trick, but that is simply because there are many false prophets and teachers among the Christian Body. True prophecy, from true prophets, has not, and does not fail.
As John wrote regarding the revealing, the Apocalypse of Jesus Christ, John tells us that those who hear and read the words of this prophecy are blessed. In John’s time, the books, letters, and scrolls were read in the synagogues and churches. No one had their own personal scrolls, so the only way to know about the prophecies was to go to a place they were being read and listen to them. Today, we can have our own collections of these prophecies and letters, bound in a book form or a digital form. The words written in the book of Revelation are the prophetic words that will bless people.
Revelation 1:1-3 (KJV)
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
What is prophecy? Let’s explore prophecy and the book of the Apocalypse.
Revelation1:1 G602 The revelation G* of Jesus G5547 Christ, G3739 which G1325 [2gave G1473 3to him G3588 G2316 1God], G1166 to show G3588 to G1401 his bondmen G3739 what G1163 must G1096 take place G1722 quickly. G5034 G2532 And G4591 he signified G649 having sent G1223 by G3588 G32 his angel G1473 G3588 to G1401 his bondman G1473 G* John,
KJV Usage: appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
The disclosure of Jesus Christ was given to Jesus’ servants. An Angel was sent to John who wrote this account for us. This apokalupsis is all about Jesus Christ. If one denies Jesus and does not read this testimony, one will not understand Christianity and how Christians think and act. It is simple. This letter of John’s is an uncovering of the Christ, and the future events that will take place in a short amount of time. To understand timing, we have to rely on the understanding that eternal beings are not bound to time as humans are. One day to the Creator, our Living God, and Christ the Living Savior, is equal to one thousand years. In human time that seems long, but considering how many years early humans lived, that is not long at all. We are nearing the completion of two days since John wrote this for us.
Revelation1:2 G3739 who G3140 testified G3588 the G3056 word G3588 G2316 of God, G2532 and G3588 the G3141 testimony G* of Jesus G5547 Christ, G3745 as much as G5037 indeed G1492 he saw.
3140 μαρτυρέω martureō mar-too-reh'-o From G3144; to be a witness, that is, testify (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: charge, give [evidence], bear record, have (obtain, of) good (honest) report, be well reported of, testify, give (have) testimony, (be, bear, give, obtain) witness.
3056 λόγος logos log'-os From G3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (that is, Christ) KJV Usage: account, cause, communication, X concerning, doctrine, fame, X have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say (-ing), shew, X speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.
3141 LSJ Gloss: μαρτυρία witness, testimony, evidence
Dodson: μαρτυρία witness, evidence, testimony witness, evidence, testimony, reputation.
Thayer:
1) a testifying
1a) the office committed to the prophets of testifying concerning future events
2) what one testifies, testimony, i.e. before a judge
μαρτυρία
marturia mar-too-ree'-ah From G3144; evidence given (judicially or generally) KJV Usage: record, report, testimony, witness.
1492 Dodson: οἶδα I know, remember I know, remember, appreciate.
Thayer:
1) to see
1a) to perceive with the eyes
1b) to perceive by any of the senses
1c) to perceive, notice, discern, discover
1d) to see
1d1) i.e. to turn the eyes, the mind, the attention to anything
1d2) to pay attention, observe
1d3) to see about something
1d31) i.e. to ascertain what must be done about it
1d4) to inspect, examine
1d5) to look at, behold
1e) to experience any state or condition
1f) to see i.e. have an interview with, to visit
2) to know
2a) to know of anything
2b) to know, i.e. get knowledge of, understand, perceive
2b1) of any fact
2b2) the force and meaning of something which has definite meaning
2b3) to know how, to be skilled in
2c) to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to (
1Th. 5:12)
For Synonyms see entry G5825
εἴδω
eidō i'-do A primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent, G3700 and G3708; properly to see (literally or figuratively); by implication (in the perfect only) to know KJV Usage: be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) known (-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wist, wot.
John is the witness of the logos of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ as much as John saw. This idea of John seeing is not just seeing with his own eyes, it encompasses John perceiving and knowing as well. There are times that we may see an event but truly do not have an idea what is actually taking place behind the scenes. Yet John did not only see with his eyes, he knows what is going on that others may not understand. Because of this, because John is a witness to the logos of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and he knows, discerns, and perceives this information, blessed are those reading and hearing. Heeding means to “guard like in a fortress”. We are to guard, protect, watch over and care for this prophecy.
Revelation 1:3 G3107 Blessed is G3588 the one G314 reading, G2532 and G3588 the ones G191 hearing G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G4394 prophecy, G2532 and G5083 heeding G3588 the things G1722 [2in G1473 3it G1125 1being written]; G3588 for the G1063 G2540 time G1451 is near.
4394 LSJ Gloss: προφητεία the gift of interpreting the will of the gods
Dodson: προφητεία prophecy prophecy, prophesying; the gift of communicating and enforcing revealed truth.
Thayer:
1) prophecy
1a) a discourse emanating from divine inspiration and declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; esp. by foretelling future events
1b) Used in the NT of the utterance of OT prophets
1b1) of the prediction of events relating to Christ's kingdom and its speedy triumph, together with the consolations and admonitions pertaining to it, the spirit of prophecy, the divine mind, to which the prophetic faculty is due
1b2) of the endowment and speech of the Christian teachers called prophets
1b3) the gifts and utterances of these prophets, esp. of the predictions of the works of which, set apart to teach the gospel, will accomplish for the kingdom of Christ
προφητεία
prophēteia prof-ay-ti'-ah From G4396 (“prophecy”); prediction (scriptural or other) KJV Usage: prophecy, prophesying.
4396 προφήτης
prophētēs prof-ay'-tace From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet KJV Usage: prophet.
4253 πρό
pro pro A primary preposition; “fore”, that is, in front of, prior (figuratively superior) to . In compounds it retains the same significations KJV Usage: above, ago, before, or ever. In compounds it retains the same significations.
5346 φημί
phēmi fay-mee' Properly the same as the base of G5457 and G5316; to show or make known one’s thoughts, that is, speak or say KJV Usage: affirm, say.
The word prophēteia comes from prophētēs, which is derived from pro (fore) and phēmi (show). Foreshowing or showing before. So prophecy is predictions of the future. In our modern understanding, predictions are not 100% reliable, but in Biblical understanding predictions are 100% infallible. The Old Covenant shows us that the predictions, warnings, and comforts of the prophets of old were accurate. Going into captivity, coming out of captivity, and all the details surrounding the enemies of Israel were all accurately predicted. While we have issues with rabbinical textual alterations over the centuries, we can unravel those and put time back into it’s proper place. Some of the Old Covenant prophets foretold of the time of the end, the last days of humans on earth before the Messiah comes to establish His kingdom. If we compare those prophecies with John’s prophecies, we see that they speak of the same things.
As we studied Thessalonians the last few weeks, we saw Paul’s admonition not to extinguish the Spirit or treat prophecies with contempt, and to prove all things. Combine Paul’s words with those of John’s, saying that we are to hear, read, and keep these words because the time is at hand.
The one aspect of Christianity is the good news of a Messiah who came to the earth. This same Messiah is coming again. We live in this in-between time period where it is easy to lose heart, forget that Jesus is coming back, or even disregard the prophecies because two thousand years seems like forever, when in fact it is less than two days. Let’s look at what Peter explains regarding this. In the context, Peter is speaking of the end of the Millennial Kingdom when the heavens and earth pass away and a new heaven and earth is introduced.
2 Peter 3:7 G3588 But the G1161 G3568 present G3772 heavens G2532 and G3588 the G1093 earth, G3588 the one G1473 of his G3056 word, G2343 are treasured up G1510.2.6 G4442 for fire G5083 being kept G1519 for G2250 a day G2920 of judgment G2532 and G684 destruction G3588 G765 of impious G444 men.
8 G1520 But this one thing G1161 G3778 G3361 let it not G2990 be unaware G1473 to you, G27 beloved, G3754 that G1520 one G2250 day G3844 with G2962 the Lord G5613 is as G5507 a thousand G2094 years, G2532 and G5507 a thousand G2094 years G5613 as G2250 [2day G1520 1one].
9 G3756 [3 is not G1019 4slow G3588 1The G2962 2Lord] G3588 G1860 of promise, G5613 as G5100 some G1022 [2slowness G2233 1esteem], G235 but G3114 is long-suffering G1519 towards G1473 us, G3361 not G1014 willing G5100 for anyone G622 to perish, G235 but G3956 for all G1519 [2for G3341 3repentance G5562 1to have space].
10 G2240 But shall come G1161 G3588 the G2250 day G2962 of the Lord G5613 as G2812 a thief G1722 in G3571 the night, G1722 in G3588 which G3588 the G3772 heavens G4500 by a loud noise G3928 shall pass away, G4747 and the elements G1161 G2741 being destroyed by fire G3089 shall be loosed; G2532 and G1093 the earth G2532 and G3588 the G1722 [2in G1473 3it G2041 1works] G2618 shall be incinerated
This is what the disciples asked Jesus as Matthew records. The disciples asked three questions, and Jesus answers them. The third question asked is when will the completion of the age be?
Matthew 24:3 G2521 [3sitting down G1161 1And in G1473 2his] G1909 upon G3588 the G3735 mount G3588 G1636 of olives, G4334 there came forward G1473 to him G3588 the G3101 disciples G2596 in G2398 private, G3004 saying, G2036 Tell G1473 us G4219 when G3778 these things G1510.8.3 will be, G2532 and G5100 what G3588 is the G4592 sign G3588 G4674 of your G3952 arrival, G2532 and G3588 the G4930 completion G3588 of the G165 age?
Jesus is giving the prophecy here, the timing of the future events. The temple being destroyed, with not one stone left upon another, took place in 70 CE. The coming of Jesus, the parousia is still future, and further future is the completion of the age when the heavens and earth pass away.
Matthew 24:35 G3588 The G3772 heaven G2532 and G3588 the G1093 earth G3928 shall pass away, G3588 G1161 but G3056 my words G1473 G3766.2 in no way G3928 shall pass away.
36 G4012 But concerning G1161 G3588 G2250 that day G1565 G2532 and G5610 hour G3762 no one G1492 knows, G3761 not even G3588 the G32 angels G3588 of the G3772 heavens, G1508 only G3588 G3962 my father G3441 alone.
Concerning that day and hour, no one knows. What day and hour? The day and hour of the passing away of the heavens and earth. How many times have people mistakenly quoted this phrase attempting to attribute it to the harpazo or the Day of the Lord. The angels know the day of the harpazo and they know the Day of the Lord, but only the Father knows the day of the completion of the eon.
Again this further defines the in-between time we live in. If we make a timeline of events, we can clearly see that there are many details that take place between the time Jesus ascended to the Father and the time Jesus establishes his kingdom on the earth. One event that precedes the establishment of His kingdom is the harpazo, when Jesus calls from the clouds and the Body of Christ ascends into heaven, before the tribulation events.
As we come back to John and his prophecy, we see that in the conclusion of his letter to the churches he attests to this prophecy. We see the same elements bookending the beginning and ending of the letter. In chapter 1 verse 1 we see John establishing the fact that he is talking to an angel. In chapter 19 we see John again is still speaking with the angel. The angel says something that John also says.
Revelation 19:10 G2532 And G4098 I fell G1715 before G3588 G4228 his feet G1473 G4352 to do obeisance to G1473 him. G2532 And G3004 he says G1473 to me, G3708 See G3361 that you do not! G4889 [2fellow-servant G1473 1I am your], G1510.2.1 G2532 and G3588 G80 of your brethren G1473 G3588 G2192 having G3588 the G3141 testimony G3588 G* of Jesus; G3588 to G2316 God G4352 do obeisance! G3588 For the G1063 G3141 testimony G3588 G* of Jesus G1510.2.3 is G3588 the G4151 spirit G3588 of the G4394 prophecy
The angel says the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. If we remember chapter 1 in verse 2, Thayer points out G3141 that testimony is the office committed to the prophets of testifying concerning future events. The office of a prophet is to testify, as if before a judge, concerning future events. The testifying of Jesus by prophets is the wind or breath of fore-speaking. We could say that the prophets speak by the breath of the Spirit to testify concerning the future events regarding Jesus. The prophets have the job of sharing what will take place, the apocalypse. John reiterates this.
Revelation 22:6 G2532 And G3004 he said G1473 to me, G3778 These G3588 G3056 words G4103 are trustworthy G2532 and G228 true. G2532 And G2962 the Lord G3588 G2316 God G3588 of the G4151 spirits G3588 of the G4396 prophets G649 sent G3588 G32 his angel G1473 G1166 to show G3588 to G1401 his bondmen G1473 G3739 what G1163 must G1096 take place G1722 quickly. G5034
These words are like liquid medicines that can be trusted. These words are faithful and true. The Lord God, the Spirit of the prophets, sent the angel to show John, his servant, what would soon take place. The Holy Spirit resides within the prophets. As we noted last week the only prophets from the Living God are those who have the Holy Spirit within them, meaning they must receive Jesus as their own Lord and Messiah. There are no other prophets sent from the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Church. All prophets sent from the Heavenly Father have the requirement of the testimony of Jesus Christ. All prophets are required to testify as if in a court of law, regarding Jesus as Messiah. If someone claims to be a prophet, such as Rabbi’s, Nostradamus, the Sybil, or anyone from any religion that does not have the testimony of Jesus as Lord and Messiah, they are false prophets, false teachers, and have not been sent from the Living God. It is that simple. Yet we Christians have a tendency to trust the wrong people.
Another bookend to John’s statement in chapter 1 verse 3 is the usage of the word heeding and giving heed, in chapter 22:7. We are to guard the logos of the prophecy written to us. We should, in our mind and heart, build a fortress around these words.
Revelation 22:7 G2400 Behold, G2064 I come G5036 quickly. G3107 Blessed is G3588 the one G5083 giving heed to G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G4394 prophecy G3588 G975 of this scroll. G3778
The one who heeds the prophecy is blessed. John then again bookends chapter 1 verse 3 with the statement of hearing. He says that he, John, is the one hearing and seeing.
Revelation 22:8 G2504 And I G* John G3588 am the one G191 hearing G2532 and G991 seeing G3778 these things . G2532 And G3753 when G191 I heard G2532 and G991 saw, G4098 I fell G4352 to do obeisance G1715 before G3588 the G4228 feet G3588 of the G32 angel G3588 G1166 showing G1473 to me G3778 these things .
9 G2532 And G3004 he says G1473 to me, G3708 See that you do G3361 not! G4889 [3your fellow-servant G1473 G1063 1for G1510.2.1 2I am], G2532 and G3588 G80 of your brethren G1473 G3588 the G4396 prophets, G2532 and G3588 of the ones G5083 giving heed to G3588 the G3056 words G3588 G975 of this scroll; G3778 G3588 to G2316 God G4352 do obeisance!
The angel is a fellow-servant of the prophets and of those who are guarding, giving heed, to the logos of the scroll. We wonder how it is that angels are ministering spirits, sent to minister to the heirs of salvation. The heirs of salvation have the testimony of Jesus Christ and give heed to the prophecies. Angels minister to the called out.
Now John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy. Unlike Daniel, we are to know this prophecy. We are to guard and protect it. We are much closer to the revealing of Jesus to the unbelieving world then Daniel was. Daniel lived looking forward to Jesus’ time on the earth. I imagine that the prophets of the Old Covenant would have been angry and frustrated if they had the privilege of living during the time Jesus was on the earth, and saw the hardness of people’s hearts.
Revelation 22:10 G2532 And G3004 he says G1473 to me, G3361 You should not G4972 set a seal upon G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G4394 prophecy G3588 G975 of this scroll, G3778 G3754 for G3588 the G2540 time G1451 is near. G1510.2.3
Now Jesus speaks. These words attested by the angel to the called out, the church.
Revelation 22:16 G1473 I G* Jesus G3992 sent forth G3588 G32 my angel G1473 G3140 to testify G1473 to you G3778 these things G1909 unto G3588 the G1577 assemblies. G1473 I G1510.2.1 am G3588 the G4491 root G2532 and G3588 the G1085 race G3588 G* of David, G3588 the G792 [3star G3588 G2986 1bright G4407 2early morning].
1577 ἐκκλησία
ekklēsia ek-klay-see'-ah From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both) KJV Usage: assembly, church.
This testimony is sent to the called out, the church. These words are not sent to anyone else. This is why those who are not Christians cannot understand what Christians do, how they vote, or why they think the way they do. Outsiders cannot know these things from the outside, they have to learn them from the inside, starting with the testimony of Jesus.
These next words are cautionary for those who may think they can attempt to make this prophecy say something different.
Revelation 22:18 G3140 I bear witness G1473 G3956 to every one G191 hearing G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G4394 prophecy G3588 G975 of this scroll; G3778 G1437 if G5100 anyone G2007 should add G1909 upon G1473 these, G2007 [2will place G1909 3upon G1473 4him G3588 G2316 1God] G3588 the G4127 calamities G3588 G1125 being written G1722 in G3588 G975 this scroll. G3778
19 G2532 And G1437 if G5100 anyone G851 should remove G575 from G3588 the G3056 words G3588 of the G975 scroll G3588 G4394 of this prophecy, G3778 G851 may God remove G3588 G2316 G3588 G3313 his part G1473 G575 from G3588 the G3586 tree G3588 G2222 of life, G2532 and G1537 from G3588 the G4172 [2city G3588 G39 1holy] G3588 of the things G1125 having been written G1722 in G3588 G975 this scroll. G3778
This is a promise not a suggestion. Biblical prophecy never fails.
Revelation 22:20 G3004 [4says G3588 1The one G3140 2testifying G3778 3these things], G3483 Yes, G2064 I come G5036 quickly. G281 Amen. G3483 Yes, G2064 come G2962 O Lord G* Jesus!
21 G3588 The G5484 favor G3588 G2962 of our Lord G1473 G* Jesus G5547 Christ G3326 be with G3956 all G3588 the G39 holy ones. G281 Amen.
Why are we concerned about the testimony of Jesus, the spirit of prophecy? The Millennial Kingdom won’t be too crowded, we can fill it up. Yet some people can’t hear. Jesus explains why he speaks in parables to the crowds when his disciples ask.
Matthew 13:13 G1223 On account of G3778 this G1722 [2in G3850 3parables G1473 1I speak to them]. G2980 G3754 For G991 seeing G3756 they do not G991 see, G2532 and G191 hearing G3756 they do not G191 hear, G3761 nor G4920 perceive.
14 G2532 And G378 is fulfilled G1909 by G1473 them G3588 the G4394 prophecy G* of Isaiah, G3588 the one G3004 saying, G189 Hearing G191 you shall hear, G2532 and G3766.2 in no way G4920 should you perceive; G2532 and G991 seeing G991 you shall see, G2532 and G3766.2 in no way G1492 should you know.
15 G3975 [5was thickened G1063 1For G3588 2the G2588 3heart G3588 G2992 4of this people], G3778 G2532 and G3588 with the G3775 ears G917 heavily G191 they heard, G2532 and G3588 G3788 [2of their eyes G1473 G2576 1they closed the eyelids]; G3379 lest at any time G1492 they should see G3588 with the G3788 eyes, G2532 and G3588 with the G3775 ears G191 should hear, G2532 and G3588 the G2588 heart G4920 should perceive, G2532 and G1994 they should turn, G2532 and G2390 I shall heal G1473 them.
People’s hearts became thick, their hearing became heavy and their eyelids closed. This is why I can imagine that the Old Covenant prophets would have torn their garments, sat in sackcloth and ashes, and mourned for the generation of the first century if they had lived during that time. No other prophets were necessary in the first century because Jesus’ testimony is the spirit of prophecy. And who better to give his own testimony than Jesus, the Son of the Living God, himself.
Matthew 13:16 G1473 [3your G1161 1But G3107 2blessed are] G3588 G3788 eyes, G3754 for G991 they see, G2532 and G3588 G3775 your ears, G1473 G3754 for G191 they hear.
17 G281 For amen G1063 G3004 I say G1473 to you, G3754 that G4183 many G4396 prophets G2532 and G1342 just ones G1937 desired G1492 to behold G3739 what G991 you see, G2532 and G3756 beheld not; G1492 G2532 and G191 to hear G3739 what G191 you hear, G2532 and G3756 heard not. G191
1342 LSJ Gloss: δίκαιος observant of custom and social rule, well-ordered, civilised
Dodson: δίκαιος just, righteous, impartial just; especially, just in the eyes of God; righteous; the elect (a Jewish idea).
Thayer:
1) righteous, observing divine laws
1a) in a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God
1a1) of those who seem to themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves to be righteous, who pride themselves in their virtues, whether real or imagined
1a2) innocent, faultless, guiltless
1a3) used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification in the heart or life
1a3a) only Christ truly
1a4) approved of or acceptable of God
1b) in a narrower sense, rendering to each his due and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or shown by the manner of dealing with them
δίκαιος
dikaios dik'-ah-yos From G1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) KJV Usage: just, meet, right (-eous).
1937 LSJ Gloss: ἐπιθυμέω to set one's heart upon
Dodson: ἐπιθυμέω I long for, covet, lust after I long for, covet, lust after, set the heart upon.
Thayer:
1) to turn upon a thing
2) to have a desire for, long for, to desire
3) to lust after, covet
3a) of those who seek things forbidden
ἐπιθυμέω
epithumeō ep-ee-thoo-meh'-o From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise) KJV Usage: covet, desire, would fain, lust (after).
Many prophets and holy righteous ones set their hearts to see and hear directly from the Messiah in hopes that they would be alive to meet him, just like the disciples were. But the prophets and the just ones did not live during that time. It was a special time for humans to have the Son of the Living God walking on the earth. I believe one day, when we are all gathered to heaven, we will meet these pillars of our faith and they will express their sorrow over the thick hearted, heavy eared, closed eyed people who didn’t believe them and the prophecies they wrote.
Since the first century, we believe by faith. We believe because of the witnesses and the great and many infallible proofs that have been recorded for us to learn. When we believe, we confess Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, and then we receive the Holy Spirit, as a seal or a token until the day of redemption. We believe the testimony of Jesus, and we pursue the prophecies, as well as guard them.
True prophets believe and understand Jesus’ resurrection as we studied last week. True prophets have the testimony of Jesus the Christ. True prophets have the Spirit of the Living God within them. This is the first step in identifying a prophet from the Living God. Then we want to pay attention to just how many times they have spoken truthfully, or how many times they have been wrong. We should stop listening to those who are proven wrong. We also want to consider how vague or detailed their words are. Compare the P.T. Barnum prophets to John’s writings or Daniel’s writings. Do they “predict” storms? There are always storms. How silly. That is a weather forecast, not a prophecy. Compare the prophets whose words the Holy Spirit has guarded over the centuries, to see if the Holy Spirit actually resides with those that people claim to be prophets. Since Pentecost, do these people have the testimony of Jesus Christ? Would they take their words to a court of law and testify, no matter the judgment passed on them?
With every election, people will attempt to understand the church and predict what people will do. Voting for Christians has never been about a man or a political party. It is always about the testimony of Jesus. What things does John’s book of the revealing of Jesus tell us will take place? Christians tend to vote against the evil plans of the god of this world so that more people will have the opportunity to receive Jesus as Messiah. The testimony of Jesus Christ, offered in love, will show outsiders why we sing songs with lyrics like “ joy to the world the Lord has come” because it is a joy that Jesus came. Technically, he came less than two days ago. He will be back soon.
