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  "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter 1:19   I must preface this and the next few posts by saying, a knowledge of prophecy will not save anyone. The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 Corinthians 13:2). Through the power offered us by Christ, we may obey His commandments, overcome sin and have a part in His kingdom (John 14:26; 15:10; 2 Timothy 1:14; Revelation 3:21).   With that said, prophecy has two very important purposes: anchoring us to the Source of the commandments and keeping us aware of our place in history. Biblical prophecy allows us to peg Scripture to experienced history (2 Peter 1:19-21). The Bible’s prediction of things to come centuries in advance of their occurrence combines with our practical experience in the truth of God’s laws and streng...

  "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Colossians 2:8, 9   As human beings we know that we were created and because of our sin we are finite (Genesis 1:26, 27; 2:16, 17; 3:6). Understanding the nature of God is not so simple. No created being will ever comprehend the full nature of God; however, what He has chosen to reveal to us, of Himself, in His scripture, as in all things, He has made plain and straightforward.   Let’s start at the beginning. In reading the account of man’s creation God refers to Himself in the plural form “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26, 27). In the account of creation, we can identify at least two beings working together: The Spirit and the Commander (Genesis 1:2, 3). Following the Biblical principle of “precept upon precept”, “line upo...

  “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15, 16   Now that we’ve looked into the commandments and seen our lives in comparison to them what should we do? Jesus’ primary teaching is the best response “Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). In preparation for Jesus’ ministry John the Baptist also preached repentance for the coming kingdom (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3). At Jesus’ instruction the disciples also preached the gospel of repentance (Mark 6:12). John the Baptist was prophesied to come in the Spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). There is another prophecy in scripture that speaks of the prophet Elijah preaching in these last days prior to Jesus’ second advent (Malachi 4:5, 6). From this we can te...