Editor’s Note: Recently David Jeremiah from Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah released a helpful blog in terms of every day living. Many people talk about and emphasize prophecy. Some, over the years, have done so so badly exegetically and functionally that it leaves a distaste for most things prophecy. However, the we cannot turn our backs to this topic because Jesus and other biblical writers refer to His second coming so often. Therefore, I do seek to read and consider articles that relate to the return of Jesus Christ. In today’s blog, I share a recent one from David Jeremiah which addresses, without much commentary, the functional and practical importance of the return of Jesus. He shares ten verses; there are many others he could have shared as well. Here is the original link to the article and his other resources.

Why Does Prophecy Matter?

Based on my readings in the New Testament epistles, there are ten ways we as Christians should be different as a result of our prophetic knowledge. In each of the following Scripture passages, I have italicized the words connecting the admonition with the promise of Christ’s return.

1. Refrain from judging others: “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).
2. Remember the Lord’s Table: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
3. Respond to life spiritually: “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).
4. Relate to one another in love: “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
5. Restore the bereaved: “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
6. Recommit ourselves to the ministry: “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
7. Refuse to neglect church: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
8. Remain steadfast: “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7-8).
9. Renounce sin in our lives: “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him” (1 John 2:28-29).
10. Reach the lost: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” (Jude 21-23).

The Bible reveals everything we need to know about the End Times. It tells us Jesus could return at any moment! But knowing what Scripture says is not enough. Knowledge is only helpful if it leads us to action. Each day is a new opportunity to love Him, to serve Him, and to invite others to share in His inheritance with us. This possibility should transform every aspect of our lives … until the Lord returns or calls us home.

KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together

© 2022 KEVINCARSON.COM