Planting the Seed of the Kingdom

by Darris McNeely

Do you view prophecy as something that is frightening or exciting? A few years ago at a weekend seminar, I gave a presentation about learning to discern the times according to Bible prophecy. A man in the audience later wrote me a letter of appreciation for the approach I took with the prophetic scriptures. This man had been taught from his preteen years about various prophecies. The approach taken by some of his teachers had left him with a frightened and uncertain view of this subject.

He made two points that are important for readers of World News and Prophecy to understand. The first is that prophecy should not be seen as a means or an excuse to escape today’s world with its problems and challenges. While Christ’s return is the only hope for the physical and spiritual salvation of mankind, a Christian cannot ignore the plight of his neighbor. The apostle Paul said, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:9-10).

The second point he made was that we should not shortchange ourselves by failing to plan for the long term for matters such as marriage and family, education and career, even retirement, because "the world will soon come to an end." Through the centuries, far too many people have fallen into this trap, setting too firm a date for the return of Christ and thinking they could circumvent the plain teaching that only the Father knows the "day and the hour."

Through experience, this gentleman came to a balanced view of prophecy. He learned to truly watch and discern the times, maintaining an urgency about life, while at the same time providing and preparing for his family and himself, should Christ not return in their lifetime. This is a mark of wisdom.

Read the full article at www.wnponline.org/wnp/wnp0307/restoration0307.htm

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