A Moment With Pastor Fred
Iran is in the news today and we need to pray for our military, leaders and our president. We also need to pray for those innocent victims caught in the middle of this war too. My home church in Decatur, IL was the sending church for missionaries in Tehran – Dick Corley and family. It was the 1960s and 70s. The Shah was in power. There was a measure of religious liberty in those days, all prior to the 1979 revolution. Did you know modern Iran is ancient Persia – the land of Esther, Nehemiah, Daniel, the magi (wise men) of Jesus’ birth? With the connection it might be easy to see if current events are connected to prophecy.
We should be cautious of reading today’s news through the lens of Scripture. In my years of ministry I’ve heard countless “fulfilled prophecies” only to turn out false. Let me remind you of the ABC’s of prophecy.
A – Avoid speculation. While the Bible gives us broad themes of the 2nd coming – it doesn’t answer all our questions. Speculation often proves to be wrong. Such undermines the gospel.
B – Be ready. Every reference to the return of Christ is marked by a moral challenge to be holy. 1 Jn 2:28, And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.
C – Continue faithfully. No white bathrobes on roof tops please (that has happened before!). Keep doing today what you’re expected to do. Jesus said, Engage in business until I come, Lu 19:13. We’re to be responsible – do our work, worship and witness while we wait.