Oxford Bible Church - Living in the Last Days (audio)

The Parable of the Fig Tree (Luke 13) reveals Israel was cut off 6 months after the Cross (Acts 7), for her rejection of Messiah, resulting in her dispersion. But God has promised to restore Israel to her Land and then to her Lord in the end-times (the Fig Tree bearing leaves and then fruit in Matthew 24).

In the ministries of John and Jesus the prophesied Kingdom of God was OFFERED to Israel, but she REJECTED her appointed King and His Messianic Kingdom, so it was POSTPONED until Israel is ready to receive Jesus as her Messiah-King. Meanwhile God revealed the Mystery of the Church Age.

The 2 Streams of Messianic Prophecy (the Sufferings and the Glory) correspond to the 2 Comings of Christ, based on the 2 Programmes of God (Salvation & Kingdom). First Jesus had to come as the Suffering Saviour before He can return as the Conquering King. First the Suffering, then the Glory.

For correct Bible interpretation it is essential to maintain the distinction between Israel and the Church. Derek establishes this point from the New Testament, and refutes Replacement Theology. Then he shows from Romans 9-11 that God has not finished with Israel, but that all Israel will be saved.

God ordained the Ages to be patterned on Creation Week, so that: 'One Day with the Lord = 1000 years' (Ps 90:4, 2Pet 3:8), with the Millennium as the Sabbath (Rev 20). This is illustrated by the Passover Lamb, Hosea 6, & Good Samaritan. Finally: the key distinction between Israel & the Church.

There are 3 prophetic camps depending on one's view of the Millennium (Pre-, A-, or Post-Millennial). Literal Interpretation requires Premillennialism, for both the Old and New Testaments teach a future Messianic Age, when Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years, after a time of Tribulation (Birthpains).

The next key to Bible Prophecy (based on Literal Interpretation) is understanding the Dispensations - the times (kairos) and seasons (chronos) ordained by God, including the Church Age, Tribulation and Millennium. Israel and the Church must be kept distinct. Misuses of dispensationalism are discussed.

The first and most important KEY to interpret prophecy is to take it LITERALLY: if the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense. This is the only way to be consistent in Bible interpretation and be submitted to God's Word and uphold His integrity. To illustrate this Key, Pastor Derek applies it to a number of prophecies.

This is the Introduction to a 30 part Series which systematically unfolds Bible Prophecy. Part 1 gives reasons why understanding Prophecy is important and beneficial, and explains the first and most important Key to interpret it correctly: Take it literally. The associated book is: A Panorama of Prophecy

The Lord is our home, where our heart should abide. He is the fulfillment of the deepest longings of our heart. You have a special place in God’s heart that no one else can take. The time we spend with the Lord in worship changes us and shapes who we become. Our worship brings great delight to the Lord.