Why do Pastors avoid teaching prophecy

                                 

I have often wondered why Pastors don't talk about prophecy and end-time events. It is said that 90% of church Pastors don't teach prophecy. The question is why do they avoid such an important subject. I recently asked a Pastor why he avoids talking to his church on the return of Jesus. His answer was because there is so much disagreement on the subject. In fairness to his comment I do concede that there is a lot of division on the matter of end time doctrine. Will we be raptured before the 7 year tribulation, after it or in the middle of it. I still however believe that Christians are eager to learn about the end-times and what God has to say about it.

It seems the most neglected book is the book of revelation. However it is the only book that promises a special blessing to those who read it. Revelation is regarded as difficult to understand. Some feel end time prophecy is gloom and doom. Maybe Pastors should at least focus on the Blessed hope, which is the rapture of the church. Titus 2:13 tells us to look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and saviour Jesus Christ.

Bible scholars tell us there are 321 prophecies regarding the second coming of Jesus. Since we know and understand his first coming as an historical fact, we can be confident that he will come a second time as he promised.

Pastor Tom Hughes of The 412 Church in San Jacinto, California recently wrote an article titled, “Five Reasons Pastors Don’t Teach Bible Prophecy.” Briefly, his reasons are as follows:

They don't understand it

They fear offending members of the church

They sense it will scare people.

They fear people will stop giving.

They fear looking like fringe groups who take things to an extreme.

While these are very valid reasons it still does not negate the fact that the Bible is a book of prophecy. You will find prophetic scripture right through the word of God. By not teaching it they are not covering the whole counsel of God. The times we live in are perilous and as Christians we need to understand where we are in God's prophetic timeline. A lot of Christians say but we don't know when Jesus will return. Jesus himself says  he does not know the day or hour, only the Father knows. I believe that was so when Jesus was on earth. However when he returned to glory it is possible that he now has access to that information. he also gave us lots of signs to look out for. He certainly was not silent on the things that will take place before his return. Note he says the day or hour, He does not say week, month, or year. It is clear to see when looking at events taking place, we are living in the days Jesus spoke about.

The Bible calls the Rapture of the church our Blessed hope. Even the book of revelation promises a special blessing to those who read it. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written in it, for the time is near" (Rev. 1:3) There is also the issue of being deceived. The fact that the end times are not not taught could be one of Satan's tactics to lull the church to sleep. It means that God's people are in the dark regarding prophecy, no doubt the enemy loves that. It may be time for Pastors to step out and be bold. We know by the word that we are living in terrible times, and we are waiting for our blessed hope.

Revelation 22:20-21 He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen!