Practical Guide To The End Times

[jo1952]

No it is not your job, except as a teacher encouraging students to read the scriptures.

Deborah:

It seems to me that anyone participating in these boards ARE teachers and students. We are each sometimes the teacher; and sometimes the student. In every aspect of our life we cannot help but be examples. We can choose to be either a good example, or a bad example. We don't need to be set apart and called to be a teacher of a specific class in order for our words or our actions to be teaching others at any given moment; or to be effected by the words and actions of others: thus, becoming the student at any given moment. We are not supposed to hide our light under a bushel. In fact, isn't EVERY MEMBER supposed to be a Missionary???!!!!!

If you told me, no. I listen to the Prophet and other church leaders.

Revelation 1:1-3 (emphasis added)

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.

3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

The Prophet and other church leaders have been telling us to study scripture since the Church was Restored. Franktalk is NOT telling you anything new. If you had been studying the Book of Revelation, which IS a part of our Standard Works, you would have already known about this blessing.

Apparently, you aren't the only one who does not know the Book of Revelation, as someone gave your comment a "+". This saddens me greatly. Don't you and others realize that the Prophet and other church leaders are here to ASSIST us; BUT THEY CANNOT SAVE US?? It is our personal relationship with the Savior that determines which Glory of Heaven we will enjoy our salvation in.

In today's world, more and more people are "educated" on what is contained in the Bible, albeit much of it is based on worldly understanding rather than spiritual understanding. If we are not prepared ourselves to BE a Member Missionary and be able to portray our interpretation of the Bible with them, then we are not following what our Prophets and church leaders have taught us to do. If we are ignorant on what the Bible teaches, how can we teach someone else?

Love,

jo

Edited August 6, 2011 by jo1952

[Franktalk]

No it is not your job, except as a teacher encouraging students to read the scriptures.

I do as I am told by the Holy Ghost. I only follow the church leaders when the Holy Ghost witnesses that it is appropriate to do so. I also know scripture and when I hear something that is from scripture then I will accept the teaching. I test everything and trust no one. There is not one man I trust with my relationship with God. That is between me and God and no other. The early church went apostate because they placed them self between man and God. Just where do you place the church?

Here are some examples of scripture which I follow:

1 Thessalonians 1:8

8For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

Here Paul is talking to the members of the Church. All are called to teach the Word. Not only that but truth is something we seek and we can find it anywhere. If we find truth from the lips of a Catholic are we supposed to ignore the truth because of the source? I don't think so. The Jews of Judea looked to their leaders to guide them. Their leaders failed them. Are you willing to let someone else decide what is truth for you? If Christ appeared to you and you tested the Spirit and found it to be true would you wait for a Church leader to tell you it is Okay to follow what Christ said? And what if they said it was not Christ, yet it was, what would you do? I am a fool for Christ. I am not a man's fool.

If you told me, no. I listen to the Prophet and other church leaders.

I listen to the Holy Ghost first.

[Sevenbak]

Franktalk

I am sorry but I somehow don't see the statue of liberty becoming animated and wreaking havoc on New York city. Where does this idea come from??

Paddy

I'd rather have the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man!

[Deborah]

I'd rather have the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man!

Loved that one; so totally unexpected.

[volgadon]

Thank you for pointing out that 1860 in your opinion is not around 1840.

It is around 1840 as much as it is around 1880.

I do form a view of prophecy by taking various parts of scripture and fitting them together.

Which is fine as long as you recognise that not all fit together.

I realize that I may be wrong.

Yet you are still determined to set forth a detailed blueprint. Your proposed route, BTW, would result in certain death if there was a war.

The big point is to study scripture and try and uncover relationships. By constantly looking at prophecy we will be ready for the actual events even if we get some of the details wrong.

Your view of prophecy is not the view of the scriptures, in all honesty.

Now some prophecy is very clear and people will be held accountable for that prophecy in the future. So as we examine future events we will have a mix of fuzzy and definite images. Many feel that because prophecy is somewhat fuzzy we can ignore it.

I don't.

They do so by their own choice and may pay a price for that decision.

If anyone tried to make it to Petra in the middle of a war they would pay the price for their decision to listen to you.

[HeatherAnn]

So you think that people who already aren't doing what they are supposed to be doing will study the Book of Revelation? Believe me it's much easier to just do what the living prophet says.

Are you serious? You give that much of your free agency up?

I respect the presidency & leaders of our church, but I don't rely on them to know what to think, feel or do.

Nor, would any prophet or apostle, who honors what Christ taught, expect me to.

As Jesus said,

"The scribes & the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsover they bid you observe, that observe & do: but do not ye after their works: for they say, & do not...

But all their works they do for to be seen by men: they make broad their phylacteries, & enlarge the borders of their garments, & love the uppermost rooms at feasts, & the chief seats in the synagogues, & greetings in the markets, & to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ: & all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; & he that shall humble himself shall be exhalted." -Matt 23:2-12

Edited August 7, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[Deborah]

Are you serious? You give that much of your free agency up?

Good grief. Have you actually read what the argument is about? Why do you think choosing to follow the Prophet and Apostles over people who presume to speak with authority about the end days and preach to others about what they should be doing is giving up agency. Agency is in the choice of who to listen to; that has nothing to do with studying and receiving answers for oneself and those in his stewardship.

I have seen too many people like some here who presume to have a special calling to preach to others outside their authority. They eventually end up teaching that the Prophet is a fallen prophet when he doesn't preach the same fear-mongering and end up getting excommunicated. Franktalk said "The Jews of Judea looked to their leaders to guide them. Their leaders failed them. Are you willing to let someone else decide what is truth for you?" Is Franktalk applying the same thought to our current prophets and apostles?

[HeatherAnn]

Good grief. Have you actually read what the argument is about? Why do you think choosing to follow the Prophet and Apostles over people who presume to speak with authority about the end days and preach to others about what they should be doing is giving up agency. Agency is in the choice of who to listen to; that has nothing to do with studying and receiving answers for oneself and those in his stewardship.

I have seen too many people like some here who presume to have a special calling to preach to others outside their authority. They eventually end up teaching that the Prophet is a fallen prophet when he doesn't preach the same fear-mongering and end up getting excommunicated. Franktalk said "The Jews of Judea looked to their leaders to guide them. Their leaders failed them. Are you willing to let someone else decide what is truth for you?" Is Franktalk applying the same thought to our current prophets and apostles?

Your attitude scares me. It's the same attitude that produces harmful behavior - by "choosing to follow" an imperfect person instead of God.

I like general conference - & often make notes, but I also don't believe everything anyone tells me - God gave me a brain to use, not to neglect.

Did you read that scripture about what Jesus taught? Or is that insignificant, in relation to prophets' "stewardship"?

Edited August 7, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[HeatherAnn]

I listen to the Holy Ghost first.

I'd say that's the best thing...

I think we are more in tune, when we combine our best efforts in awareness, with being humble & open enough to promptings of the spirit.

There are many ways to be aware...

Physically, emotionally (& discerning between spiritual guidance), intellectually, politically, financially, psychologically, socially, etc.

I also think keeping the spirit involves being still (to know God), inner stillness - peace, explored & cleansed shadow self issues...

& harmony between ideals & actions - HOPE & faith which are part of love... striving for what is best, through trial & error.

I feel the spirit, or inspired most, when enthusiastically resonating.

Edited August 7, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[Deborah]

Your attitude scares me. It's the same attitude that produces harmful behavior - by "choosing to follow" an imperfect person instead of God.

Seriously, you need to learn to read. Where in anything I have said is there an implication of blindly following. Following someone means we pay heed to their words. I know when certain things apply and when they don't. Under what twisted logic does it follow if one follows the prophet that he/she therefore doesn't study and pray on his own? So you are saying we should listen to someone who comes on a board and starts spouting his interpretation of scripture over what the prophets have been telling us for years, and that isn't harmful?

[HeatherAnn]

Seriously, you need to learn to read. Where in anything I have said is there an implication of blindly following. Following someone means we pay heed to their words. I know when certain things apply and when they don't. Under what twisted logic does it follow if one follows the prophet that he/she therefore doesn't study and pray on his own? So you are saying we should listen to someone who comes on a board and starts spouting his interpretation of scripture over what the prophets have been telling us for years, and that isn't harmful?

Actually I'm suggesting you think through everything, including what I tell you.

You mentioned you don't try to understand Revelations, & instead just follow the prophet because it's "easier."

I imagine Thomas Monson, or whoever follows him as prophet are good people, but they are not perfect, nor can or should they guide every member of this world-wide church's unique lives.

I respect & follow many of the suggestions they've made, that make sense to me... like:

Reserve Mondays for Family Home Evening, continue to court your spouse (not so good at that one, but it's a team effort), If possible - moms be full time moms, keep a journal, don't smoke or chew tobacco nor drink alcohol, dress modestly, don't disfigure your body with tatoos or excessive piercings (since your body is a temple), seek out truth whereever it may be found, love one-another... etc..

However, there are some teachings I don't agree with... like taking scriptures too literally & not internalizing them (similar to Matt 23:13) - which limits urgently needed healing, demanding too much with fear & shame - which may explain why UT is #1 in USA in anti-depressant use, racial prejudice expressed, male chauvinistic teachings (neglecting to honor Heavenly Mother, temple sealings discrepencies etc.)...

As mentioned, keeping & heeding the spirit, along with awareness, is most important.

Edited August 7, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[Deborah]

From Elder Ballard Last Days

Some Latter-day Saints may not be aware of it, but there are “false prophets” rising within and without the Church. They believe they have had revelations, that they know something the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles don’t know. We need to be very careful of such people. Members who are ever approached by anyone claiming special authority or revelation from God outside the sustained priesthood authority should turn and run from them as fast as they can. The Savior said that in the last days even the very elect could be pulled away from the truth by such false prophets....

Keep your eyes riveted on the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We will not lead you astray. We cannot. Let me tell you why. Every week that I am in town, I attend a meeting of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve on the fourth floor of the Salt Lake Temple. If you could see the process by which decision and direction comes from that meeting, you would have a deep sense of confidence and comfort that the will of the Lord is being taught by the leaders of the Church.

He concludes that bad things will happen but if we put our faith in Jesus Christ we will have peace. That is where I put my faith, but I know that the Lord also directs his Prophets and Apostles. I don't know that he directs anyone else.

[Deborah]

Actually I'm suggesting you think through everything, including what I tell you.

Oh, my gosh. I can't believe you are preaching this to me. Where in anything I have said did I even imply that I don't. Why do you think we are even having this discussion?

You mentioned you don't try to understand Revelations, & instead just follow the prophet because it's "easier."

I did not say this. I was responding to a poster who said that people aren't doing what they are supposed to do anyway "So, I would offer that even a cursory understanding of Revelation would be better than hiding from Revelation because we think it is too difficult to understand, or because we have not been specifically told to study it". The point I made was that if people aren't doing what the are supposed to do anyway why would they read Revelation when it's easier to listen to the prophet, which they aren't doing either. I btw have read Revelation many times but I don't make it the focus of my life and anyone who does is going to get off track.

[volgadon]

So you are saying we should listen to someone who comes on a board and starts spouting his interpretation of scripture over what the prophets have been telling us for years, and that isn't harmful?

"Don't follow leaders, watch your parking meters" comes to mind.

[HeatherAnn]

From Elder Ballard Last Days

He concludes that bad things will happen but if we put our faith in Jesus Christ we will have peace. That is where I put my faith, but I know that the Lord also directs his Prophets and Apostles. I don't know that he directs anyone else.

Deborah,

Haven't you ever felt promptings of the spirit? You know, like a intuitive feeling to say or do something... or more often, just a feeling of love, like everything is fine.

Rememer the scripture Joseph Smith read that helped inspire him to communicate with God directly, instead of going through the many conflicting church leaders?

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him as of God, that giveth to all men liberally, & upbraideth not; & it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering... " -James 1:5-6

I want to remind you to always... ask God. Never take anybody's word for anything - but test it out in your mind, & sometimes in action, to see if it resonates within - & with God's will.

Maybe we are in the "last days" - there could be some big bomb or astronomical issue that wipes us out completely. Who knows!

We do know that all of the prophesies of the "last days" have been occuring for many years. We are more aware of them now, because of media.

I believe in preparing for the worst, but hoping for the best. Yet, I also believe that Jesus did not teach of the "last days" as much as the kingdom of God within us right NOW.

"NOW" is all there is anyway. How can you now feel the spirit yesterday, or tomorrow? You only can feel it NOW.

Consider these scriptures...

"From that time Jesus began to preach, & to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (NOW)." - Matt 4:17

"The time is fulfilled, & the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, & believe the gospel." - Mark 1:15

"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." - Matt 6:10 ("Come" is present tense.)

One thing that drives many of us crazy, is fearing the future... "last days" etc. We want to know that everything will be ok... or at least know what to expect. So, we interpret the scriptures & church leaders' words to be fortune-telling. I believe we do have potential for psychic gifts, as Jesus had, but I don't think there's one blanket foretelling for everyone. Free agency is too important for that. What's more important is to take these spiritual teachings & liken them to us, so we can have the spirit with us. Then, along with awareness, we'll be able to heal ourselves, progress in amazing ways & also help others.

[Deborah]

Deborah,

Haven't you ever felt promptings of the spirit?

Sigh. I give up. No, I've never felt the promptings of the spirit. Good grief. What a question. I am still at a loss to understand how you would assume I haven't.

[HeatherAnn]

Deborah...

It was just minutes ago that you wrote...

He concludes that bad things will happen but if we put our faith in Jesus Christ we will have peace. That is where I put my faith, but I know that the Lord also directs his Prophets and Apostles. I don't know that he directs anyone else.

That is where you implied that you never received any spiritual direction from the Lord.

And from the way your attitude comes across in your posts, I believe you.

[Deborah]

That is where you implied that you never received any spiritual direction from the Lord.

Oh, my gosh. "Anyone else" refers to other people. I know what he tells me and I have faith that he guides his Prophets and his Apostles. I don't know that anyone else who tries to preach receives the same spiritual direction. Is that any clearer?

[HeatherAnn]

Oh, my gosh. "Anyone else" refers to other people. I know what he tells me and I have faith that he guides his Prophets and his Apostles. I don't know that anyone else who tries to preach receives the same spiritual direction. Is that any clearer?

Still, "other people" - including church leaders, should NEVER come before direct spiritual guidance harmonized with reason.

Edited August 7, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[Skylla]

Deborah...

It was just minutes ago that you wrote... That is where you implied that you never received any spiritual direction from the Lord.

And from the way your attitude comes across in your posts, I believe you.

HeatherAnn:

This is extremely insulting and uncalled for.

Skylla

[HeatherAnn]

This is extremely insulting and uncalled for.

As is this...

Seriously, you need to learn to read.

Still, I'll do my part... I apologize.

[Franktalk]

Hi all,

The passion displayed in some of the post here indicate that many wish to do the things that God wishes them to do. I am sure that everyone has some connection to the Spirit and I don't think that anyone is saying otherwise. We all experience God differently and I have the highest respect for all of the LDS I have met. That is why I am a member. I could see the Holy Spirit acting in many of the people I came across. And those I did not see it does not mean it was not there. And if it was not today does not mean that tomorrow that person will be more filled than me. I have also seen the Spirit in others that are not LDS. God wishes to save all. That I know is true.

I am not suggesting that the leadership of the Church is not doing their job. I am suggesting that we are not doing our job. The Church is not a group of leaders, the Church is the whole of the members. If any Church leader goes astray the Church has a duty to remove that leader. This is clearly laid out in scripture. I see no need to remove anyone but that does not mean tomorrow I will feel the same. I trust God completely. I trust my ability to interpret easy scripture pretty well. I trust leadership but will check everything they say against scripture. If a day comes in which the Spirit tells me that someone in leadership needs to be removed I will do everything I can to remove them. If in the process I make people angry so be it. My master is God and not men of flesh.

I know that there are some who do what leadership tells them and I have no issue with that. But I know that our salvation does not come from the Church but from God. Just why do you think that God sets up a Church on the earth with Priests and leaders? It is so we can do the things He has told us to do on this earth. To do this we need others who have authority and knowledge. We need leaders so we are not a Church of confusion. But we don't need leaders to tell us how to talk to God. We look to God we don't look to the Church. Once any group of people look to the leaders beyond what should be it sets a terrible stage. Our leaders should fear doing anything wrong and fear being thrown out by the members. But mostly they should fear God. But God fixes things in His own time. Sometimes very slow in our eyes. I am sure He wishes us to fix things. How can we learn from this fleshly existence if we sit back and wait for someone else to act? God gives us the scripture, He gives us the rules, He gives us a structure to take care of business if we need to. Let me repeat what I have said, I see no need to remove anyone. But that does not stop me from knowing that it is I that has been given the commandment to fix a broken Church. That "I" is the greater Church, the members.

Now when I talked about a need to read scriptures and how some have avoided the Book of Revelation I place most of that responsibility on members not leadership. It is my responsibility to read all of the scriptures. It is not the responsibility of the leadership to read scripture and tell me what it says. We all hear the leaders talk about scripture and we all enjoy how some add a personal touch to some lessons. And we find ourselves nodding our head in agreement. But that agreement should come from self knowledge. They should be confirming what we already know. How can we know if they are telling us the truth unless we do our own homework? So when it comes to the end times the leadership will say many things. Are we ready to nod our head in agreement because we have done our own homework? What I see is a lack of knowledge in general. I would have enjoyed a different response to this thread. I would have loved to hear that I was wasting my time because everyone was way more into the end time prophecy than I am. But I get instead some comments that it doesn't matter, or I am waiting to be told what to do. Sadly this is what I expected.

Edited August 8, 2011 by Franktalk

[jo1952]

From Elder Ballard Last Days

He concludes that bad things will happen but if we put our faith in Jesus Christ we will have peace. That is where I put my faith, but I know that the Lord also directs his Prophets and Apostles. I don't know that he directs anyone else.

Hi Deborah (and to all the readers),

Acts 2:16-21 (emphasis added)

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

I point out the above because there will ALSO be true prophets and true teachers whom God is going to raise up in the latter days. I believe they will come from both inside and outside of the Church because Truth is everywhere - not just in the LDS Church. So, from the above scripture we are being taught that the Lord WILL be directing others concerning the latter days; NOT just the Prophet of the Church and the Apostles of the Church. Indeed, the Holy Ghost is going to be poured out upon ALL flesh.

Just as in the ancient church when Jesus and the Apostles taught that there were already false prophets and false teachers IN the church, I believe there are already false prophets and false teachers among ALL believers today (and there always have been) - including within the LDS Church; exactly as Elder Ballard stated. BTW, I was unaware of this particular talk which Elder Ballard gave; yet I already knew about the false teachers and false prophets within and without the LDS Church. HOW could I already know this? Because I was taught this in my personal study of scripture and allowing AND asking for the guidance of the Holy Ghost whenever I study scripture (which I LOVE to do on a daily basis - there are so many "a hah" moments as the Holy Ghost reveals new understandings, aren't there? We are soooooo blessed!!!!). Thus, when I read the portion of Elder Ballard's comments which you shared, I KNEW he was speaking Truth. Now, if I didn't already know these things to be True, I would probably have been a little shaken up by his comments, and would have taken this issue to Father in prayer to find out personally for myself if this was True or not.

I think what has happened in this thread is this. It appears that you and some other posters have, with preconceived concepts, automatically placed Franktalk's comments into a category which caused you to think he came here to "preach" personal revelation. Yet I do not see anything NEW in his concerns; rather, they are a repetition of what is already being taught AS a concern in existing revelation; specifically the Book of Revelation. So, when I combine what I see through your comments and those of others, with what Elder Ballard said, I perceive that you think, or fear, that Franktalk is one of the false teachers. But I do not see that this has been his purpose at all. I DO see that his concern appears to be a warranted one. Additionally, I am concerned because there will be TRUE teachers and TRUE prophets being raised up in the latter days. You and others have exhibited a frightening desire to just wave away a person's comments because you have assumed he is a false teacher - even though scripture teaches us that there will be TRUE teachers raised up in the latter days. I am especially saddened because his comments weren't even anything NEW - IOW, his comments weren't from personal revelation.

We are going to have both false AND true teachers, and both false AND true prophets making themselves known to us in the latter days. I think there is danger thinking that our Church leaders could NEVER lead us astray. Now, this applies to both the end times as well as TODAY. I have seen members of the Church who have placed our Prophets and leaders upon pedestals - believing that they will be infallible in their leading. Then they see something done, or hear something said, which shows that our leaders ARE fallible. Because the member has placed them on a pedestal (which, unfortunately places the leader BETWEEN the member and Father), their personal faith is severely shaken, and they fall away from the Church. Sometimes they will just go to another denomination; but sometimes, they lose their faith in God.

Our trust and faith should be placed FIRST in Father and our relationship with the Holy Ghost. Our trust and faith in the Prophet and the leaders of the Church should come second; otherwise, we can be placing our faith in jeopardy should a Prophet or leader fall. As far as the end times are concerned, it could be hazardous for us to have a Prophet or leader fall if our faith is not FIRST grounded in Father and Jesus Christ, as this will be the time when the adversary will be manifesting the very same miracles used by Jesus and the Apostles. With both false and true teachers and prophets arising (and who are already among us), I feel that Franktalk's concerns are appropriate and justified.

Remember that even the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon ALL fell away. Some of the first Apostles chosen by Joseph Smith ALSO fell away. Man is fallible, even though God is NOT. But man still has his free agency - God will not take that away from him. In light of the fact that the end times will be the most perilous of times since man first came to the earth, it behooves US to take personal responsibility not only for ourselves, but also for teaching others what to look for and how to be prepared for the events which will soon be upon us.

Love,

jo

[Silver Girl]

Deborah...

It was just minutes ago that you wrote... That is where you implied that you never received any spiritual direction from the Lord.

And from the way your attitude comes across in your posts, I believe you.

I have been watching this conversation with interest, and Deborah did not imply that she has NEVER recieved any Spiritual direction from the Lord... Not at all!!

She simply stated that she KNOWS where the Prophet and the 12 get their inspiration... It is next to improssible to know where some random person who chooses to post on an online forum gets their inspiration... The people who post here are often nameless avatars on a screen...

That is why we are taught to follow the 1st Presidency and the 12... Of course we are supposed to listen for the discerning voice of the Spirit to guide us!! Of course we are supposed to study it out in our minds and hearts and prayers...

No where, in all of Deborah's posts did she suggest that we are supposed to blindly give up our Agency and follow these men with no thoughts of our own... And at no time are we to substitute their judgement for our own, and ignore the promptings of the Spirit...

For you to suggest that she implied that we should do so is just... Well, it is very sad...

*Attempting To Play Nice In The Sandbox*

Silver Girl

[HeatherAnn]

SilverGirl,

In case you didn't notice, I apologized already...

Yet, to reply to your post, Deborah did in fact, write that it would be "much easier to just do what the living prophet says" than to study Revelations.

So you think that people who already aren't doing what they are supposed to be doing will study the Book of Revelation? Believe me it's much easier to just do what the living prophet says.

Free agency involves studing things out for oneself, using one's power of awareness (intellectualy & spiritually) to make the best possible interpretation & decision.

Following what someone says instead of studying it out for yourself is giving up some of your free agency.