Are we in the last days? asks Joseph Tkach. Yes, he says -- and we have been for almost 2,000 years. The last days were already here in the first century (Acts 2:16-17). "In these last days," we are told in Hebrews 1:2, "God has spoken to us by his Son." "The last days" began with Jesus Christ! See Are we in the last days?

What is the main purpose of prophecy? Is it simply to tell us the future so we can say "I told you so"? No, biblical prophecy has a much more important purpose: it points us toward salvation in Jesus Christ. Read about it in A balanced approach to prophecy, by Michael Morrison.

How can we understand Bible prophecy? Well-meaning prophecy buffs have brought disrepute on the gospel with erroneous predictions and misguided dogmatism. Because of such misuse of prophecy, some people ridicule the Bible and scoff at Christ. The failed predictions should be a sober warning that sincerity is no guarantee of truth. We should not need exciting predictions to make us serious about spiritual growth and Christian living. A knowledge of dates and other details (even if they turn out to be correct) is no guarantee of salvation. Our focus should be on Christ, not on assessing the credentials of potential Beast powers. People need to repent and trust Christ whether or not his return is near. See The end, by Michael Morrison

What is this place called "heaven"—or is it a place? Solomon knew that heaven could not contain God, and yet it is nevertheless where he lives (1 Kings 8:27-30). Scripture shows that although God is everywhere, he has chosen to dwell in heaven—or perhaps we should say that humans have used the word heaven to refer to the divine realm. Is this where we go when we die? Read about it in Heaven, by Joseph Tkach.

If we take Jesus seriously when he teaches about grace and mercy, we should also take him seriously when he teaches about punishment. After all, mercy doesn't mean much unless we are escaping something. Jesus warned us about the horror of hell, but he never explains in detail the fate of the wicked. See Hell, by Joseph Tkach.