I have heard a lot lately about the end of times. It seems that the events in the Middle East has spawned yet another round of folks who believe they see signs of the end of history and the emminent return of Jesus. Now I want to give a bit of a disclaimer first; before I give my two cents worth, I want to say that all of those folks who are preaching that are good people. I do not want anyone to think that somehow my statements are meant to ridicule or defame anyone with that set of beliefs. I think that you are entitled to your opinion and that we are both entitled to be different.
Currently, as I understand it, most of the end times theology is based on John Nelson Darby's theology of the 19th century. Darby was a "Dispensationalist" who believed that all of human history is told or foretold in the Bible and can be divided into certain time periods, called dispensations. According to Darby's understanding, the end times can be understood by watching the events that happen around the world but especially in the land of Israel. Okay, his theology makes sense because he uses prophecies in the Hebrew scriptures as well as the New Testament scriptures.
But, he seems to forget one important bit of evidence. Jesus told his disciples that there would always be wars and rumors of wars but that would not be the end, yet. Then he added that even he did not know when that would be.
It just seems to me that the God of the New Testament is more of a God of grace and forgiveness than one who is violent. Will God really come back and send all of our enemies to hell? Besides, if you listen to those who follow other gods or even Allah, we are the enemies. The God that I have seen and felt is a God of forgiveness and starting over.
There is one more thing. Even if this is the end of times, my responsibility and perhaps yours is to continue living and doing what Jesus has called me to do. As another UM minister, Mike Ramsdale, said this week:
"If a border dispute in Israel is a sign of biblical prophecy or if it is just a continuation of a long-standing dispute over a piece of land, it changes little about my responsibilities as a Christian, or even the when and how of His return. He will still return when He is ready, as I will die and stand before Him also when He is ready.
I must still pray every day.
I must still love my neighbor.
I must still live as He teaches me.
I must still live out my faith in our faithful God.
I must still share Christ with others.
I must still serve the least, the last and the lost.
I must still give, worship and grow in my knowledge of Jesus Christ.
I must still follow Christ. " (www.pastormike's thoughts.com)
I don't know about you, but I think Mike has it right. Regardless of what is coming, I have a job to do - a calling to continue living. Would you like to discuss it? I'd love to meet you, so why not come by on Sunday? We meet every week. Now where is my coffee? Allen
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Verifiable proof that "Armageddon" has already begun…
Hello Allen and all,
Remember the saying that "the truth will set you (and others) free?" How does "opening one's eyes to the truth" relate to "making the blind see again" or "shining the light" or "illuminating a subject?" Notice the inherent symbolism associated with this supposed New Testament "miracle?"
Pay close attention, profundity knocks at the door, listen for the key. Be Aware! Scoffing causes blindness...
Here's the key to proving that the rapture and related expectations are complete nonsense based on the failure to understand (and the purposeful confounding of) the ancient Hebrew symbology used to construct all of these prophecies. Consequently, Christian timelines and interpretations of these prophecies are verifiably wrong on many key points.
Did you ever consider that Christianity is the False Prophet symbolized in the Apocalypse, that Rome (Vatican/Papacy) is the so-called anti-messiah, and Jesus Christ is the false messiah? I have produced stunning and comprehensive proof that this is the true interpretation of pivotal prophecies long confounded by Christianity's founders and leaders. Recasting the symbolism of earlier Hebrew texts as literal events in the New Testament is one of the central deceptions associated with Christianity.
The symbolism of seven years (tribulation, etc.) refers to seven 360-year cycles on the Hebrew calendar. Ezekiel 39.9 is referring to the 10th to 16th cycles inclusive, while the Apocalypse symbolizes the 11th cycle (second temple period) until now, the beginning of the 17th cycle (seventh angel/star/seal, etc.). Greece (Alexander the Great) conquered the Persian Empire and Judea during the 10th cycle and Rome did so again during the 11th cycle. Both Ezekiel and the Apocalypse are symbolizing an overlapping period of time that starts during ancient Judea and ends now. Gog refers to Greco-Romans (...from the "isles"), which means Magog is Eurasia and the "army" that besets "Israel" for seven "years" refers to the activities of the nations of the Greco-Roman/Vatican Empire over the previous two-plus millennia.
It is completely wrong to interpret any of these prophecies as literal timelines and events. Unlike Christian assertions, they symbolize long periods of time, pivotal situations, and the flow of activities during that period. Remember, they were written by ancient Hebrew sages, not Romans or other Europeans, and Revelation is the most symbolic of all prophecies. Consequently, in this context, "years" and "times" are symbols for 360-year cycles on the Hebrew calendar and days symbolize literal years. Therefore "Judgement Day," "Great Day" and "in that day" all refer to a literal year-long period. Accordingly, the so-called "Seven Years Tribulation" began in ancient Judea and is now nearing its end, not starting. The nations and followers of all three faiths of Abraham have been thoroughly deceived by Rome during the previous age, which ended in year 2000 (5760). A new age began in 2001 (5761) and now the seventh angel has begun to sound!
Read the full article below:
Here is Wisdom
Peace...
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