The Preterist Report 2009
2009 Dec 31
Some people think they are important
For my last blog post of 2009, I would like to share a photo album from my Facebook account so we can all start 2010 with a healthy perspective. Click the first image to start, and then click the “Next” link in the upper right-hand corner just above each image. Click here.
And if all the evil in the world is getting you down, here’s one of my favorite photos to lighten things up if for only a moment.
6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7, ESV)
2009 Dec 28
Jews say no “second coming” in their Scriptures
The following is a summary of the Jewish argument:
- Jesus did not fulfill all Messianic promises;
- Christians admit this, but claim he will finish fulfilling them at his second coming;
- Jews retort that the concept of a second coming of the Messiah does not exist in their Scriptures.
Some might suggest that the Jewish objection is a problem for preterists as well since we teach that there was a second coming in a.d. 70. In reality, however, preterism is the only eschatological position able to withstand the Jewish attack.
Although most preterists will use the term second coming, including me, we really teach that the whole period from Christ’s conception to the destruction of Jerusalem was one package: a transition period between the covenants lasting approximately 70 years. It did involve Jesus ascending to heaven and later returning to take vengeance on the Jews and take his people to be with him in heaven. However, the preterist considers all these events to be the details of one comprehensive event: God’s intervention in human affairs to bring about salvation. The entire package may be referred to as the coming of the Messiah. The preterist can reasonably argue that this intervention covered a period of less than one century.
Futurists, however, present what can only be described as two comings since they are so far apart. This allows Jews to justifiably argue that Jesus could not be the Messiah since he did not fulfill Messianic promises in the first century when he should have.
Of course, ultimately, Jews will not accept preterism either because what they expect to occur literally (promises of land, a temple, etc.) we understand to be fulfilled spiritually. The Jewish objection, however, does at least serve to point out that the Old Testament predicts no extended period between the first and second comings.
Related article: Jews Reject Christian Futurism
2009 Dec 26
Enemies among us
During the Christmas season, most North Americans are preoccupied with what can only be called materialism and gluttony. (If you are preoccupied with the wonder of the Savior’s birth, then I am not referring to you.) While engaged in hectic Christmas shopping, Boxing Day sales and preparation for New Year’s reveling, it’s unlikely many are thinking about those who are plotting to take over our continent.
Who are these people? Answer: Muslim terrorists who have already claimed the United States as their country and are training at numerous camps in the United States so they will be ready to defend “their country” from the enemies of Islam, i.e., anyone who is not a Muslim; in other words, YOU. So you are now “the enemy” in your own country.
Video (9:29): click here
The following video is one I posted on April 26, 2009. It reveals the future for your children and grandchildren. I am reposting the entire entry below:
Is the end coming soon?
First, economic catastrophe. Now, a deadly flu outbreak; plenty of material for the futurist commentators. An increase in disasters always brings an increase in speculation that the second coming of Christ is about to take place in our generation.
However, there is one important point the prognosticators are wont to forget: Jesus said, “the end” would come only after the gospel had gone to the whole world (Matt. 24:14), and as I mentioned in my article Was the Gospel Preached to the Whole World?, missionaries report that 2.7 billion people remain unreached; more than the entire population of the earth in the first century.
Still, some predict we can reach all those people within our generation.
I have my own prediction: Not only will we not reach them, the number is destined to balloon over the next few years. To find out what I base that on, take seven minutes and thirty-one seconds to watch this video.
Most couples today consider our modern, reliable birth-control methods a blessing. They allow for smaller families so women can pursue careers traditionally available only to men. Today, most families have two incomes. So, less kids and more money available for stuff. What we have failed to take into account is that we have guaranteed the death of our Christian culture in North America and Europe. Muslim culture is destined to overwhelm us.
The only solution I can think of is found in Gen. 1:28: “…and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’” Otherwise, how does Sharia Law for your grandchildren sound?
(End of April 26, 2009 post.)
Some will argue, “There are already too many people in the world, so it is irresponsible to have a lot of children.” The two DVDs available for purchase at the following link totally debunk this argument. I own both discs and recommend them:
Demographic Winter (Be sure to watch the trailers.)
Related links:
Christian Action Network (Be sure to watch the trailer for Homegrown Jihad.)
Muslims in America: What you don’t know will kill American Culture
2009 Dec 07
Fulfilled! Magazine – It’s free!
In case you haven’t noticed, I advertise a preterist publication entitled Fulfilled! Magazine. Published quarterly, it is filled with articles by prominent preterists. It’s just about the best deal on the planet: it’s preterism, and it’s free. Subscribe here.
John MacArthur: Preterism a “serious interpretive blunder.”
John MacArthur’s introduction to the gospel of Matthew in The MacArthur Study Bible includes this comment:
The prophetic passages present a particular interpretive challenge. Jesus’ Olivet discourse, for example, contains some details that evoke images of the violent destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Jesus’ words in 24:34 have led some to conclude that all these things were fulfilled—albeit not literally—in the Roman conquest of that era. This is the view known as “preterism.” But this is a serious interpretive blunder, forcing the interpreter to read into these passages spiritualized, allegorical meanings unwarranted by normal exegetical methods. The grammatical-historical hermeneutical approach to these passages is the approach to follow, and it yields a consistently futuristic interpretation of crucial prophecies. (John F. MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible, NASB ed. [Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006], 1358.)
Definition: Historical-grammatical method
So preterists are guilty of not using the “grammatical-historical hermeneutical approach.”
Don’t be fooled by this bogus claim wrapped in academic jargon. Almost everyone would claim that he “strives to discover the Biblical author’s original intended meaning in the text.” The problem is people examine “the grammatical and syntactical aspects, the historical background, the literary genre as well as theological (canonical) considerations” and come to widely divergent conclusions based on their erroneous presuppositions. Using some “grammatical-historical hermeneutical approach” doesn’t guarantee anything. Those presupposing the failure of the New Testament’s numerous predictions of a first-century return of Christ will never understand the Olivet Discourse.
MacArthur says he studies the Bible “at least 25-30 hours a week, sometimes more” (John MacArthur in “John MacArthur: Unleashing God’s Truth—One Verse At A Time,” Bible Study Magazine, Nov. & Dec. 2009 [Bellingham: Logos Bible Software], 11). There’s a biblical description of the kind of study he engages in:
…always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. (2 Tim. 3:7, ESV)
Although I am not placing MacArthur in a category with the despicable sinners Paul is indicting in his letter to Timothy, sadly, the line quoted above clearly applies.
To read about a couple of MacArthur’s own “serious interpretive blunder[s],” click here.
Related articles:
Jesus Predicted a First-Century Return
The Apostles Predicted a First-Century Return of Christ
2009 Nov 24
Question: Since you believe that Christ’s kingdom, the Church, will continue to increase on earth forever, will there ever be a time when the Lord sends the Devil into the lake of fire thus making it so that he can’t tempt mankind on earth anymore? Or will he continue to tempt mankind on earth forever and not be sent to the lake of fire?
Answer: According to Rev. 20:10, the devil has already been thrown into the lake of fire:
…the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (ESV throughout.)
Verse 14 says death was thrown in as well.
I would suggest that all this should be understood from the perspective of Christians only. Death was finally “swallowed up in victory” for believers at the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:54). However, even though death was thrown into the lake of fire, for unbelievers, death still reigns since “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). This implies the devil still reigns over unbelievers.
It’s doubtful the current situation will ever change since all Bible prophecy has been fulfilled and the plan of salvation is complete. God has always used the devil as his tool, and I see no reason for that to change. I don’t throw away my tools.
Some preterists believe that Rev. 20:10 proves the devil has been rendered inoperative. If that were true, it would imply death has been rendered inoperative too. However, we know that death still reigns over unbelievers. So again, the implication is the devil still reigns over those who reject Christ.
No doubt, some will disagree with this interpretation. Ultimately, we can’t know for sure whether the devil is still operating because none of us knows what goes on in the spiritual realm. I would recommend we not be dogmatic regarding this subject because apocalyptic literature is not a firm foundation for establishing doctrine.
2009 Nov 17
Dr. David R. Reagan: “The signs of the times are upon us.”
I recently exposed David Reagan’s response to preterism as illogical and devoid of substance. Besides being illogical, Reagan is prone to making claims with no supporting evidence. In the following article, he claims that we can know Jesus will return soon because there has been an “increase in frequency and intensity” of earthquakes. How does he support this? He doesn’t. He simply expects everyone to believe it, and the sad part is most probably will.
Moreover, Reagan demonstrates an utter lack of appreciation for biblical figurative or apocalyptic language claiming that “when Jesus returns, the earth will experience the greatest earthquake in its history as every mountain is lowered, every valley is raised, and every island is moved (Revelation 16:17-21).” This interpretation is clearly bogus. The verses in Revelation are reminiscent of Isa. 40:4:
Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain. (ESV throughout.)
Should we take this literally? Consider what else Isaiah says about the arrival of the Messiah:
For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. (Isa. 55:12
This starts to get a little ludicrous. I hope Reagan doesn’t take this literally.
Now, you might think, surely, no one has ever taught that such things as mountains singing and trees clapping their hands will actually occur; but at least one prominent prophecy teacher has. Here’s what the late George Otis, Sr. said will take place during the so-called millennium:
Our hearts will melt when we hear all creation tuned up and praising God in full concert! Would you believe the hills and trees actually joining our chorus? They will, according to Isaiah 55:12. (George Otis Sr., Millennium: The 1000 Year Reign Of King Jesus, [Tulsa: Albury Publishing, 2000], 90)
Uh, no, George, I would not believe this. I don’t know whether David Reagan would concur with Otis, but to be consistent, he would have to.
(Questions: How could mountains sing if they had all been previously leveled? Likewise, how could they “drip with sweet wine” if they were flat [see Amos 9:13]?)
If an earthquake such as the one described in Revelation actually occurred, it would flatten every mountain on earth.
Hey! I live on a mountain! Here’s the view from the window of my study:
The video of my song I Love to Worship You opens with a rainbow scene from our sun deck. The mountain behind our house fills the entire background. It’s humongous! If all the mountains of British Columbia were destroyed and the uneven ground leveled, everyone in my area would be crushed to death. There wouldn’t be a single person left for Jesus to rule over in his kingdom. The power of the incredible earthquake required to wreak such havoc worldwide would probably kill everyone on earth.
Reagan’s bogus earthquake prediction qualifies him for my Delusion Alert list. However, I won’t need to place him on the list today because he’s already on it for his lame response to preterism.
Reagan’s article: Jesus is Coming Soon!
Related article: David R. Reagan
2009 Nov 11
David C. Pack to appear on History Channel tonight
I recently exposed David Pack as a false prophet. Tonight, he appears on the History Channel, presumably, because he is considered some sort of expert.
Time: 9:00 pm EST
Pack’s website: http://www.realtruth.org
Related article: David C. Pack
Jack Hayford inconsistent favoring an early date for Revelation
The following is taken from the introduction to Revelation from Hayford’s Bible Handbook:
Background and Date. Evidence within Revelation indicates that it was written during a period of extreme persecution of Christians, which possibly was that begun by Nero after the great fire that nearly destroyed Rome in July of A.D. 64 and continued until his suicide in June of A.D. 68. In this view, the book was written before the destruction of Jerusalem in September of A.D. 70 and is an authentic prophecy concerning the continuing suffering and persecution of Christians, which would become even more intense and severe in the years ahead. On the basis of isolated statements by the early church fathers, some interpreters date the book near the end of the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81–96), after John had fled to Ephesus (Jack W. Hayford and Thomas Nelson Publishers, Hayford’s Bible Handbook [Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995]).
Hayford says, “some interpreters date the book near the end of the reign of Domitian (A.D. 81–96).” It has been my observation that most commentators prefer the later date, and surely, Hayford knows this. It would appear then that Hayford strongly favors the earlier date describing support for the late date as “isolated.” However, there is tremendous inconsistency inherent in his position.
If, as I believe, the early date is correct, the predictions in Revelation clearly refer to the destruction of the Jews and the end of their relevance in terms of the plan of salvation. In chapter 19, we see Babylon (Old Jerusalem representing the Jews) divorced from God and destroyed for her adultery. Immediately afterward, the Lamb replaces her by marrying a new bride (New Jerusalem representing the church). As far as God is concerned, the Jews are DEAD! Their relevance is over. Anything occurring today relating to people who call themselves Jews (physically speaking) has nothing whatsoever to do with the plan of salvation which came to complete fulfillment at the return of Christ in a.d. 70.
So does Jack Hayford believe any of this? Absolutely not. As reported in my Sep. 30 blog post, Hayford is so blinded by his unswerving support for Jews and his belief in their future in the plan of God that he agrees not to preach the gospel to the lost when he goes to Israel. Actually, he would get kicked out of the country if he tried because the Christ-rejecting Israelis have made it illegal to proselytize, and Hayford dutifully agrees to obey the law. On the contrary, in Acts, we see that the apostles didn’t obey such laws of men. For more on this, scroll down to my Sep. 30 post.
Related articles:
Timeline: The Great Tribulation
Does the New Testament Teach “Replacement Theology?”
2009 Nov 05
We can predict the future
Obama has signed the hate crimes bill, and now the future of the United States of America can be predicted. For a five-minute video, click here.
2009 Oct 31
Did Bill Wiese visit Hell?
Bill Wiese says that in a vision, he spent 23 minutes in Hell. There are several videos of his testimony on YouTube and Google, and I have spent considerable time watching them. Wiese is obviously convinced he visited Hell, his wife believes him, and I must confess, his story is convincing; and scary!
I was riveted to one of the more lengthy videos when suddenly, he said this:
The Lord said, “Tell them I am coming very, very soon.” And he repeated himself. He said, “Tell them I am coming very, very soon.”
This shattered my concentration, and Wiese lost me. I simply don’t believe Jesus would say that. Christ’s return was supposed to take place in the first century, and I believe it did.
So what’s up here? Did Wiese really visit Hell? He’s not the only one. There are others who say they went to Hell, and one more I watched claimed Jesus told her to preach about her experience to prepare people for his coming.
I’m not sure what to think about this. Here are some links so you can look into it for yourself. Some of the videos are long, but as soon as they load far enough, you can drag the slider over to the appropriate spot to hear the claims about Christ coming.
In the first one, Wiese speaks for over an hour. If you have time, you might like to listen to everything up to 44:10. You will hear lots to think about! Click here.
Here is the link to his website: http://www.soulchoiceministries.org
In the next video, Mary Katherine Baxter says she went to Hell for three hours per night for 30 nights. Then she went to heaven for 10 nights. Now her mission is to preach about it. Here’s the reason Jesus supposedly gave for putting her through all this: “to win the lost and to let them know and prepare them for the coming of the Lord.” You will need to drag the slider ahead to 7:40 for this quotation. Click here.
Related article: Jesus Predicted a First-Century Return
2009 Oct 25
Matt. 10:23: Does Christ’s coming refer to his resurrection?
“…truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” (ESV)
Question: I’ve never heard of Preterism before. I have a question. Could the words “until the Son of Man comes,” refer to when Christ is crucified and resurrected? That is what I’ve always assumed. I’d like to hear your opinion.
Thank you, Chris.
Answer: I have never heard of this interpretation, but it sounds strained to me. I assume you’re referring primarily to Christ’s resurrection here, i.e., coming back from the dead or coming out of the tomb.
For your theory to be valid, you would need to find other places in the Bible clearly referring to Christ’s resurrection as a coming. I can’t think of any.
The Greek word for “comes” in Matt. 23:10 is ἔρχομαι (erchomai), the same word used in other places where Christ’s return is clearly the subject (see Matt. 16:28; 25:27). So it seems more reasonable to conclude the coming Jesus referred to was his second coming, not his resurrection.
2009 Oct 19
Did John measure a temple that didn’t exist?
That is what Dr. David R. Reagan teaches. Furthermore, he uses this point in a vain attempt to refute preterism.
2009 Oct 17
The Beast—666, the False Prophet and the Mark!
After the death of Herbert W. Armstrong in 1986 and the subsequent crumbling of his empire, most probably thought that was the end of it all.
2009 Oct 13
Who is a Jew?
Even Jewish experts can’t define the term Jew:
“We don’t fit any of the usual boxes and that is why we have so many problems explaining ourselves to other people, as well as to ourselves…We are something like a people, a civilisation…The question of identity is difficult. Ben Gurion, the founder of the Jewish state, apparently wrote to 400 scholars and asked them: ‘Who is a Jew and what is a Jew?’ I’m sure that he got 400 different answers.”
2009 Oct 12
The end of all things is at hand!
I never cease to be astonished that millions of Christians are following leaders who preach absolute nonsense. In the following video, Pastor David Wilkerson explains that Peter said, “the end of all things is at hand.” Then he says, “if it were true then, it’s all the more true now.”
What? That is ridiculous! But notice the huge crowd willingly sitting there listening to him. And then look at some of the comments on YouTube. It seems everyone thinks Wilkerson is right on. What is the matter with people? Why are all these Christians unable to get their brains in gear? I don’t know, but after many years of dealing with this, I am still shaking my head in disbelief.
Just yesterday, a woman scolded me for making negative comments about such men of God as David Wilkerson, Billy Graham, etc. She suggested that I am bringing judgment upon myself for judging my brothers. Let me be perfectly clear about my policy in this regard:
If someone is going to get up on a stage and make a major pronouncement in the name of God, it better be right because if it isn’t, I’m going to expose him and name him. I don’t care who he is. I expect to be treated the same way. I am just too fed up with preachers promoting illogical and unbiblical rubbish. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to put up with a fantasy just so we can all be nice brothers and sisters. The people I expose are all big boys and girls, and should be able to take some thoughtful, constructive criticism. If they can’t, they should get off the stage and take down their stupid videos.
You probably won’t be able to stomach the whole video, but I suggest you watch up to 2:06 where Wilkerson says we are living in “the last of the last days.” Ridiculous! A hundred years from now others will be saying the same thing.
Related article: David Wilkerson
2009 Oct 04
Does “every eye” include everyone on the planet?
John D. Morris
John D. Morris, President of the Institute for Creation Research, believes that Rev. 1:7 has not been fulfilled. However, “Christ will return,” he declares with confidence, and “Every eye shall see him.” Then he asks, “Who is included here?” He answers, “Certainly everyone living at the time, both Christian and non-Christian.”
So Christ is going to return “with clouds,” and everyone on planet earth will see him.
Morris carefully dissects the verse into four parts. However, he neglected to point out that there are issues with the Greek within the phrase “all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (KJV).
The Greek for “kindreds” is φυλή (phule). It is the same word used in Jas. 1:1:
James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. (NASB)
This refers to the 12 tribes of Israel, not all nations of the world, in which case the Greek would be ἔθνος (ethnos).
Secondly, “earth” is an unfortunate rendering since this English word has several shades of meaning. Most have assumed it refers to the entire globe here. However, a clump of earth can be held in one’s hand. A gardener might plant a seed in the earth and then cover it with earth. Our gardener would not have the globe in mind at all.
The word “earth” is γῆ (ge) in the Greek. It is translated “land” in other places:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah… (Matt. 2:6); Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel… (v. 20); The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali… (ch. 4:15); Now from the sixth hour darkness fell upon all the land until the ninth hour. (ch. 27:45)
In every case above, ge refers to the land of Israel or Judah, not the globe.
When we consider the timing mentioned in verse 3, “the time is near,” it becomes clear that verse 7 does not refer to a future coming viewed by everyone on earth. It describes something that occurred to the Jews in Palestine in the first century.
Related articles:
Did “every eye” See Christ’s Return?
2009 Sep 30
Evangelical Christian Zionists promise not to evangelize
May the day never come that I agree to stop preaching the gospel of salvation to the lost. But evidently, some prominent Christians like Jack Hayford don’t feel that way. He and his associates at International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem openly agree, “No Proselytizing!”
This clearly demonstrates that today’s Christian Zionism movement is radical and fanatical. It proves once again that supporting Israel will drive a Christian to insanity. Previously, I wrote that Pastor John Hagee has been so “blinded by his unswerving support for Israel” that he has openly denied that Jesus is the Messiah. Now Jack Hayford and thousands of others have agreed to shut their mouths from saying anything about Jesus to the lost so they can satisfy the Christ-rejecting Jews they virtually worship. Some might suggest that this can be called nothing else but a blatant denial of Jesus Christ. See Matt. 10:33. Christ’s apostles were imprisoned and told to stop preaching to Jews. They responded, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
2009 Sep 27
Will churches be forced to hire homosexuals?
Ted Pike says, “Jewish organizations are lobbying to make sure ENDA will require Christian churches to hire homosexuals in all non-spiritual positions (including church administration, business and education).”
World map of homosexuality laws and penalties…
The Delusion Alert list continues to grow
The following names have been added or their articles have been revised. For your convenience, each name will open in a new window or tab depending on your browser’s settings. This will allow you to close the new window when you’re finished reading and still have the blog window on the screen to continue down the list:
Added:
Kay Arthur
John D. Morris
Revised:
Joseph Tkach,
Jr.
Michael
Morrison
Greg
Albrecht
Ronald Weinland
Crystal Lewis
2009 Sep 10
Billy Graham: Christ is coming! Are you ready?
Billy Graham says, “Jesus’ return is imminent” — just as he’s been saying since 1934!
I recently reported that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has begun focusing on the “imminent” return of Jesus Christ. Now they have produced a TV special to warn multiple millions of this awesome event which is never going to take place (no longer online).
Promo graphic for TV special September,
2009
Let’s see, 2009 minus 1934......hmmm......75!
Billy Graham has been teaching that Christ’s return is imminent for 75 years!
If you lived on the east coast of Florida and heard that a hurricane was imminent, would you say, “Oh, that doesn’t mean anything; I think I’ll sit back and watch the Billy Graham TV special?” Or would you start boarding up your windows? I’m not sure what Graham would do, but I suspect he would turn his attention to his windows.
If you hear that a hurricane is imminent, I suggest you expect it to arrive very soon, and go buy some plywood. Normal people such as weather forecasters know what imminent means. It’s only futurists like Billy Graham who not only deny the first-century return of Christ, but also, think they have the right to distort the English language.
Related articles:
Jesus Predicted a First-Century Return
The Apostles Predicted a First-Century Return of Christ
2009 Aug 30
Eighty-thousand-year-old beads?
Do you believe that the earth is only 6,000 years old? Some archeologists clearly do not. They say beads found in Morocco are 80,000 years old.
The theory of evolution appears to be assumed here. The article refers to the beads’ owners as “early humans” as though they were some sort of missing link. Early to us perhaps; however, these people were intelligent enough to have a desire to ornament themselves, manufacture the ornaments and then sell or trade them to acquire items they regarded as having greater value. They sound a lot like us.
No missing link here. It’s still missing.
MacArthur’s delusion
John F. MacArthur has been added to the Delusion Alert list.
2009 Aug 27
Evangelicals more loyal to Israel than U.S. Jews
Mike Huckabee says, “generally, evangelicals are so much more supportive of Israel than the American Jewish community.”
Related article: Over 4,000 Pro-Israel Evangelicals Gather in D.C.
2009 Jul 08
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: three generations of pitiful delusion
Absolutely nothing predicted at the following link is ever going to come to pass. Underneath the topic Are You Ready for the End?, click on Franklin Graham’s video. Watch and cry: click here
Related article: Billy and Franklin Graham
2009 Jul 01
Update: Obama’s activities during sodomy month
White House: Search for Obamas’ Church Home Continues
Obama Pledges to Ally with Homosexuals for More “Progress”
“In his Monday remarks to the homosexual ‘Pride Month’ reception in the White House East Room, Obama said that he would move forward on the gay rights agenda, including putting open homosexuals into the U.S. military and repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. ‘I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration,’ he told them.” Source
The Defense of Marriage Act (Requires Adobe Reader.)
2009 Jun 04
A full month to celebrate sodomy
Obama Declares June LGBT Month (LGBT = Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender).
“He also said he is ‘proud’ to be the first president to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration.”
2009 Apr 26
Is the end coming soon?
First, economic catastrophe. Now, a deadly flu outbreak; plenty of material for the futurist commentators. An increase in disasters always brings an increase in speculation that the second coming of Christ is about to take place in our generation.
However, there is one important point the prognosticators are wont to forget: Jesus said, “the end” would come only after the gospel had gone to the whole world (Matt. 24:14), and as I mentioned in my article Was the Gospel Preached to the Whole World?, missionaries report that 2.7 billion people remain unreached; more than the entire population of the earth in the first century.
Still, some predict we can reach all those people within our generation.
I have my own prediction: Not only will we not reach them, the number is destined to balloon over the next few years. To find out what I base that on, take seven minutes and thirty-one seconds to watch this video.
Most couples today consider our modern, reliable birth-control methods a blessing. They allow for smaller families so women can pursue careers traditionally available only to men. Today, most families have two incomes. So, less kids and more money available for stuff. What we have failed to take into account is that we have guaranteed the death of our Christian culture in North America and Europe. Muslim culture is destined to overwhelm us.
The only solution I can think of is found in Gen. 1:28: “…and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’” Otherwise, how does Sharia Law for your grandchildren sound?
2009 Apr 11
Is God judging America?
Many Christians feel that God is judging America for her sins. Some even predict a nuclear attack. There is certainly a lot of sin to be seen, and tough economic times are upon us. However, a recent poll says that 82% of American adults believe that Jesus is the Savior of humankind. A full 79% believe he rose from the dead. Some might question the meaning of these results since the same poll found that “Among those who rarely or never attend church, 50% believe Jesus rose from the dead, 58% think he was the Son of God and 72% say he walked the Earth.” So, many of those professing to believe in Jesus don’t attend church on Sundays. But is this relevant? Did you know that there is not one example of a Sunday morning church service in the entire New Testament?
To read the full poll results, click here.
2009 Mar 18
Scholar claims Essenes not authors of Dead Sea Scrolls
…a scholar at Hebrew University, wrote in a book to be published next month that it is unreasonable to assume that observant Jews, as the Essenes are described, would not observe the Biblical commandment to “be fruitful and multiply.”
2009 Feb 06
Woodrow Kroll addresses preterism
Good news: Dr. Woodrow Kroll, commentator on the famous Back to the Bible broadcast, says he has many friends who are preterists. The bad news is Kroll clings to futurism. Here are a couple of reasons why he rejects preterism:
- “…those who are full Preterists, who believe everything is past, say that we are now living in the new heaven and the new earth. Now, here’s one of the reasons why I have trouble with that: I still take out my garbage once a week, you know…”
- “…those who believe that Christ has already come back in a.d. 70, that’s the Preterist belief, they can hardly fulfill the Lord’s command to keep watching until He comes…You and I can’t keep watching today for the Lord’s return if the Lord has already returned.”
He also says, “Our criteria for fellowship is not going to be whether or not we believe future is future or the future is past.” Good for him. However, many readers of this website who have been kicked out of churches or denied membership because of their preterist beliefs know firsthand that most churches do consider eschatological beliefs criteria for fellowship.
(Source article no longer online.)
2009 Jan 11
Was the gospel preached to the whole world?
This morning, the speaker at the local Baptist church alluded to the world situation and implied it was a sign Jesus is going to return soon. However, here’s a point that has probably not occurred to him:
In Matt. 24:14, Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Most Christians today think this refers to the entire globe. So if Jesus is coming, he certainly won’t come until his “witnesses” have covered the globe with the gospel. How close are we to this being accomplished?
Missionaries report that 2.7 billion people have still not been reached with the gospel. This enormous number is nine times the population of the earth at the time of Christ. So the task is not getting smaller, it’s growing daily. It’s more monumental than ever. Even with radio, TV and modern transportation methods Christians just can’t seem to catch up.
As if this wasn’t confounding enough to the futurist, I have proved that there is no such thing as a Christian “witness” today.
If you would like to know more, please read the latest revision of my article Was the Gospel Preached to the Whole World? It contains new information. If you’re using it for group Bible studies, you may want to replace your old version.
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