Kamloops This Week: Letters to the Editor
British Columbia, Canada
Published 2008 Dec 26
Editor’s title: Rest assured, Kamloops, the stars will not tumble from the sky
Editor:
Re: Narayan Mitra’s Faith column of Dec. 19 (‘An apocalyptic Christmas’):
Mitra’s prediction, “the whole heaven will roll up like a scroll and all the stars will fall out of the sky” demonstrates a serious misunderstanding of biblical language.
I would like to assure KTW readers that the stars are going to remain exactly where they are.
Notice how Deborah and Barak described their defeat of Sisera:
“The earth quaked…The stars fought from heaven, from their courses they fought against Sisera” (Judg. 5:4, 20, NASB throughout).
Surely, no one believes this took place literally.
Likewise, David gave credit to God and used fantastic heavenly signs to describe his military victory over Saul:
“Then the earth shook and quaked…Smoke went up out of His nostrils, and fire from His mouth…He bowed the heavens also, and came down…The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire. He sent out His arrows, and scattered them, and lightning flashes in abundance…the foundations of the world were laid bare.”
For the complete description, see Ps. 18:7-15.
Isaiah predicted the fall of Babylon saying, “the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light” (Isa. 13:10).
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon in 539 b.c.
In Matt. 24:29, Jesus used precisely the same language to predict his return to destroy the temple at Jerusalem.
He fulfilled his promise in a.d. 70.
All of the above refer to actual historical events; however, their biblical descriptions are purposely exaggerated for effect, not intended to be taken literally.
Apocalyptic language is often used to emphasize visitations of God, and it is assumed the reader will be informed and mature enough to understand its usage.
However, today, because of the appalling ignorance of so many theologians, millions of Christians believe utter nonsense regarding the future.
For more on biblical apocalyptic language, especially as it relates to the Book of Revelation, I recommend When Was the Millennium? at Preterism.info.
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
Published 2008 Oct 14
Editor’s title: Only God is reverend
Editor:
Re: (‘Ensure your pastors live God’s word,’ Sept. 26):
It was disappointing to see your Faith columnist, Keith Kirkwood, refer to himself as reverend.
That title is used only once in the Bible. However, it does not refer to a man; it is a description of God: “holy and reverend is his name” (Ps. 111:9b, KJV).
Here is how the Bible describes men: “…every man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Ps. 39:5b).
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jer. 17:9).
Before composing his first sentence, Kirkwood has seriously contradicted the Bible by claiming for himself a title that is the exclusive property of God Almighty.
Kirkwood admonishes Christians to let our lives be “molded by the Scriptures,” and states we should hold our pastors accountable by ensuring they “live God’s word.”
I am holding Kirkwood accountable.
I respectfully challenge him to reconsider his use of a sacred title that belongs only to God.
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
Published 2008 May 04
Editor’s title: Global food crisis points to Jesus’ return
Editor:
I would like to comment on the food shortages that are happening around the world.
It is even being felt in parts of North America.
The Bible speaks of indicators that will precede the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
One such indicator is global famine.
According to Revelation, chapter 6 and Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus said that global famine would come upon the world prior to His return.
Recently, I have read new reports that a possible food authority or task force is in the works at the United Nations.
This food authority might possibly set up a new economic system for controlling food distribution in the future.
This could lead to the fulfillment of Revelation 13, requiring people to receive a mark in their forehead or right hand (vs. 16-17 KJV) in order to buy and sell.
It is clear the world is facing a problem with the availability and cost of food.
I believe the Lord Jesus Christ is coming soon.
Please confess that you are a sinner before Him and invite Him to be your personal saviour today.
Carl Hagen
Kamloops
Published 2008 May 09
Editor’s title: Second Coming has happened
Editor:
I am wondering how long letter writer Carl Hagen (‘Global food crisis points to Jesus’ return,’ May 4) will continue predicting the return of Jesus Christ, which was supposed to be fulfilled in the first century.
Yes, Jesus predicted famine to precede his return (Matt. 24:7). However, his Second Coming was supposed to take place within his own generation (Matt. 10:23; 16:26-28; 24:34) and would coincide with the destruction of Jerusalem’s temple (Matt. 24:2).
It is well known the Romans demolished the temple in a.d. 70.
Did any famine take place preceding that event?
Yes! The Bible even documents it:
“And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth [famine] throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.” (Acts 11:27-28, KJV)
Most commentaries point out that “the world” in this case refers to the Roman Empire. The famine predicted was never supposed to be “global.”
I am glad Hagen wants people to turn to Jesus Christ as their saviour.
However, I recommend we evangelize with a message that is based on a solid understanding of Scripture, not biblical predictions taken out of context.
The famine prediction was fulfilled, and so was the Second Coming. It all related to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
For more information, go online to preterism.info.
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
Published May 21, 2008
Editor’s title: No need to invent gods to explain ourselves
Editor:
Re: Carl Hagen’s letter of May 4 (‘Global food crisis points to Jesus’ return’):
For the last 2,000 years, there have been people predicting the imminent return of Jesus Christ and quoting passages from the Bible to bolster their claims.
Nothing new here — Hagen has lots of company, but not the type of company I would care for.
As a rule, I try to avoid the deluded and the gullible as they have been brainwashed by their leaders and are immune to reason.
If I point out to them the inconsistencies and contradictions in their holy book, they can only say: “I don’t care what you say. I believe anyway and you can’t make me change my mind.”
Their beliefs might make them feel good, but their beliefs are not proof of the existence of their bronze-age god.
Little children find comfort in believing in Santa Claus and Snow White, so does that belief make those characters real?
Of course, it could be argued that at least Santa comes around once a year, and that you can see Snow White at Disneyland…
Man is the master of his own fate.
There is no need to invent gods or demons to explain why we behave the way we do.
Morality has nothing to do with religiosity.
Hagen seems to like quotations, so here is one for him:
“The first priest was the first rogue who met the first fool.” — Voltaire.
C.B. Villeneuve
Kamloops
Published May 30, 2008
Editor’s title: Christians will accomplish more by spreading positive messages
Editor:
When letter writer Carl Hagen (‘Global food crisis points to Jesus’ return,’ May 4) suggested that food shortages around the world signal the imminent return of Jesus Christ, I responded by recommending we evangelize with a message that is based on a solid understanding of Scripture, not biblical predictions taken out of context (‘Second Coming has happened,’ May 9).
Now, letter writer C.B. Villeneuve (‘No need to invent gods to explain ourselves,’ May 21) reacts to Hagen’s warning with ridicule and disdain, comparing God to Santa Claus and Snow White.
While I definitely don’t share Villeneuve’s contempt for the creator, his letter is instructive.
This is precisely the kind of negative result Christians can expect when they attempt to frighten people into repentance by resurrecting ancient apocalyptic prophecies that met their fulfillment in the Roman destruction of Judea in the first century.
It would be far more helpful to preach a message offering something infinitely more positive: eternal life.
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28, NKJV).
That would be more inspiring and exciting than stale prophecies about “the beast,” which referred to Emperor Nero.
Incidentally, Villeneuve claimed that “Man is master of his own fate.”
Really?
I doubt Villeneuve has figured out a way to obtain eternal life when he departs the present one.
On the other hand, those who accept the sacrifice of Jesus have the gift of eternal life assured.
Also, Villeneuve’s appeal to Voltaire (1694-1778) in his closing comment falls flat.
Voltaire once predicted the Bible would be forgotten within 100 years.
Now, well over 200 years after his death, it appears it was Voltaire who was the “fool.”
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
Published 2008 Jan 30
(Editor’s title) IS THE END NIGH? SCRIPTURE SAYS IT JUST MAY BE
Editor:
New B.C. driver’s licenses will be embedded with a microchip for people wanting to travel to the United States.
And although they are going to initially be voluntary, what will it lead to in the future?
The Bible states there is going to be a new economic system in place soon, one that will require people to either have a mark on their forehead or on their right arm in order to buy and sell (Revelation 13:16-18).
The Bible also tells what the consequences will be for receiving that mark (Revelation 14:9-11, KJV).
Recently, I learned that several businesses in Kamloops are offering Mastercard’s Paypass to customers for purchases.
The time is soon approaching when plastic cards with microchips will be replaced with microchips in humans.
U.S.-based Somark Innovations is working on making a biocompatible ink tatoo with chipless radio frequency identication functionality.
Carl Hagen
Kamloops
Published: 2008 Feb 03
(Editor’s title) THE END IS NOT NIGH, DESPITE INTERPRETATION
Editor: Re: Carl Hagen’s letter of Jan. 30 regarding Bible prophecy (‘Is the end nigh? Scripture says it just may be’):
Here we go again.
Will people ever cease from quoting the Bible out of context?
Hagen raises the issue of increasing government invasion into our private lives and claims it was predicted in the Book of Revelation.
He claims it will lead to microchips embedded in our foreheads and arms.
It may very well end up that way; however, it has nothing to do with the Bible.
Revelation was intended for a first-century audience.
Hagen failed to mention that its prologue states the book’s purpose: to show its readers “things which must soon take place” (chapter 1:1, New American Standard Bible) because “the time is near” (verse 3).
The prophecy ends with the same timing indicator: “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near” (chapter 22:10).
So, the entire book was intended for people in the first century, not for us in the 21st century.
Please visit preterism.info for more information on fulfilled Bible prophecy.
Michael Fenemore
Kamloops
Published 2006 Jun 04
(Editor’s title): PROPHECIES FULFILLED
Editor: Faith columnist Narayan Mitra continues to preach a future Second Coming (‘Celebrating a real celebrity,’ May 26), even though Jesus and the apostles made it absolutely clear in Scripture that Christ’s return would take place in the first century. (See Were the Apostles False Prophets? at www.preterism.info).
Mitra writes that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
However, Jesus said the kingdom would be “at hand” when the temple was destroyed (Luke 21:31, KJV). That occurred in a.d. 70, almost 2,000 years ago.
Mitra claims that “we are called to prepare the world for Jesus’ return by preaching the gospel to every nation, even to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1:8).”
However, Paul considered that command already fulfilled in the first century: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Rom. 10:16-18, NIV, written c. a.d. 57).
How was that possible? Simply because when they used the term “all the world” in the first century, they were referring to the Roman Empire, not the globe.
In fact, the NIV has made an attempt to correct the popular misunderstanding. See Luke 2:1, NIV; Acts 11:28, NIV. For more on how the gospel was preached to the whole world by a.d. 57, see Was the Gospel Preached to the Whole World? at www.preterism.info.
Preterism is the belief that all Bible prophecy has been fulfilled.
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
Published 2006 Jun 16
(Editor’s title): SECOND COMING IS COMING
Editor: Re: Michael Fenemore’s letter of June 4 (‘Prophecies fulfilled’):
I believe Fenemore is mistaken in his interpretation of Bible prophecy. With respect to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, I believe it is still in the future, and it will be literal, as was the first coming. The Bible teaches that.
I believe there are many signs of Christ’s return all around us. To name a few, there is the re-establishment of the nation of Israel. Another sign is the possible creation of a global government, including the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument, beginning in 2007, the Shanghai Co-operation Organization, the Organization of American States and the African Union.
Finally, there is the rise of implantable and other global tracking and identification technologies in reference to Revelation 13.
Fenemore makes reference to the New International Version Bible.
I would like to issue a brief warning concerning the NIV. It was translated from a critical Greek text produced by the United Bible Society and co-edited by Jesuit Carlo Martini.
The King James Version and the NIV come from two different lines of Hebrew and Greek. I would strongly recommend sticking to the KJV, as it has stood the test of time for more than 300 years.
Carl Hagen
Kamloops
Published 2006 Jul 07
(Editor’s title): FINAL WORD ON SECOND COMING
Editor: Re: Carl Hagen’s letter of June 16 (‘Second Coming Is Coming’):
I have demonstrated more than once in letters to the editor that Jesus and his apostles predicted a first-century Second Coming.
Nevertheless, Hagen writes: “I believe it is still in the future.”
He proceeds to offer a list of conditions present in our century that he feels proves his theory.
But what possible significance could conditions in the world today have regarding an event that Jesus plainly said would take place in his generation?
Hagen misses the point. If Jesus predicted an event that was to take place back then, and it failed to occur, how could a person have any faith that he will be able to make good on his promise today — 2,000 years late?
The only possible answer is that the Second Coming must have occurred on time in the first century, and that we have seriously misunderstood its nature.
Hagen suggests that I am using a faulty translation of the Bible (New International Version).
However, using the King James Version, which he prefers, one arrives at exactly the same conclusion. I strongly urge all Christians who want their faith to be based on solid truth rather than a fantasy to read the article Were the Apostles False Prophets? at http://www.preterism.info.
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
(Editor’s note: And with that, we bring to a close the tug-of-war debate involving the second coming of Jesus Christ. Both sides have had a good run at the issue. Further debating should be the face-to-face variety at a favourite coffee shop).
Published 2005 Oct 23
(Editor’s title): END OF THE WORLD? UH, NO
Editor: RE: Narayan Mitra’s faith column of Oct. 14 (‘Do Katrina, Rita, portend end times?’):
In his column, Mitra encouraged Christians to prepare for a future Second Coming of Christ by keeping “ready all the time for the Lord’s glory.”
What he failed to mention is that Jesus predicted his return would take place in the first century.
All the apostles taught the same thing because, of course, that’s what they had been taught by Jesus.
Furthermore, Christ said that the Holy Spirit would guide the apostles into “all truth” and show them “what is yet to come” (John 16:13, NIV).
So, whatever the apostles said was “to come” must have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. If the Second Coming failed to occur when it was supposed to, why would any sensible person believe that it will take place in the future?
To maintain the credibility of Jesus, the apostles, the Holy Spirit and the Bible, Christians have only one reasonable option: Jesus must have returned in the first century exactly when he said he would.
For those who are baffled as to how that could be possible, I suggest the short article Were the Apostles False Prophets? found at http://www.preterism.info.
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
Published 2005 Nov 04
(Editor’s title:) ALL WE KNOW IS NOBODY KNOWS
Editor: Why are people always attacking Christ and the Bible when they don't know what they are talking about?
Letter writer Michael A. Fenemore (‘End of the world? Uh, no,’ Oct. 23) writes that “Jesus predicted his return would take place in the first century.”
If that were true, Fenemore should quote the book and verse. It is, in fact, a false statement.
The fact is, Jesus himself did not know when his second coming would be, as in Matthew 24:36: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Don Rio
Kamloops
Published 2005 Nov 09
(Editor’s title:) SOME MORE SECOND THOUGHTS
Editor: Re: Don Rio’s letter in the Nov. 4 issue of KTW (‘All We Know Is Nobody Knows’):
In my previous letter I stated Jesus predicted a first-century Second Coming.
Rio called this “a false statement” and protested that I should have quoted “book and verse.”
I did. I directed readers to an article on my website which provides quotes.
Evidently, Mr. Rio did not read it.
Rio quoted Matt. 24:36: “No one knows about that day or hour…”
True, Jesus did not know the day or the hour. However, backing up only two verses we see he did know the generation — his generation: “I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened” (v. 34, NIV).
For honest Christians willing to face the abundant scriptural proof that Jesus and the apostles indeed did predict a first-century Second Coming, I repeat my previous recommendation. Please go to http://www.preterism.info and read Were the Apostles False Prophets?
Preterism is the belief that all Bible prophecy has been fulfilled. Far from “attacking Christ and the Bible,” as Rio put it, preterism powerfully defends the integrity of Jesus, the apostles, the Bible, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Michael A. Fenemore
Kamloops
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