ChatterBank0 min ago
Are these the End Times?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14083809/site/news week/
The above link is to an interview with the author of the hugely successful book series "Left Behind". Basically, he believes that Jesus will return in our lifetime and the current fighting in the Middle East is testament to that.
I grew up in an evangelical church in the US and have seen, I believe, the first movie version of the books. I remember it scared me silly.
Now - if we believe that what is happening NOW in the MIddle East is predestined, how does this stand for peace in the region? Where does the current state of Israel stand in all this and if you are a Christian - is this the sort of message you are comfortable with?
The above link is to an interview with the author of the hugely successful book series "Left Behind". Basically, he believes that Jesus will return in our lifetime and the current fighting in the Middle East is testament to that.
I grew up in an evangelical church in the US and have seen, I believe, the first movie version of the books. I remember it scared me silly.
Now - if we believe that what is happening NOW in the MIddle East is predestined, how does this stand for peace in the region? Where does the current state of Israel stand in all this and if you are a Christian - is this the sort of message you are comfortable with?
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Don't worry Ed. I think you are getting yourself in a state over nothing. Every few years some minister, sect or denomination will see ' signs' that signal the end of the age and what happens - absolutely nothing.
I can�t say ever having heard of Tim Lahaye, but then there are numerous Tele-Evangelists, some of which are very good but some decidedly �iffy� making big bucks selling their ideas and thoughts to a huge and very eager audience. Having said that I have read the transcript�.. Interesting in parts, but he lost me when he digressed to speaking about Canadian/American hockey players.
Yes, we are living in the End Times, but then we have been for hundreds of years and could do so for another thousand. God's idea of time is totally different to ours. Remember this passage from 2 Peter 3:8 but do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. He knows what�s going on. The end of the age will come just at the right time and all our worrying and fretting will not hasten the day.
Great care must be also be taken in interpreting details concerning the apocryphal parts of the Bible as no accurate details are given, especially the timing of Jesus� return, so calm yourself�.all is well.
I can�t say ever having heard of Tim Lahaye, but then there are numerous Tele-Evangelists, some of which are very good but some decidedly �iffy� making big bucks selling their ideas and thoughts to a huge and very eager audience. Having said that I have read the transcript�.. Interesting in parts, but he lost me when he digressed to speaking about Canadian/American hockey players.
Yes, we are living in the End Times, but then we have been for hundreds of years and could do so for another thousand. God's idea of time is totally different to ours. Remember this passage from 2 Peter 3:8 but do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. He knows what�s going on. The end of the age will come just at the right time and all our worrying and fretting will not hasten the day.
Great care must be also be taken in interpreting details concerning the apocryphal parts of the Bible as no accurate details are given, especially the timing of Jesus� return, so calm yourself�.all is well.
To answer the question regarding PEACE. The Bible is full of prophetic Scriptures that are being fulfilled before our eyes today. Israel is part of God�s plan for the redemption of the world along with His Church (the body of believers). God made a covenant with Israel and He is Faithful to keep His promises. God love them as a nation and He chose them although they have hardened their hearts. God said that He would restore the Jews to their land in their blind and sinful state. But He has also promised that after they are back in their land, He will cause them to call out to Him for forgiveness. And when they do, He will cleanse them and thoroughly restore them in their relationship to Him: Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 13:1 (which we can only have through faith in Jesus Christ). This cleansing will complete Israel's restoration as a nation once and for all: Jeremiah 31:33-34. Jerusalem WILL become a city of PEACE, but only when its people turn back to God - believing Him and obeying Him. This is a work of God which He, through our Lord Jesus Christ, will establish at His return. (Isaiah 1:25 to 2:4; Romans11:25/32). Jerusalem will become the glorious capital of the kingdom of God and of Christ (Jeremiah 3:17), and the peace that God has always desired for Jerusalem and its people, will become a reality. (Jeremiah29:11; Luke19:42; Zechariah14:21). Yes, conflict in Israel has been a reality whenever Israel has existed as a nation. The persecutors of Israel will come and go... There will be terrible conflict in Israel during the end times. Just as God has a plan, Satan will try to destroy that plan. That is why the time period is known as the Tribulation (Jeremiah 30:7). God is Faithful.
Here is what the Bible (the Truth and Living Word) does say about Israel in the end times: There will be a mass return of Jews to the land of Israel (Deut30:3; Is43:6; Ez 34:11-13; 36:24; 37:1-14). The antichrist will make a 7-year covenant of "peace" with Israel (Is28:18; Dan9:27). The Temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem (Dan9:27; Matt24:15; 2 Thess2:3-4; Rev11:1). The antichrist will break his covenant with Israel. Worldwide persecution of Israel will result (Dan9:27; 12:1, 11; Zech11:16; Matt24:15, 21; Rev 12:13). Israel will be invaded (Ezekiel 38-39). Israel will finally recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Zech12:10). Israel will be regenerated, restored, and re-gathered (Jer33:8; Ez 11:17; Rom11:26).
One could say the end is near but Jesus Himself said it best, "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come" (Matt24:4-6). The end times however are biblical, for those who still doubt. Only the Father knows the day and time (Matt24:36). And yes, for me its a uncomfortable situation but as a Christian there is no need to be afraid.
If this is all predestined then there is nothing anyone can do and so I wouldn't worry about it.
If on the other hand, as mentioned, we can add him to the list of self-serving lunatics who get off on the idea of embracing oblivion because of their own lack of self worth, I still don't worry about it. Besides, I think I have more in common with old Mr.Horns than him upstairs if it came to it.
If on the other hand, as mentioned, we can add him to the list of self-serving lunatics who get off on the idea of embracing oblivion because of their own lack of self worth, I still don't worry about it. Besides, I think I have more in common with old Mr.Horns than him upstairs if it came to it.
My interest chiefly lies on how these beliefs are influencing US policy in the middle east - which in actuality affects us all. Just like we should know what compels the actions of suicide bombers so we should know what compels the actions of our leaders and unfortunately, "doomsday Christian theology" is a rising force in American politics. Its not all oil and WMDs!
Next time I'll stick to asking Qs under my AB alias.....xx
Next time I'll stick to asking Qs under my AB alias.....xx
poeima, I am a firm believer in being able to express yourself and your beliefs freely but when you start preaching to everyone like you did above I actually get quite offended.
You can quite easily join in a debate and share your views without resorting to such blatant attempt at "spreading the word" We are all mature enough here to make up our own minds thanks very much!
You can quite easily join in a debate and share your views without resorting to such blatant attempt at "spreading the word" We are all mature enough here to make up our own minds thanks very much!
i like poeima`s post. i dont know why some people are accusing him/her of preaching. as a christian, he/she`s entitled to give points of view.
i agree with almost everything that Poeima writes its true not in a literal sense but a spiritual sense. the nation of Israel in the bible and all the promises made by GOD to Abraham and that nation is a promise to all GOD`s creation. In you, Abraham, shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
i agree with almost everything that Poeima writes its true not in a literal sense but a spiritual sense. the nation of Israel in the bible and all the promises made by GOD to Abraham and that nation is a promise to all GOD`s creation. In you, Abraham, shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
A Reply
My reply was too long. so rather than break it up, I have posted my opinions/eplies here http://endtimes-smilingcarcass.blogspot.com/
please read. there is nothing else there.
My reply was too long. so rather than break it up, I have posted my opinions/eplies here http://endtimes-smilingcarcass.blogspot.com/
please read. there is nothing else there.
