A Number of Thoughts RE The Looming Future in These End Times

reply to post by teapot

John's Revelation is our only source of information about the end times?

Absolutely not... there's more in the bible about this time we are currently in now than any other period of time in the entire Bible - including the time Jesus was on earth. The Old Testament prophets speak volumes about the regathering of the nation of Israel - the recent agricultural revival there - the victories over Egypt in 1967 etc. Jesus gave a long treatise known as the Olivet discourse - that sounds exactly like what we see today...
Even the rise of atheism and denial of the creation is predicted:

3knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation." 5For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God

2 Peter 3:3-5

Can't say we didn't try to telly you... so we just smile at the skeptics because they are fulfilling Bible prophecy. Get ready for a major paradigm shift soon, and every knee will bow.

reply to post by Bigwhammy


My scepticism is limited to the ways of the world. I freely admit to having lost all hope/faith in humanity and all human constructs, including organised religion. Not being a bible scholar, I had to look up the Olivet Discourse. Jesus's advice about the end times. (Should I be challenged on my use of the word 'advice' rather than 'prophesy'?)

My faith is limited to my relationship with God. I freely admit to having gained all hope and faith that the Promise will be fulfilled, including the deconstruction of organised religion, the removal of barriers to true communion and fellowship and the end to theocratic conflict.

But I believe absolutely that Jesus told the Truth. Again, not being a scholar, I cannot quote chapter and verse, but Jesus said 'you think I came to bring peace to the world but because of me, brother shall rise up against brother'. I have taken this to mean that human conflict will be ongoing until the Promise is fulfilled and therefore relates to; 'do not be alarmed , these things must come to pass' (wars and famine and bad weather!).

Peace be with you BW.

reply to post by Bigwhammy


[QUOTE]

Absolutely not... there's more in the bible about this time we are currently in now than any other period of time in the entire Bible - including the time Jesus was on earth.

[/QUOTE]

I believe you are quite accurate about that.

Which makes it all the more mystifying that some Christians seem to . . . glorify denial and Biblical ignorance about such Biblical facts. Amazing.

The only thing that makes sense to me about that is the Scripture that warns about God giving over the rebellious etc. to deceived minds. What a frightful state to be in before Almighty God!

AAAAarrrrrgggghhhhh!

God have mercy!

reply to post by teapot


Yeah, I don't think Christ favored ORGANIZED BUREAUCRATIC

RELIGION

EITHER.

However, RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FATHER VIA CHRIST'S BLOOD AND SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH IN OUR BEHALF IS A HIGH PRIORITY

to GOD ALMIGHTY, imho.

May all of us walk ever closer to GOD--FATHER, SON, SPIRIT in these challenging END TIMES days.

May God make Himself real to all who truly SEEK HIM; WHO TRULY SEEK TRUTH.

reply to post by Bigwhammy


caught up = harpoza = rapture

now read what meet says

meet = apantesis = newly arriving magistrate

what does that mean? It means that when the saints are "caught up" to the clouds, they "meet" Christ as He's coming back to earth as King of kings and Lord of lords. So you see, Jesus is on His way back to earth in the context of 1 thessalonians 4:17. The tradition with the word "apantesis". Traditionally people loyal to their kings would go away to MEET them before the city gates in order to escort Him back to the city. Just thought you'd like to know that.