Frequently Asked Questions 2

Frequently Asked Questions 2 (21-40)

Q# 21 How is our culture denying the idea that the end is near?
Q# 22 Is Preterism a viable alternative concerning END TIMES?

Q# 23 Have you disappeared? Why haven't you been posting new material of late?

Q# 24 Why do you insist upon pressing this topic in light of all the controversy it brings?
Doesn't Scripture speak against sowing discord among the brethren?

Q# 25 How would present culture begin further persecuting followers of Christ?

Q# 26  Don’t you face a chronological inconsistency concerning the false christs and false
           prophets of Matthew 24:23-26 and that which the TEXT teaches comes AFTER these
           false teachers—that is, the heavenly signs and the sign of the Son of Man
           (Matthew 24:29, 30)?

More postings coming in March, 2010.

Q# 21 How is our culture conditioning global inhabitants against the ideas:

1) the end is near; and,
2) it is God’s will that it end?

There are so many mediums demonstrating this goal it’s amazing more don’t discern what’s happening. Many have seen the movie Independence Day. In this film the great threat—coming on the clouds—is defeated by man even though the invader was much more advanced. While the threat in the movie is alien attack—as opposed to the Second Coming of Christ—the idea that man’s ability will be able to overcome any threat interfering with mankind’s global plans is clearly and powerfully presented.

The End of Days and the TV series, Revelations (NBC) also testify in support of the effort to distort the actual way in which the end of days will indeed take place. For example, the antichrist’s coming will not be deterred by a hulk-like cop who cares about the one scheduled to mother the antichrist (and who actually ends up delaying the satanic plan for another 1,000 years due to his efforts in opposition). And no, the idea the Messiah will once again come as a baby as Revelations depicts is in clear contrast to the glorious way in which the Lord Jesus will return. (Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:9-11; Revelation 6:14-17)

Other more recent movies continue the brainwashing of the biblically illiterate audience into feeling the real enemies out there today are those who say, “It is the very end of times and Jesus Christ will be returning shortly.” Mist, a movie from a fairly popular Steven King novel, portrays a woman as being the evil one due to her belief the end has come.

Sunshine is also one that speaks to this issue. The evil one – the captain of the first vessel which attempted to restart the sun – has had a spiritual awakening and believes it is God’s will the earth dies, for it is the time of the end of humanity. This being – having transformed into a semi-spiritual creature – then goes after the second crew in order to sabotage their mission (to restart the sun). He says it is God’s will the sun die, but in the end God’s will is thwarted by mankind. The second mission is successful and restarts the sun. Secular man’s will circumvents God’s will.

Remember the Coke commercials where the one drinking the Coke is the happy one and goes around converting others who have lost their way? He even passes by a placard-carrying guy (sign reading: “The end is near”). When everything settles in the end, even the placard dude throws his sign away and joins the party. Wow!

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Issue: Today people are being conditioned to hate those who say, “The end of the world is at hand.” They are evil, sick, social misfits, you name it – anything but normal. Actually, they are the malignant tumors among us. We need to get rid of them. So some say.

Note: Things like what is pictured below are further contributing to the undermining of the very source—the Bible—which informs us along the lines the end is near. Like the false teaching which says we must not take the Bible seriously/literally today (e.g., Rescuing the Bible From Fundamentalism), this recent sign is yet additional evidence that even churches are departing from the Truth of God’s Word.

Q# 22 Is Preterism a viable alternative concerning END TIMES?

On the college campuses we contend (Jude 3) with those who would like to approach matters of question (e.g., on the topic of origins; the Person of Jesus Christ, etc.) similar to the philosophical approach of a deconstructionist. Let me explain.

Among other things, a deconstructionist typically approaches a controversy seeking to tear down the established position(s). They often fail to go on to offer either a clear or satisfactory answer to a sincerely problematic situation. Instead of offering helpful ideas on a particular question (especially in support of the position they espouse), they often simply attack the views they dislike, for one reason or another. Discern this dear Christian, for it takes place much more often than we think. For example, a deconstruction-like appeal is the main response of the evolutionary community to the Intelligent Design evidence. The evolutionary community is NOT showing evidence in warrant for a naturalistic origin of matter and life as much as they are attacking (primarily so) the position of design. So how much evidence in support of large-scale evolution is factually presented? Hmmmmmm (Hang in here, my point is forthcoming as to how this pertains to End Time concerns.)

I recall a philosophy instructor with whom we tried to debate. The topic was “origins.” On three occasions we were moving toward a debate. As we simply approached the question in a you give your view; we give ours (to state it generally), we found the opposing side was actually unwilling to see the invitation through. Each time this instructor cancelled the debate. What a lesson on some classrooms foster and support certain lingering ideological dictatorships.

In an academic setting—especially in a debate format—you’d think these who love to tear down the views they reject would quickly enter into an opportunity to promote their view. Guess what? Such was not the case in these settings. Why? In part, because the professor was unwilling to put his position of origins on the line, side-by-side another credible position. In fact, it was his final judgment that the position he was to debate was unworthy of a debate and so, there was no debate—he made the decision. It ended there. WOW! This happened, in similar ways, three times. Fooled me once, shame on you; fooled me twice, shame on me; fooled me three times: I’m no longer willing to cast pearl before swine.

Why do I take the time to tell this true story?

It relates to this question of “End Times.”

You see, Preterism is LESS a position about End Times than it is an effort at end-time deconstruction. How in the world can I make such a claim? Read their materials. That which they offer in place of an end-time position primarily focuses on a denial of the main passages the Church has used since its inception to speak authoritatively on the topic of end times! Go ahead, ask the Preterist—both the full and the partial Preterist—for his/her view on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. You may be surprised as to what little they are willing to disclose. The deconstructionist, you see, enjoys a very safe position in that they often steer away from offering their position on an important topic. It’s so safe to tear down a position. But what are they actually offering by way of constructive insight into crucial concerns. And my friends, the topic of End Times is a crucial concern given the MANY signs of our times and given how strongly our Lord Jesus addressed this topic.

One of the reasons why I question Preterism is this: I have not seen or heard a clear presentation concerning what THEY hold by way of end-time viewpoint. As a result, they really are not offering a position on end times. Oh, as they read this criticism, they may call a meeting and try to come up with an eschatological position—I really doubt they ever will be able to come to consensus on a “Preteristic” position on END TIMES! And if they ever respond to this fair appeal—that they present what it is they actually hold concerning the days prior to the return of Jesus Christ—it will be MOST INTERESTING to hear/see what they have to offer!

Until then, dear believer in God’s explicit Word, take the actual content of His kind revelation—contained, for example, in Daniel, Matthew 24, 25 and Revelation—and carefully observe its counsel, for these eschatological passages have SO MUCH to say about our days!

When these Preteristic Deconstructionists finally come out with eschatological substance, then, YES, by all means, give them a fair hearing on their end-time position. Until then, don’t buy their supposition the passages above are not pertinent to us today!

Please see our latest book release: The Final Trumpet RAPTURE Gathering: An Introduction, for it presents some major dangers tied to full and partial Preterism. Just send us—Endurance Ministries—$16 (this includes shipping) and we will send you this 250-page book.

Would ANY Preterist who is deemed an expert on this position care to enter into debate on the topic of End Times and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? The expert Preterists are more so historical experts (based on their assumptions and position). What we are asking for is a debate on ESCHATOLOGY. If there is a willingness to address this topic, please contact us and let’s talk over this crucial contemporary concern. But one condition to the debate format: This is a debate on Eschatological matters: you give your view; we give ours. Any serious takers?

In answer to the question, “Is Preterism a viable alternative concerning END TIMES?” I find myself needing to better know what it is they actually believe concerning the days just prior to Jesus Christ’s return to earth before I can answer. I know their INTERPRETATIONS concerning the material of Daniel, Matthew 24, 25 and Revelation, but I need to hear from them just what it is they believe concerning the end of human history before God returns and makes everything right. Is this not a fair appeal!? Will we find this emperor to have no clothes?

Please write to us at Endurance Ministries and give us some response to our questions.

17720 NE Halsey

Portland, OR 97230

Q# 23 Have you disappeared? Why haven't you been posting new material of late?

Good question, and I apologize for my negligence. I will change my ways and resume this important aspect of our ministry efforts.

In answer to your question, Endurance Ministries decided to move into a more public posture this next decade (2010 – 2020, should our Lord tarry). As a result, we have been directing our main attention to our first book publication—which is now available to the general public. If you are interested in viewing a short video promo, please visit the link below. THANK YOU for your continued interest in this crucial cultural affair. We look forward to your resuming your regular visits to this site where we will indeed resume addressing frequently asked questions.

www.TheRaptureGathering.com

Q# 24 Why do you insist upon pressing this topic in light of all the controversy it brings?
Doesn't Scripture speak against sowing discord among the brethren?

Scripture speaks to both the error of divisiveness AND sound doctrine. Because the Word clearly outlines the Truth of our Lord’s return, we persist in the appeal that we obey that which He has called us to: ready expectancy. As a result, we offer the following with humble concern for the welfare of God’s people who are increasingly growing impatient concerning (and apathetic toward) our blessed hope.

Do you recall the old moral story of the boy who cried “wolf”?

Allow me to tell the story in such a way as to better fit—from a biblical perspective—our current cultural context, one which especially addresses the dangerous view: It will all pan out in the end … so don’t concern yourself with biblical data on this topic of “end times.”

     Once upon a time, certain prophetic shepherds kept watch over the flock of God.
     Trained in sundry end-time per-spectives, they, on various occasions, over a course
     of many centuries, emphatically declared the end of the age. Included in their mantras
     were some which we find especially familiar—even in our day: “Jesus is coming!”
     “The end is near!” “The Kingdom of God has arrived!”

     As decades of false announcement fostered n u m b n e s s to their cries, one day it
     finally did take place. One day, as truly declared by the Shepherd, the end did indeed
     come. But a profound piece of the cultural puzzle brought great sadness to the Shepherd.
     Because His flock had grown so used to the familiar appeals—“Jesus is coming!” “The
     end is near!” “The Kingdom of God is present!”—the people stopped looking for the signs
     foretelling the Shepherd’s soon return. Great sorrow unfolded as the Shepherd’s people
     rejected signs preceding that for which they longed—the Shepherd’s glorious return … or
     was it actually not so important to them after all? The Shepherd, too, was grieving, for
     some of those who were waiting did not, in utter shock and amazement, make it to the
     Great Reunion feast.

In relationship to the story of the boy who cried wolf, we live in a day where many global villagers are no longer heeding the Counsel of the soon-returning Lord. (Mark 13:28-37; Phil. 3:20, 21; II Peter 3:3-9) Frankly, having become embarrassed by the many failed declarations of the false prophets, some act as if they now scorn the fact that one day the Lord will indeed return. They have allowed the charges of the anti-God culture to turn them in a direction where they are no longer: 1. interested in biblically discerning the day; 2. eagerly awaiting the return of the Savior; or, 3. modeling the patient enduring of the saints.

Please embrace wisdom and say “NO” to the many poor reasons the deceivers are giving the world to disregard the posture the Lord has called His end-time people to take: ready expectancy. Please heed the counsel of our Lord by staying true to this fact: Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. As we see end-time themes begin to unfold, may we look up, yes, let’s lift up our heads, because our redemption draws near!

A Question: Are you finding yourself quickly rejecting the main emphasis of this simple appeal? Had you already begun deconstructing this message even before you finished reading the short address above? If so, why? Is it possible we have been so conditioned to reject the Truth that we run into a defensive posture against what could possibly be a warning from Almighty God—one most consistent with His revelation to us?

A Request: Please lay aside for just a moment the uncalled-for rejection of this appeal in order to give it fair consideration. Ponder, for just a bit, the possibility of one who, in a very different way than the shepherd-boys who preceded him, shouts an in-fact warning concerning eschatological wolves in our midst … ones immediately preceding the return of the Great Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. Try to avoid what may be a faulty association with the false prophetic shepherd-boys of the past who have incorrectly cried, “Wolf! Wolf!”

Q# 25 How would present culture begin further persecuting followers of Christ?

What do the following movie releases have in common?

2012

Avatar

The Book of Eli

What is our latest global crisis (Haiti) demonstrating by way of the global village?

Cultural conditioners – be they take place through the big screen or in real life – are indeed addressing biblical themes which are addressed in end-time passages.

2012, in light of the Mayan calendar, has some Bible prophecy ministries carefully claiming (but do you notice they are able to deny date-setting charges due to ambiguity in their messages?) the end is soon—some including specific dates (12/21/12). Astronomical signs, in light of Jewish holidays, are also used to date set. But what does Scripture teach? “No one knows the day nor the hour of His return.” While this is true, it is equally true that we are to be ready, those who generally discern the hour. We are to be ready in our day whereby this thief-in-the-night Day of the Lord will not overtake us as a thief (I Thess. 5:1-11).

So how could present culture begin further persecuting followers of Christ?

Movies describe, in part, present culture but they also shape it. The Book of Eli has a promoter of the Book doing everything he can to see it safely to a group who puts the NKJV Bible back into circulation. While the motives of the bad guy of the movie have also been attributed to Christians (that is, there are those who promote the Bible simply because they wish to control the masses), it’s the good guy of the movie – Eli – who is of special concern to us. In seeking to accomplish his goal, he decapitates and cuts off a hand and … (I don’t know, how many are killed by this good guy?) in order to see his mission complete – to restore the Bible to its proper place in society: available to the people. But in so fulfilling his mission he is seen by the viewing audience as one who is warlike, willing to kill the enemies who get in his way. As those who take this media class drink from this cup of instruction, they are encouraged to see Christians in similar light—aggressive killers who would stop at nothing to protect their Book. This, my friends, is another example of mixing truth with a lie. Yes, followers of Jesus Christ thank God for His Truthful revelation to us … but we do not live out un-Christ-like actions in order to promote His Truths which are forever settled in heaven.

In conclusion, discern present culture and how its deception is further shaping the minds of the masses to view Christians in such a way as to label them as dangerous to society. As this unfolds—and Scripture says it will—people will no longer tolerate those who persist in proclaiming Truth personified (Jesus Christ) as the way, the Truth and the life. Discern the lies dear friends and go to and abide in the Truth, Who alone is able to set us free.

Another good question!

The text explicitly teaches these false christs and false prophets come on the scene (with their false messages concerning the physical location of Christ) AFTER the great tribulation. (Most popular end-time chronologies do not allow for the natural flow of this text when it comes to this data.) What we also affirm is the word “immediately” of verse 29. Simply stated, and in answer to the question immediately above, we believe the great tribulation is cut short for the sake of the elect. “Immediately” thereafter, the heavenly signs begin to take place. Shortly after these signs, the sign of the Son of Man unfolds. Then the false prophets (those claiming to know where Christ had gone to) begin bringing these deceptions.

Please recall this Son-of-Man sign. (Matthew 24:30 and, we believe, Revelation 6:14-17 disclose some information about this initial appearing of Christ.) This sign occurs after the heavenly signs. This sign of the Son of Man represents Christ’s initial appearing (only). After this event in the clouds, He disappears. This explains why the false christs and false prophets then go on to bring deceptive messages concerning the whereabouts of Christ. And, according to our Lord’s insight and counsel, His Saints/followers are not to believe these false reports. You see, the Rapture event is still yet to take place!

So, in light of the question posed above, no, we do not bear a chronological inconsistency due to the heavenly signs which are stated by the text to occur “immediately” after the great tribulation is cut short (Matthew 24:29 – “immediately”; vs. 30 – “then”). “Then” the false christs and prophets appear. This is a viable understanding of the text given the terms used to describe the end-time account. By the way, two questions for you: 1. How does your end-time view answer the question of these events taking place AFTER the great tribulation? 2. How does your view accommodate the false messages of the bad guys of verses 23 – 26 according to the chronological flow of the authoritative text?

So, as you’ve possibly noted within this appeal, this proposal has recommended a departure from the relatively recent view presently in majority. Instead, it suggests the two events of Daniel 12:11 are separated by 1,290 days. This proposal also suggests the 70^th Week of Daniel does not conclude (terminus ad quem) with the Great Tribulation as many end-time charts teach. In light of the potential construct of Daniel’s 70^th Week as presented by this view (a view which has been held throughout church history), and in light of the explicit content of Matthew 24, days follow the Great Tribulation, ones which include the period of the stellar signs, the sign of the Son of Man and the days of the false christs and prophets who bring signs and proclamations concerning the whereabouts of Christ. (Remember, He appears in the sky – accounted in His initial appearing [Matthew 24:30; Revelation 6:14-17]. The people of the earth go on to wonder where He’s gone. The false prophets will take advantage of this opportunity and will mislead many.) These days are followed by the events unfolding during the season of the trumpet blasts. At the final trumpet, in harmony with Matthew 24:31, John 14:1-4, I Cor. 15:51, 52, I Thess. 4:13-18 and Revelation 11:15ff and 14:14-16, the Rapture event occurs. This is why, in part, we can indeed claim we have explicit warrant for this Final Trumpet Rapture Gathering. The Rapture event, as stated in black and white in Scripture, occurs at the last trump.

More coming soon. Until then, please contribute to your enduring faith by reading our book - see Q #23 above.