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Post by DefenderOfTruth on Jun 17, 2017 9:22:41 GMT -6
I am so excited about all I've been learning lately! I've been studying eschatology more than ever since the blood moons and have done a full 180 of what I was taught about Revelation. I grew up in the Church of Christ and what is taught is that Revelation has been fulfilled by the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the only thing left to be fulfilled in the Bible is the 2nd coming of Jesus which will be swift, sign-less (except the sound of the trumpet and seeing Him in the clouds), and at any moment. I always knew the allegorizing of Revelation was off, and the more I study, the more I understand how wrong that is. It's not just Revelation, they teach all the gospels and prophets are "only pointing to AD 70!" It's like the destruction of Jerusalem is the only thing God cared about after Jesus came the first time.
All of that to say, I feel stuck right now. I want to proclaim the good news that Jesus is coming quickly but I have no idea how to find a good link to share on this sign. My friends don't even believe in a rapture, or a literal 1000 year reign. Most of the Revelation 12 sign Youtube videos toss around the rapture and other things as if that's a given. That would be a huge turn off to my church family who believe the rapture and millennium is a "blatant sinful error."
How would you approach someone like that? Is it even worth sharing with theses type of people?
I have to say, apart from their erroneous views of eschatology, I love worshiping with my family. The congregation is very loving as a whole, and follows the teachings of the Gospel very accurately.
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Post by brad on Jun 17, 2017 9:54:36 GMT -6
That would be a huge turn off to my church family who believe the rapture and millennium is a "blatant sinful error." How would you approach someone like that? Is it even worth sharing with theses type of people? Wow Defender! This looks like a rough situation... I would not keep silent, keep expressing lovingly your beliefs, and pray harder than you ever have. Knowledge of the Sign, Rapture and Millennium beliefs and our own mistaken doctrine beliefs (no one has it totally rite) will all get straightened out when the rapture happens... The only truly important thing is Who and What are they putting their faith in. Do they believe that Jesus died, was buried, rose again, and his death paid for the sins of ANYONE who believed in him? If we put our faith in what church we go to, or our own opinions, or how proud we are of works... we just come up short... Jesus is the only way! Keep sharing, Keep Praying! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2017 10:11:38 GMT -6
Defender, I am totally on board with Brad. Keep praying and keep telling them the truth that you know. When they begin to shake because what they believe in is not working for them in a way they thought it would, there will be no peace for them and you will be there ready to point them to the way . That's what you can do as long as you were here. Just keep praying that their eyes will be opened to the truth.
One thing I have learned, preach Jesus, not the sighns, not the world's apostasy, just preach Jesus. Keep him in your conversation and keep them pointed that all this is about what he said would happen and that he is their true messiah and Savior .
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2017 10:14:22 GMT -6
Also, somebody posted this and it's really good.
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Post by DefenderOfTruth on Jun 17, 2017 10:54:47 GMT -6
Thank you so much, TruthSeeker and Brad! That really encouraged me. I see the wisdom of "just preaching Jesus." He has hidden much from the masses because of their lack of faith and I agree that my best bet is to focus on building the faith of my fellow believers.
Brad, yes, my congregation believes in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. They teach that the only way to Jesus is to believe in Him and then be baptized/immersed as He commanded. From there, we are to live faithfully as Christians the rest of our life and meditate on Jesus's death weekly in partaking of the Lord's Supper. Some people get caught up in "once you're a Christian, you should stop sinning." Which is a noble goal, but one that is impossible. Among some members and teachers, I see some pride in "good works" and those members could stand to be more humble in that they are just as much of a sinner as everyone else. But, those type of people I'm sure are in every church. I believe there is a remnant of true faithful Christians in many congregations and where you worship does not save you nor damn you. It's your own faith in God that will do that. (Revelation 3:4, even in the dead church are some who will be saved).
TruthSeeker, thanks for the link! I really like that video.
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Post by watchmanjim on Jun 17, 2017 12:23:30 GMT -6
I'm glad we could be some help, DOT! The Scripture is so deep, and everything in it means something. I have a number preterist friends as well-- Presbyterians, Lutherans, etc. I can't imagine how people could just dismiss all these topics out of hand as being some symbolic mystical theoretic spiritualized poetic metaphor. When God says something in His Word, He means something by it, and we can know what it is, if we study diligently and seek it out while seeking Him out.
For without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is (exists), and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
I believe this verse pertains to salvation, but also to seeking Him in our daily life. Seeking to know Him better, love Him more, understand His mysteries. He made it difficult to learn, like a puzzle, so that putting the puzzle of His Word together teaches us so much more than just looking at the completed picture.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2017 13:45:46 GMT -6
Hey DOT! Just pray; if God wants it to happen, He will answer. Follow the advice here, sure, but make prayer your number 1 priority.
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Post by watchmanjim on Jun 17, 2017 15:30:06 GMT -6
Great point, Beloved! Prayer melts hearts of iron.
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bc23
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Post by bc23 on Jun 18, 2017 8:26:01 GMT -6
Here's a link to a very good word study on Revelation 12:5 that breaks down the meanings of key words. Now we know that these events have not happened yet but share your pain around having friends and family that just don't see. I agree 100% with others here that praying for God to soften hearts so they can receive the truth is one of the most effective things we can do. philologos.org/bpr/files/word_studies/rev-1-f.htm |
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Post by delo63 on Jun 30, 2017 8:47:58 GMT -6
I have had similar trouble trying to talk to some my parents and some other Christians that are set in there ways. They keep telling me that I should not pay any mind to the Rev 12 sign as it means nothing. They keep telling me that it is paganistic to look at the stars and planets to determine anything. I really have no idea how to respond to it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2017 9:08:02 GMT -6
Let them know that they are talking about astrology and you are talking Astronomy.
Then tell them they need to go back and read their Bibles..
Gen 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years
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Post by delo63 on Jun 30, 2017 9:22:35 GMT -6
that's a good point and I know arguing with them isn't going to get me anywhere so I guess just be patient
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2017 7:54:21 GMT -6
Defender,
In case you haven't seen this, this is really good. Even good to share as a 'could it be' video... we know it is, but it can just make someone think....The ones it is supposed to catch- it will peek their interest. They might ask God to show them the real truth in their hearts will be opened. It has been well received by people I have sent it to. It's only 25 minutes long so it is bearable.
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