What bothers me a bit are the intellectual jumps that people make without substantiating it with the Bible.
For example, it was reported to me that some were saying that Obama is the Anti-Christ so they would get enough Democrats to not vote for the Health Care overhaul.
As much as I have my reasons why not to like the Act, there are some things that are true about the Anti-Christ that aren't true about Obama which disqualify him as a candidate. Case in point, the last time I checked, Obama hasn't "set himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thess. 2:4).
If, by some chance, Obama becomes ruler over Israel and then sets himself up to be more highly honored than God in the temple in Jerusalem, I may change my thoughts. But until then, I think the name calling because of a ideological or political difference makes that individual appear very uneducated.
BUT, if you are indeed looking for some signs until the 2nd Coming of Christ (for those who have that belief), Jesus talked about this at length when he said in Mark 13:7: "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains"
Present day examples of this are numerous, such as the sever famine in Kenya and most recently the Congo, earthquakes and Tsunamis in Haiti, Chile, and of course one of the deadliest in history, the Indian Ocean Earthquake in 2004, killing an approximate 230,000 people.
So, recap: Obama - not the Anti-Christ in this author's opinion; evidence of the end times, all around us. 'Carpe Diem' has never been more true...
Grace & Peace,
PLW
How do we differentiate between recent "acts of God" and those that will precede Christ's return?
ReplyDeleteCertianly, there have been quakes and famine for centuries. Should we be looking for stronger catastrophic events? Because we're seeing the opposite. As bad as the Haiti quake and the 2004 Tsunami, these are minor when compared to the loses of life due to natural disasters historically.
And what about disease? Does Christ's return hinge on an increase in worldwide illness?
What's the specific verse that tells of this return and the accompanying warning signs? Do we have any time-frame for this?
Great question and comment. The book of Daniel would be a place to start in terms of a 'timeline' if you will. Previous to Chapter 12, the book records the events of Daniel's unwillingness to give into the demands of a king, and later is exhonorated. The end of Daniel talks about prophecy of events to come, including Chapter 12 which talks about Christ's coming and judgement for the wise and, well, unwise if you will.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of severity, in Revelation John points out a 'Great Earthquake' (Rev. 6:12), Zechariah records in Zech. 14:4 and beyond describe events on end times.
In all, and if you check recorded history, it seems that the number and severity of natural disasters is on the rise, but that could simply be becuase of the fact that we keep better records.
Getting into 'End Times Philosphy', there are a great number of books referencing specific references to a 'timeline', but the Bible is also clear in pointing out that 'no one will know (Matt. 24:36). Hope that's a starting point.
Wighty wrote: "In all, and if you check recorded history, it seems that the number and severity of natural disasters is on the rise..."
ReplyDeleteCan you site anything that will support this statement? Because according to the USGS, the number of strong earthquakes has been stable for years.
I'm not sure about famine, but I would be money that the famines in India and China of the past would make those of today look like a trip to the buffet table...
I did see a Christian 'study' that indicated the recent earthquakes must mean that second coming is close. I wonder if the Alaskans thought that in 1964? Or the Valdivians in 1960? Or the Chinese in 1976?
I'm glad the Bible speaks to the wisdom of such statements.
"Can you site anything that will support this statement?" What statement? That I said 'it seems to me'? I am simply stating my belief. More population growth would seem to indicate that any disaster would have a bigger impact. However, your earthquakes not withstanding, noting the famine in China where 10 million people died and where 700k-1 million died in the potato famine in Ireland, I guess I may have to think about that (not to mention the Spanish Flu epidemic in the early 1900's killing between 20 and 40 million people from 1918-1919 and the Black Plague in the 1300's killing 25 million people in 5 years).
ReplyDeleteBetter medicine, world charity, and 'loving thy neighbor' would help offset the severity I would hope. The Bible doesn't say (based on my understanding) 'more' but certainly mentions specifically those events as I pointed them out. In Mark, these natural occurences are signs of things to come. Perhaps this was to give encouragement to the early church that justice would soon come for them as they were being persecuted by the Romans, who liked to throw them into the Gladiatorial rings for lion snacks.
What I DO believe is that every word in the Bible is inerrant and meaningful, and points us to relationship and deeper understanding of God.
"In all, and if you check recorded history, it seems to me..."
ReplyDeleteI guess we come to different conclusions checking recorded history, at least what we have of it.
I hope you're right about loving thy neighbor. I also hope you're right about the veractiy of the Bible, especially God's answer to Daniel.