The World is Coming to an End, Again!

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Chuck Coty
Commentary: Doomsday is Oct. 21, so get your finances in order By Brett Arends
 
BOSTON (MarketWatch) — The world is coming to an end. Again.

Harold E. Camping, the radio “Rapture” guy out in California, has told his followers that the world will end — or, at least, that all the Chosen Ones will get raised up to Heaven — on Oct. 21. (Camping gave this update after Saturday’s big letdown, his second.)
 
I know what you’re thinking: “What does this mean for my personal finances?” Well, here at MarketWatch we’ve always got your back. So if you’re getting ready for the Rapture, here are my 10 personal-finance tips….
 
(Continue HERE For the rest of the article and a short video of Camping – it’s kind of a playful “what if”…)
________________________
Apparently, according to Camping, he wasn’t actually wrong. Surprised?  No, I wasn’t either. Who’d admit that kind of blunder when some of his followers spent their life’s savings on signs, tee-shirts, pamphlets and touring caravans? Camping says that It just didn’t happen the way he expected. Hmm. Maybe he’s on to something. 
 
The truth is that although I don’t know anyone who took Camping seriously (though plenty did), this “any moment rapture”, popularized by Hal Lindsey and more recently, Tim LaHaye, has conditioned the soil for a whole bumper crop of similar predictions. We all know Jesus said that “no man knows the day or the hour“, but was that the extent of Camping’s error?  Is that really what makes Camping’s eschatological proclivities so egregious compared to others who laboriously sound the alarm without setting a specific date? In terms of overall impact, what’s the big difference between saying something been imminent for 2,000 years or picking an actual day? At least Camping put his money where his mouth was. I believe the majority of Christendom’s “end is near” drone, has had a much more chilling effect on so many levels than this Camping fiasco. 
 
I’ve been hearing this “any moment” rapture since the 1973 Middle East crisis (oil embargo) when I was a wild-eyed 19-year-old. My roommates and I contemplated quitting college and heading for the hills because Pat Robertson had convinced us that the end was near. After all, what good would a B.A. in Criminal Justice do in a heaven packed with a bunch of perfect people?  LoL   

In 1982, when my wife Debbie was pregnant with Matthew, she and I were warned by a well-intentioned but a bit overbearing fellow quoting from Matthew’s version Olivet Discourse.  He told us rather emphatically that this was a dangerous time to bring a child into a world that was in its final birth pains. Not the best news for expecting parents!

Matthew 24:19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

In hindsight, consider the irony. Christy, my second child who was not born yet, now has her own child! How long will it be before some other zealous person quotes the above Scripture to her?
 

On September 12, 1988, Debbie and I were tooling around the Gulf on the cruise ship Titanic…no actually it was the Veracruz but it felt like the Titanic, as one of the largest hurricanes (Gilbert) in history was bearing down on our destination, Cozumel, while we were bopping around like a cork in 20 foot seas. You ask what’s the significance of that date?  It was the middle day of the three days Edgar Whisenant (88 Reasons Why the Rapture Could Be in 1988) predicted the rapture was guaranteed to happen. 

“Only if the Bible is in error am I wrong; and I say that to every preacher in town. “[I]f there were a king in this country and I could gamble with my life, I would stake my life on Rosh Hashana 88.” 

He came back in ’89 (Edgar that is…not Jesus LoL) with the same brazen guarantees and then wasn’t heard from again. Well, not publicly, that is. Perhaps he staked his life on it…

Then the magic year was the turn of the millennium, 2000. That reminds me, I still have 50 gallons of water and a bunch of canned goods from that one. I suppose the water’s a mite stale and the veggies are unrecognizable.

After Y2K came and went without much fanfare, the specutologists turned to 2004. Nothing again and then THE DAY became May 12, 2011… well, not it’s October 2011. That date will come and go and then the next great wave will be in 2012 culminating on the Mayan calendar’s terminal date, December 22. As certain as Edgar was, I am as well, that these and many more years of predictions will all come and go while more and more Christians become disillusioned with the Bible.  

Well, Matthew is now almost 29, I’m 56 (ugh!) and I continue to hear the same ole warn-out refrain. “If the Lord tarries just a little longer I’ll do (fill in the blank)”.  It’s always perpetually “soon”. Nice redundancy, eh?  And this, in my view, is the crux of the problem. It’s a broken record.  It’s Chicken Little meets Groundhog’s Day.

Every time there’s a school shooting, a rash of tornadoes, an earthquake, a kidnapping, an economic collapse, an oil spill, unrest in the Middle East, or basically anything negative, what do people say? “It’s a sign of the times.”  To be quite frank, it’s a sign of EVERY generation in recorded history. This stuff has been going on since the fall. It’s as if people have no comprehension of history. As Yogi Berra would say, “It’s Deja vu all over again.” 🙂  

The modern Church has become myopic and egocentric. Every day I am amazed as I hear so many Christians say how bad things are. Hey, if someone’s unemployed or has terminal cancer, things clearly are bad for them. And times are always marked by events and conditions that prove we live in a fallen world. But in the grand scheme, are world conditions really as bad as many say they are?  In the past 200 years, consider the following varied events to add perspective. And remember, the population in 1804 (1 billion) was 7 times less than it is now (7 billion):
 
    • 1775-1783 – The Revolutionary War (6,000 dead)
    • 1815 – Indonesia’s Mt. Tambora volcanic eruption (92,000 dead)
    • 1839 – India cyclone (300,000 dead)
    • 1850-1950 – The third Pandemic of the Black Plague (12,000,000 dead)
    • 1861-1865 – The Civil War (700,000 dead)
    • 1887 – Yellow River Flood (2,000,000 dead)
    • 1900-1980 – Smallpox (300,000,000 dead)
    • 1907 – Chinese Famine (24,000,000 dead)
    • 1918 – WW1 & the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 (65,000,000 dead)
    • 1920 – Haiyuan (China) earthquake (235,000 dead)
    • 1937-1945 – WW2 (72,000,000 dead)
    • 1941-1945 – Genocide (11,000,000 dead)
    • 1960 – Chilean 9.5 earthquake (1,655 dead)
The fulfillment of Bible prophecy is always about us, in our generation…or so people think. This egocentricity is really causing serious interpretative issues.  And I believe the blame falls on our flight from sound hermeneutics (the science of interpretation). Once time indicators (soon, near, at hand and shortly), audience relevance, context, and the analogy of faith (interpreting the unclear from the unclear) are discarded, interpreting the Bible becomes a free-for-all, and private interpretations abound.

Case in point: In the first verse of the Revelation it says, “things which MUST SHORTLY take place.” So one person says, “shortly is just a relative term”, off to the races they go.  So, 2,000 years later, the Revelation is supposedly still in our future. What about “MUST SHORTLY take place do we not understand? There’s no wonder confusion abounds. 
 

After the massive earthquake and the ensuing tsunami that devastated Japan, I was talking with two gentlemen at the place I work-out. One guy said, as the other was nodding his head, “This is just the beginning, so get ready. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”  No, maybe I haven’t since most of the really horrific stuff happened well before I was born, but I’ve heard these dire warnings for my entire 38-year Christian life.

And the truth is, the Bible doesn’t say anything about an increase or frequency of seismic activity, or school shootings, or economic woes or anything regarding an uptick in natural disasters. Jesus simply said that there would be earthquakes in diverse places.

But sadly, that doesn’t really seem to matter because we believe we’re living in the last days of history and things must be getting really bad. Our expectations tell us such, and we use to newspaper to confirm them. It’s  the never-ending self-fulfilling story. But it’s not a true story and the facts simply don’t bear out these supposedly worsening times. It’s all relative when our myopathy restricts our view of the past 40 years.

So, yeah, I agree, Camping’s out of control, but so is this “any day now” rapture. It’s eating our lunch and sapping our resolve.  Christians are becoming the butt of all the late night talk show jokes and overall, the Bible’s credibility is being severely compromised. I know it won’t be popular and you might get run out of a Bible study for even asking the question, but don’t ya think it’s high time we begin to look at the eschatological underpinnings that foster this kind of stuff? Something being imminent for 2,000 years is, well…the only words that come to mind are condescending. 🙁

 
Where in the New Testament do we find an admonition to rebuild the Temple (what an abomination); a regathering of the Jews into the Holy Land; or a prediction that Israel would once again become a nation? Actually, the only Temple mentioned was one that was to be destroyed (and it was in AD 70 exactly 40 years [a generation] after it was predicted); And the only prediction regarding fleshly Israel, was its impending demise for murdering their Messiah (and it happened as God brought the Roman-led multi-national army to destroy Jerusalem during the spring of AD 67 to the fall of AD 70 – times, time and half a time – 3 ½ years).
 
I sure hope we get back on track to a sound interpretation of Scripture. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of this 40-year wilderness wandering. Don’t get me wrong, manna’s okay with a dab of ketchup, but it ain’t no Outback cheese fries or succulent shrimp from the Bonefish Grill.  🙂
Posted in 2nd Coming, Audience Relevance, End of the World, Eschatology, Hermeneutics, Olivet Discourse | Leave a comment

Israeli – Palestinian Conflict

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Chuck Coty
I believe there is a great deal of confusion regarding the Palestinian / Israeli conflict. Considering the president’s most recent speech calling for a return to the 1967 borders, I think the following video, forwarded by 3 New Hampshire Governor and former White House Chief of Staff, John Sinunu, might introduce a degree of objectivity. If we can’t get past our emotional reactions which may be based upon faulty preconceptions, peace will stand little chance of prevailing. 
 
Understandably, because of a shared 1st Testament, most Christians are in solidarity with Israel and assume that the majority of fault should be laid at the feet of radical organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the neighboring Arab countries. But, it may not be as cut and dry as most perceive. This is an incredibly complex issue with no tidy solutions.  As Christians, I think it is imperative that we do whatever we can to foment peace. From my vantage point, that is not happening. 

Posted in Updates | Leave a comment

American Atheists Planning Rapture Party!

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Chuck Coty
Do the atheists have a point when they refer to the “any day now” rapture as nonsense? Are you able to answer their claims?  I have found that most cannot. The American Atheist Association is planning rapture parties for “heathens and skeptics” in a broadside attempt to garner new converts while mocking Christianity.
 
Watch the following video to learn how to successfully rebut their claims. Inspired Scripture is hanging in the balance. We most definitely have an answer. 

(For full-screen click the 4 arrows in the toolbar – “esc” key to revert)
 
Consider attending American Vision’s National Prophecy Conference, June 1-4, 2011 in Ridgecrest, NC, to learn how to effectively interpret Bible prophecy.
 
For a more in-depth look at these matters watch the following:
 
Posted in 2nd Coming, End of the World, Eschatology | Leave a comment

Whatever Happened to the Gospel?

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Chuck Coty
By David Nicholas
 
The pastor was brilliant. The people were with him every step of the way. Concluding the service he said, “I have good news for you today. Narzak paid for all your crimes. As we sing this last hymn, I invite you to come forward to receive Narzak into your heart. Let’s all stand and sing.”
 
The people stood, but they were more than confused. They wondered if they had heard correctly. Did the preacher really say, “Narzak paid for all your crimes?” Every person in the church was wondering, “Who is Narzak?” and “What crimes?”

Let’s carry this scenario over into the typical church service, in which the pastor thinks he is preaching the gospel. Realize that when the unbeliever hears the phrase, “Jesus died for you and paid for all your sins,” he is thinking, “Who is Jesus?” and “What sins?” Jesus has great name recognition, but I have discovered that many people who call themselves Christians have no idea who he is. And the typical unbeliever doesn’t have a clue. The unbeliever may own up to some faults, but he doesn’t think of himself as a sinner. He sees himself as basically a “good” person.

 
My quest to know what has happened to the Gospel began a few years ago when my wife and I visited various churches while on vacation. I noticed that the pastors of these churches—churches that would be considered biblical and evangelical—did not clearly explain the Bad News about ourselves and the Good News of what God has done for us through Christ. Yet in many of these churches, an invitation was given for people to come forward to “receive Jesus into their hearts.” But because there was no explanation of who Jesus is, what he did and why he did it, the invitation came across to the unbeliever just like the statement, “Narzak paid for your crimes. Won’t you believe in Narzak?”
 
Yes, salvation is of God, and the Holy Spirit must work in giving spiritual life to a person. And yes, he can do it any way he chooses. John the Baptist was filled with the Spirit from his mother’s womb (Luke 1:15), but this is not the norm. God’s primary way of saving people is through the Gospel because his power is in the Gospel (Romans 1:16). This is why the Gospel must be presented clearly. After all, if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle (1 Corinthians 14:8)? And if the problems of sin and death and what God has done to overcome them through Jesus Christ are not clearly set forth, who will understand their need and come to Jesus in faith?
 

I decided to see how pervasive this problem is. I asked LifeWay Research, the research arm of LifeWay Christian Resources, to conduct an independent survey of sermons from churches across the country—churches large and small, denominational and non-denominational—to see how often the Bad News and the Good News are being explained in a meaningful and understandable way. LifeWay Research conducted a survey of hundreds of sermons. The results are in, and Dr. Ed Stetzer with LifeWay Research called them “unsettling.”

 
It seems that the overwhelming majority of pastors have assumed that the Gospel, as set forth by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, is Christianity 101 and that the people listening to their sermons already grasp the basic concepts of the Gospel.

“Now brothers, I want to clarify for you the gospel I proclaimed to you; you received it and have taken your stand on it. You are also saved by it, if you hold to the message I proclaimed to you—unless you believed to no purpose. For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (HCSB)
 
The LifeWay Research survey revealed that 94% of pastors are not preaching the Bad News (our sin and death problems and why good works don’t work) and the Good News (what God has done through Christ to overcome our sin and death problems).
 
Most pastors do not mention the Bad News or the Good News in their sermons. But, sadder than this, most pastors do not know how to preach and explain the Bad News and Good News in a meaningful and understandable way. Is this important? Yes, if we are to take Jesus seriously, and if we have a desire to do what he commanded us to do. The Great Commission is at the heart of God’s plan for this world, and at the heart of the Great Commission is making disciples by preaching the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
 
I was asked by the Church Planting Coordinator for my denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America, to lead an evangelism conference. I agreed and told the Coordinator that I wanted the pastors who signed up for the conference to bring two or three sermons with them. I would place the men in small groups and ask each man to explain his sermon to the men in his group and then demonstrate how he had incorporated the Bad News and Good News into his message.
 
At this point, the Coordinator said to me, “David, these are all seminary-trained, ordained PCA pastors. They all know how to do that.” I said, “Humor me.” He did, and after leading a small group at the conference the Coordinator e-mailed me these remarks:

“Well, David, I must say that you’ve made a believer out of me. Overall I think the Evangelism Convocation went very well, but the preaching exercises in our coaching clusters stood out as the most valuable aspect of the entire event. They confirmed exactly what you said they would, and I see now that one of the biggest reasons we don’t have people coming to Christ in our churches, and why so many of our churches are lackluster and dying, is that the gospel simply isn’t being preached! I was so struck by how the guys would use code words like “the gospel” and “grace” and “the work of Christ” in their messages, and yet never, NEVER flesh them out or lay out the gospel. I guess they assume they’re doing it, but it just isn’t there.”
 
This man put his finger on the biggest problem in the church today. We have pastors who think they are preaching the gospel by using “Christianese” jargon; their congregants think they are hearing the gospel because the message contains familiar buzz words. Those on the inside are happy with what is going on, but unbelievers are not being reached because the Bad News and the Good News are not clearly explained.
 
I recently received a call from a former member of Spanish River Church who had moved to Franklin, TN. He told me that he and his family had visited three churches in the area and heard more than a dozen sermons. Only once did one of the pastors get somewhat close to the gospel, but he still did not really explain it. There was no gospel in the other thirteen messages my friend heard. Yet invitations to receive Christ were given at each service! This man was amazed and wondered what was going on in the church.
 
I explained that many pastors think they are presenting the gospel when in actuality they are not. They use “in-house” words and phrases that believers understand. It is like a child’s special code that requires a “secret decoder ring” to decipher the message. Either pastors do not believe they have any unbelievers in their services, or they don’t believe the gospel is God’s power for the salvation of all who believe. Or perhaps they just do not realize they’re not communicating clearly. Until our pastors commit to clearly presenting the Bad News and the Good News in plain, direct language, the unsaved man or woman will comprehend the message no more clearly than the tale of Narzak.
___________________________________

Editor’s Note: For an example of a clear gospel presentation, enjoy Dr. Nicholas’ article,
“Preaching the Gospel the Way Bobbie Lee Learned to Drive“.

In the summer of 1972, David led my entire family to the Lord.  David, “Rev” to us, passed away in January of this year on the exact day of his conversion almost 5 decades earlier. I have never known a man with more passion for the Gospel than Dr. David Nicholas. 

Through his ministry at Spanish River Church in Boca Raton, FL, he planted 243 churches throughout the globe. His memorial service was a day that I will never forget. His challenge to share “the good news and the bad news” will forever be indelibly marked in my minds-eye. Thank you, Rev, for you are now enjoying the fruit of your labor. Sadly though, there’s no one in Heaven to share the Gospel with. I wonder what Rev is doing now?  Perhaps sitting with my Mom and Dad and reminiscing. 🙂 
Posted in Gospel | Leave a comment

Will Rob one day answer the Bell? – How comprehensive is God’s grace?

Posted on March 26, 2011 by Chuck Coty
As many are probably aware, cult figure (and I’m not using that word pejoratively but rather culturally), Rob Bell has recently proclaimed his affinity for the doctrine of Universal Atonement, also known as Comprehensive Grace & Universalism. To be fair, Bell, at the opening of his “Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever” book tour, Bell denied holding to the classical definition. However, in his rebuttal found HERE, in my opinion, he wasn’t very convincing.

I found the above video of Doug Wilson rather interesting. He clearly delineated the issues that must be addressed i.e. the doctrines of Heaven, Hell, wrath, and grace. Although I believe Bell’s doctrinal proclivities are dangerous, the ensuing debate will prove to be healthy. I may have a warped perspective, but it seems to me that most Christians aren’t equipped to deal with these kinds of theological issues.  
 
Bell, in his Gen X style, has been asking some very poignant questions that strike at the heart of ecclesiastical tradition. So, in some regard, I have found Bell to be a breath of fresh air. However, in this instance, I believe he’s teetering on the precipice of heresy. And mind you, I don’t use that “h” word flippantly since it has been a label affixed to some of my views as well. Any time you deviate from the norm (orthodoxy), folks love to use labels because they aren’t equipped to refute the arguments Scripturally. So it becomes far less taxing and proves ultimately successful, to use the common rule of engagement known as guilt by association. But I digress…
 
In this case, I think it is much to do about a WHOLE LOT. This strikes at the heart of the Gospel and obliterates God’s wrathful nature. Heck, we all DESERVE Hell, so, it’s not a question of fairness. It’s a question of, what does the Bible teach? It’s not my intent here to deal with this issue, but suffice it to say, I believe the Bible overwhelming affirms that those who don’t trust the finished work of Christ by faith, will be forever separated from God and eternal life. 
 
At any rate, this is a very important issue I hope many wrestle with not just emotionally but doctrinally. We must be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within us. 
 
Bell’s plea is in the video below.  

Posted in Gospel, Universalism | Leave a comment

The Shape of Things to Come???

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Chuck Coty

Consider a local church’s upcoming sermon series (below) to determine if eschatology really matters. (*If come across this blog post a few years from now, just for context I’m writing this in March of 2010) In preparation for the series, they placed brochures (like the one below) on the doorknobs of 40,000 homes. According to the pastor, “THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME” (the title of the sermon series) is apparently pretty bleak. And this is all good and well if the Bible actually teaches that “The worst is yet to come” (one of the sermon titles). However, this is not much of a blessing if the pastor is as wrong as his eschatologically-likeminded predecessors have been?

If you aren’t depressed yet, just check out these. Lots to look forward to, eh? 

  • “Antichrist: the Future World Ruler”
  • “Apostacy: Corruption of the Church”
  • “Tribulation: The Worst is Yet to Come.”

The overwhelming majority of Christians believe that horrific times are fast approaching and some of the warning signs are already evident. The Antichrist, they say, is living among us and is about to be revealed. And the world is on the verge of an unrecoverable downward spiral. These dire predictions have been in play since Hal Lindsey’s “Late Great Planet Earth” (1971), and they continue to reverberate through literally hundreds if not thousands of prophetic books, movies and sermons series like the list below.

However, the question I began asking since I’ve been hearing this drumbeat since I became a Christians in 1972 is, “Is it possible that these prognostications are based on an incorrect interpretive method? Could this dispensational premillennial eschatology that emerged in the mid-1800s and which is responsible for these predictions, be grossly errant?

What if these sermons are based on a completely inaccurate and distorted interpretation of Bible prophecy? Yes, I realize that some consider it blasphemy to even pose this question, but after all, this eschatological system has been a complete failure to predict “What God says about our future” (the subtitle of the brochure below).

I truly don’t think most realize the effects these prognostications have had on the church over the past 40-50 years. How have these expectations affected you personally? Some appear oblivious to the onslaught but the majority are affected in ways that they probably don’t even realize. In the 70s I was told that saving for the future was a waste of valuable resources; In the 80s they warned that bringing children into a world on the verge of tribulation would not be prudent, and leading up to Y2K it was a common view that life would never be the same so be prepared for the worst.  

I can say rather confidently that the system of interpretation that produced these sermons is not biblically sound and that these predictions are errant. Who am I to make such a brash statement? Believe it or not, developing a sound eschatological framework is not rocket science. Sure, it will take some effort, but you would be surprised that if you use sound interpretational principles, accurate conclusions can be within your grasp. I know this sounds like an infomercial but what you may not realize is that the “experts” are ignoring some very simple hermeneutical (science of interpretation) principles. 

The reason I believe more and more Christians need to get their eschatological feet wet and begin to study these things on their own is because we are losing our culture due to the tidal wave of doom and gloom expectations that have been ravaging the church. The “Good News” of the gospel appears to have been so severely truncated and distorted, that its victorious nature has been ripped from its moorings.

Even though 2,000 years ago the apostles lived in the most perilous times, even they, while they endured persecution so horrific that one grieves to contemplate, spoke of the overcoming nature of their faith. While facing danger to life and limb the Apostle John penned, “Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world.” Shortly thereafter, from AD 64 to 66, the Neronic persecution claimed the lives of the majority of the church. They faced unrelenting apostacy, a climate rife with false Christs and antichrists (1 John 2:18) and they lived through the tribulation (Rev 1:9) that brought the most perilous events.

Isn’t it strangely ironic that all of the events today’s prophecy pundits predict for our near future, happened to those who lived through the decade of the AD 60s? Matter of fact, in 1805 Peter Holford wrote an apologetic for the Christian faith, “The Destruction of Jerusalem: An Absolute & Irresistible Proof of the Divine Origin of Christianity”. He detailed the fulfillment of every event predicted by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21).  If you take some time to read this short book I believe you will be shocked. Why is this information not taught in our churches? Why is the fulfillment of these prophetic events not used as an irresistible proof of the divine origin of Christianity as it was in George Holford’s day?  

I sincerely hope and pray that people begin to wake up to the historical realities. Though I believe the pastor who is preaching this sermon series below is a godly man with the absolute best of intentions, it makes me weep for our future. In my view, we have been severely hamstrung by negative expectations. How has the church gone this far off course?


Terrorist attacks. Food shortages. Political upheaval. Disintegrating morals. Surely we must be headed for earth’s final days. Is there any room for hope?
God’s Word answers: YES!

In these simple but profound Bible messages, Pastor Rummage identifies crucial truths every believer needs to understand about the end of time, and the difference those truths can make in our lives today. Join us for this exciting and encouraging prophecy series.

March 20, 2010 – Apostasy: The Corruption of the Church (1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

March 27, 2010 – Rapture: The Next Date on God’s Blackberry (1 Corinthians 15:20-24; 35-50; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

April 3, 2010 – Antichrist: The Future World Ruler (Daniel 7)

April 10, 2010 – Tribulation: The Worst is Yet to Come (Matthew 24)

April 17, 2010 – Atonement: The Center of Time and Eternity (Romans 3:21-26) – PALM SUNDAY

April 24, 2010 – Resurrection: The Hope for Your Future (1 Corinthians 15:1-11) – EASTER

May 1, 2010 – Armageddon: The Last Battle (Revelation 16:16; 19:11-16)

May 8, 2010 – Millennium: The Reign of Christ on Earth (Revelation 20) – MOTHER’S DAY

May 15, 2010 – Judgment: The Final Verdict (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; Revelation 20:11-15)

May 22, 2010 – Eternity: The Beginning of Forever (Revelation 22:1-6)
Posted in End of the World, Eschatology | Leave a comment

Matthew 16:27-28 – “Some Standing Here…”

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Chuck Coty

Have you ever pondered the implications of Matthew 16:27-28 (below)? It seems rather straightforward, doesn’t it? So it’s rather puzzling that commentators are all over the map on this one, with most refusing to consider its most obvious meaning i.e. that some of those who stood listening to Jesus, would still be alive to witness His second coming. What’s your first impression? Do these two verses make you uncomfortable, causing you to scurry for your footnotes? It can mean what it sounds like it means, can it?

Matthew 16:27-28 (NASB) “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds. 28″Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Most often the commentators attempt to do one of two things and sometimes both. They either divorce verse 27 from verse 28 (since chapter divisions were not part of the original manuscripts) as though Jesus was speaking of two events separated by thousands of years i.e. verse 27 referring to a still future 2nd coming, while 28 referred to a more imminent event such as either the transfiguration or Pentecost; OR they couple verse 27 and 28 and argue that Jesus was speaking about either the transfiguration or Pentecost.

Let me ask you a question. Are the above solutions the most natural and plausible explanations of these verses?

Is it possible that the paradigm/worldview of the commentators, is driving them far afield from what Jesus was actually teaching? Without stealing any of his thunder, consider the short videos believe from Don K. Preston (www.eschatology.org). In these”Preston’s Ponderings”, Don presents what I believe makes the most exegetical. Well, dig in and be prepared to be challenged.

 

























Handling two objections



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Mysterious Mass Deaths of Birds & Fish – Last Day? Kirk Cameron Weighs on CNN

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Chuck Coty
The more I cross paths with actor Kirk Cameron, the more I appreciate him as a brother in Christ. Even though I don’t agree with his eschatology, I really love this guy. He’s so down to earth and is such a committed Christian.
 
In the below CNN story regarding the mysterious mass deaths of birds and fish, the interviewer, Anderson Cooper, tried coaxing Cameron into linking these strange occurrences to an impending “end of days” scenario.

Kirk could have easily taken this interview in a very different direction, however, much to my appreciation he stayed focused and grounded. Kirk pointed out that after everything is said and done, any given day could be our last. And we MUST be prepared for that day. I think he’s right on the money. In this CNN interview with Cameron (halfway through the above clip), Kirk said with a little grin, “I’m not the religious conspiracy theorist go-to guy”. And I just about busted a gut. Bravo Kirk!
 
Then, when CNN’s Anderson Cooper pressed him on the whole “Left Behind” series (in which Kirk played a prominent movie role), Kirk said, “I’m probably going to die of some other cause before this [the end of the world] happens.” How refreshing! This is a wonderful perspective and one I wish more Christians took.
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“True Revelation” by Kenosis

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Chuck Coty

Friend, Dustin Curlee, recently sent me a couple of cuts from his new CD, Transidentity. His hip-hop band, Kenosis, comprised of Cody Miles, David Boone and of Dustin, is dedicated to the proclamation and propagation of the Gospel. As they attempt to glorify Christ in all areas of life, they preach a powerful message of fulfilled redemption. I took cut #6, “True Revelation,” and added the video. I hope you’re blessed half as much as I have been.

 

(click on the 4 small arrows above to bring full screen)
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You’ve Got to be Kidding…Right?

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Chuck Coty
You’ve Gotta Be Kidding . . . Right? chronicles Brian L. Martin’s (Editor of Fulfilled! Magazine) eschatological journey. His view of the “last things” (eschatology), though it may be new to you, is soundly rooted in Scripture. Join Brian as he encounters scriptural principles (hermeneutics) like “audience relevance”, “apocalyptic language”, “cloud-comings”, and much more. Prepare to be challenged!

Everyone has a paradigm (worldview) even if it’s not well-defined. When we encounter that which differs from what we have been told, we often immediately jettison the new view without serious consideration. Before even carefully analyzing the facts, we ask skeptically, “Who else believes this?” Have you ever wondered why we’re unwilling to take up the task of being faithful Bereans? I think it’s a matter of confidence. We lack the boldness to push commonly help presuppositions aside, especially when those more learned and spiritually astute, oppose that which is sitting before us.

And this is tragic, especially for a generation that has access to more Scriptural tools than any generation in history. Certainly, we are at a disadvantage with those who have a working knowledge of Greek or those who have a boatload of seminary training in their background. There is no substitute for hard work and diligence but we must realize that even pastors and seminary professors interpret the Bible through a lens that may be filled with errant presuppositions. This is the reason the Bereans were lauded. They took their responsibility to “see if these things are so” very seriously. Should we do any less?

Acts 17:11 (ESV) Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

J.I. Packer made a rather intuitive statement that sheds a great deal of light on the plight of the today’s Christian. And I suppose this is really not a problem confined to our modern world. Consider this:

We do not start our Christian lives by working out our faith for ourselves; it is mediated to us by Christian tradition, in the form of sermons, books and established patterns of church life and fellowship. We read our Bibles in the light of what we have learned from these sources; we approach Scripture with minds already formed by the mass of accepted opinions and viewpoints with which we have come into contact, in both the Church and the world. . . . It is easy to be unaware that it has happened; it is hard even to begin to realize how profoundly tradition in this sense has molded us. But we are forbidden to become enslaved to human tradition, either secular or Christian, whether it be “catholic” tradition, or “critical” tradition, or “ecumenical” tradition. We may never assume the complete rightness of our own established ways of thought and practice and excuse ourselves the duty of testing and reforming them by Scriptures. (Fundamentalism and the Word of God, by J.I. Packer. [Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1958.] pp. 69-70)


It’s not a matter of if we read the Scriptures with built-in biases that we’re not aware of. It’s a given that we do. It’s only natural. However, what’s of vital importance is recognizing that our current presuppositions (which may be errant) can prevent us from understanding the truth. In order to maintain sanity, we often ward off all views that oppose our own and allow only that which corroborates and sanctions our paradigm to enter our minds. Our defense mechanisms, valuable in many ways, do at times insulate us from the truth.


With these things in mind, consider for a moment a view of eschatology that may be foreign to you. And do your best to be objective. Brian Martin, the producer of “You’ve Got to Be Kidding….right?” and author of “Behind the Veil of Moses, presents a solidly Biblical view of eschatology. Know this. Brian is deeply committed to the authority and inspiration of Scripture. So his view emanates from a very high view of the Bible. So much so, that he challenges those who so flippantly cast off the many eschatological passages tied to such blatantly imminent language i.e. “soon”, “at hand”, “shortly” and “in a very little while”.

My recommendation is that you watch the video in two sessions. Then revisit the video jotting down all verses used so you can better understand the context. Well, enjoy and be prepared to smile. Brian has a wonderfully refreshing sense of humor. =)
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Polish Michael Jackson? – Classical Collides with Contemporary!

Posted on October 15, 2010 by Chuck Coty

Yes, Grupa MoCarta is a Polish group and I can’t understand a lick of what they’re saying, but I had a blast watching them (videos below). They’re all well-educated instrumentalists who graduated from prestigious Academies of Music in Warsaw and ?ódz, but they decided to play classical music in a humorous way. “What’s more, they created something like a musical cabaret, one in which the music, not the words were the source of laughter.”

The power of their jokes can be characterized like this: they take a classical composition as canvas, analyze its structure and theme, and surround it with musical associations. So while listening to the final product one is constantly surprised by various musical quotations. Classically trained, they explain their intentions this way:

“We exist despite the sober formality of great concert halls, despite the boredom of classical musicians’ life, despite fanatic lovers of classical music, despite fans of rock, rap or pop who are afraid of classical music. We treat our Muse with a humorous irony and we’re sure, she will have nothing against it!”
Enjoy!


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Science vs. Scripture

Posted on September 11, 2010 by Chuck Coty
If science and the Bible are or even appear to be at odds with one another and we were forced to take sides, which one would you choose? Many side with Scripture although they might be uncomfortable with what may seem like a rather expansive chasm between them. Most evangelicals assent to the Bible inspiration (2 Tim 3:16), but a far lesser number appear to recognize the pressure and impact outside influences bear on their interpretation of Holy Scripture. In the following sermon, David Curtis exposes what I believe is an issue most of us are unaware of, that science is a controlling factor in Biblical interpretation.

When we say “Sola Scriptura” (by Scripture alone) what exactly do we mean? Is the Bible only authoritative on matters of faith, salvation, and holiness? In other words, does the Bible only regard spiritual matters while science is left to elucidate truth on the physical side of the equation?Do you believe Scripture should be the foundational source of ALL truth? If so, what does that mean? I think that question is no more clearly highlighted than when we read the first 3 chapters of the Genesis. Do you believe the earth is billions of years old? If you were on a desert island with only a Bible and no influence from science, what would you conclude about the age of the earth? Is there anything in the Genesis account (chapters 1-3) that would lead you to believe the earth is 20,000,0000,000 years old? I can’t see how.

Yet, there are many Christians today who think those who adhere to a relatively young earth, must be flat-earth Neanderthals who skipped science class. They say a day in Genesis is clearly not literal and therefore equates to millions if not billions of years. Some even believe Genesis 1-3 is allegorical. So let me ask you a question. Is science or Scripture controlling your view of the “day” in Genesis? I will argue that no one reading the Genesis account would come to an old earth theory…that is without scientific influence. So the reality is, for those who believe the earth is billions of years old, science, not Scripture is driving your conclusions.

Now, let’s consider another issue that also speaks to this issue of Scriptural authority. Do you believe the earth rotates and revolves around the sun? Of course, right? Heliocentricity, as it’s called, is accepted as a scientific fact that very few challenge. But again, let’s rerun the same test. If you had nothing but your Bible, would you arrive at the heliocentric position? At this point, I’m not suggesting you are wrong, but for argument’s sake, what drives the heliocentric view, the Bible or science?

From our earliest recollections, we’ve been told that geocentricity, which is the view espoused by Scripture over sixty times, is merely a function of accommodative type language i.e. from our point of view. So when we read that the sun rises or sets, we automatically assume that, from our point of view, the sun is rising.

Notice again that this heliocentricity vs. geocentricity argument is the same as the young vs. old earth origin theories. Did you know that all theologians prior to the 1600’s when Copernicus came up with his heliocentric theory, were geocentrists? That’s because we don’t know what we know today, right? Yes, but consider this fact. Did you know that heliocentricity is a theory, not a fact? Matter of fact, it may come as a surprise that it has NEVER been proven. When I first heard this about a year ago I almost choked on my granola. Of course, it’s proven, I thought. Not so.

Without a doubt, David Curtis will push the limits of your paradigm. The bottom line is, if we truly believe Scripture is the ONLY source of truth, few are practically applying that fact. And no more are we put to the test than in the examination of the heliocentric vs. geocentric theories.

Enjoy the sermon, but before you do, let me offer a disclaimer of sorts. Some have suggested that Pastor David Curtis has no business discussing science from the pulpit. They condescendingly mock him for even considering such. Why? Because, in their view, science can and in fact does bring us the truth. They have a very high view of science and in so doing, they unwittingly lower the Scriptures. You see, in their world, when we are chided for daring to place the scientific evidence below the authority of God’s Word, they have a major problem. Because they too are non-scientists, they have handed over the entire realm of science to a group who has, for the most part, excluded spiritual influence.

Are we truly bound by what the scientists tell us the truth is? If so, then why don’t these people believe the theory of evolution since that theory has risen to the fact level? If they aren’t allowed to tread in the caverns of scientific exploration, who are they to pick and choose which theories to accept and which ones to reject? They accept an old earth and heliocentricity but not evolution or geocentricity. On what grounds?

I’ll tell you what grounds. Because the Bible is preeminent in ALL areas of life including science. Double gasp! Yes, I made the audacious claim that the Bible is not subject to anything. It is the beginning and end of truth. How ignorant! How foolish! Anyone with a high school education knows the Bible isn’t a science textbook. Again, let me challenge your paradigm. The Bible doesn’t merely contain truth, it is our source of truth and is in no way confined to the spiritual realm. The Bible is authoritative over ALL areas of life, not the least of which is science. So, without further ado, please enjoy the sermon. 🙂

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We are His Workmanship!

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Chuck Coty
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NASB) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

I thought the following was an exceptional dialogue for anyone who is serious about their walk with the Lord and excited about being an effective disciple. But I’d like to offer a word of caution. Our works, although absolutely vital to the maturing of our faith, are NOT dependable evidence of faith. It’s clear that God chisels those He has adopted as sons, but the workmanship begins only after entering into Jesus’ eternal Sabbath rest.Please do NOT make the mistake I did, and unintentionally trivialize or subjectify your faith decision, if for a season, your works or acts of piety are not consistent with your calling. Matter of fact, if we are honest, we’ll readily admit that our post-conversion efforts will ALWAYS fall far shy of God’s amazing grace.

Consider the following texts that on the surface appear paradoxical. Are they?

James 2:21 (NASB) Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?

Galatians 3:6 (NASB) Even so Abraham believed God , and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.


This is an apparent contradiction…a paradox. In my view, a Paradox is NOT an acceptable hermeneutical principle. Too often, because two passages (such as ones quoted above), appear to be in diametric opposition, we throw our hands in the air, willingly submit to both and chalk the problem up to “God’s ways are not our ways.” In my opinion, this is not a tenable solution and one that must be vigorously rejected.

Trying to mesh the inspired verses above, has driven many to form what I believe are errant conclusions, of which cause severe chinks in the perceptions of our eternal security. I believe the solution must NOT, in my view, include a synthesis of these two opposing statements.

Someone cannot be saved by works but also be saved by faith. Therefore this should drive us us to reevaluate James 2. Interpret the unclear with what is clear. Many, instead choose to embrace the paradox and make both statements true. I won’t castigate those who, just like I did, embrace this kind of logic… However, I must not be silent either. Unfortunately, in our haste to reconcile this paradox, “Belief” has been relegated to a 2nd class subjective status. We hear things like, “He didn’t really believe.” Or based upon her behavior, we say, “She obviously has head knowledge but not real faith.”

I don’t have the inclination here to solve what many consider a mystery, but suffice it to say, salvation is by grace through faith alone. It’s a gift of God. So let’s not act like we can DO anything to either merit the gift or prove that our faith is real.

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What If…? – by Jenkins Entertainment

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Chuck Coty


Behold, the return of Kevin Sorbo and Kristy Swanson. In the movie What if…, in theaters Aug. 20, Sorbo plays Ben, a man who left his college sweetheart, Wendy (Swanson), and his dream of becoming a preacher to pursue a business opportunity. Fifteen years later, his Mercedes breaks down and a tow truck driver (John Ratzenberger) claims to be his guardian angel and gives him a look at what his life would have been like had he followed his original path. Watch the trailer below. Yes, it looks like it should be on the Hallmark Channel in December, but Sorbo and Swanson appear to give surprisingly understated performances (that could land them a Hallmark Channel movie!).

Ratzenberger is totally a guardian angel I would get. I’ve always imagined mine as like a George Carlin, who really has no interest in my life and only pays attention to me when I speak inarticulately, at which point, he takes out his annoyance by screwing with me. That explains so much…. Who do you picture as your guardian angel? (God, by the way, looks like Steve Martin.)

_________________


As a disclaimer… I’m certainly no fan of the Jerry B. Jenkins’/Tim LaHaye”Left Behind” series because I think the eschatology portrayed therein is unwittingly destroying the credibility of the Gospel. However, I believe Jerry’s a fine writer and he appears to be a wonderful human being who is deeply embedded in the cause of Christ. And it should be noted that the film producer is actually Dallas Jenkins, Jerry’s son. Looks like an interesting film. In my view, we need more movies that espouse Biblical themes. I’ll hope for the best. 🙂
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Understanding Scripture

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Chuck Coty
This is one of the most vital sermons, friend, Pastor David Curtis, has preached. If you want to understand Scripture as a contiguous, homogeneous, unfolding plan of redemption, this will aid you in your quest. David explains in visual PowerPoint form, the transition period that existed between the two covenants. If you are confused about the “already and about to be” language of the New Testament, I believe this sermon will help you a great deal.

(Click button above for full screen)


Mark 10:28-30 (NASB) Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You.” 29 Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, 30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age [about] to come, eternal life. (Greek word “mello” means “to be about” or “about to be”)

Hebrews 9:8-9 (NASB) The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, 9 which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,

Luke 18:30 (NASB) who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.”

1 Corinthians 10:11 (NASB) Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

Matthew 24:1-3 (NASB) Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. 2 And He said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” 3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

Hebrews 8:13 (NASB) When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.

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