I heard people talking about the return of Jesus just being a "heart beat" away. What are the signs, and where did you get them from?
Originally posted by Recede
I heard people talking about the return of Jesus just being a "heart beat" away. What are the signs, and where did you get them from?
Originally posted by Gerry
24:3 - And as he was sitting on the slope of the Mount of Olives his disciples came to him privately and said, "Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the signal for your coming and the end of this world?" 24:4-14 -
Originally posted by Recede
I heard people talking about the return of Jesus just being a "heart beat" away. What are the signs, and where did you get them from?
Originally posted by Hoonbaba
All the signs are straight from Matthew 24:4-31. By the way, are you worried about the end of the world? Just curious.
I personally hold on to the 'heretical' eschatological view known as preterism, However, since this board does not permit preterists to be on this forum, I would say that the greatest sign before Christ's second coming is the gospel being preached to the entire world (Matt 24:14) and I'm speaking from a postmillennial perspective.
Many of my friends hold on to this view, rather than the typical 'fire and brimstone' view like Tim Lahaye, Hal Lindsey, and the rest of the premillennial camp (aka the rapture, great tribulation, 2nd coming, etc, etc). [/B]
By the way, postmillennialists believe that Jesus would come back after the entire world has heard the gospel (Matt 24:14). One of my favorite ministries is Gospel For Asia. Why? Cuz they're set on reaching the 3 billion in the 10/40 window who never heard the gospel =) I think it's time to get the gospel moving =) [/B]
Originally posted by thusaith
Hi there Jason, I hate to sound nieve but what is pretresism? That's a new one on me brother! And why is it considered heresy? Is it another form of premillenialism and why isn't allowed in what forum? ( I'm a new member here, I registered a day or so ago) I have to admit I must have switched positions numerous times, from pre to post to pan! It's all going to pan out in the end if you can dig my drift? There has to be a more consistant answer to all the un-fulfilled prophecy in the bible and I think you'll agree with that?
As for the Tim Layhayes and the Hal Lindseys of the world and let's not forget that other guy, Van Empie? He sounds like he's on some kind of a space ship coming in for a landing! I take those guys with a grain of salt anymore.
I've always wondered as to how would it be possible for the entire world to hear the gospel i.e. every person living, when people are being born into the world everyday? Just a thought! I discovered some verses that say the gospel has been preached to all the world:
Colossians 1:5-6 (NKJV) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
Colossians 1:23 (NKJV) if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
I agree with you, we must continue to keep witnessing the gospel to everyone.... let me know what you think of these verses and fill me in on this pretresim thing will ya?
Originally posted by Patmosman_sga
The consummatory "event" of the ages is the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Thus, the true "signs" of Jesus' return are a piece of bread and a cup of wine. In the Eucharist, we are already participating in the new heaven and the new earth, for Christ is present in our midst with all the saints, martyrs, Apostles, angels, archangels and the whole company of heaven. Gathered at the Lord's Table, we are "in touch" with the "end," the final outcome of history, the Parousia, the personal, transforming, redeeming presence of Christ in the midst of God's new creation.
Originally posted by Patmosman_sga
The consummatory "event" of the ages is the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Thus, the true "signs" of Jesus' return are a piece of bread and a cup of wine. In the Eucharist, we are already participating in the new heaven and the new earth, for Christ is present in our midst with all the saints, martyrs, Apostles, angels, archangels and the whole company of heaven. Gathered at the Lord's Table, we are "in touch" with the "end," the final outcome of history, the Parousia, the personal, transforming, redeeming presence of Christ in the midst of God's new creation.
1 Corinthians 11
26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.
Originally posted by thusaith
I hate to sound nieve but what is pretresism?
Prediction after prediction has failed to materialize, and false hope after false hope has been foisted upon the Christian community. Many Christians have been disillusioned, and are already looking for more reasonable explanations. Some have been so disillusioned they left the faith altogether. And the secular media (who are always looking for an excuse) are further discrediting Christianity because of it. Something is terribly wrong with traditional views of Bible Prophecy.
3 knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, 4 and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."
Originally posted by npetreley
The Eucharist is symbolic of the marriage supper, and is the sign of His coming?
Assuming we can get around the part about the Eucharist proclaiming His death (interesting wedding imagery, that) does your interpretation mean that these are the signs of His coming until He comes?
Originally posted by Patmosman_sga
I am Methodist, in the tradition of John and Charles Wesley. American Methodism, for the most part, has forgotten its sacramental heritage, but the Wesleys themselves were unabashed Anglicans who held the doctrine of the Real Presence, in continuity with Apostolic teaching.
Originally posted by Hoonbaba
Whoa..I had no idea. So do Methodists believe in transubstantiation like Catholics, and Orthodox? And do Anglicans believe that too? Also, are there any other denominations that believe in the Real Presence as well?
I've met some former protestants that joined the Catholics and they say that the Real Presence in the Eucharist is an incredible blessing to experience. What are your thoughts on the Eucharist?
Personally I'm absolutely eager to partake in the Eucharist, whether it be Catholic, Orthodox, or whatever!!
Unfortunately, my church doesn't really care about communion. It's something that's done only like 12 times a year. People often say things like, "Why do it every week? It'll become just another rote ritualistic activity". Yet, we all do 'rote' things like eating...heh and we all generally do it 3 times a day. Personally I enjoy such 'rote' activity. Now if only I can partake in the covenant meal at least once a week
-Jason
Originally posted by Patmosman_sga
Wesley deferred more to the Eastern Orthodox understanding of the Eucharist, which is much more reticent about the mystery than is the Roman Catholic "transubstantiation." The Orthodox are content to let the mystery speak for itself than to presume to speak for the mystery.
We celebrate the Eucharist every other week except during the summer months, when we celebrate once a month. It is widely anticipated that our next General Conference (2004) will recommend that all churches begin weekly observance.