A second objection to my questioning whether the church of Jesus Christ is being judged for its disunity in a manner parallel to the judgment and restoration of Israel in the Old Testament is this: today’s events are no different than any other period in human history; many have predicted the end times and failed because we can know neither the day nor the hour when Jesus will return (read, for example, Mark 13).
I am not suggesting that we are in the end times temporally today. I humbly acknowledge that Scripture is true and where there is mystery in it, God must have a higher meaning that I cannot discern.
But I can and should ask, “What if?”
What if I hear of wars and rumors of wars; what if nation rises up against nation; what if there are earthquakes and famines (Mark 13:7-8)? These are the beginning of the birth pangs. But those things have come and gone hundreds of times, over and over, in human history.
What if Christians are dragged before the authorities to recant their faith; and what if the Gospel must be preached to all nations first (Mark 13:9-11)? Well, Christians have been persecuted for a very long time, but it does appear to be on the rise, especially here in America. And if the Gospel has not yet been preached in all nations, it is coming pretty close to that goal.
What if the fig tree is becoming tender and is putting forth its leaves, telling us that a new season is near (Mark 13:28-29)? Many have thought the day was at hand because of all the signs only to be proved wrong.
But here is a paradox to the historical implication of signs that appeared consistent with Scripture, yet Jesus did not return: Jesus said at least twice that the current generation to whom He was speaking at the time 2,000 years ago would not pass away before all these things would take place, including His return (Mark 9:1 and 13:30).
What if there is another way of viewing this in which this paradox is, and has been, resolved?
I have proposed such a view in Streamside – Finding Peace through Perfect Unity.
Come back soon for the third objection!
I am not suggesting that we are in the end times temporally today. I humbly acknowledge that Scripture is true and where there is mystery in it, God must have a higher meaning that I cannot discern.
But I can and should ask, “What if?”
What if I hear of wars and rumors of wars; what if nation rises up against nation; what if there are earthquakes and famines (Mark 13:7-8)? These are the beginning of the birth pangs. But those things have come and gone hundreds of times, over and over, in human history.
What if Christians are dragged before the authorities to recant their faith; and what if the Gospel must be preached to all nations first (Mark 13:9-11)? Well, Christians have been persecuted for a very long time, but it does appear to be on the rise, especially here in America. And if the Gospel has not yet been preached in all nations, it is coming pretty close to that goal.
What if the fig tree is becoming tender and is putting forth its leaves, telling us that a new season is near (Mark 13:28-29)? Many have thought the day was at hand because of all the signs only to be proved wrong.
But here is a paradox to the historical implication of signs that appeared consistent with Scripture, yet Jesus did not return: Jesus said at least twice that the current generation to whom He was speaking at the time 2,000 years ago would not pass away before all these things would take place, including His return (Mark 9:1 and 13:30).
What if there is another way of viewing this in which this paradox is, and has been, resolved?
I have proposed such a view in Streamside – Finding Peace through Perfect Unity.
Come back soon for the third objection!
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