Seriously. WHY?

[Aservantonthemount]

In the book of Acts, we find the Apostles and their disciples in agreement. And then man intervened with his "interpretation" of words. Now, we have a myriad of different beliefs concerning the end times, and many fools, (I being one of them), who argues viciously at times saying that they are "the most correct".

I believe that it is time to face some facts. We, do, not, know, anything. When it comes to the end times, we are seriously clueless. We have clues from the entire Bible, and when some, like myself, attempt to line up prophecy with actual events, our predictions turn on their heads. So, I want to be the first to say, with all of the research and prayer put into what I believe is going to happen in the near future, I do not know if Lord Yeshua is going to return in my lifetime. In fact, anyone here who says otherwise, even if they claim that they heard the information for El Shaddai Himself, are liars. Are the Pre-tribs correct? Are the Amils crazy? Are the Post-trib premils, like myself, pompous fools? The answer, in my opinion, will be shown by the way each of these groups answer. I admit, I was a fool. Who else would like to join me in a good old fashioned humbling party here at the End Times forum? One thing that the Apostles had that I believe that all of us need a healthy dose of is humility. Without that, we will only continue to spread the cloud of uncertainty that is certainly plaguing the churches right now. (Understand I mean that the churches are received poorly in the outside world because of all of the bickering done on the inside). We all have one book. Why so many differing views on the end times? (Rhetorical question). Let's enjoy some "I don't know when Lord Yeshua's making His return" humble pie party and represent. I started with the post-trib premils. Anyone else would like to chime in?

[adampjr]

I completely agree with your humble pie party sentiment.

[DurbanDude]

Nice Idea! Well I am going to add my voice to the post-trib premills. I definitely THINK Jesus is going to come in my lifetime, but knowing that Christians throughout the ages have all thought that. I believe its healthy Christian living to expect Jesus to come soon. The end can only be ushered in when the gospel has been preached to all nations and only God knows that moment.

[Aservantonthemount]

Exactly. Only God knows. Lord Yeshua said as much in Matthew 24.

[ChristianCoffee]

In the book of Acts, we find the Apostles and their disciples in agreement. And then man intervened with his "interpretation" of words. Now, we have a myriad of different beliefs concerning the end times, and many fools, (I being one of them), who argues viciously at times saying that they are "the most correct".

I believe that it is time to face some facts. We, do, not, know, anything. When it comes to the end times, we are seriously clueless. We have clues from the entire Bible, and when some, like myself, attempt to line up prophecy with actual events, our predictions turn on their heads. So, I want to be the first to say, with all of the research and prayer put into what I believe is going to happen in the near future, I do not know if Lord Yeshua is going to return in my lifetime. In fact, anyone here who says otherwise, even if they claim that they heard the information for El Shaddai Himself, are liars. Are the Pre-tribs correct? Are the Amils crazy? Are the Post-trib premils, like myself, pompous fools? The answer, in my opinion, will be shown by the way each of these groups answer. I admit, I was a fool. Who else would like to join me in a good old fashioned humbling party here at the End Times forum? One thing that the Apostles had that I believe that all of us need a healthy dose of is humility. Without that, we will only continue to spread the cloud of uncertainty that is certainly plaguing the churches right now. (Understand I mean that the churches are received poorly in the outside world because of all of the bickering done on the inside). We all have one book. Why so many differing views on the end times? (Rhetorical question). Let's enjoy some "I don't know when Lord Yeshua's making His return" humble pie party and represent. I started with the post-trib premils. Anyone else would like to chime in?

And that is why I so rarely "debate" on these points: no one knows. But I will eat a helping of the humble pie as well, because there have been times where I was "hard lined" pre-trib rapture, and was convinced anyone who did not believe that was incorrect. I will write more later, as I have to head for work now. But I think pretty well everyone needs a bite of this pie from time to time.

[Dani H]

I don't think we're dealing with anything different than Israel did when awaiting their Messiah. Because from the original promise in Genesis way back when to the first arrival of Jesus, we have a span of God only knows how many thousands of years (depending on how literal you are with interpreting generations and whatnot).

All of a sudden, when nobody expected it (except Anna and Simeon that we know of) ... poof, there's Jesus, and even He had to convince people over and over again "yep, I'm the Messiah." God had to deal with Mary and Joseph both because they were expecting something completely different from what actually did happen.

Still, back then not everyone believed. Still, today not everyone believes. Welcome to matters of faith.

It's the same thing we're dealing with now, basically. We have a promise, the early Church expected it to happen in their generation, now it's 2000 years later and everyone is going "well ... when ... how?"

God does what He does when He does it, how He does it. It'll happen when it'll happen and how it'll happen. Maybe another 2000 years from now, who knows? Doesn't mean I can't expect it to happen in my life time. Doesn't mean I shouldn't expect it to happen in my lifetime. Doesn't mean whoever doesn't expect it to happen in their lifetime has less faith than I do. It is what it is, and if we take a cue from history, we should all know how to properly deal with it (which means let God handle the fulfillment of His own promises whenever and however He sees fit).

[claybevan]

And that is why I so rarely "debate" on these points: no one knows. But I will eat a helping of the humble pie as well, because there have been times where I was "hard lined" pre-trib rapture, and was convinced anyone who did not believe that was incorrect. I will write more later, as I have to head for work now. But I think pretty well everyone needs a bite of this pie from time to time.

I'm stuffed already so I guess another portion won't make much difference.
post tribber at present, then again...

[Diggindeeper]

Exactly. Only God knows. Lord Yeshua said as much in Matthew 24.

One thing I can say with reasonable certainty....HE SAID "I'll be back!"

...and it will be when we least expect his second coming! WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT...........

[doug3]

One thing I can say with reasonable certainty....HE SAID "I'll be back!"

...and it will be when we least expect his second coming! WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT...........

....

The poll should have an "I don't know" option.

[John146]

In the book of Acts, we find the Apostles and their disciples in agreement. And then man intervened with his "interpretation" of words. Now, we have a myriad of different beliefs concerning the end times, and many fools, (I being one of them), who argues viciously at times saying that they are "the most correct".

I believe that it is time to face some facts. We, do, not, know, anything. When it comes to the end times, we are seriously clueless. We have clues from the entire Bible, and when some, like myself, attempt to line up prophecy with actual events, our predictions turn on their heads. So, I want to be the first to say, with all of the research and prayer put into what I believe is going to happen in the near future, I do not know if Lord Yeshua is going to return in my lifetime. In fact, anyone here who says otherwise, even if they claim that they heard the information for El Shaddai Himself, are liars. Are the Pre-tribs correct? Are the Amils crazy? Are the Post-trib premils, like myself, pompous fools? The answer, in my opinion, will be shown by the way each of these groups answer. I admit, I was a fool. Who else would like to join me in a good old fashioned humbling party here at the End Times forum? One thing that the Apostles had that I believe that all of us need a healthy dose of is humility. Without that, we will only continue to spread the cloud of uncertainty that is certainly plaguing the churches right now. (Understand I mean that the churches are received poorly in the outside world because of all of the bickering done on the inside). We all have one book. Why so many differing views on the end times? (Rhetorical question). Let's enjoy some "I don't know when Lord Yeshua's making His return" humble pie party and represent. I started with the post-trib premils. Anyone else would like to chime in?

I believe that He will return in my lifetime (assuming I live at least an average lifespan) only because I believe the world is supposed to become more and more evil just before His return and I believe that is what is happening now. But I'm not sure. No one knows the day or hour (Matt 24:36, Matt 25:13). Also, I am an amil and I'm pretty sure I'm not crazy.

[slightlypuzzled]

I said 'yes' simply because He can return at any time. I am not a premillenialist watching for signs, I just respect the fact that He can, and hope He will...I eagerly wait for His return...

[billy-brown 2]

Well, we need to all be humble in these things . . .

Nevertheless, we can also say the following (in bold):

Rev. 22
16“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

18I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book;

19and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

20He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Finally, Paul looked for the return of Christ in his lifetime; this speaks of his continual hopeful expectation of His return. We can all learn something from that . . .

[quiet dove]

I said 'yes' simply because He can return at any time. I am not a premillenialist watching for signs, I just respect the fact that He can, and hope He will...I eagerly wait for His return...

Hope for his return, the common ground.....

[Cyberseeker]

My belief that Jesus will return in my lifetime is decreasing in inverse proportion to the increasing number of my birthdays.

[mailmandan]

One thing I can say with reasonable certainty....HE SAID "I'll be back!"

...and it will be when we least expect his second coming! WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT...........

Matthew 24:44 - Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

It will certainly be in an hour that I do not expect because I thought that Jesus would have returned by now. Maybe I listened to Jack Van Impe too much when I was a new Christian. .