6/02/2011 07:00:00 PM
Jeffrey K Radt ("JRed")
A few years ago, my dear mother-in-law was cleaning out an old friend's house when she stumbled across a dust covered, barely noticeable book about Bible prophecy simply titled The Prophet Daniel: A Key To The Visions And Prophecies Of The Book Of Daniel.
In fact, the book itself was published way back in 1911 -- 100 years ago! -- and it was focused on one brother in Christ's analysis of the Book of Daniel.
I remember thinking how uniquely ironic it was that it was a text written about the preeminent book in the Bible about the coming "Son of Perdition" (2 Thessalonians 2:3), and that the author's name was appropriately A.C. Gaebelein ("A.C." as in "Antichrist"). What are the odds, right?
At the time, I thought it was pretty cool just to be able to actually hold in my hands a book written so long ago, and also marveled at the thought that it was written by a man who was just as passionate about prophecy I was.
As far as I can tell, Mr Gaebelein was not a religious leader. However, he did write a few more books: Exposition Of Matthew; Harmony Of The Prophetic Word; The Lord Of Glory. I haven't been able to find them yet (or any additional info about the man or the Publisher), but I also haven't gone through all the boxes of books now in my mother-in-law's possession.
I gotta admit, despite our shared affinity for Bible prophecy, I struggled reading it! I was merely a "Baby Christian" at the time, and so when it came to the Bible's prophecies for the last days (those difficult-to-understand ones especially found in the Book of Daniel) I only had cursory knowledge of the absolute basics.
Ok, so why am I bringing this up now all of a sudden and for the first time in this forum when I've had the book sitting here for the last 8-9 years? Good question. A lot of it had to do with our intense focus on Bible prophecy the past couple of weeks following the Harold Camping controversy, but it was also due to the fact that the world recently marked the 63rd anniversary of the birth of the state of Israel.
Such an event should be a stark reminder of how close we must be to the prophesied end. Sure, it took place in 1948, and 63 years have gone by without the world witnessing the start of the prophesied Tribulation. Still, is there any doubt about where we are on God's prophetic timeline? (You might want to follow up with a quick reading of "2011 - 1948 = 63 | 63 + 7 = 70 | Interesting?"). Time is short indeed; much shorter than ever before I'd say.
I realize that none of us can predict when that fateful day will arrive, but can we really sit here and think that it is still another 63 years away though? I mean, all we have to do is stay plugged in to the news to quickly conclude that we are closer than ever before. From the "Arab Spring", to Osama Bin Laden's death, to unprecedented natural events and wild weather, and a host of other "signs of the times", humanity is at the tipping point.
Plus, what do we know about the generation that would see that event (the restoration of Israel) take place with their own eyes?
The bottom line? Folks, we have more reason to believe that ours is the generation referred to on the above passages than any other generation before us even though they too thought the end was near. Even so, the Lord might tarry and it could very well be another young man 100 years from now writing a similar commentary about this post that I'm writing should he stumble upon it like I stumbled upon that book.
That brings me to today's entry. I recently had the urge to find that 100-year-old rare gem and re-read it. While I just started that process earlier today, I have to tell you that I also recalled another unique feature about that work.
The Introduction is absolutely stunning because the expectant attitude from this one man of God is so palpable that it leaps off the page!
That got me thinking about the present day lack of expectancy (and excitement) about seeing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ let alone what other well-known Pastors and Preachers believed about end times Bible prophecy even though they lived long before the fulfillment of some major prophecies (like the restoration of Israel, for instance).
One comment on the Live Chat feature to the right of this page had this to say a few days days ago...
Yes, it's the same for me as I'm sure it is for anyone who's reading this right now. Let's be honest, don't we all know people who fit that description? A spouse? A mother? A father? A brother? A sister? A friend? Ourselves from time to time?
See, that's precisely why the Introduction stood out to me back then and precisely why I was drawn to it again this time around. Even though I'm reading it several years later (about 8-9 years later), so many more world events have taken place that put us that much closer to the beginning of Daniel's 70th Week, the Tribulation, the "beginning of the end", or those final 7 years.
If anything, you'd think that our excitement and expectancy should be through the roof right now. Why isn't it then? Maybe because we're seeing the fulfillment of God's Word...
"Shall he find faith on the earth?" Why isn't their more excitement (no, not over the eventual fate of unsaved sinners, but about Jesus' soon return) and expectancy from Christians alive today? I believe it's because the Body of Christ is infected with more "False Converts" than "Faithful Believers" because faith doesn't respond to conversations about the last days or Jesus' Second Coming with anger, fear, or rejection.
No, faith responds with an eagerness to "get one's spiritual house in order" and to preach the Gospel passionately while we still can. Anyone who reacts to the study of end times prophecy (or discussions of it) in any other way is weak in their faith (and we've all been there at one time or another too).
That's the cold, hard truth my friend. So, if that's you, then please ask yourself this question: Do I love the world and the things in this world more than I love the Lord, His Word, and His return? Rely on what Christ did (finished) at Calvary and pray for Him to renew your passion for Him and His Word today!
Back to the book from 1911. I know it's lengthy, but I want to share that remarkable Introduction with all of you here. Just keep reminding yourself that this is how we, as Christians, are supposed to face each and every day.
Wasn't that something? See what I mean about his attitude though? Truly inspiring!
Now, knowing Satan's tactics, I'm pretty sure that it's at this point that he's going to try to seduce some of you with his words in an attempt to conjure up doubts and questions. He'll cynically whisper in your ear something along the lines of...
It's almost like he used the same tactic on me once before, huh?
Remember, the way to defend against Satan's attacks is to wield the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17)...
That's the response you give to the "Father of Lies" (John 8:44) because it's the penultimate passage that addresses this key subject. Don't be like the "scoffers" in the above text!
As Barnes' Notes On The Bible highlights...
On this "delay" aspect of today's study, Matthew Henry adds this...
If you're still unclear about what it is I'm trying to point out and/or am trying to encourage you to be mindful of in this late and urgent hour, then please prayerfully consider these words by Matthew Henry on this particular passage from 2 Peter 3 that was referenced (emphasis mine)...
It always begins and ends with Jesus Christ.
I hope that this post on The Prophet Daniel: A Key To The Visions And Prophecies Of The Book Of Daniel was edifying.
Please note that I've decided to make this a brief series as we continue to look at prophecy from the past's perspective.
God willing, we'll continue by looking at what some of the most well-known Preachers had to say in their time about Bible prophecy and the end times.
Until then, keep looking up! MARANATHA!!!
Share
In fact, the book itself was published way back in 1911 -- 100 years ago! -- and it was focused on one brother in Christ's analysis of the Book of Daniel.
I remember thinking how uniquely ironic it was that it was a text written about the preeminent book in the Bible about the coming "Son of Perdition" (2 Thessalonians 2:3), and that the author's name was appropriately A.C. Gaebelein ("A.C." as in "Antichrist"). What are the odds, right?
At the time, I thought it was pretty cool just to be able to actually hold in my hands a book written so long ago, and also marveled at the thought that it was written by a man who was just as passionate about prophecy I was.
As far as I can tell, Mr Gaebelein was not a religious leader. However, he did write a few more books: Exposition Of Matthew; Harmony Of The Prophetic Word; The Lord Of Glory. I haven't been able to find them yet (or any additional info about the man or the Publisher), but I also haven't gone through all the boxes of books now in my mother-in-law's possession.
I gotta admit, despite our shared affinity for Bible prophecy, I struggled reading it! I was merely a "Baby Christian" at the time, and so when it came to the Bible's prophecies for the last days (those difficult-to-understand ones especially found in the Book of Daniel) I only had cursory knowledge of the absolute basics.
Ok, so why am I bringing this up now all of a sudden and for the first time in this forum when I've had the book sitting here for the last 8-9 years? Good question. A lot of it had to do with our intense focus on Bible prophecy the past couple of weeks following the Harold Camping controversy, but it was also due to the fact that the world recently marked the 63rd anniversary of the birth of the state of Israel.
ARTICLE: Israel Celebrates 63rd Independence Day
Such an event should be a stark reminder of how close we must be to the prophesied end. Sure, it took place in 1948, and 63 years have gone by without the world witnessing the start of the prophesied Tribulation. Still, is there any doubt about where we are on God's prophetic timeline? (You might want to follow up with a quick reading of "2011 - 1948 = 63 | 63 + 7 = 70 | Interesting?"). Time is short indeed; much shorter than ever before I'd say.
I realize that none of us can predict when that fateful day will arrive, but can we really sit here and think that it is still another 63 years away though? I mean, all we have to do is stay plugged in to the news to quickly conclude that we are closer than ever before. From the "Arab Spring", to Osama Bin Laden's death, to unprecedented natural events and wild weather, and a host of other "signs of the times", humanity is at the tipping point.
Plus, what do we know about the generation that would see that event (the restoration of Israel) take place with their own eyes?
Matthew 24:34 (KJV) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Mark 13:30 (KJV) Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
Luke 21:32 (KJV) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
The bottom line? Folks, we have more reason to believe that ours is the generation referred to on the above passages than any other generation before us even though they too thought the end was near. Even so, the Lord might tarry and it could very well be another young man 100 years from now writing a similar commentary about this post that I'm writing should he stumble upon it like I stumbled upon that book.
That brings me to today's entry. I recently had the urge to find that 100-year-old rare gem and re-read it. While I just started that process earlier today, I have to tell you that I also recalled another unique feature about that work.
The Introduction is absolutely stunning because the expectant attitude from this one man of God is so palpable that it leaps off the page!
That got me thinking about the present day lack of expectancy (and excitement) about seeing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ let alone what other well-known Pastors and Preachers believed about end times Bible prophecy even though they lived long before the fulfillment of some major prophecies (like the restoration of Israel, for instance).
One comment on the Live Chat feature to the right of this page had this to say a few days days ago...
Do you ever come across people you *know* who are professed Christians that are AFRAID of Jesus coming back? I have talked to many, including family members, who I believe are afraid that Jesus may come back today or tomorrow and their lives will be ruined! I have a 21 year old neice who is in a Christian college. She is a Christian and really has everything going for her. And when I speak of the Lord coming back, you'd think I was talking about something horrible. It's not just her -- I'd say 4 out of 5 "Christians" I speak to are this way. Is it the same for you?
Yes, it's the same for me as I'm sure it is for anyone who's reading this right now. Let's be honest, don't we all know people who fit that description? A spouse? A mother? A father? A brother? A sister? A friend? Ourselves from time to time?
See, that's precisely why the Introduction stood out to me back then and precisely why I was drawn to it again this time around. Even though I'm reading it several years later (about 8-9 years later), so many more world events have taken place that put us that much closer to the beginning of Daniel's 70th Week, the Tribulation, the "beginning of the end", or those final 7 years.
If anything, you'd think that our excitement and expectancy should be through the roof right now. Why isn't it then? Maybe because we're seeing the fulfillment of God's Word...
Luke 18:8 (KJV) I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
"Shall he find faith on the earth?" Why isn't their more excitement (no, not over the eventual fate of unsaved sinners, but about Jesus' soon return) and expectancy from Christians alive today? I believe it's because the Body of Christ is infected with more "False Converts" than "Faithful Believers" because faith doesn't respond to conversations about the last days or Jesus' Second Coming with anger, fear, or rejection.
No, faith responds with an eagerness to "get one's spiritual house in order" and to preach the Gospel passionately while we still can. Anyone who reacts to the study of end times prophecy (or discussions of it) in any other way is weak in their faith (and we've all been there at one time or another too).
That's the cold, hard truth my friend. So, if that's you, then please ask yourself this question: Do I love the world and the things in this world more than I love the Lord, His Word, and His return? Rely on what Christ did (finished) at Calvary and pray for Him to renew your passion for Him and His Word today!
Back to the book from 1911. I know it's lengthy, but I want to share that remarkable Introduction with all of you here. Just keep reminding yourself that this is how we, as Christians, are supposed to face each and every day.
The Prophet Daniel:
A Key To The Visions And Prophecies Of The Book Of Daniel
By A.C. Gaebelein
Introduction
The Book of Daniel with its great prophecies, both fulfilled and unfulfilled, is one of the most interesting portions of God's Holy Word. Before we follow this blessed book in a series of studies a few general remarks on Prophecy and its importance may be in order.
Prophecy is history prewritten. The center of all Prophecy and the goal as well is the Lord Jesus Christ. His sufferings and His glory, His two Comings, as Man of Sorrows to suffer and to die, as King of Glory to reign were beheld and written in advance by the holy men of God through the power of God's Spirit. The entire history of the chosen people Israel is written in the prophetic Word. All their sufferings and wanderings, what has befallen them in the past; their present lot, scattered among all the nations of the earth; what is yet to come upon them in tribulation and judgment, as well as blessing and peace, are found prewritten in the Bible. The history of nations, the times of the Gentiles, the present age in which we live, its course and end, the coming glories in a future age, all this and much more God has been pleased to reveal to us in His Word. By far the greater part of the Bible is Prophecy.
In view of such a marvellous Book with divine and infallible predictions concerning this earth and its future, the destiny of nations, one can hardly understand why the professing church of to-day should almost completely ignore and neglect the study of Prophecy. Yet such is the case. The study of a Book like Daniel, or the great New Testament prophetic book, the Revelation, is frowned upon by many. The great majority of professing Christians have little desire to know what God has said concerning the future. They rather listen to the theories or dreams of the human mind than to God's plan, how He is going to bring this earth to a knowledge of Himself. This rejection of what God says about the future appears strange and inconsistent, when one thinks of the natural eagerness and curiosity of the human heart to know the future. Thousands of fortune tellers, astrologers, demon possessed mediums, who ask the dead, make a fine living throughout Christendom and profit greatly by the desire of thousands to know a little about the future. It is said that the great rulers of Europe, the rulers of the so-called Christian nations, employ and have employed clairvoyants and mediums. And here in the Bible God has uncovered the future, but a few of His people pay any attention to it. We say it is strange indeed. But behind this fact looms the dark shadow of the enemy of the Truth, Satan.
And this almost absolute neglect of the study of Prophecy has avenged itself. On account of it Christendom has sunk into the deplorable condition in which it is to-day. The denial of the inspiration of the Bible has become widespread. If Prophecy were intelligently studied such a denial could not flourish as it does, for Prophecy gives the clearest and most conclusive evidence, that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. Because the study of Prophecy has been set aside skepticism has come in. One of the most powerful answers to infidelity is Prophecy.
The prophetic Word neglected leaves man ignorant of God's plan and the future and man becomes the easy prey of lying inventions and delusive theories. For this reason we see about us among Christians an unscriptural optimism, which holds in theory and practice, the very opposite from what the Bible teaches; an optimism, which has no use for the solemn declarations of the Word, that this age is an evil age and that it will close with apostasy and judgment. All the present evil conditions, the denial of the faith, the indifference and worldliness of professing Christians are the result of ignoring Prophecy.
And if we, His people, have learned to "love His appearing" and know of the coming manifestation of our ever blessed Lord, the consummation to which all prophecy points, we too must beware of neglecting Prophecy. It is the lamp, which shineth in a dark place till the Day dawn. Never before is there such need of this lamp as now. The dark place, the present age, becomes darker. The darker the night, the more the lamp is needed and the brighter shine its rays. When the Daydawn, with the blessed Morningstar comes, then we do not need the lamp any more. But now we are cast upon that lamp; we cannot do without it. We need to turn more to the sure Word of Prophecy. Many of God's people had a far greater interest in Prophecy years ago. We have grown somewhat cold in the study of it and have advanced but little in it. Such neglect must result in spiritual loss. The prophetic Word puts before our hearts "things not yet seen." As we look in faith upon these unseen and future things we shall estimate present things in their light and that will determine our character and conduct as Christians. We shall walk then in separation from that which is ripening for judgment and our service will be rendered with God's purposes in view.
At the present time we behold a world of progress, a progress in civilization, an extension of commerce as well as great religious movements on a large scale, which the age has never witnessed before. These very things are used by the "god of this age" to blind the eyes to the real conditions of the age. We too, dear friends, shall share this blindness in a certain degree, if we neglect a closer study of Prophecy.
But a continued study of Prophecy is impossible unless we are separated from the world and live in the real enjoyment of our fellowship with God. And the continued prayerful study of Prophecy must result in separation and in the enjoyment of the nearness of God, and that is what we all want. The statement one hears sometimes from good Christian people, "I have not much use for Prophecy," is a bad testimony for the spiritual condition of the one who speaks thus.
The Importance Of The Book Of Daniel
The importance of the Book of Daniel in many ways cannot be overestimated. Sir Isaac Newton said, "to reject Daniel is to reject the Christian religion." We might say to ignore the great prophecies, which were given to this wonderful man of God, leaves us without any knowledge of the prophetic Word concerning "things to come." These prophecies, which were given at a time when Israel was set aside nationally when the times of the Gentiles began, give a vista of the centuries down to the end, when God resumes His relation with His earthly people and sets up His own Kingdom from above. Our Lord refers to Daniel in His great prophetic Olivet Discourse. Hence that discourse can only be correctly understood in the light of the Book of Daniel. The last Book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, the only prophetic Book of the New Testament, would ever be a sealed Book, if we had not the prophecies of Daniel, and the prophecies of Daniel would in part remain sealed if we had not Revelation. Both books, the one written by the man greatly beloved and the other by the beloved disciple, must be studied together and are the keys to the entire prophetic Word.
Wasn't that something? See what I mean about his attitude though? Truly inspiring!
Now, knowing Satan's tactics, I'm pretty sure that it's at this point that he's going to try to seduce some of you with his words in an attempt to conjure up doubts and questions. He'll cynically whisper in your ear something along the lines of...
"Oh come on already! Are you still going to believe in this Word of God stuff and especially the 'prophetic' Word? These aren't the end times like you've thought! Go back and re-read that Introduction. It sounds like you whenever you tell others about the end being near. So here we have a Christian -- from 100 years ago -- preaching 'the end is near', and yet, he -- and it -- wasn't even close! Ha! You and your beliefs about prophecy! What a joke! Life will go on as it always has. No worries at all so why don't you stop wasting your time and do something just for you for once? Why don't you just stop with all this serious last days stuff and do something that feels good and allows you to enjoy life while you're alive? Forget about all this 'doom-and-gloom' nonsense!"
It's almost like he used the same tactic on me once before, huh?
Remember, the way to defend against Satan's attacks is to wield the "sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17)...
2 Peter 3:3-14 (KJV) Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 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 the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day [is] with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
That's the response you give to the "Father of Lies" (John 8:44) because it's the penultimate passage that addresses this key subject. Don't be like the "scoffers" in the above text!
As Barnes' Notes On The Bible highlights...
...that which may seem to be a long time to us is a brief period with God. In the infinity of his own duration there is abundant time to accomplish his designs, and it can make no difference with him whether they are accomplished in one day or extended to one thousand years. Man has but a short time to live, and if he does not accomplish his purposes in a very brief period, he never will. But it is not so with God. He always lives; and we cannot therefore infer, because the execution of His purposes seems to be delayed, that they are abandoned. With Him who always lives it will be as easy to accomplish them at a far distant period as now. If it is His pleasure to accomplish them in a single day, He can do it; if He chooses that the execution shall be deferred to one thousand years, or that one thousand years shall be consumed in executing them, He has power to carry them onward through what seems, to us, to be so vast a duration. The wicked, therefore, cannot infer that they will escape because their punishment is delayed; nor should the righteous fear that the divine promises will fail because ages pass away before they are accomplished.
On this "delay" aspect of today's study, Matthew Henry adds this...
Though, in the account of men, there is a vast difference between one day and a thousand years, yet, in the account of God, there is no difference. All things past, present, and future, are ever before him: the delay of a thousand years cannot be so much to him, as putting off any thing for a day or for an hour is to us. If men have no knowledge or belief of the eternal God, they will be very apt to think him such as themselves. How hard is it to form any thoughts of eternity!
If you're still unclear about what it is I'm trying to point out and/or am trying to encourage you to be mindful of in this late and urgent hour, then please prayerfully consider these words by Matthew Henry on this particular passage from 2 Peter 3 that was referenced (emphasis mine)...
Never expect to be found at that day of God in peace, if you are lazy and idle in this your day, in which we must finish the work given us to do. Only the diligent Christian will be the happy Christian in the day of the Lord. Our Lord will suddenly come to us, or shortly call us to him; and shall he find us idle? Learn to make a right use of the patience of our Lord, who as yet delays his coming. Proud, carnal, and corrupt men, seek to wrest some things into a seeming agreement with their wicked doctrines. But this is no reason why St. Paul's epistles, or any other part of the Scriptures, should be laid aside; for men, left to themselves, pervert every gift of God. Then let us seek to have our minds prepared for receiving things hard to be understood, by putting in practice things which are more easy to be understood. But there must be self-denial and suspicion of ourselves, and submission to the authority of Christ Jesus, before we can heartily receive all the truths of the gospel, therefore we are in great danger of rejecting the truth. And whatever opinions and thoughts of men are not according to the law of God, and warranted by it, the believer disclaims and abhors. Those who are led away by error, fall from their own stedfastness. And that we may avoid being led away, we must seek to grow in all grace, in faith, and virtue, and knowledge. Labour to know Christ more clearly, and more fully; to know him so as to be more like him, and to love him better. This is the knowledge of Christ, which the apostle Paul reached after, and desired to attain; and those who taste this effect of the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, will, upon receiving such grace from him, give thanks and praise him, and join in ascribing glory to him now, in the full assurance of doing the same hereafter, for ever.
It always begins and ends with Jesus Christ.
I hope that this post on The Prophet Daniel: A Key To The Visions And Prophecies Of The Book Of Daniel was edifying.
Please note that I've decided to make this a brief series as we continue to look at prophecy from the past's perspective.
God willing, we'll continue by looking at what some of the most well-known Preachers had to say in their time about Bible prophecy and the end times.
Until then, keep looking up! MARANATHA!!!
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5 Comments:
I love to read 2Peter:3 and how you connected it in this post! Excellent!
This is a great reality article. Four out of five Christians DO NOT want to hear that the time of the Lord appearing is close. They turn you off like a light in a dark room!
But the truth IS HE IS VERY CLOSE. Revelation is well underway and those watching know this for sure.
I started trying to get my two grown sons to "wake up" and they quickly changed their E-Mail address and phone numbers - whoosh! Daughter-in-laws DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT. Don't want a lifestyle change.
They are fearful about what their future holds - what kind of world there is going to be.
But it's COMING whether they want it to or not. And they can run, but they can't hide. Running may cost them their very soul!
Just how close are we?
New comments at CindybytheSea.com
article on the "handwriting on the wall" blog article (comments posted today).
Thanks Jeff for continuing on the narrow (but hard) road!
Wow, JRed, this book is such a gem! The chain of events (& timing!) that resulted in you receiving this fabulous book is awesome. The cover of the book even gives me chills (a good thing - prophetic anticipation!)
I'm always amazed at other Christians who I encounter that don't seem to truly believe that these are the "end times" or are not excited about it, & want to hold onto this world so tightly. Truly boggles the mind, especially when just reading any daily headline screams that this wicked/corrupt/lost/sad world is nothing to treasure:
Mark 8:36 - "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
JRed, you said:
<"Plus, what do we know about the generation that would see that event (the restoration of Israel) take place with their own eyes?"
Matthew 24:34 (KJV) Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.>
This 1 bit of Bible information is really all we need to determine timeframe for Christ's Second Coming! How much more clearly can Jesus state it?!...The generation who witnessed Israel's birth in 1948 "shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." 'Nuff said!
Even when scoffers say "there's always been earthquakes, wars, etc.," the Bible verses stating "This generation shall not pass..." are incredibly time specific. It's always nice to mention to scoffers that they are actually fulfilling end-times prophecy when they mock Christians or the Bible concerning last days events, since scoffers play an integral part in ushering in "the end," as per 2 Peter 3.
I noticed that A.C. Gaebelein stated in the book (concerning Israel): "...what is yet to come upon them in tribulation and judgment, as well as blessing and peace, are found prewritten in the Bible." If the author intended the word "tribulation" to pertain to the 7-yr. tribulation before the return of Christ, then perhaps the author believes the tribulation's purpose is directed towards Israel? (i.e., wouldn't that negate the need for born-again Christians to be on earth during the 7-yr. tribulation??) :)
Please come quickly, Lord.
From Charlotte in Virginia...
You might find www.gutenberg.org helpful re this author. If the works are not currently under copyright protection, you can get free downloads in various forms. Older stuff is generally text though. Did a quick search- link follows:
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search.html/?format=html&default_prefix=authors&sort_order=downloads&query=Gaebelein
What an awesome article.
Yes there are many in this world who process being Christlike who don't want to go to heaven until they do , B, C and D.
Howe selfish. How insulated. And how secure and close can that person be with our loving Savior? On earth, don't we all want to be close to the ones we love? Shouldn't that make us want to be even nearer to Him?
Satan's greatest deceptive tool as we speak are the blinders and the obstacles used to deter us from our goal.
Another thing; shouldn't this be (as time is more OBVIOUSLY constrained) be telling others abut Christ? How can a non-believer take a "Christian" seriously who WANTS to tarry here on this devilish earth?
Satan is alive and WELL and HEALTHY and he is seeking whom he can devour. Don't be that person. Having on the armor of God and reading and memorizing the Word of God is your protection.
Thanks for the encouraging words, JRed.
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