From Gary... HDR

This HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo made me think "eerie". Now, I imagine many of you are not acquainted with this, so here is a link that will help...

HDR

http://lifehacker.com/5991508/what-is-hdr-and-when-should-i-use-it-in-my-photos

Anyway, this photography technique has its pro's and con's as stated in the article (and the video). But, what I like, is that HDR communicates ideas that could otherwise not be easily expressed. God does this too...

Ezekiel, Chapter 1 (WEB)

 1 Now in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth of the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.  2 In the fifth of the month, which was the fifth year of king Jehoiachin’s captivity,  3 Yahweh’s word came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Yahweh was there on him.  4 I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness around it, and out of its midst as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire.  5 Out of its midst came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man.  6 Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings.  7 Their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass.  8 They had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and the four of them had their faces and their wings thus:  9 their wings were joined one to another; they didn’t turn when they went; each one went straight forward.  10 As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man; and the four of them had the face of a lion on the right side; and the four of them had the face of an ox on the left side; the four of them also had the face of an eagle.  11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. Two wings of each one touched another, and two covered their bodies.  12 Each one went straight forward: where the spirit was to go, they went; they didn’t turn when they went.  13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and lightning went out of the fire.  14 The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.  15 Now as I saw the living creatures, behold, one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four faces of it.  16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl: and the four of them had one likeness; and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel.  17 When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn’t turn when they went.  18 As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and the four of them had their rims full of eyes all around.  19 When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.  20 Wherever the spirit was to go, they went; there was the spirit to go: and the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.  22 Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched out over their heads above.  23 Under the expanse were their wings straight, the one toward the other: each one had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on that side, their bodies.  24 When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army: when they stood, they let down their wings.  25 There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings.  26 Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above.  27 I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it all around, from the appearance of his waist and upward; and from the appearance of his waist and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him.  28 As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. This was the appearance of the likeness of Yahweh’s glory. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke. 

How do you communicate that which is beyond description- By signs, symbols and visions. While this is a difficult passage (to be sure!!), nevertheless, the greatness of God's glory shines through crystal clear. God doesn't always make things easy to understand, HE does help us. Remember, the following... 

Matthew, Chapter 13 (WEB)

 1 On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside.  2 Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach.  3 He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow.   4  As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them.   5  Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth.   6  When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.   7  Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them.   8  Others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.   

9  He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 

or for you scholars out there...

9 ο έχων ώτα ακούειν ακουέτω 

Oh, how I wish they had HDR for Greek!! (Something like... Heavenly Dynamic Reasoning???)

Bottom line.... Keep your ears attuned to the word of God and eventually, ...

YOU WILL UNDERSTAND

From Gary.... Bible Reading December 23

Bible Reading   

December 23

The World English Bible

Dec. 23

Nahum 1-3

Nah 1:1 An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

Nah 1:2 Yahweh is a jealous God and avenges. Yahweh avenges and is full of wrath. Yahweh takes vengeance on his adversaries, and he maintains wrath against his enemies.

Nah 1:3 Yahweh is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. Yahweh has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nah 1:4 He rebukes the sea, and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan languishes, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languishes.

Nah 1:5 The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it.

Nah 1:6 Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the fierceness of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken apart by him.

Nah 1:7 Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him.

Nah 1:8 But with an overflowing flood, he will make a full end of her place, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.

Nah 1:9 What do you plot against Yahweh? He will make a full end. Affliction won't rise up the second time.

Nah 1:10 For entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble.

Nah 1:11 There is one gone forth out of you, who devises evil against Yahweh, who counsels wickedness.

Nah 1:12 Thus says Yahweh: "Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so they will be cut down, and he shall pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.

Nah 1:13 Now will I break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart."

Nah 1:14 Yahweh has commanded concerning you: "No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, will I cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile."

Nah 1:15 Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. He is utterly cut off.

Nah 2:1 He who dashes in pieces has come up against you. Keep the fortress! Watch the way! Strengthen your waist! Fortify your power mightily!

Nah 2:2 For Yahweh restores the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the destroyers have destroyed them, and ruined their vine branches.

Nah 2:3 The shield of his mighty men is made red. The valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of his preparation, and the pine spears are brandished.

Nah 2:4 The chariots rage in the streets. They rush back and forth in the broad ways. Their appearance is like torches. They run like the lightnings.

Nah 2:5 He summons his picked troops. They stumble on their way. They dash to its wall, and the protective shield is put in place.

Nah 2:6 The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved.

Nah 2:7 It is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her handmaids moan as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts.

Nah 2:8 But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. "Stop! Stop!" they cry, but no one looks back.

Nah 2:9 Take the spoil of silver. Take the spoil of gold, for there is no end of the store, the glory of all goodly furniture.

Nah 2:10 She is empty, void, and waste. The heart melts, the knees knock together, their bodies and faces have grown pale.

Nah 2:11 Where is the den of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion and the lioness walked, the lion's cubs, and no one made them afraid?

Nah 2:12 The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his caves with the kill, and his dens with prey.

Nah 2:13 "Behold, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions; and I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will no longer be heard."

Nah 3:1 Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery. The prey doesn't depart.

Nah 3:2 The noise of the whip, the noise of the rattling of wheels, prancing horses, and bounding chariots,

Nah 3:3 the horseman mounting, and the flashing sword, the glittering spear, and a multitude of slain, and a great heap of corpses, and there is no end of the bodies. They stumble on their bodies,

Nah 3:4 because of the multitude of the prostitution of the alluring prostitute, the mistress of witchcraft, who sells nations through her prostitution, and families through her witchcraft.

Nah 3:5 "Behold, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame.

Nah 3:6 I will throw abominable filth on you, and make you vile, and will set you a spectacle.

Nah 3:7 It will happen that all those who look at you will flee from you, and say, 'Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for her?' Where will I seek comforters for you?"

Nah 3:8 Are you better than No-Amon, who was situated among the rivers, who had the waters around her; whose rampart was the sea, and her wall was of the sea?

Nah 3:9 Cush and Egypt were her boundless strength. Put and Libya were her helpers.

Nah 3:10 Yet was she carried away. She went into captivity. Her young children also were dashed in pieces at the head of all the streets, and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

Nah 3:11 You also will be drunken. You will be hidden. You also will seek a stronghold because of the enemy.

Nah 3:12 All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.

Nah 3:13 Behold, your troops in your midst are women. The gates of your land are set wide open to your enemies. The fire has devoured your bars.

Nah 3:14 Draw water for the siege. Strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay, and tread the mortar. Make the brick kiln strong.

Nah 3:15 There the fire will devour you. The sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the grasshopper. Multiply like grasshoppers. Multiply like the locust.

Nah 3:16 You have increased your merchants more than the stars of the skies. The grasshopper strips, and flees away.

Nah 3:17 Your guards are like the locusts, and your officials like the swarms of locusts, which settle on the walls on a cold day, but when the sun appears, they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.

Nah 3:18 Your shepherds slumber, king of Assyria. Your nobles lie down. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and there is no one to gather them.

Nah 3:19 There is no healing your wound, for your injury is fatal. All who hear the report of you clap their hands over you; for who hasn't felt your endless cruelty?

 Dec. 23

Revelation 7, 8

Rev 7:1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.

Rev 7:2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea,

Rev 7:3 saying, "Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondservants of our God on their foreheads!"

Rev 7:4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel:

Rev 7:5 of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,

Rev 7:6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,

Rev 7:7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,

Rev 7:8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

Rev 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

Rev 7:10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

Rev 7:11 All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God,

Rev 7:12 saying, "Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

Rev 7:13 One of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?"

Rev 7:14 I told him, "My lord, you know." He said to me, "These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood.

Rev 7:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve him day and night in his temple. He who sits on the throne will spread his tabernacle over them.

Rev 7:16 They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat;

Rev 7:17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Rev 8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

Rev 8:2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

Rev 8:3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.

Rev 8:4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand.

Rev 8:5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. There followed thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake.

Rev 8:6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

Rev 8:7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Rev 8:8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood,

Rev 8:9 and one third of the living creatures which were in the sea died. One third of the ships were destroyed.

Rev 8:10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters.

Rev 8:11 The name of the star is called "Wormwood." One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

Rev 8:12 The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the day wouldn't shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way.

Rev 8:13 I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe! Woe! Woe for those who dwell on the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, who are yet to sound!" 

From Wayne Jackson... The Menace of Radical Preterism

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Jackson/Boyd/Wayne/1937/preterism.html

The Menace of Radical Preterism

The word “eschatology” derives from the Greek word, eschatos, meaning “last.” It has to do with the biblical doctrine of “last” or “end-of-time” things. The term embraces such matters as the return of Christ, the end of the world, the day of judgment, and the resurrection of the dead.
One philosophy of eschatology is known as “preterism.” The term “preter” issues from an original form meaning “past.” Preterism, therefore, is an interpretive ideology which views major portions of Bible prophecy, traditionally associated with the termination of earth’s history, as having been fulfilled already.
But the term “preterism” is flexible. Some scholars, for instance, have dated the book of Revelation in the late sixties A.D. They contend that virtually the whole of the Apocalypse, therefore, was fulfilled by A.D. 70 - when Judaism was destroyed by the invading Roman armies. A more moderate form of preterism moves the fulfillment of Revelation forward somewhat. These scholars hold that while Revelation was penned near the end of the first century, the major focus of the book is upon the fall of the Roman Empire (A.D. 476); consequently they feel there is little beyond that date that is previewed in the final book of the New Testament.
While we do not agree with either of these concepts of the book of Revelation, we consider them to be relatively harmless.
On the other hand, there is a form of preterism that is quite heretical. This theory argues that all Bible prophecy has been fulfilled; nothing remains on the prophetic calendar.
This radical preterism was championed by James Stuart Russell (1816-95), a Congregational clergyman in England. Russell authored a book titled, The Parousia, (from a Greek word meaning “coming” or “presence”), which first appeared in 1878. Russell set forth the idea that the second coming of Christ, the judgment day, etc., are not future events at the end of the current dispensation. Rather, prophecies relating to these matters were fulfilled with Jerusalem’s fall in A.D. 70. There is, therefore, no future “second coming” of Christ. Moreover, there will be no resurrection of the human body. Also, the final judgment and the end of the world have occurred already - with the destruction of Jerusalem.
Advocates of this bizarre dogma claim that the preterist movement is growing wildly. It probably is expanding some - though likely not as prolificly as its apologists would like everyone to believe. Occasionally the sect will get a thrust when a prominent name becomes identified with it. For example, noted theologian R. C. Sproul has apparently thrown his hat into the preterist ring - at least to some degree. Recently he characterized J. S. Russell’s book as “one of the most important treatments on Biblical eschatology that is available to the church today” (quoted in The Christian News 1999, 17).
Radical preterism (also known as “realized eschatology” or the “A.D. 70 doctrine”) is so “off the wall” - biblically speaking - that one wonders how anyone ever falls for it. But they do. And, as exasperating as it is, the doctrine needs to be addressed from time to time. One writer, in reviewing the A.D. 70 heresy, recently quipped that dealing with preterism is like cleaning the kitty litter box; one hates to fool with it, but it has to be done. He can just be thankful that cats aren’t larger than they are.

The Basis for the Dogma

Preterists strive for consistency in their view of Bible prophecy. The goal is admirable. But when a series of propositions is linked, and they are grounded on the same faulty foundation, when one of them topples - like dominos in a line - they all fall. So it is with the A.D. 70 theory.
Here is the problem. In studying the New Testament material relative to the “coming” of Christ, preterists note that:

1. there are passages which seem to speak of the nearness of the Lord’s coming - from a first-century vantage point (cf. James 5:8);
2. they observe that there are texts which indicate a “coming” in connection with the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 (cf. Matthew 24:30);
3. combining these, they conclude that the Savior’s “second coming” must have transpired in A.D. 70; and
4. furthermore, since the Scriptures are clear as to the fact that the resurrection of the dead, the judgment day, and the end of the world will all occur on the day the Lord returns, the advocates of realized eschatology are forced to “spiritualize” these several happenings, contending that all will take place at the same time. In this “interpretive” process, a whole host of biblical terms must be redefined in order to make them fit the scheme.

And so, while preterists attempt to be consistent, it is nonetheless a sad reality that they are consistently wrong!

Prophetic Imminence

A major fallacy of the preterist mentality is a failure to recognize the elasticity of chronological jargon within the context of biblical prophecy. It is a rather common trait in prophetic language that an event, while literally in the remote future, may be described as near. The purpose in this sort of language is to emphasize the certainty of the prophecy’s fulfillment.
Obadiah, for instance, foretold the final day of earth’s history. Concerning that event, he said: “For the day of Jehovah is near upon all the nations” (v. 15). This cannot refer to some local judgment, for “all nations” are to be involved. And yet, the event is depicted as “near.”
There are numerous prophecies of this nature, including passages like James 5:8 - “the coming of the Lord is at hand.” James could not have been predicting the literally imminent return of the Savior, for such knowledge was not made available to the Lord’s penmen. Not even Jesus himself knew of the time of his return to earth (Matthew 24:36).

The Components Explained and Briefly Refuted

Let us give brief consideration to the four eschatological events that are supposed to have occurred in A.D. 70 - the Lord’s second coming, the resurrection of the dead, the day of judgment, and the end of the world.
First, was there a sense in which Christ “came” to folks at various times and places? Yes, and no serious student of the Bible denies this. Jesus “came” on the day of Pentecost via the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (see John 14:18). The coming was representative, not literal. The Lord warned the brethren in Ephesus that if they did not repent, he would “come” to them in judgment, and they would forfeit their identity as a faithful congregation (Revelation 2:5). In describing the horrible judgment to be inflicted upon rebellious Jerusalem, Jesus, employing imagery from the Old Testament, spoke of his “coming” in power and glory (Matthew 24:30). Again, this was a representative “coming” by means of the Roman forces (cf. Matthew 22:7). Verse thirty-four of Matthew 24 clearly indicates that this event was to occur before that first-century generation passed away.
The Lord’s “second coming,” however, will be as visibly apparent as his ascension back into heaven was (Acts 1:11). Indeed, he will be “revealed” (2 Thessalonians 1:7), or “appear” to all (2 Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 9:28).
It is a mistake of horrible proportions to confuse the symbolic “comings” of Christ with the “second” (cf. Hebrews 9:28) coming. And this is what the preterists do.
Secondly, it is utterly incredible that the preterists should deny the eventual resurrection of the human body - just as the Sadducees did twenty centuries ago (Acts 23:8). The entire fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians was written to counter this error: “How say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead [ones – plural]?” (15:12).
But those who subscribe to the notion of realized eschatology spiritualize the concept of the resurrection, alleging that such references are merely to the emergence of the church from an era of anti-Christian persecution. In other words, it is the “resurrection” of a cause, not a resurrection of people.
The theory is flawed in several particulars, but consider these two points:

1. The Scriptures speak of the “resurrection” as involving both the good and the evil, the just and the unjust (Daniel 12:2; John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). Where, in the preterist scheme of things, is the resurrection of the “evil”? Was the “cause” of evil to emerge at the same time as the “cause” of truth?
2. As noted above, the resurrection contemplated in 1 Corinthians 15 has to do with the raising of “dead ones” (masculine, plural) - not an abstract “cause” (neuter, singular). Significantly, the bodily resurrection of Jesus is cited as a precursor to the general resurrection - in this very context (15:20,23). Christ charged that those who deny the resurrection of the body are ignorant of both the Scriptures and the power of God (Matthew 22:29).

Third, the Bible speaks of a coming “day of judgment” (Matthew 11:22). Preterists limit this to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. But the theory simply does not fit the facts. The devastation of A.D. 70 involved only the Jews. The final day of judgment will embrace the entire human family - past, present, and future (Acts 17:31). The citizens of ancient Nineveh will be present on the day of judgment (see Matthew 12:41), as will other pagan peoples. But these folks were not in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. How can clear passages of this nature be ignored?
Here is an interesting thought. When Paul defended his case before the Roman governor, Felix, he spoke of “the judgment to come,” and the ruler was “terrified” (Acts 24:25). Why would a Roman be “terrified” with reference to the impending destruction of Judaism - when he would be on the winning side, not the losing one?
Fourth, according to the preterists, the “end of the world,” as this expression is employed in Bible prophecy, does not allude to the destruction of this planet. Rather, “world” has reference to the Jewish world, thus, the end of the Jewish age. This, they allege, occurred in A.D. 70.
But this view simply is not viable. Consider these two brief but potent points.

1. The responsibilities of the Great Commission - to teach and immerse lost souls - was commensurate with that era preceding the “end of the world” (Matthew 28:18-20). If the “end of the world” occurred in A.D. 70, then the Lord’s Commission is valid no longer. This conclusion, of course, is absurd.
2. In the parable of the tares, Jesus taught that at “the end of the world” the “tares” (i.e., evil ones) would be removed from his kingdom and burned (Matthew 13:39-40). Did that transpire with the destruction of Judaism? It did not. The notion that the “end of the world” is past already is false.

The dogma of preterism - or realized eschatology - is erroneous from beginning to end. For a more detailed consideration of this matter, see our book, The A.D. 70 Theory.

A Common Method of Propagation

The doctrine of preterism is so radically unorthodox that its advocates realize that their efforts to win converts represent a formidable task. Consequently, they have developed a covert strategy that seeks to quietly spread their novel dogma until such a time when congregational take-overs can be effected. The distinctive traits of this discipling methodology are as follows.

• It is alleged that this system represents an attractive, consistent method of interpretation. But there is no virtue in consistency, if one is consistently wrong!
• Preterists criticize what they call “traditional” views of interpreting Bible prophecy. They suggest they have a new, exciting approach to the Scriptures - with a spiritual thrust. Of course the “new” is always intriguing to some.
• The messengers of realized eschatology frequently are secretive in their approach. They select only the most promising candidates with whom to share their ideas. Eventually, then, theA.D. 70 theory will be woven subtly into classes, sermons, etc.
• When ultimately confronted relative to their teachings and methods, they will argue that eschatological issues are merely a matter of opinion, and that divergent views - especially theirs - should be tolerated. This, of course, ignores plain biblical implications on these themes (cf. 2 Timothy 2:16-18; 2 Peter 3:16). If church leaders fall for this ploy, more time is gained for the indoctrination of the entire congregation.

Conclusion

Wise church leaders will inform themselves relative to the theory of preteristic eschatology. If such ideas are discovered to be circulating within a local church, the proponents of such doctrines should be dealt with quickly and firmly. It is a serious matter.
Wayne Jackson

Sources/Footnotes

• Jackson, Wayne. 2005. The A.D. 70 Theory. Stockton, CA: Christian Courier Publications.
• Sproul, R. C. 1999. The Christian News, June 7.

Copyright © 2013 Christian Courier. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

From Jim McGuiggan... AH, THERE YOU ARE!

AH, THERE YOU ARE!

We don’t know what day month or year Jesus was born but most of us don’t care—we only care that he was born. And because he was born we want to celebrate it and this is as good a time as any! Who doesn’t doubt that at this time of the year selfishness and greed reach a new low—a low promoted by the sellers of every imaginable commodity and by people who already have much more than they can ever use. The period of the “takers” is on us but for millions of us—greedy or not—down somewhere hidden and half-suffocated by the “give me” spirit there is the awareness that Someone “gave” and continues to “give” and that “giving” so shapes us that even the worst of us are moved to do something fine and for the best reasons.

Of the coming Lord Jesus Isaiah 9:6 said, “Unto us a son is given…” Of the coming Son John 3:16 said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” Of the self-surrendering Lord Jesus Paul in Ephesians 5:2, “Walk in love even as Christ also loved us, and has given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God…” Romans 8:31-32 wants to know, “What shall we then say to these things if God be for us who can be against us. He that spared not his own Son but gave him up for us all…?” And on that night when he was betrayed to death Jesus said [Luke 22:19], “This is my body which is given for you…” Whatever else this time speaks of for us, it was a giving time for God and the Lord Jesus!

So in imitation of God [Ephesians 5:1] what can we give to those we love best and to those that are unloved? I won’t trouble to remind you that the hungry need food and the naked need clothes and the homeless need shelter. When did you not know that?

Having been given so much down all the years by patient families and helpful communities that have endured much and forgiven us much—what will we give? There’s little point in lamenting what we truly can’t give. Maybe it’s wisest to sit and reflect what we purpose to give. Maybe to make a vow by His grace to turn over a new leaf, at least make it very clear that we are trying—strenuously—to be better and do better. Not without Him—never without Him—always with his aid! But always meaning to get our backs into the work of it. To curb the lip, to silence the criticism, to show more tenderness, to leave the bottle alone, to praise more freely, to exhibit the right kind of leadership, to call more often, to “get over it”—something! Something in the name of the Lord Jesus that’s better than a nice piece of jewelry or a sparkling toy or…

To give our entire selves in specific and concrete ways—gifts that never growl old or break down so as to be useless. To vow—now!—to ask for less and give more. Not to be known by our habitual cry, “Here I am!” and more by this: “Ah, there you are!”

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Canaanites Were in the Land…Then by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/AllegedDiscrepancies.aspx?article=672&b=Genesis

Canaanites Were in the Land…Then

by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Have you ever wondered why, if Moses wrote the Pentateuch, in Genesis 12:6 and 13:7 the Bible says (in reference to the time of Abraham), “[T]he Canaanites were then in the land” (emp. added). If the Canaanites occupied the land of Canaan in Moses’ day, why would Moses write that they were in the land then (in the days of Abraham)? Would these verses not make more sense if we understood them as being written at a time when the Canaanites had been driven out of the land of Canaan (which was hundreds of years after the death of Moses)? According to several critics, this is exactly what the verses are implying (cf. Gottwald, 1959, p. 104; McKinsey, 1995, pp. 361-362). Supposedly, Moses could not have been the author of the passage; else it would not have made sense to its original audience.

The phrase “the Canaanites were then in the land” does not necessarily have to point to a time after Moses when the Canaanites no longer were in Canaan. When the careful student takes into consideration the context of these passages, and the momentous events of Abraham leaving his homeland and coming to the new region that his descendents one day would occupy, he or she easily can understand that the phrase in question refers to this land promise (12:7). The words “then in the land” merely are indicating “that the land into which Abram had come was not uninhabited and without a possessor; so that Abram could not regard it at once as his own and proceed to take possession of it, but could only wander in it in faith as in a foreign land (Heb. 11:9)” [Keil and Delitzsch, 1996]. Likely, the Canaanites are mentioned as being in the land at the time of Abraham’s entrance in order “to show the strength of his faith in the promise recorded” (Jamieson, et al., 1997). Such phraseology involves neither a contradiction nor an absurdity.

REFERENCES

Jamieson, Robert, et al. (1997), Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Bible Commentary (Electronic Database: Biblesoft).

Keil, C.F. and F. Delitzsch (1996), Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament (Electronic Database: Biblesoft), new updated edition.

Perceptions About Homosexuality by Brad Bromling, D.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=590

Perceptions About Homosexuality

by	Brad Bromling, D.Min.

“If you had to guess, what percent of people living in America are homosexual?” That was the question I put before a group of teenagers. The answers were fired back in quick succession. One said, “Thirty-something percent.” “No,” another spoke up, “forty percent.” Then the number escalated to sixty percent. The final figure thrown out was an incredible seventy percent! Thinking that perhaps the meaning of percentages was lost on them I asked, if ten percent of a hundred people were homosexual, how many would that be. “Ten” was the immediate response. I hesitated a second to see if anyone would disagree; no one did. When I told them that recent studies suggested that the number was only about three percent, they mumbled in disbelief (see Watson, 1993).

This was not a rough bunch of inner-city kids from Los Angeles or New York. This was a small town in the South, half of whom were home schooled. They were “our” kids! Most of them probably have not yet met a homosexual. They did not have reason to; after all, only three out of a hundred are homosexual and not all of them are open about it. So, how can we account for this distorted perception? No doubt television has played the biggest role. Regularly we are shown protest marches, and “gay pride” parades on the evening news. Comedy shows touch on the subject for laughs, and movies often deal with bigotry and violent acts committed against this minority. Our government’s new policies to allow gays in the military, and in high levels of public office, have contributed as well.

Perhaps another reason for such confusion is related to the way some Christians talk about the subject. Some of the things our children overhear about homosexuality may leave them with the impression that it is so widespread and heinous that the blood of Jesus won’t touch it. If so, that is a tragedy. It is true that the Scriptures condemn homosexuality as sin (e.g., Romans 1:26-27), but the Bible does not promote the exaggerated hostility that often characterizes conversations and attitudes about people who engage in this sin. Do many of us entertain the thought of sharing the Gospel with a gay man? Paul said “such were some of you” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11); someone had brought homosexuals to Christ in Corinth. How many of us would have attempted to do so? Each of us must answer for ourselves whether our attitude toward this sin is more harsh than toward adultery, drunkenness, or gossiping. Likely, our teenagers can tell.

Our task is difficult. We must counter the misinformation of the media, while maintaining a personal balance between expressing hostility toward homosexual people and ignoring the issue altogether. Since our children’s perceptions are largely shaped by our attitudes, this task is crucial.

REFERENCES

Watson, Traci (1993), “Sex Surveys Come Out of the Closet,” Science, 260:615-616, April 30.

Evolutionists: Not So Open-Minded After All by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=9&article=2489

Evolutionists: Not So Open-Minded After All

by	Kyle Butt, M.Div.

The evolutionary community wants people to think that it is objective. Evolutionists consistently paint the picture that they are the ones who are open-minded and honestly seeking the truth. At the same time, they suggest that religious “fundamentalists” (their word) who believe the Bible, are narrow-minded and impervious to rational criticism. Atheist David Mills, in Atheist Universe, stated: “The religious individual tends to hold his beliefs rigidly, fanatically and with a closed mind—never seriously questioning the accuracy of his Church’s teachings. The scientist (read that, atheistic, evolutionary scientist—KB), however, is eagerly and open-mindedly searching for new theories and for evidence to topple old theories” (Mills, 2006, p. 155).

If it is the case that evolutionists are open-minded and constantly looking to adjust their theories, then we would expect them to be anxious to critically consider evolution, to welcome evidence that opposes key evolutionary ideas, and to promote open, two-sided communication about the difficulties inherent in the theory. What we actually see, however, is the exact opposite.

In 2002, the Cobb County, Georgia School Board decided to place stickers in biology textbooks concerning the theory of evolution. The sticker read: “This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered” (“Judge: Evolution...,” 2005, emp. added). Is there any subject in our school systems that should not be studied with an open mind and critically considered? Apparently there is one subject that should be exempted from such scrutiny—evolution.

The U.S. government ordered the stickers to be removed because they were considered unconstitutional based on the “religious nature” of the sticker’s content. Notice, however, that the sticker said nothing about God, religion, or the Bible. U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper, who ruled the sticker unconstitutional, stated: “Due to the manner in which the sticker refers to evolution as a theory, the sticker also has the effect of undermining evolution education to the benefit of those Cobb County citizens who would prefer that students maintain their religious beliefs regarding the origin of life” (“Judge: Evolution...,” 2005). This outrageous claim by Judge Cooper manifested the obvious agenda—that no critical examination of evolution would be allowed in the public school system.

In 2006, Eugenie Scott and Glenn Branch, the executive director and deputy director of the National Center for Science Education, edited the book Not in Our Classrooms. In that volume, they insisted that the concept of an Intelligent Designer should not be allowed in the public school classroom. They further claimed that evolution is the only viable option that should be presented in science classrooms. In fact, contributing writer Brian Alters stated: “The responsibility of public school biology teachers is to teach evolution thoroughly and correctly” (Alters, 2006, p.106). Needless to say, Alters and his editors are unconcerned with helping students grasp the vast amount of scientific material that has nothing whatsoever to do with evolution. They view the public school systems as their tool, with the intended and stated purpose of indoctrinating students with evolutionary theory.

What happens when the theory of evolution is questioned? What should be done when students want to critically analyze evolution in order to test its veracity? Should students be encouraged to approach evolution with an open mind and let the merits of the theory speak for themselves? Absolutely not! Critical analysis of evolution must be avoided at all cost. Alters explained: “Should students critically analyze evolution in scientifically and pedagogically appropriate ways? Because of the strong possibility of student’ religious objections to the concept of evolution, and because students’ critical thinking skills can be improved in so many other areas of science, having students critically analyze evolution is ill advised and unnecessary” (Alters, p. 110).

In the last chapter of Not in Our Classrooms, Glenn Branch offered ideas about how to promote evolution. In his comments, he mentioned some things that promoters of evolution should avoid. He stated: “Supporters of evolution education are often challenged to engage in formal public debates on the scientific legitimacy of evolution and creationism.... Experience suggests that, as far as defending evolution is concerned, such debates are counterproductive: they presuppose and validate the false idea that creationism is a scientifically credible rival to evolution” (2006, p. 147, emp. added).

In his discussion about radio and television appearances, he warned: “The worst format—often on talk radio—is the debate, whether against a creationist guest (or even host) on the show or initiated by the show’s callers. Such a debate format is potentially as counterproductive as a formal public debate, so be wary of accepting the offer to participate” (p. 149).

What, then, should take the place of the “counterproductive debates” against creationists? He offered the following suggestion: “Rather than participate in a rigged creationist debate, hold your own public education event.... Invite only panelists who support evolution education—the point of the event is to present, not debate, the facts, and creationists have plenty of events of their own in any case” (p. 147).

There you have it. The way to promote evolution is to make sure that there is no opposition to your ideas. Many years ago, the Proverbs writer noted: “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him” (18:17, emp. added). Evolutionists simply want to make sure that there are no pesky creationist neighbors available to answer them. Evolutionists understand that if students are given the opportunity to look at evolution with an open mind, study it carefully, and consider it critically, the theory collapses under its own, insupportable weight. So much for the open-minded objectivity claimed by atheists and evolutionary scientists!

REFERENCES

Alters, Brian (2006), “Evolution in the Classroom,” Not in Our Classrooms, ed. Eugenie Scott and Glenn Branch (Boston, MA: Beacon Press).

Branch, Glenn (2006), “Defending the Teaching of Evolution: Strategies and Tactics for Activists,” Not in Our Classrooms, eds. Eugenie Scott and Glenn Branch (Boston, MA: Beacon Press).

“Judge: Evolution Stickers Unconstitutional” (2005), [On-line], URL:http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/01/13/evolution.textbooks.ruling/index.html.

Mills, David (2006), Atheist Universe (Berkeley, CA: Ulysses Press).

Scott, Eugenie and Glenn Branch, eds. (2006), Not in Our Classrooms (Boston, MA: Beacon Press).