Thousands of churches are closing across the U.S.

[Shadow Wolf]

We sure don't allow J.W. in China.

And for very good reason.

They have no good reason. Authoritarians rarely do. You think you can keep stupidity out, you can't (seriously, I met an idiot who smuggled in and distributed Bibles in China). And you can put all the ethnocentric spin on it all you want, China sucks a lot of **** like America. Only China does it without allowing much freedom. FFS, China makes America even look grand with worker protections and America is sorely lacking compared to its Western counterparts.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

So because it hasn’t happened yet, means it will not at some point take place? I don’t think so. I am sure you won’t think it’s a joke when the last day occurs.

My point is that there's a 2000-year-long track record of gullible, credulous people who were sure that the Second Coming would happen in their lifetimes and who died without it happening. Every indication is that you're part of that trend and will see the same outcome.

I have no doubt that you've rationalized how your position is different from those of previous generations of Christians who died disappointed, just as I have no doubt that some Christian living 500 years from now expecting the same thing that you do will rationalize how he didn't make the "mistakes" that you and your contemporaries have made.

Did you ever read the Peanuts comic strip? Would the analogy of Lucy and Charlie Brown with the football work for you?

 

[Audie]

So because it hasn’t happened yet, means it will not at some point take place? I don’t think so. I am sure you won’t think it’s a joke when the last day occurs.


…But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:7-9

You really don't understand that the joke is
2000 years of (sometimes hysterical)
" sign" reading?

Esp when your " bible" says nobody will
see it coming.

 

[Father Heathen]

They have no good reason. Authoritarians rarely do. You think you can keep stupidity out, you can't (seriously, I met an idiot who smuggled in and distributed Bibles in China). And you can put all the ethnocentric spin on it all you want, China sucks a lot of **** like America. Only China does it without allowing much freedom. FFS, China makes America even look grand with worker protections and America is sorely lacking compared to its Western counterparts.

Animals are tortured because it's believed to enhance the meat's flavor: Lychee and Dog Meat Festival - Wikipedia

Children struck by cars will be ignored by strangers and left to die: Death of Wang Yue - Wikipedia

The culture definitely has some sociopathic elements.

 

[InChrist]

You really don't understand that the joke is
2000 years of (sometimes hysterical)
" sign" reading?

Esp when your " bible" says nobody will
see it coming.

The Bible doesn’t say nobody will see it coming.

 

[InChrist]

My point is that there's a 2000-year-long track record of gullible, credulous people who were sure that the Second Coming would happen in their lifetimes and who died without it happening. Every indication is that you're part of that trend and will see the same outcome.

I have no doubt that you've rationalized how your position is different from those of previous generations of Christians who died disappointed, just as I have no doubt that some Christian living 500 years from now expecting the same thing that you do will rationalize how he didn't make the "mistakes" that you and your contemporaries have made.

Did you ever read the Peanuts comic strip? Would the analogy of Lucy and Charlie Brown with the football work for you?

True, some Christians in the past have been mistaken and others foolishly set dates. Nevertheless, Jesus specifically said to “Watch and pray”. Obviously, then there are things to watch for and be aware of which are indicative of the end times. The restoration of the nation of Israel in 1948, after nearly 2000 years of dispersion, is unprecedented and a number one sign. Secondly, technologically everything is in place now for the implementation of a global economy and government as foretold in the book of Revelation. Thirdly, Christianity or interest in God and the biblical scriptures is in decline, so the world is ripe to accept the antichrist global leader when he appears on the scene claiming to bring peace and unity.
Christ came the first time at the point when the ancient world was united under the Roman Empire. Though I don’t claim to know the precise time, the scriptures indicate He will return or the Day of the Lord will begin when the world is again united or attempting to unite under a global government.

 

[Audie]

The Bible doesn’t say nobody will see it coming.

Tim 3:1 describes any time or place

Matt 24 36 says nobody will see it coming.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

True, some Christians in the past have been mistaken and others foolishly set dates. Nevertheless, Jesus specifically said to “Watch and pray”. Obviously, then there are things to watch for and be aware of which are indicative of the end times. The restoration of the nation of Israel in 1948, after nearly 2000 years of dispersion, is unprecedented and a number one sign.

Every generation of Christians has had some "unprecedented and number one sign" to point to. They've all been wrong.

Secondly, technologically everything is in place now for the implementation of a global economy and government as foretold in the book of Revelation.

This is one recent interpretation of what the passage in Revelation "foretold," yes.

Thirdly, Christianity or interest in God and the biblical scriptures is in decline, so the world is ripe to accept the antichrist global leader when he appears on the scene claiming to bring peace and unity.

There have been Christians who thought that Christianity was in decline - or saw other signs that the rise of the antichrist was imminent - as long as Christianity has existed.

 

[InChrist]

Tim 3:1 describes any time or place

Matt 24 36 says nobody will see it coming.

Is your reference 1 Timothy or 2 Timothy?

Matthew 24:36 states that no one knows the hour or day, which is correct. But it doesn’t say no one may be aware of the season or realize the nearness of Christ’s return and/or the end of the church age.
Jesus said to watch.


…But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Like 21:34-36

 

[InChrist]

Every generation of Christians has had some "unprecedented and number one sign" to point to. They've all been wrong.




This is one recent interpretation of what the passage in Revelation "foretold," yes.



There have been Christians who thought that Christianity was in decline - or saw other signs that the rise of the antichrist was imminent - as long as Christianity has existed.

Irregardless, whether Christians have been wrong or you are in denial…at some point God’s Word concerning the end of the age of Grace/the church age, the Great Tribulation, and return of Christ will happen.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Irregardless, whether Christians have been wrong or you are in denial…at some point God’s Word concerning the end of the age of Grace/the church age, the Great Tribulation, and return of Christ will happen.

Sure it will.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

The Bible doesn’t say nobody will see it coming.

Jesus himself said only only the Father knows when, and that it shall unexpected like a theif in the night.

 

[Audie]

Is your reference 1 Timothy or 2 Timothy?

Matthew 24:36 states that no one knows the hour or day, which is correct. But it doesn’t say no one may be aware of the season or realize the nearness of Christ’s return and/or the end of the church age.
Jesus said to watch.


…But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Like 21:34-36

The " unexpectedly" refers, obviously, to
"don't be unprepared."

Thirves in the night! You don't see them
coming, but you instead must be prepared.

As in you won't see it coming,
for lo, the naughty goings on
of "end times" are how things always are.
" Realize the nearness" is nonsense.

And attempting prophecy is considered quite
sketchy.

 

[InChrist]

Jesus himself said only only the Father knows when, and that it shall unexpected like a theif in the night.

That’s correct, no one knows the day or the hour. Yet, Jesus said to “Watch” meaning those watching may be aware of the season the end times and nearness of His coming.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

That’s correct, no one knows the day or the hour. Yet, Jesus said to “Watch” meaning those watching may be aware of the season the end times and nearness of His coming.

So what makes you so certain when for about 2000 many Christians have been utterly certain he will return within their lifetime but he didn't? Especially considering Jesus said it would be while some of those hearing his words were present?

 

[Audie]

That’s correct, no one knows the day or the hour. Yet, Jesus said to “Watch” meaning those watching may be aware of the season the end times and nearness of His coming.

He also said those living in his
day would see end times.
But to give proper credit, there's
not much chance of whatever the guy
actually said being written down
verbatim from memory decades larer

 

[mikkel_the_dane]

He also said those living in his
day would see end times.
But to give proper credit, there's
not much chance of whatever the guy
actually said being written down
verbatim from memory decades larer

Well, if just all religion was of the theistic kind, then it would be much easier, right, Audie?

 

[InChrist]

He also said those living in his
day would see end times.
But to give proper credit, there's
not much chance of whatever the guy
actually said being written down
verbatim from memory decades larer

Well, from a biblical standpoint you are correct since the last days began from the time of Christ. Nevertheless, those last days do have an “ending” point which includes the end of the church age or otherwise known as the age of Grace, at which time the Tribulation period begins.
I beg to differ with your view; certainly Jesus’ words are preserved verbatim. How difficult is that for the Creator of heaven and earth?!

 

[Audie]

Well, from a biblical standpoint you are correct since the last days began from the time of Christ. Nevertheless, those last days do have an “ending” point which includes the end of the church age or otherwise known as the age of Grace, at which time the Tribulation period begins.
I beg to differ with your view; certainly Jesus’ words are preserved verbatim. How difficult is that for the Creator of heaven and earth?!

Guess you did not read the first line i wrote
or Matt 16 17 28

Verbatim?
You are under the impression that the bible was
written by "god"?

 

[InChrist]

Guess you did not read the first line i wrote
or Matt 16 17 28

Verbatim?
You are under the impression that the bible was
written by "god"?

Maybe you could be a little more specific with your references and designate chapter & verse… “Matt 16 17 28 “ is not very clear.
I did read the first line you wrote.

I do believe that God inspired and directed human authors to write and include what He wanted in the biblical scriptures.