I played a clip on my radio show last weekend (March 8,) which you can hear early in hour 2 at “Radio Archives.”
In part the young woman states:
The end-times are here, the end-times are here. Gloom and doom, doom and gloom!You hear about it all the time (yes, because we’re in them).I am so sick about hearing about the end-times when we have a job to do. I talked to a friend and she said the Bible said certain things were going to happen.I couldn’t believe it.So we are just to sit back and drop the ball and don’t do anything?
We have radio and TV shows just talking abut the end-times.People actually make a living out of this. Instead of having a meeting as to how the end-times are upon us, shouldn’t we be redeeming the time for the days are evil?We have a whole generation of forgotten kids—forgotten by the church so they can have their meetings on the end-times.
I wish we DID have a whole lot of churches having meetings on Bible prophecy rather than tossing it out of the church 20 years ago!She couldn’t be more wrong.
She continues:
If we truly believe these are the end-times, shouldn’t we be saving souls?Your gloom and doom meetings are depressing and there is no life in them.I might as well just go kill myself because there is no hope. It’s just gloom and doom from you people.
This young woman’s statements came from a radio program, so it is hard to say how many people heard them.She virtually plastered everyone in two generations above her as having a morbid pre-occupation with the glorious news that the King is coming!I couldn’t make it through a lot of days without knowing that. It’s the most positive, uplifting message out there.
Yet, this is how many in the younger generation (thankfully not all) consider eschatology that is the theme of one-third of the Bible! There is a special crown for those who long for His appearing (II Tim. 4:8).Jesus chastised the religious rulers of His day for knowing the signs of the weather but not the signs of the times (His first coming.)
This gal went on to say all we need is to focus on winning the lost. I have to ask, What better tool is there for that than eschatology which reminds us that the hour is late?
Yes, Peter said there would be such scoffers in the last days but in spite of her claim to really know the Bible, she doesn’t know that she is partially fulfilling it.
Studying prophecy is a faith-builder. We see how Jesus fulfilled all His first coming verses and believe there is no reason why He would not fulfill the verses for His return.Eschatology reminds us that God has a glorious future for us! He is our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13).His return is hardly gloom and doom.
Of concern is if the Lord should tarry, in another 20 years Bible prophecy will be an ancient relic set on the shelf by most everyone as even today the lovers of it are primarily over age 50.
But nothing energizes me more than the simple phrase, “The King is coming!”And thankfully, I talk to a lot of people who feel the same! This is all that offers us hope in perilous times.
To learn more, visit the category of “Prophecy Watch” at my Web site.
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Jan, my old pastor in Cambria, MI had the best take on this I've ever heard. His last word, whenever we got on the subject of the awful things happening in the world, was always the same: "Yes, it's getting gloriously dark out there...". That thought comforts me more every day I live. Click here to reply to this post
If you know that your son,daughter,grandchildren,neices,nephews
Posted On: 03/28/08 05:46:03 PM
Age 33, OK
are to live in the end times,to be persecuted,ridiculed,imprisoned,beaten,,deceived,tortured,and possibly killed. Wouldn't you learn everything you can about the time ahead to warn them of. For the words said even the very elect could be deceived to try them and make them white.
If you knew they would live in a time of hiding and an evil dicatator and government that would try to make them turn against God would you not warn them now ahead of this deceiver and deception. To die is to gain your life,while to live is to die in eternal damnation. To prepare them for this choice they have to make.
If you knew something you've spoken or said can be a lifestring to someone out there to help save their very souls would you not cry out and leave any key you have to help their way.Any arrow pointing to the right direction in an evil and dangerous world to come. Any map to spot the dangerous traps, pitfalls, weapons against them.For that is what the prophets have left us to help find the way.
Would you send a soldier into enemy territory without warning them of their enemies terrain,weapons,mindset and plans?
If you love your child do you not warn them about dangerous strangers, toxins and poisons causing harm to their bodies,weapons and tools that can harm them if not handled carefully. You not only tell them that you love them but you prepare them for those that don't,you guard them from unexpected harm with words of wisdom and warning. Temptation and danger the very deceiving liar + roaring lion they will come up against seeking to devour them.
According to the book of Enoch who walked with God
Noah preached the flood and the earth's destruction 120 yrs and then it came apon the earth. For the days ahead will be like Noah's time eating,drinking,and giving in marriage. The persecution and evil to come will be worse than it has ever been. The silver and gold,The comforts and convienences will be useless. NO bank accounts,trusts,stocks,bonds,certificates, and insurance will help them. The only inheritance we leave them is what we teach them what we show them to be,what we lay up in our heavenly accounts of prayer,mercy,and giving. Just the faith in his word and spirit of God will be a help unto them.
I don't know if we'll be raptured mid.trib.or later.But every warning bell should ring if you know your family isn't prepared the little ones around you aren't ready yet.
If you know someone could fall off a cliff down the road wouldn't you warn them of it?
Don't stop those crying out from the watchtowers don't stop those reminding us of the prophets warnings and instructions.Don't stop the hope of looking up and knowing our redemption draweth nigh.
Remember the parable of the wise 5 virgins who kept their lamps ready.Remember the servant who worked until his master came. They are doing their work of shining a beaming light unto a dark future of doom and gloom for so shall it be to many. Click here to reply to this post
So Great a Hope
Posted On: 03/25/08 09:02:27 AM
Age 60, AZ
It is not hard to understand how anyone might be troubled by end time reports, but they're equally troubled by the daily news. No matter where you turn, the odds are not good, nor does it sound like they'll be favorable anytime soon. It's that proverbial space between a rock and rock!
Give me The Rock any day. Whether He returns (as promised) today, or next year, or in 1000 years (though I subscribe to a soon return), He alone offers the peace we all need and desire ... except those that choose to relish rebellion. May they find Him now, while as yet He may be found.
Blessings and peace to all ... Click here to reply to this post
70 A.D. and yes there is much more to come!
Posted On: 03/16/08 08:21:31 PM
Age 53, OK
The Great Tribulation of Matthew 24 preceded the downfall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. It had to occur within the generation of Jesus, or else He was a liar. Much of Revelation is about the wrath of God being outpoured on the city that rejected its Messiah. I agree that doom and gloom theology has reaped a lot of financial profits for those who think they have an inside track on understanding the fine details of the Second Coming of Christ. First it was 1988, then 1992, then 1996, then 2000, then 2006. When are these jokers are going to get it right, and why don't these charlatans refund the money to all the people who bought into their lies when they bought their books, their CDs, their DVDs, etc.? Christ is coming back, visibly at the end of the world. There will be a resurrection and the final judgment. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. But keep in mind, that the end of the old covenant age (What will be the signs of the end of the age? Greek word is not world) that came at 70 A.D. is not the same as the Second Coming of Christ at the end of this world. There may be some similarities, but there are some very key differences. The disciples in Matthew 24 were not asking when the world would end, but when that temple in Jerusalem back then in their time would be destroyed, which would signal the end of the old covenant system. Let's preach eschatology, but let's preach it correctly. Let's quit invoking fear and instead call it for what it is--the blessed hope, and not the blasted hysteria. Click here to reply to this post
gloom and doom
Posted On: 03/15/08 01:06:29 AM
Age 58, NY
The speaker sounds like she is sixteen or seventeen years old. Most likely her short speech was in response to an assignment given by a Sunday School teacher. If so, she may have picked up on that teachers opinions and reflected them. I would be more concerned if this kind of talk was coming from an adult who has been a Christian for many years.
I don't know which radio and television shows she was referring to. I have not seen them. The return of our saviour is our blessed hope! Of course we look for signs that He is coming soon! Click here to reply to this post
Gloom and doom...?
Posted On: 03/14/08 05:02:00 PM
Age 65, CA
I think a small point is being confused with a slightly larger one. "The End Times" and the "doom and gloom of the GReat Tribulation. Just to set the record on a bit straighter course, the "end times" refer, usulally, to some period of time preceding the tribulation period which will last approximately seven years. The tribulation period, especially the last three and half of the seven, could be considered the real doom and gloom for those who will have to endure it. But, there is nothing of doom and gloom about either the rapture or the second coming of Yahshua to rule and reign for a thousand years in preparation for the eternal rule and reign of our God Yahweh. The doom and gloom will be experienced by the unbelievers who have it dished out to them as God's wrath, and then they will be sentenced to the Lake of Fire which could be refered as the "eternal gloom and doom state." It is obvious that this young woman has met way too many of the "so called Christians" who don't read their Bibles and don't know that when they believe that they should just sit back and let "reality happen," are not obeying Yahshua the Christ in His admonition to "occupy" 'till He comes. We are not to grow weary in doing good...we are not to grow weary in doing what is RIGHT in the eyes of God...we are not to be lazy, do nothing, Oh I give up, Whatever! Christians. Of course we must offer our love and hope to all who will listen...we must disciple whoever will be discipled...we must love our neighbors and our enemies and we must forgive those who sin agianst us...we should be moving TOWARD MORE discipline in our lives...not less!! All at the same time we must anticipate God's promises to us, we must look up and forward to seeing and being a part of the prophesies that are yet fulfilled; knowing that they will be. Click here to reply to this post
Hope and Responsibility
Posted On: 03/14/08 11:36:09 AM
Age 51, NC
I agree that the end times are near and the days will grow darker, and I do long for the day that our Lord returns! BUT, shouldn't we as Christians, as time grows short, feel an urgency to reach more people for Christ? While I don't view talk of Christ's return as "gloom and doom," I must agree with the young lady's quote, "If we truly believe these are the end-times, shouldn’t we be saving souls?" Well, shouldn't we be doing what Christ commanded us to do, right up til the instant He returns? Matthew 28:19-20 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Click here to reply to this post
She is right about the lack of activity in the church
Posted On: 03/14/08 11:18:20 AM
Age 52, VA
I agree with the woman who says there are people who make a living out of doom and gloom over the end times. I think we are so caught up in the culture wars and moral indications of a waning, dying society that many have holed up in the church. We have forgotten to get out into that dangerous world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the walking dead.
She makes the point that we should be saving souls. I am grateful to the person who discipled me and got me out of the church and into the public places to share the only thing that matters. I am also grateful to ministries like Mark Cahill's and Kirk Cameron/Ray Comfort who are teaching us to go and tell, not sit an worry! If we are looking forward to His return let's take everyone who will listen with us!
Too many churches and ministries do too much talking and not enough sharing the gospel. I pray that I will never fall into that trap again! Click here to reply to this post
What will you do with the Time that's Left
Posted On: 03/14/08 10:25:59 AM
Age 40, GA
Face it, we don't know how much time is left, and the question is what are we doing WITH the time that is left? I know the article is talking about escatology, but you don't know when your time will come too...So instead of feeling down about talk of the endtimes, use it to invigorate your walk with Christ....And I am pointing at me as well as I write these words.
Kevin Click here to reply to this post
Blessed Hope
Posted On: 03/13/08 11:06:49 AM
Age 61, MO
I am not as concerned about knowing WHEN Jesus is coming back, as knowing that He IS coming back; because if I die before He comes back, I want to be counted as one of dead in Christ. "For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first." (1 Thessalonians 4:16). I want to make sure there is oil in my lamp. (See Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus could return any time. This fact should signal the urgency for unbelievers to repent and submit to Christ, because, when He comes back it will be too late to do so. "And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27). The gloom and doom is reserved for unbelievers. George Cancilla Click here to reply to this post
