Nearer To My Final Destination

 Life isn't all cake and cappuccino, and it isn't all sorrow and stress.

Sometimes it may seem like the latter, but even in this crazy world there can be reasons to laugh or an encouraging word.  The best encouragement comes from reminders of God's lovingkindness and His ultimately good purposes.  

Sometimes sunshine, rabbits, and flowers are a reminder of God's blessings in this life.  Even the rain and thunder can remind a person of God's power.  He rules over the weather...not the weatherman or anything we do.

I recently finished the Biblical Doctrine book, and I listened to and watched other things about future times.  Knowing of the final outcome...Christ's future reign here and into eternity with a new heaven and earth...it really is like a true happily ever after for those who belong to the Lord.  Some of what is now and in between seems fearsome, but I know it is only temporary.

Daily a reminder is needed to trust God through the difficulties and suffering and uncertainty.  The world truly seems to have gone insane, and often we seem helpless.

God is our helper though, even if sometimes we seem to be about to drown without care.  Even when I don't know what to do, I know that only in Him is my hope.  I must trust Him not to let go of us, and it doesn't depend on me.  Even in the tossing waves, God is bringing us nearer to our final destination.  May God cause the waves to grow me closer to Him.  The fires that destroy wood also purifies gold.  The waves that can topple a sandcastle or cause a bird to run can cleanse a wound with the salt though it stings.  I may not know all of God's purposes, so I must remind myself of the truth about Him and pray that He will work in me and through all of the insanity going on in the world.

There are so many little things to remind myself of that God has given me to enjoy, and He's given me His Word to learn from.  I just need to remember to look and find there is something to be thankful for.

Premillennialism - Eschatology Matters

 I've been reading the chapter in Biblical Doctrine that addresses eschatology in recent times (The Future).  I'm nearly at the end of page 861 at this point.  I do recommend the book.

I've been premillennial all along, so I will state that right off.  It goes along with my straight reading of Scripture (even if there are some things about the future that I've kind of blended together and confused in my mind).  There are clearly things promised to Israel that haven't been fulfilled yet.  The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.  The whole church is not what is being talked about in various passages (including the Old Testament).  The grafted in people do not nullify the promises to believing Jewish people (as Romans 11 lets me know).  

The final chapter in the Biblical Doctrine book (MacArthur/ Mayhue) has helpful information that can separate out things mentioned that happens in the millennial Kingdom from what comes after.  It talks about Heaven now as well as the future (even interesting facts like the martyrs are given a white robe in Revelation 6:11 which shows they have a body form of some sort).  I have a ways to go, and my mind cannot easily remember everything that I have read.  I have used pencil to highlight some of the things that have stood out to me so far.

A few years ago, I watched at least a couple of the Master's Seminary chapel messages streaming online on the subject of premillennialism (yeah, I'll admit I was watching their chapel live-streams), and I will share links for you that I can find that seem to be from that series. 

I should watch them all, including the ones I can tell that I watched before!

Premillennialism Videos

1. Brad Klassen addressed the subject using hermeneutics (the method of interpreting the text...specifically of Scripture):  TMS Chapel: Brad Klassen - January 30th, 2018

2. Premillennialism and the Old Testament (Michael Grisanti)

3. The Historical Perspective  (Nathan Busenitz)

4. Premillennialism and the New Testament (Greg Harris)

5. Premillennialism and the Kingdom (Michael Vlach)

6. Premillennialism and Theology  (James Mook)

I hope that these will be helpful for people who want to learn.  

Christian Fiction - Solid Doctrine Needed!

When I was growing up, I did a lot of reading of fiction books.

I still read some fiction (though not nearly as much as I did when I was younger).

A lot of books purport to be "Christian" fare, but they either support false doctrine, a false gospel, use bad language, advocate women's lib., put men and women in compromising situations, appeal to lust, and have "Christians" who don't seem to care whether a potential spouse is a believer or not.

Also, there is very little fiction written by people who believe in the doctrines of grace and have solid Theological views.

What people write reflects their values and the teaching they have or have not received.

Sadly, much of the writing out there reveals the lack of solid Biblical knowledge and practical wisdom of many professing Christians.

Writers need to think about what they are writing and what its purpose is.

Will it lead people to sin?  

Will it reflect godly truths and values or lead people to accept values that don't honor God?

Will it lead them to antinomianism (an abuse of grace) or legalism (works-based religion) or eisegetical false teaching?

Will your writing lead people to the Gospel and wise behavior, or will it lead them to sensuality, worldliness, and heresy?

Some would throw out fiction altogether, but even "entertainment" can be a subtle way to encourage each other to love and good deeds and obedience, present Biblical doctrine, and direct unbelievers to the Gospel.  

It can be challenging, and yet, it can also be enjoyable.  

It can reflect real struggles, but with a purpose.

  

There are some good books out there, but sadly they are few and far between.

I really believe that it would be a great idea for more book writers to run their writing by someone (or more than one person) who is doctrinally sound before having it printed or selling it in any format.

Even those of us who write blogs could use some feedback if we get way off track.

Whether it's for kids or teens or adults, I want to encourage those who do write to write for the glory of God, and as a result, what you write may influence people.  

It may be more subtle, but it really can.

It's not a substitute for Bible study, but it can have benefits.