Four Corners Feast

When I was growing up in a Christian home, the topic of eschatology wasn't something that came up often. In fact, the word “eschatology” wasn't even known or used. Sure, there were always discussions about the “last days” and of course I was aware of the literature and speculation surrounding the debate, but they never became a topic of study. This is evidenced by the fact that the most controversial question you could ask was: “Are you pre-trib, or post-trib?” Everyone knew “mid-trib” existed, but it seemed ridiculous to include them in the discussion. You can then imagine my surprise when I was made aware of other eschatalogical views. Ones that had escaped my knowledge for my entire life. Not only were pre/post-trib far from the only options, but those were merely a subset of the greater perspective called “Premillennialism.” I also learned that there were other, entirely different views that were not pre- millennial at all. Amillennialism and Postmillennialism ...

 This last Sunday at my non-denominational (yet predominantly premillennial) church, another typical  "doom and gloom" and end times speculative sermon was preached. The usual "evidences" were presented and there was not much that grabbed my attention. Except one thing. This is not an exact quote, but it went something like this... " ...and another thing, the River Euphrates is drying up! This is clearly in fulfilment of Revelation which says: 'And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.' (Rev 16:12)  This has never  happened in history, with the one exception of king Cyrus in the time of Daniel. This is a clear indication that the 6th bowl of wrath has been poured out and that the battle of Armageddon is next! The way to Israel is being prepared for the great final battle, through this we know that the last days are probably only a ...

  The Cloud Rider Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory . - Mat 24:30 It is very common today for Christians raised in a Premillennial mindset to read those words and assume that this passage is speaking about the physical and bodily return of Christ to earth. I’ve even heard it taught that: “Jesus comes in the clouds, but doesn’t come all the way to earth because His people meet him there during the rapture.” While this is erroneous on many levels, it is correct in one aspect...coming on the clouds does not mean an earthly touchdown.  It is typical for a hyper-literalist to try and strip away the rich imagery and poetic language that much of scripture, especially prophecy, employs as a way to help us understand the topic. How does scripture itself use clouds in reference to God? As we will see, clouds are often used to ...