Biblical Recorder - End times merit attention

25. January 2010 by George Wright , Banner Elk, N.C.

In the Jan. 16 issue Melissa Deming asked, “Is there a generational gap in ‘end times’ interest?” She reported anecdotal evidence of a diminishing interest in eschatology among the younger generation. Yes, there is a diminished emphasis. Possible explanations range from an over-reaction to sensationalist preaching, an unbalanced view of contemporary Kingdom issues, or even the “mockery” of recent attempts to stir interest in the end times among the evangelical community.

We must remember, however, that all these explanations are only evidence of Satan’s plan to diminish the authority and influence of God’s word. Revelation 22 clearly promises blessing to those who “keep the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Just as striking, Jesus often condemned religious people of His day for their lack of understanding of prophecy and in this context, He said, “But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear…” (Matt. 13:16)

A diminished interest in end times is hardly evidenced in popular culture. Currently, two major motion pictures explore end times themes. Over the last decade there have been numerous attempts by Hollywood to offer its vision of the end. And Hollywood rarely spends money on themes people do not want to explore.

So, pastors should be wary of reports of waning interest. Jesus quoted the proverb “Physician, heal thyself” (Luke 4:23). Perhaps He would tell pastors to “Look it up! It’s in there! Feed my sheep!”

We must engage our culture in biblically sound, balanced teaching. To continually neglect eschatology in favor of the “dialogue over Calvinism, the sovereignty of God, ecclesiology and Christian community” is unhealthy. You could say these other issues have no urgency if the end times are not part of the underlying foundation for their emphasis.

The problem is not the culture. It is us.

George Wright
Banner Elk, N.C.

Categories: Letters | Tar Heel Voices
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Tim Marsh

I agree that there is a diminished interest in eschatology. However, we have no one to blame but ourselves for promoting an unbiblical, sensational seven-year scenario of the "last days." If you want biblically sound, balanced teaching, then leave behind "Left Behind."

posted Thursday, January 28, 2010 4:39 PM | Report Abuse

Dr. James Willingham

Eschatology like anything else is open to be used for manipulation of the masses, and there are astute people who desire to such a thing...and they actually do so. There is gold in them thar hills. For example I know a novelist back many years ago whose fiction was wrappd around end time themes. she actually financed a ministerial student who would later become a writer and theologian noted for his work on eschatology. Then there was another writer who made a big killing in the field,and after him two more.....How many more will there be? I know there are many good preacher who hold to a certain view on last things. They are good ministers of Christ and would not dream of using their views to manipulate people. How does one reconcile the fact that there are servants like these, while there are others who make big bucks and become cynical reapers of the rewards of this world. I once read where someone had plan to use some views to get people to divert money from Christian missions to the nation of Israe. The only thing was it spoke of the next century (supposedly written in the 19th century when Israel did not exist as a political entity). But how does one know the truth of what one has read. People lie all the time, yes, even in theology. Some times they lie, because they think they know the truth when they really don't. At other times - well. I know of a case recently where a minister found out that one of his heroes in the faith had clay feet. Betrayal is always a problem, and the disciples recognized, when they asked Jesus, "It is not I, Lord, is it?" The fact that they even asked that question suggest that we had better exercise caution and a due sense of humility in our evaluations and presentations of Divine truths and how they apply and more. My prayer is for a Third Great Awakening, one that involves the true theology, the Divine Presence, a proper humility, and a godly devotion.

posted Thursday, January 28, 2010 10:04 PM | Report Abuse

End times merit attention

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