Wednesday, September 26, 2012



My most recent series "When the World Ends - the reality of judgment, heaven & hell" concludes this Sunday.  We will look at what the Bible describes as the destination for those who follow Christ and spend eternity with Him.  This series has intentionally avoided the tangled and divisive discussion about the series of events that occur before the return of Christ - which is known as eschatology.  I respect the study of eschatology and believe that it has value.  Although I think that it is far less important than understanding the reality of our eternal destiny.  Everything that will occur in the end-times as it is traditionally thought of only occupies a few years.  If you include the cryptic idea of the millennium reign, it is still just over 1000 years.  Compared to eternity - that's a drop in the bucket.  
Throughout the Bible the discussion of the final events always points to our individual readiness by being in right relationship with Christ, and by living in a way that demonstrates His rule in our lives.  It is with this in mind that I have taken the time to talk about the reality of judgment for all humankind, an eternal hell, and the promise of eternal life.  I hope that this series is a blessing to you and helps you know how to be prepared for the day when you will stand before Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and will answer for your words, actions and thoughts.  Our only hope is in the saving grace of our Lord.  But that grace is not a "free-pass" to live selfishly.  It is a supernatural empowering to live Christ-like in the present.

Here are links to my notes for this series:
Part 1: The End of the World and Judgment to Come
Part 2: The Reality of Hell
Part 3: The Destiny of the Blessed

For a detailed view of some answers to the end-times questions Mike Bickle from the IHOP (International House of Prayer) ministry offers the following information found in the link below.  I agree with some of what he states.  I don't have an opinion on much of what is brought up - not because I don't think it's valid, but because I have not felt called to devote the time to study such topics in depth and I personally do not find them relevant to  fulfilling the purpose of the Bible's teaching on the end time.  As I've stated, the purpose is to be in right relationship now - not to understand and predict the details of what will come to pass.  Nevertheless the ideas in this teaching much better represents what I believe to be accurate than most of what is taught in our day. 

IHOP's 100 Most Frequently Asked Questions About the End Times.