What are the 'Last Days' and Who are the Main Players?: What are the prevalent perspectives on how the world will end? Hymns & Songs:`Lord, Who Throughout`I Will Sing of My Redeemer`Jesus, Remember Me`Create In Me A Clean Heart`O Calvary's LambSermon Notes:The Study of Eschatology (Last Things) Every religion has eschatology - how does it all end? Eastern (Hindu and Bhuddist) Nirvana is the goal through differing worlds of destruction and recreation to get there. Judaism - Daniel's prophecies and the Coming Messiah. Zionist debate: Do we build Israel or is that Messiah's call? Islam - Allah and the great judgement (Jesus - one of the prophets returns, but as a Muslim: Jesus is revered but never worshipped) Christendom's Primary Colors of the Last Days (Think Impressionist's Painting - Broad colors and strokes) The Biblical Divisions This Age The Age to Come The Church Trying to Piece the Biblical Puzzle Together Technically, the "last days" began at Pentecost. (Acts 2) But what about the "last scene" of world history. Preterist - The teaching that all prophecy is fulfilled (i.e. previous) and that "this age" is slowly becoming "the age to come". Postmillenial - The teaching that Christ returns after the church has triumphantly ushered in the Kingdom. The "Christianizing" of the world. Premillenialism - The teaching that Christ returns to usher in a literal 1,000 year reign on earth. Before that is the intensifying of the evils of "this age." Historic Amillenialism - The teaching that there is no literal 1,000 year reign, but that Christ returns to an evil world, then Christ ushers in the Kingdom. Dispensationalism - The teaching that there are seven "dispensations" or "eras" that make up history. There was the dispensation of Israel - now we are in the "church dispensation." Christ will "rapture the church" away, Israel will be used again, and Christ will return and set up a literal 1,000-year reign before the eternal state. Matthew 24 - What were Jesus and His Disciples Talking About? The obvious question - when is the "age to come" going to kick off? (Remember that this is post Palm Sunday.) The coming destruction of the Temple. (Titus in 70 AD) It's not as simple as the disciples thought it was going to be. If the Messiah ushers in the Kingdom, where is it?! Kingdom Theology (Cullman, Ladd. etc.) - Israel was the vehicle for the kingdom of God. The church is now the vehicle. The Kingdom is present in a "mystery form" right now. Fulfillment without consummation A splinter of the future has invaded the present in the mission and Person of Jesus the Christ. Christ will return and establish God's final Rule and Reign. Jesus' admonition No fear - God is firmly in control. (It'll get rough- but its okay) No hate - Most people's love will grow cold. No despair - There is glory and joy headed your way, if....we are in Him.
Resources for a life of following Jesus, every day, everywhere, with everyone.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
Stay Connected
