Erin, fundamentalist Christian:
Gary:
You may actually have the opportunity to witness the fulfillment of bible prophecy that is not yet fulfilled according to a dispensationalist view of the scriptures.
In Ezekiel 38-39, there is an attack on Israel by a coalition of nations that many commentators identify as Russia (Magog), Iran (Persia), and Turkey (Gomer). Some commentators place the attack before the tribulation, such as Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. Today we see a cooperative relationship between Russia and Iran, and one forming with Turkey. And, with the Syrian conflict, Russia has been able to place itself in Syria, Israel’s bordering northern neighbor.
If Dr. Fruchtenbaum is correct that it precedes the tribulation, then the opportunity to witness it would be even sooner than those who place the attack in the tribulation. Furthermore, you have already been a witness to, although unwittingly, the regathering of Israel from among the nations, which Dr. Fruchtenbaum points out is a two phased regathering. One phase before the tribulation, which has been in progress, and the second phase coming after the tribulation. Also, Jerusalem becoming a burdensome stone to the nations. But, then if men are able to rise up in rebellion at the end of a thousand year kingdom, with the Christ ruling from Jerusalem, and the knowledge of the Lord filling the earth, I don’t hold out much hope that you will be able to perceive the fulfillment of prophecy in your day.
Gary:
Hi Erin,
I am the son of an independent, KJV only, pre-millennial, fundamentalist Baptist preacher. I am 56 years old. I grew up being taught that the Second Coming would occur before the generation passed that saw the establishment of the state of Israel. I was told that this event was an absolute certainty. Jesus HAD to come back sometime prior to 1988 because that it was the passage says.
Guess what?
Jesus didn’t come back.
I also grew up hearing about Gog and Magog and that the “ten horns” were the Common Market, etc., etc.. I listened spell-bound to Christian evangelists preaching doom and gloom and that the “End of World is Nigh”. My grandmother said that when she was growing up in the 1930’s the fundamentalists would go out and stand on the haystacks expecting the Rapture to occur…only to be disappointed…once again.
Did you know that in the year 1,000 AD, many Christians believed that the Second Coming would occur. It didn’t…
It’s a silly ancient tale, Erin. I strongly encourage you to abandon ancient superstitions and embrace Reason, Science, and the Enlightenment.
Escaping Christian Fundamentalism 