Eschatology & Parousia Message outline 13th Aug 06

A Brief look at “End Times” prophecy 末世論 - 與 耶穌再來

SLIDE 1 - We tends to avoid it because
Unfortunately, whenever we talk about the 'end times' we encounter two problems
Various systems of thought develop on the basis of differing interpretive frameworks;
Even among those who share the same convictions about how scripture should be interpreted, there will be differences of opinion about what a certain phrase or event signifies.

SLIDE 2 Preterist Vs Futurist
"Preterist" means past in fulfilment – eg Fall of Jerusalem in 70AD– see picture below!
"Futurist" means future in fulfilment.

SLIDE 3 -But we can be certain of a few things
Bible teaches about the Triumphant Return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ second coming is prophesied many times in the Old Testament and there are over 250 clear references to the event in the New Testament.
Eg: John 14:3; Acts 1:10-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Hebrews 9:28; 8-11; 1 John 3:2-3; Revelation 22:20.

SLIDE 4 The fulfillment of Prophecies
Most Old Testament Prophecies are fulfilled in Christ’s 1st coming, but some are yet to be fulfilled. -
The prophets see in part and prophesy in part (see I Cor 13:9)
It is like seeing a series of mountains in the distance, you may see one or two peaks but there may be many more ^^^^^

SLIDE 5 The Signs of His 2nd coming
Matthew 24:4-14 – The Mt Olive Discourse
Wars, famine, human wickedness and gross immorality
The gospel is preached every nations and tribes (Matthew 24:14)
Cosmic chaos, sun and moon darken, Tsunamis & earthquakes
BUT NO BODY SHOULD KNOW THE PRECISE DATE (V36)

SLIDE 6 The Great Tribulation & Millennium foretold
The “rapture” – where the Christian will be taken up to heaven physically!(1 Thes 4:16,17)
A thousand years of peace where Christ rule and reign
Some disputed areas are Pre-tribulation or post-tribulation? – Be strong! Be prepared! Draw close to God. China, Islamic countries – like Sudan, Nigeria. Corpse rotting in the hot Sun.
 pre-millennium or post-millennium?

SLIDE 7 Dispensational Theology
Dispensations or period of redemptive History - C. I. Scofield
1. innocence (Gen 1:1–3:7), prior to Adam's fall,
2. conscience (Gen 3:8–8:22), Adam to Noah,
3. government (Gen 9:1–11:32), Noah to Abraham,
4. patriarchal rule (Gen 12:1–Exod 19:25), Abraham to Moses,
5 Mosaic Law (Exod 20:1–Acts 2:4), Moses to Christ,
6. grace (Acts 2:4–Rev 20:3, the current church age, and
7. a literal, earthly 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom that has yet to come but soon will (Rev 20:4–20:6).

SLIDE 8 - Dispensational Theology (cont’d)
This is just one of the views
We are grafted “wild olive branch”, let us not forget the original stump – The Israelites (Romans 11:17-21)
He who bless you will be blessed (Gen 12:13)
Let us not be deceived by the world system and the haters of the chosen people of God

SLIDE 9 - Where should our focus be?
Geographically – Middle East & Israel
Historically – a pattern has been set for us, typology
Many little “anti-Christs” have risen in the past
Many tribulations had come and gone
Faith & Devotion
Too much focus in on who is right and wrong, bogged down in details
like the Garden of Eden – Tree of life not the tree of good and evil. Good and evil is God’s prerogative not ours to judge

SLIDE 10 - How should we live then?
Live for the unshakable kingdom
Live as if he is coming tomorrow!
But yet plan and live to the fullest
Go & Share the gospel message of Jesus
 He died for our sins,
 He saved us for himself
 And He is coming back to take us to rule and reign with Him through eternity.

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Why does it matter? ------------------- ( Like a jigsaw puzzle, a few missing pieces in the whole is good enough for us to see the big picture, we can still tell the full picture when we stand back and look at the big picture - eg historical trends and the ways of God)
Why is it important to familiarise ourselves with the Bible's teaching about the end of the world?
First, because God has graciously given us a window on the future in his word: it is his written revelation to us. Not all the Bible is about us, but all the Bible is for us, and we have a responsibility to read and understand it.
Second, what God reveals about the future instils hope and confidence in believers.

Third, an understanding of the culmination of God's redemptive purposes challenges us to mission and evangelism.
Finally, the Bible' s eschatological teaching challenges us to shape our lives on biblical principles. After describing the Day of the Lord, Peter says, (2 Peter 3:11-14)