“ESCAPISM VS. TRIUMPHALISM”

INTRO: This message is primarily an introduction to eschatology – the study of the end times.

ESCHATOLOGY DISCLAIMERS & ASSUMPTIONS:

1. Most people believe what they were taught.

2. Most people would struggle to defend their beliefs.

3. We should be willing to examine our views.

4. Differences shouldn’t separate us relationally.

I. JUBILEE’S ESCHATOLOGY:

1. Jesus is coming (Jn. 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; 1Thess. 4:15-18).

2. Be ready (Matt. 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13).

3. Be victorious (Jn. 17:15; 2Cor. 2:14; Rom. 8:37; Rev. 2:7,

     11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). “To him who overcomes…”

II. DOES IT REALLY MATTER? YES, IF YOU WANT…

1. To be blessed (Rev. 1:3a).

2. To be prepared (Matt. 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13).

3. To be proactive (Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:19; 1Pet. 4:10).

4. To have the right vision and focus.

     A. Will the church succeed in her commission?

     B. Do things have to get worse and worse?

     C. Should we be focused on getting raptured or doing our

          Father’s business of extending His kingdom on earth?

     D. Is God reigning or is Satan reigning (Ps. 47:8; Isa. 52:7;

          Rev. 11:17; 19:6)?

III. THE MOST COMMON ESCHATOLOGY TODAY AND ITS ROOTS.

1. Rapture -> Tribulation -> Second Coming.

2. The above eschatology can be traced back to the writings

     of John Nelson Darby around 1830.

IV. QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION.

1. Who should we get our eschatology from?

2. What is the eschatology of the apostolic/prophetic?

3. Must Jesus return in this generation? Isn’t it possible that

     He won’t return for 100 years or more? Implications?

4. Am I willing to take a fresh look at the Scriptures and to

     re-think my eschatology?