“ESCAPISM VS. TRIUMPHALISM – Pt. 2”

INTRO: We should have grace for those who have end time views different than our own. Differences in eschatology shouldn’t separate us relationally.

I. JUBILEE’S ESCHATOLOGY:

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

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; 2Tim. 3:16a).

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

3. To be proactive (Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:19; Acts 11:28-30).

4. To have the right vision and focus.

     A. Will the church succeed in her commission (Matt. 16:18)?

     B. Do things have to get worse and worse (Matt. 28:19)?

     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; 1Jn. 3:8b; Col. 2:15)?

III. THE MOST COMMON ESCHATOLOGY TODAY AND ITS ROOTS.

1. Rapture -> 7-year Tribulation -> Second Coming.

2. The above eschatology can be traced only as far back as

     around 1830 to the writings of John Nelson Darby who

     may have been influenced by 15-year-old Margaret

     McDonald’s supposed vision and revelation.

3. Historical eschatology simply saw a single Second Coming

     of Christ, not a two-part pre-tribulation rapture.

IV. QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION.

1. Who should we get our eschatology from? Cessationists?

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?