Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Keeping the Main Thing...

Nathan JonesBy Nathan Jones

A bunch of good buddies got together one Sunday afternoon to catch the football game on Al's new 52' widescreen. They all sat on the comfy couch and chairs, chips and drinks in hand, expectant of some good plays. The gang was united in their love of the big game and rejoiced in their fan fellowship. As usual, some guys rooted for one team, some for another, and a few didn't care for either team, but liked anything football.

Naturally, some good natured ribbing and teasing about the rival team's abilities started. And then suddenly, Tom turned to Frank and loudly accused, "If you don't believe my team is the best, then you are going to hell!"


Say What?

While the football argument may have seemed rather ludicrous, the word "football" only has to be replaced with "Bible prophecy" and the story becomes a reality. Students of Bible prophecy have always been united in their love of Jesus Christ as Savior and in exploring the mysteries of God's unfolding plan for the ages. They get together for conferences and meetings, email and study together — all for the love of God.


The Whys


Well, firstly, and we're all guilty of it, our point of view is tied to our egos. Maybe a student has made a name for himself based on a particular theory, yet finds it doesn't stand up to biblical scrutiny. Or, maybe the passion of the discussion made them step too far from the realm of the probably into declaring fact the realm of the imaginary. Either way, they do not wish to lose face.


Thirdly, there're false prophets lurking in our midst. No, not people who believe that Jesus is the one and only Savior and King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We do indeed have true false prophets like Jesus warned us about in Matthew 24 sowing seeds of dissention and slinging accusations against true believers, hoping to create confusion and division. They should indeed be rooted out for the world to know their lies are not true and to protect those who would be led astray. But, if it's only a person's Bible prophecy that is askew and not their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, then we're trying to bullseye with a shotgun, obliterating the target.

Fourthly, the pressure's on! The deeper the world gets into prophetic end-time signs and the worse the "birth pains" get, the more the world is looking to Bible prophecy students for answers. The urgency increases to share the Gospel with as many people as possible as quickly as possible. The questions keep coming, and we need to provide the answers to the world's inquiries. In the end, we answer everything but their real question — "How can Jesus save me?"


...The Main Thing



Anonymous said...

Interesting article...but...I was never one to be hard line in Bible Prophecy. My passion for it is that it points to the return of the Lord and that is my only passion about it. If others have different viewpoints (about timing of Rapture, etc.) then so be it. So I must disagree with your "we're all guilty" statement. Uh...I'm NOT guilty of it so please do blanket convictions about motives and egos in the future.

Anonymous said...

I meant please "don't" do blanket convictions. Thank you.

hart_thizzle10_9 said...

one thing that angers me is when i hear some bible thumper say "if you dont believe in a rapture your not going up" i believe in a pre-trib rapture but some post-tribs have a VERY good reason to believe why they do. That dont mean they're right but they do have some good points. Believe me i heard em all.

All4YHWH said...


Nathan Jones said...

Feel free to email me questions at webminister@lamblion.com.

Greg Reed said...


Please carry on the awesome work and let me say "thank you" for your hard work.

Anonymous said...

I find the term "Bible Thumper" very offensive. It is an accusatory, judgemental and predjudical way of dismissing anyone who disagrees with you.

Sal said...

People, People. I hearing ego here. Reread the article.

hart_thizzle10_9 said...

i use the term bible thumper simply to describe preachers who use the bible to make others feel stupid, that's all. If someone disagrees with me thats o.k they can be wrong. . .just kidding. I am simply saying that preachers who say someone who aint going to heaven cuz they interperate something different makes me mad. Does that make sense? Nice comment sal

Anonymous said...

thizzle...thanks for the clarification. sal...your comment uncalled for.