Popular culture is fascinated by End Times Prophecy. Books and films portray the intrigue and drama of a hidden threat that begins boiling around our modern-day life that concludes with near-destruction of the world if not for the wise hero that calms the evil forces in the nick of time. Then the unrest of our modern-day times, as the information age moves into the world government of affairs of men, groups of believers in the coming apocalyptic wars (both religious and secular), are preparing to survive. It is likely that there is not one human being on our planet today that has at least a little knowledge of how times are going to get bad, with survival limited to the lucky, the faithful, or the prepared.
As mentioned in our last lesson, the topic of apocalyptic disasters and surviving them are one of the leading subjects that Professional Theologists will be discussing with the people in the marketplace. Not only does the spreading of world government cause pockets of people to join together for survivals sake in future disasters, but, even the faithful have gotten the idea that if they prepare well for the coming harsh times, they will survive.
There will be some that ridicule the Professional Theologists’ lack of focus upon the End Times spoken by Christ to be watchful in Matthew 25. And then there will be those that are completely secular, who charge the Professional Theologists of creating the mood of fear that sends the wackos to arm themselves with as many guns as they can get ahold. That the rights of Americans to bear arms under the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution have become political fodder, with new restrictions and regulations constantly debated in society adds to the extreme response of apocalyptic preparation, and sends even the quiet, faithful Christians down the road of advanced ground work and stockpiling of weapons, food, and money. Seldom do the faithful separatists consider how this preparation rings of elitism to the unsaved; many are turned away from Christ within themselves because of the concept of God saving some but not others, with the faithful showing great joy in the coming destruction as they remain safe.
It’s an apocalyptic mess out there in the real world societies and the witness of Christ’s Gospel is becoming more difficult because of the posturing of faithful families to protect their own. It is critical that Professional Theologists recognize the powder keg set to explode and take some people’s seeking of Christ, or their capability to believe in Him, away. Since Professional Theologists are tasked with teaching the things of God to seekers that are unchurched, and it is obvious that deep discussion of the possible apocalyptic events that might happen in modern-day might turn many away from Christ, it is prudent to shut-up. Don’t go there. There is absolutely nothing in the teachings of Professional Theologists expected by God that requires the posturing and preparation of shelters and segregation of people and arming of the scared folks and stockpiling large amounts of food that spoils before it is used.
Churches probably have some responsibility toward the folks in their congregation to ensure provisions are collected to last them 6 months-3 years for all kinds of catastrophes, man-made, God-directed, or devil-attacked. That’s part of their responsibility. And of course, every human being on the planet should prepare for catastrophes. But we are talking about duties of Professional Theologists within their responsible areas in the marketplaces, and the message that must always be forefront in their presentations, regardless of the audience’s desire to discuss the exciting and scary apocalyptic times.
Dr. Heiser analyzes the differences between Old Testament Prophecy vs. Apocalyptic Prophecy and squarely places many of the modern-ideas of fanatical separatists into perceived correct posturing. But, these actual differences between the two in the Word of God can be over emphasized by separatists to justify their exclusive preparation for the battle that will one day destroy life as we know it. He lists the differences between Old Testament Prophecy vs. Apocalyptic Prophecy in succinct terms that complicate modern day Christianity when misunderstood:
Old Testament Prophecy, according to Dr. Heiser, calls for sinners to repent in present-day activities through a direct speech by God where resolution is imminent. Heiser points out that Apocalyptic Prophecy signals that it is too late to repent and destruction is inevitable. It calls for the faithful remnant to persevere the final cataclysm and end of the world. When modern-day Christians aggressively interpret Apocalyptic Prophecy, they go into separation from others, stockpiling resources, arming guns and preparing for the end. It is safe to say that witnessing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in dangerous places all over the world is not high on the list. Apocalyptic Prophecy is a hiding activity, not a preaching and teaching activity.
It pleases the devil greatly every time another Christian family gets caught up in the Apocalyptic Prophecy and removes themselves from the day-to-day modern life and high expectations of Christ for His disciples to perform His Great Commission. It stops another witness of Christ and removes more opportunity for the sinners to be saved. Professional Theologists do not have the time nor the task to prepare for Apocalyptic Endings, when they are expected by Christ to deliver His Teachings to the unchurched and nurture their relationship with Him. That close relationship with Christ will sustain and prepare them for the coming difficult times without need for separationist reactions.
Bibliography
Heiser, Michael S. BI101 Lecture Introducing Biblical Interpretation: Contexts and Resources: LOGOS Bible Software.
Links
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is President and Founder of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. and the Becker Professional Theology Academy. She is also a Becker Bible Studies Teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University, is on track for the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School in 2016 and will be seeking a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Theology and Apologetics beginning in the fall of 2016. She is the originator of the newest theological movement to encourage Christian leaders to minister within the modern-day marketplace as Professional Theologists. She is also the Curriculum Developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy and a teaching faculty member. Kathy's favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian Apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
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