I was convinced of the Rapture and that God's chosen would be whisked away with a trumpet blast when I was a kid. My parents told me that's how it would happen. I tried looking through the numerology in Revelations to see if I could sort out when it would take place. When I realized it was a fruitless effort and having been stuck here 3 times despite Rapture predictions, I put it aside. Now I'm back into end-times prophecies and starting to think the Rapture was a fairy tale made up by those that were hoping to bypass the Tribulation. Nah, kids. We're gonna have to deal with it. This is our time to start winning souls for Heaven and be brave doing it.
Anytime people say "But" you're always in for a slippery slope. "I love people, but he is such an ass". "I don't talk about politics, but the republicans/ democrats are ruining this country". "I know the Bible say no one will know the time of Christ's return, but..."
BUT, I will say this: I had totally forgotten the name of "A thief in the night" I am eternally thankful for dropping the name. I remember the room I was in, the chair, the burnt K-Mart popcorn. It was terrifying... and I can't wait to watch it tonight. Thanks
My son's response to a famous "end times" author, who we were having dinner with in the highland of Panama still guides my perspective. After expounding for an hour+, on the topic, this fellow turned and asked Nate what he thought about the subject. Nate showed wisdom beyond his years. After courteously acknowledging this fellow's well studied position, he very respectfully said, "what I know for sure sir is that today is the day of my salvation." That remains a forever point of pride in our family.
Glad I missed all that hoopla, Tim. I was raised Methodist, and we couldn't raise our arms above our heads in Church without being disrespectful. I'll send you a message next week to make sure you're still around.
You are bringing up memories I wish were buried! I was 11 when I went to an evangelical summer camp in 1973 and first heard that wonderful campfire song "I Wish We'd All Been Ready." It absolutely terrified me, so much so that I could never bring myself to read Hal Lindsey. (But it's kind of comforting to read your experience with it--no one I know now has ever heard of the song, nor can they truly understand how that shaped me.) I was "blessed" by living in the same town as the original Calvary Chapel and hearing Chuck Smith preach. I was born again...and again and again. It's appalling how much fear is a part of a tradition that supposedly preaches God's love for us.
By the way, I also remember the books by Nicky Cruz, where he was constantly repelling demons in his efforts to convert gang members.
I was convinced of the Rapture and that God's chosen would be whisked away with a trumpet blast when I was a kid. My parents told me that's how it would happen. I tried looking through the numerology in Revelations to see if I could sort out when it would take place. When I realized it was a fruitless effort and having been stuck here 3 times despite Rapture predictions, I put it aside. Now I'm back into end-times prophecies and starting to think the Rapture was a fairy tale made up by those that were hoping to bypass the Tribulation. Nah, kids. We're gonna have to deal with it. This is our time to start winning souls for Heaven and be brave doing it.
Anytime people say "But" you're always in for a slippery slope. "I love people, but he is such an ass". "I don't talk about politics, but the republicans/ democrats are ruining this country". "I know the Bible say no one will know the time of Christ's return, but..."
BUT, I will say this: I had totally forgotten the name of "A thief in the night" I am eternally thankful for dropping the name. I remember the room I was in, the chair, the burnt K-Mart popcorn. It was terrifying... and I can't wait to watch it tonight. Thanks
Ha Ha Ha! I think you might find the opening song the most frightening part of the movie!
My son's response to a famous "end times" author, who we were having dinner with in the highland of Panama still guides my perspective. After expounding for an hour+, on the topic, this fellow turned and asked Nate what he thought about the subject. Nate showed wisdom beyond his years. After courteously acknowledging this fellow's well studied position, he very respectfully said, "what I know for sure sir is that today is the day of my salvation." That remains a forever point of pride in our family.
As well it should!
Glad I missed all that hoopla, Tim. I was raised Methodist, and we couldn't raise our arms above our heads in Church without being disrespectful. I'll send you a message next week to make sure you're still around.
Thanks, Dave! But if I'm gone and you're still here...
You are bringing up memories I wish were buried! I was 11 when I went to an evangelical summer camp in 1973 and first heard that wonderful campfire song "I Wish We'd All Been Ready." It absolutely terrified me, so much so that I could never bring myself to read Hal Lindsey. (But it's kind of comforting to read your experience with it--no one I know now has ever heard of the song, nor can they truly understand how that shaped me.) I was "blessed" by living in the same town as the original Calvary Chapel and hearing Chuck Smith preach. I was born again...and again and again. It's appalling how much fear is a part of a tradition that supposedly preaches God's love for us.
By the way, I also remember the books by Nicky Cruz, where he was constantly repelling demons in his efforts to convert gang members.
Liz... so many many people from our generation know exactly what you are talking about... many of them still living with the trauma.