A New Site With A Specific Focus
The Purpose of This Site is to Promote Biblical Discussion and Study Concerning the Timing of the Second Coming of Jesus in Relation to the Tribulation Period.
My Journey Through the Fog of End Time Teaching
Follow the Leaders
As a young Christian I was daily reading and studying my Bible. The scripture portions which dealt with the Second Coming of Christ seemed to clearly teach one coming of Christ after the tribulation period.
As a new Christian however, it was important for me to trust my pastor and others for their guidance. Through their influence I embraced a pretribulation rapture interpretation and (perhaps like you) always had uneasy reservations about it.
Living With Reservations
I put those reservations on the back burner intending to bring it to the front for reheating and stirring later. That day came in the form of a challenge by my Hermeneutics (Bible Interpretation) Professor in seminary. Each student was required to choose a doctrine and write a paper defending it. Immediately I knew which one I would address. I would examine the timing of the Second Coming of Christ in relation to the future Great Tribulation Period.
Researching The Hypothesis
Searching church history, I traced the teaching of the pretribulational rapture back to a pastor named John Darby (circa 1830’s). Pastor John Darby based his pretribulational rapture theory upon three assumptions, 1) God deals with Israel and Gentiles under two different programs 2) the tribulation is for Israel and not the church. 3) The church must therefore be removed before the tribulation. An interesting fact is (church history reveals) that “No one taught a pretribulational rapture before Pastor Darby.”
I now implore my fellow dispensationalist friends to take a different approach when studying last time events. Examine thourouly each assumption of pretribulationalism to see if the scripture clearly and specifically teach it.
Scripture is the best commentator on scripture
I am certain that Pastor John Darby’s unproven assumptions have become a tool for interpreting scripture. Today we know this as Dispensationalism and many of us have been strongly influenced by it. Christians easily debunk evolution theory by showing how it is all circular reasoning. I invite my brothers in Christ to put John Darby's three Assumptions in circular reasoning chart and see what has happened to us.
Many Conservative Christians (including pastors) are at the place where I was. Many (like me) have taught what was handed down to them for many years and haven't thought of reexamining the teaching. Good men often come to opposite conclusions about Bible interpretation with good conscience. Many however like the Bereans, are taking this doctrine off the back burner and entering into the discussion and fresh Bible research.
I conclude from scripture only that the Second Coming of Christ, the First resurrection, the Rapture are: 1) one event happening immediately after the tribulation, (Matthew 24:29-31) 2) including the resurrection of the righteous to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18) and immediately accompany Him to earth, (2 Thessalonians 2: 1-8) where He will set His feet on the Mount of Olives and begin his destruction of the Man of Sin (Zechariah 14)
I have combined my research into a study and lecture guide which I published and use at small group studies and seminars. The book 1) discusses the seven views of the coming from a historical perspective. 2) Reminds us of the interpretive process that conservative Christians agree on. 3) Examines the teachings of Jesus concerning the timing of the Second Coming in relation to the tribulation period. 4) Examines the Apostle Paul’s teaching on the timing of the Second Coming in relation to the great Tribulation. 5) Presents a short commentary on the book of Revelation using the synoptic method of examining the four major visions of the book of Revelation.
I am prepared and available to do teachings on “End Time Events” in the form of seminars, colloquium, and topical preaching along with individual correspondence. I will also meet with you or your group to answer questions.
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts, feelings and questions. If you want to be notified about future information or seminars being offered in your area I will be put you on my automatic notification list.
Because of the Blessed Hope
John A Bridges M.A. New Testament
[email protected]
I will take time for serious discussion or for requested material and amount. I am able to meet with your small group or individuals in southeast and mid - Michigan
Blessings to all who seek truth.
My Journey Through the Fog of End Time Teaching
Follow the Leaders
As a young Christian I was daily reading and studying my Bible. The scripture portions which dealt with the Second Coming of Christ seemed to clearly teach one coming of Christ after the tribulation period.
As a new Christian however, it was important for me to trust my pastor and others for their guidance. Through their influence I embraced a pretribulation rapture interpretation and (perhaps like you) always had uneasy reservations about it.
Living With Reservations
I put those reservations on the back burner intending to bring it to the front for reheating and stirring later. That day came in the form of a challenge by my Hermeneutics (Bible Interpretation) Professor in seminary. Each student was required to choose a doctrine and write a paper defending it. Immediately I knew which one I would address. I would examine the timing of the Second Coming of Christ in relation to the future Great Tribulation Period.
Researching The Hypothesis
Searching church history, I traced the teaching of the pretribulational rapture back to a pastor named John Darby (circa 1830’s). Pastor John Darby based his pretribulational rapture theory upon three assumptions, 1) God deals with Israel and Gentiles under two different programs 2) the tribulation is for Israel and not the church. 3) The church must therefore be removed before the tribulation. An interesting fact is (church history reveals) that “No one taught a pretribulational rapture before Pastor Darby.”
I now implore my fellow dispensationalist friends to take a different approach when studying last time events. Examine thourouly each assumption of pretribulationalism to see if the scripture clearly and specifically teach it.
Scripture is the best commentator on scripture
I am certain that Pastor John Darby’s unproven assumptions have become a tool for interpreting scripture. Today we know this as Dispensationalism and many of us have been strongly influenced by it. Christians easily debunk evolution theory by showing how it is all circular reasoning. I invite my brothers in Christ to put John Darby's three Assumptions in circular reasoning chart and see what has happened to us.
Many Conservative Christians (including pastors) are at the place where I was. Many (like me) have taught what was handed down to them for many years and haven't thought of reexamining the teaching. Good men often come to opposite conclusions about Bible interpretation with good conscience. Many however like the Bereans, are taking this doctrine off the back burner and entering into the discussion and fresh Bible research.
I conclude from scripture only that the Second Coming of Christ, the First resurrection, the Rapture are: 1) one event happening immediately after the tribulation, (Matthew 24:29-31) 2) including the resurrection of the righteous to meet Jesus in the air (1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18) and immediately accompany Him to earth, (2 Thessalonians 2: 1-8) where He will set His feet on the Mount of Olives and begin his destruction of the Man of Sin (Zechariah 14)
I have combined my research into a study and lecture guide which I published and use at small group studies and seminars. The book 1) discusses the seven views of the coming from a historical perspective. 2) Reminds us of the interpretive process that conservative Christians agree on. 3) Examines the teachings of Jesus concerning the timing of the Second Coming in relation to the tribulation period. 4) Examines the Apostle Paul’s teaching on the timing of the Second Coming in relation to the great Tribulation. 5) Presents a short commentary on the book of Revelation using the synoptic method of examining the four major visions of the book of Revelation.
I am prepared and available to do teachings on “End Time Events” in the form of seminars, colloquium, and topical preaching along with individual correspondence. I will also meet with you or your group to answer questions.
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts, feelings and questions. If you want to be notified about future information or seminars being offered in your area I will be put you on my automatic notification list.
Because of the Blessed Hope
John A Bridges M.A. New Testament
[email protected]
I will take time for serious discussion or for requested material and amount. I am able to meet with your small group or individuals in southeast and mid - Michigan
Blessings to all who seek truth.
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