Hello, John and Doves,Brother Kevin, I totally agree that while we await the LORD's soon return, we should not forget that He has provided sweet fellowship in the here and now. Many times in my life have I found the closeness of a brother or sister in the LORD to be a balm to my hurting spirit. Indeed, there have been times and places where there seemed to be a fellowship of saints so close, that it was a shadow of the sweet Millennial fellowship to come.Thus, two scriptures come to mind:"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But [when] the desire comes, [it is] a tree of life."Proverbs 13:12and:"A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] For brethren to dwell together in unity!"[It is] like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments."[It is] like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing--Life forevermore." Psalm 133:1-3Blessings to you and yours, Brother Kevin!In HaShem [The Name],Mike C._________________________________________________________________________________Kevin Heckle (19 Apr 2011)
"Date Setting"
Doves,
As long as we are waiting on the Lord’s return, there will be date setters certain of the Rapture event’s timing. I’ll admit to being skeptical of those who are sure the Rapture is going to be on a certain day. Time after time we’ve seen those predicted days come and go while still being bound to the same old body. Invariably, the same folks will boldly predict new dates based on some new found eclipse cycle, clock sighting or corrected math. I wonder at the hubris of some being ever dogmatic, even when faced with the hard facts clearly dispelling their notions. I admire the humility of others openly admitting to getting it wrong, a lesson in character for me. There are a myriad of theories and positions: some very thoughtful (Biblically) out there; and many others that seem to be just pure necromantic hooey. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t despise all of those prophesies IF they be harmless, however hokey and failing (1 Thess. 5:20, 1 Cor. 13:8). From them comes this type of discourse and new knowledge. In the very next verse (I Thess. 5:21) Paul exhorts us to PROVE ALL THINGS; hold fast to that which is good. The failed supposition has value in that it can be eliminated or ‘let go’ so that the other possible truths can be pursued and proven.
Even greater than the pursuit of our true date of departure is the fellowship we have in the here and now. His Spirit is also here now among us, something we should never forget. Quenching the Spirit is probably worse than espousing the most absurd rapture-date theory, so be careful and sure with your rebukes. Don’t stifle another’s words as God may have inspired some part for His own reasons. After all, NO ONE has figured out the right date yet, including your personal best guess. If you feel God has inspired you to say something though, by all means, shout it from the rooftops!!!!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
YBIC,
Kevin Heckle