Posted on 02/28/2009 4:35:15 PM PST by Trot
“And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.” Rev. 13:15-18, NASB
Oh boy, ghost stories!
I am a practicing Catholic but after quite a bit of study, I sincerely believe that The Apocalypse/Revelation speaks of events that already happened, usually by metaphor.
Indeed, it’s clearly written as if the events were imminent. One has to use quite a bit of imagination (and indeed, a healthy does denial) to think the book purports to literally tell of events yet to come.
Indeed, Jesus personally spoke in parables and used metaphor. People looking for literal marks in people’s skin are really the types who just don’t ‘get it.’
Sorry, I just don’t buy into the biblical end times stuff. If it happens, it’s God’s will - so be it. Standing around looking for the signs around every dark street corner isn’t productive.
Post millenialism went with 1000 A.D., bro. And preterism is a non starter...
I am surprised that a Catholic did not pay more attention to First and Second Thessalonians; even if you throw out revelation as “already happened”, some of Paul’s writings are difficult to toss off so glibly...
I blame John Nelson Darby.
Actually, postmillenialism is alive and well. And that’s not even counting amillenialism.
Premillenial dispensationalism doesn’t have a lock on eschatology.
I just don’t buy the end of times scriptural analysis. The folks who made a small fortune predicting all sorts of stuff that didn’t happen didn’t help.
No kidding. The strange fixation on the so-called ‘Rapture’ is bizarre. There’s no explicit reference to it in scripture - anyone who literally expects it to happen has a few screws loose, I like to think.
Ghost stories?! I think not. If you believe that all Scripture was written by the inspiration of God, then would it surprise you to know that God predicted your argument?
“Knowing this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying,”Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep,(death)all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” II Peter 3:3-4, NASB
I mean no disrespect, but there will be a literal end times, whether you believe it or not! Our journey here on earth determines whether we will spend eternity with Him, or eternally separated from Him. He will not change His Plan, and I strongly encourage you to explore this subject a little closer and prepare for the coming events—they WILL happen.
It occurred to me that when “they” were ready to start chipping us all they’d need to sell the idea.
I imagine an advertising campaign, star athletes, golf, tennis, baseball, etc. saying “It’s all in the wrist”.
You know, seeing a 7-10 split being knocked down, the smug bowler eyes the camera and says “It’s all in the wrist™!” Then the voiceover says “If Joe Bowldownski is injured, the doctors can treat him faster because his medical records are always with him”. Cut to Joe with a couple hot babes buying drinks with a wave of the hand. A sly wink, and “It’s all in the wrist™!”...
Honestly, I don’t care if there is a literal end of times or not. I am not so presumptuous to think it’s up to me. In either case, I’ll be judged on my life fairly.
I’m just saying that the case made for a literal end of times isn’t very compelling to me.
If it happens, it happens. I’m just not too keen on folks looking for evidence for it around every dark corner. It’s silly.
bookmark
We can’t give the Federal government expansive powers like we did after 9/11 and then complain when Democrats misuse them. We can’t give the government powers that we only want to see certain politicians exercise, but not others. We must assume that any powers we give to the government will fall into the hands of politicians in the future that we will not like.
And it will all come to pass under the banner of "public safety," the same way most rights are lost. (Just give up a right or so and we'll keep you safe.)
Amen
Wrong.
All you need to disable things like that are the magnets that are on microwave waveguide isolators and couplers. What happens is those things don't know the difference between linear and circular polarity and they go into a multi-mode situation which destroys them.
Would you like a magnet to throw at your fridge? You'll need to expose your legs and rear end trying to get that magnet off your fridge. They are that strong.
RFID chips can be read from a distance of up to a few yards without your knowledge unless they are enclosed in a something to block electromagnetic energy.
So you don’t believe in the divinely inspired written word of God then?
Of course I do. I believe it uses many devices - literal accounts of some historical events, but also metaphor and parable.
For example, Jesus didn’t tell u to expect a Samaritan to help you if you get mugged and beaten and left for dead on the side of the road.
When the base commander stopped by, we were nice little angels with nice haircuts. LOL!
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