About the anti-christ comments, there’s this literary device called hyperbole....
I’m an atheist and even I figured that out.
I am a conservative, confessional Lutheran pastor with several advanced degrees in theology. I don’t believe in a “rapture” as it is popularly conceived. And I don’t believe Obama is the Antichrist. I just think he is an anti-constitutional anti-American whose auntie lives in a slum.
Whose army?
I am going to assume that you are serious... I occasionally will ask God questions through prayer.This is not my primary method of studying the Bible but use this occasionally.Election morning I was feeling very uneasy about the results of the election. My prayer went something like this.....God, I know you are in control , but I do feel uneasy...If it is in Your will, please divide this copy of your word that I am holding- and give me insight into this situation.. I opened the book and read this.... Psalm 121 (kjv)
A Song of degrees.
1. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2. My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5. The LORD [is] thy keeper: the LORD [is] thy shade upon thy right hand.
6. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
This just happens to be some of my most favorite verses that gave me strength during my combat tour of duty in Viet Nam... God just reminded me.....HE is in control...Rapture...Maybe but only when GOD is ready...
Hi FRFirstTimer,
Very good question – my 18year old son asked the same question last night - very worried that Obama won the election.
Now remember that No-One really knows when the anti-christ will reveal himself to the world (there’s a lot of speculation that it could be 2012 – Only God knows) – But, Obama isn’t the anti-Christ – he’s merely a puppet in the greater scheme of things.
The Bible tells us that the anti Christ will be known to everyone – he will amaze everyone with his knowledge, he’ll be able to speak in many languages etc. People will take him to be a god. It will be some Guy that’s for sure…
Also, many evangelical Christians believe in the rapture – including myself, but remember, even though a lot of us deem ourselves as being ready, we are not and won’t be during the rapture. We might find that one of our loved ones just disappeared – like the Bible said – two will be working in the field , one will be taken and one will be left behind. Those who are left behind will know the truth they will be saved, but they will be going through the tribulation period – which btw will be really tough times as stated in the Bible. I believe that it will be up to them/us to tell the others about Christ and to be ready for when Jesus will return (part of the battle of Armageddon. Now when people start going “missing” and this is my opinion – the world (the media) will start exploring the possibility of UFO’s/Aliens being responsible – another disguise by satan – he just doesn’t want people to know the truth – but many will…
Anyway getting back to your questions about why everyone is concerned. - I think the main reason is that those people aren’t really “spiritually” ready especially the younger generation – my son is about to head off to University to get his degree and he’s concerned that if all this is going to take place – should he wasting his time to finish his degree?” the answer is yes, we should all live everyday to the MAX – as if it’s our last day – if you plant trees, plant trees until they drag you away to die… maybe even ask for 2 minutes to water them… God told us not to worry and I think this is where a lot of us (including myself) fail Big Time…
Regarding you fighting in Afghanistan – I’m a kiwi (a new Zealander) I can only say
Good on you for having the B#LLS to do it. God gave you guys a great country and you should protect it no matter what – even give your life (it’s your duty) If anyone had any backbone they will support you in what you do- they will even do the same.
God bless America.
I am an evangelical, fundamentalist Christian. I don’t believe B.O. is the antichrist, although in some aspects he’s got an antichrist spirit. The real antichrist will fool almost everyone.
Concerning rapture, there are widely varied theories and beliefs. Some think it’s already happened, some think it will happen before the tribulation period (pre-trib), some think it will happen during the tribulation (post-trib). Some people get in huge fights over this.
I like to say I’m pan-trib—however it pans out according to God’s will is good enough for me. I trust in Him.
What really matters is that we are prepared for when Christ returns. All Christians agree He will come again, and everyone will have to choose between Him and the antichrist.
Who would you choose?
I forgot to say... I was in Afghanistan, too. You Army paratroopers are awesome!
I’ve heard that Barack Obama’s face mysteriously appeared on a grilled cheese sandwich that is now being auctioned on Ebay.
Please post a link, I missed those threads. I give you the answer that Jesus gave paraphrased, I gave them the prophets. If you really want to know, go to the Bible and read it.