I know that I haven’t blogged in a while and it’s been pretty weak even when I have. I fear that it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Starting with this post…
So, 3,000 flights are cancelled in New England and the result is that I spend Sunday at places like Mount Gerizim and Shiloh. With 40 parent-types stuck in Israel, I try to do my part in keeping ’em happy. And, yes, they’re still here…
Steps of Samaritan Temple
On the other side of the ocean, Eric and Heather are the proud parents of a third child. They missed the opportunity to name him William Todd Randy Zeller.
My friend Jonathan likes to ruffle feathers in the non-Lordship town of Dallas.
Another friend has joined the ranks of the apostate. It’s astonishing how bad things can get when you’re away from godly companionship for 6 months. And he shares his latest airport security story. To hurt Israel’s tourism industry, all the Arabs need to do is to publish more horror stories of everyday travelers who are treated like terrorists.
I missed posting anything about MacArthur’s sermon at Shepherds’ Conference in which he showed how the same type of thinking that naturally leads to Calvinism also leads to premillennialism. I was very pleased to hear about this message, for more than one reason. If you have been a student of mine and haven’t thought much about the issues of dispensationalism (and premillennialism and the other views), I’d encourage you to set aside one hour this week to learn a little bit about it. And an easy way to do that is by reading some of the interaction about MacArthur’s sermon.
You could start with Challies’ live-blog of the sermon. Pulpit Magazine follows up the sermon with a short series of End Times Q&A (1, 2, 3). Then the question “Why Premillennialism?” is answered with two brief points. This, my friends, is what it comes down to.
(1) God cannot lie and He can communicate clearly
(2) God’s unconditional covenants with the nation of Israel are irrevocable
If you want to hear some from the other side, you can see “With All Due Respect to Dr. MacArthur.” Or see “Problems with Premillennialism” with Sam Storms. If anything strengthens my conviction about eschatalogy it is reading what the other side says our problems are. Those difficulties strike me as quite easily resolved, especially in comparison to the problems created by denying a future hope for the salvation of Israel and an earthly kingdom.
“Another friend has joined the ranks of the apostate.”
I call it leaving the darkside.
Todd,
You are exactly right and those two points are absolutely core to our belief of a literal fulfillment of literal, national, ethnic Israel. I totally agree that when you read the rebuttals of the other side’s view, it only serves to strengthen my own view :=).
How great it is to be comforted in knowing that we serve a Faithful God.
Blessings,
Geoff
I recently had a conversation with a relative about dispensationalism and pre-millenial tribulation. They said they were non-dispensational, non pre-trib rapture, and “Israel has a future.” I got really confused at that point….
Oh, and I call it leaving one evil empire for the other… ;-)
Craig is most blessed among men. I’m telling you Todd, you will be a Mac guy in time.
P.S. thanks for the link. I just had a guy tell me that the cartoon was crude and that I am unprofessional. And I thought cartoon’s were professional material!
Hi Todd…I was one of the parent-types who was “blessed” to stay in Israel for an extra ENTIRE week! The field trip experience with you (and the students) to places that we most likely would never be able to visit was just amazing. The creative way that you teach, your obvious love for God, for the land, AND the students was impressive. I feel that this is something that many would love to experience, given the opportunity. We REALLY got to be a part of IBEX! THANK YOU! My student is in good hands.