Apocalypse Now

The Guardian (UK) ^ | June 12, 2003 | Guardian (UK) Book Review

[HeadOn]

I like what Adrian Rogers says: "I'd rather scare someone into Heaven, than lull them into Hell."

Sort of like yelling "STOP!" to someone about to be hit by a bus...

[Poohbah]

I like what Adrian Rogers says: "I'd rather scare someone into Heaven, than lull them into Hell."

Unfortunately, the technique is more likely to annoy people into Hell over the long run.

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There have never in history been worse written books that sold as many copies as the Left Behind series.

It's interesting that both points can be true at the same time. I think this tells us a great deal about the reading ability of many Americans.

[HeadOn]

1 Thess 4:17 - Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

If I recall correctly, the Greek word translated "caught up" sounds a lot like "rapture", and that's where the term comes from. The event is described there, whether the actual word is used or not.

Lots of Christians disagree on whether the rapture is before, after, or during the tribulation, and some don't hold that it will take place at all. Those are really side issues. I belong to Christ, and if I die before it happens, I'll be with Him. If I don't, I'll get "caught up". Winner either way.

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You better be careful there, someone could interpret that to mean something close to the rapture.

[HeadOn]

Yep. That's a possibility. I don't usually focus on Hell, either, but the New Testament records more of Jesus' words about Hell than Heaven. People need to know.

[HeadOn]

No interpretation needed, as far as I'm concerned. The Bible says it pretty plainly, and I believe it! Have a great weekend.

[kevao]

Apocalypse WOW!

[Victorious]

they (the rapture theory folks) get it from a french word meaning to be caught up. But that does not make it truth! The truth is found in Matthew 24 read line upon line. Also in 2 Thess. chaper 2 all of it. Especially verse 3 "Let no man deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition." (the AntiChrist)
The pretribulation rapture teachers take scriptures out of context to "prove" their theory. But it's a false teaching from the pit of hell and it is part of the falling away (from the truth) in the last days.

[rontorr]

I have several friends who are Pastors in Thailand, of various races and dnominations who share a common focus, they are continuously speaking sermons about the sign, of the end times, like they are stuck on it. One day, the idea came on me when we were gathered for lunch to bring up the passage, I think it is in 1 john, where He says something about "not until the last soul has had the chance to hear the good news", and said something about they'd better get busy and get out to the hills to the hilltribes that hadn't heard the Word yet. Boy, that started some fireworks, one guy even threw something at me. By the way, that is my calling, to get some of those guys off of their duff and out to do His work, When I am in Norhtern Thailand, people seem to show up on my doorstep with a need or something to share, or a missions group that wants someone to help, and I get them all together

[Travis McGee]

In "Enemies Foreign And Domestic" they are low key about their denominations. The female protag is what you might call a "lapsed Catholic." There is a great deal of doubt about God and sin, considering that the heroes go on a killing vendetta, partially for personal revenge motives, and partially for altruistic patriotic reasons.

BTW, I still have your novel writing books!!! If you want them back, I'll drive the few miles between us!

[Victorious]

Perfect example of taking a scripture out of context.
Read the whole passage and you'll see that Paul is refering to the second coming of Christ. Not a secret hidden coming because there won't be any such thing, but His second coming to the earth at the end of the tribulation.
I disagree that it's a side issue. In reality, it's a life or death issue. A live by the truth in the Word or live in deception issue. Those who believe they are going to be caught up before the tribulation aren't preparing for the hard times coming and they will be caught up in further deception.

[Travis McGee]

Quite true.

But perhaps millions of others put up with the awful writing and the rapture business merely because they were hungry for a Christian world-view novel?

Imagine if there was a GOOD contemporary novel with a conservative message and an understated Christian subtext?

[Travis McGee]

Winner either way.

Amen to that.

[PatrioticAmerican]

"I could post the very raciest page right here, and see if any of these good folks object.
"

It was pretty tame, so I'd expect they wouldn't mind.

[Travis McGee]

Tame, but sexy, don't you think? I mean, Ranya was losing her virginity on Brad's sailboat, after all.

[PatrioticAmerican]

You and your sailboats! Yeah, that might just be a dream for some girls. Actually, that scene was pretty short, but tasteful. I liked the part about the other guys there and thier understandings.

[Travis McGee]

Now don't go confusing the lurkers. There were no other guys on the sailboat when Ranya did the deed. Just the one-eyed parrot and the organ-grinder's monkey.

(This is too easy.)

BTW, the website is updated with the new and improved chapter excerpts.

[PatrioticAmerican]

Lol! It is a good read...

[Dead Dog]

Where is the part "And Mary rode Joseph's ass all the way to Bethlehem."


I'm getting hitched soon, and figured I might need to read up on it.