But you also have the "dreams and visions" crowd who allegedly gets their information from secret revelations that God is supposedly giving to a select few in these "end times". In many ways they are worse off than the traditionalist date setters because they are relying on "voices" in their head.
There's really no good way to respond to their silliness other than to point out 1) their "prophecies" are so non-specific that they amount to nothing, or 2) point out the many failed predictions of the past, some from the same "dreams and visions" crowd.
Acts 2:17-18: And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Silliness you say. Non-specific prophecies? What about your 1000 years? How long is that? The time we are living now is 19 centuries after the "last days." You say that Satan will be released for a brief time. Will we know when it happens? Should we watch and be ready?
How can you have a rigid definition for "this generation" and spiritualize everything else that dosen't fit your definition?
Amen - just had a conversation with someone here on FR about this very topic. She claimed a "prophet she respects very much" told her that if Terri Shiavo were killed, a "wave of evil" would come upon this country.
I tried explaining the Truth, but she wouldn't hear it. Kept saying that God is "doing a new thing in HIS people". So, apparently, God contradicts His own word.
It's dangerous and deceitful teaching to think that God's revelation isn't complete in His word. That somehow there's more that we mere humans can dream and interpret. That we can know more than what He's already stated. Folly. Foolish and arrogant thinking, that. It shows, ultiamtely, a lack of Trust in His word and His capabilities. That somehow God needs help in bringing about His will.
It pains me, because it's exactly how I thought and believed before my regeneration into His glory.