CERTAIN aspects of pop culture are as unchanging as grains of sand along the seashore.  So when a television network like Nickelodeon creates a fantasy-based reality series, it comes as no great surprise.  The formula for successfully reaching into the tween demographic (ages 8 to 14 years old) has been demonstrated countless times with such offerings as iCarly and Disney’s Hanna Montana.  This, combined with the “American dream” of growing up to be famous as a sports hero or “pop” star has long captivated the imagination of millions–all hoping against hope to become the next ‘big thing’ in Hollywood.

The unfortunate reality is that some parents whose lives have gone hopelessly in the wrong direction, down the road of living a lifestyle far below their youthful dreams and expectations, have landed in the sea of mediocrity, wishing for something better for their own children.  The glitz and glitter offered under the allurement of fame and fortune never creates the level of happiness, joy or contentment offered.  Hollywood, by definition is about illusion, an offering of “all the kingdoms of the world and all their glory” (Matt. 4:8; Luke 4:5) to the unsuspecting, but in the end leaving behind the saga of broken promises and shattered dreams.

The Big Time Rush television series is perhaps, best described as a cross between The Partridge Family and The Monkees of generations past.  Each of the 20 episodes contains a variety of ‘slapstick’ comedy moments and remains entertaining even for those parents and grandparents who choose to watch with the children.  Sony has invested heavily in the project and the songs performed by the band are quality from the standpoint of production value, and presentation.  The musical stylings might best be described as “bubblegum” (to use a radio term from the 80′s), and the sound differs little from other popular “boy bands” in the venue of New Kids on the Block, Backstreet Boys, or N’Sync.  Magazine racks in grocery stores throughout the United States are peppered with photos of these guys whose posters will no doubt decorate the rooms of girls everywhere–which simply proves there remains “nothing new under the sun” (Eccl. 1:9).

THE POSITIVES

Laying aside the obvious superficial nature of the television series and of the band itself, the tween subculture remains about the same as in past generations.  The premise and plot of the series is the discovery of these four boys from Minnesota and their subsequent move to Hollywood to work toward the end of fame and fortune.  Four friends, hockey players, ripped from their familiar surroundings and taken to California by their manager to record an album and to go on tour.  The series is fictional-reality, in the sense that all of these guys were already actors–nothing average about either them or their situation.  It was certainly not an American Idol talent search that brought them together.  The story is fictional, but with an interesting concept about the nature of success.

The spiritual value of the program is the positive and upbeat nature of the group in pursuit of their dreams, young people who are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve the desire of their hearts and to reach for the impossible.  The ‘dare to dream’ motif is certainly something needed by young people living today in a world that should be full of hope and opportunity, but instead finds itself in the midst of the worst economic situation since the Great Depression.  Giving young people the desire to step out and to take certain risks that age and maturity soon leaves behind for safer ground is a good thing.  The lyrics to the shows theme song (posted next to this article) are positive and encouraging in giving young people a sense of vision and determination to succeed, even against the odds.

From a Christian perspective, the lyrics, when slightly adjusted could help one to see that living a purpose-driven life as determined by God is a good thing.  Every Christian should be living Big Time for God in all that is said and done (I Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:23).  This is especially so for those who have accepted the message of preterism and the absolute understanding that the God of promise is most certainly the God of fulfillment.  Peace, joy and contentment are to be received as gifts from above, realizing that God wants His people to be blessed in every way possible (John 10:10).  The resurrection-life that now flows from the Throne of God is available to all who would partake of it.  The power of that life is given freely for all who are willing to abandon their selfish desires and to allow God’s will to become their will.  The inspired “boy band” director of Israel, David, once wrote:  “Delight yourself also in Jehovah, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psa. 37:4; Matt. 6:33).

The theme song for Big Time Rush attributes certain aspects of success to luck by choose, which perhaps is a better concept that believing that fate is determined already.  However, the genuine believer–and especially the children of believers–must understand that their steps are both ordered and directed by the Lord through submission and obedience to His will (Psa. 37:5, 23).  “Make it count, play it straight, don’t look back, don’t hesitate…” is the advice offered by the lyrics of Big Time Rush.  Christians are always forward-facing and upward-looking people, not consigned to live in the shadow of their past fears, failures and mistakes (Phil. 3:13, 14).  With every cleansed conscience comes with it the freedom to press forward in faith and obedience, attaining daily victory.

Perhaps the Big Time Rush phase will soon pass away, as has been the case with most of the other “boy band” experiments.  Any group still calling itself New Kids in their mid-30′s is certainly past its prime to say the least.  This could also be said of other groups such as Boyz-2-Men, or perhaps now, Boyz-2-Middle-aged-Men is more fitting.  The idea of holding on to a dream or a vision, with the desire to sacrifice in order to achieve the desired end is not a bad theme and one for believers to grasp as the very core of their being is surrendered to the cause of Christ and the growth of His Kingdom.

Have Christians settled for something less than God’s very best for their lives?  Have Christians compromised their convictions, lowered their hopes and expectations, allowed the world to convince them that there is nothing better to enhance their lives?  Are you really living ‘big time’ for God, or has your goal of surrendering yourself in His service fallen by the wayside?  Perhaps today is the day when God’s winds of revival can sweep through the spirits of His people, igniting them to press forward in reaching the world for the Kingdom of God.  Dear God, may today be THAT day!

One of the most abused and misapplied passages of Scripture is found within the teachings of Jesus, during what is commonly referred to as, The Sermon on the Mount, where he said, “Give, and it will be given to you:  good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).  This verse is often quoted by television evangelists to suggest that by donating to their particular ministry that God will bless our lives–that ‘giving money’ into their ministry will result in a ROI (Return on Investment), perhaps even to the degree of a “hundred-fold” (Matt. 19:29).  Wow, give $10 and God will give you $100–interesting concept, bad theology.

There is, however, a Spiritual Law or Divine Principle involved in the words of Jesus and something that every person ought to understand because it actually works when applied correctly.  The Divine Principle is that when we “sow” into the lives of other people, in a real and genuine and heartfelt way, that genuine blessings will indeed follow–perhaps in unexpected ways, not necessarily financial, not necessarily material.  While it may be the case that one will reap financial benefits from the action of giving, the rewards extend far beyond the temporal blessings that most people associate with what Jesus was saying.

Jesus told his follows to “give” διδοτε is a Greek word that carries with it the idea of, “to bestow a gift, to grant, to supply or furnish necessary things, to reach out, extend, present.” The idea is that of approaching another person to a view toward meeting their needs and ministering to them, both physically and spiritually.  If one feeds the hungry and satisfies that temporary need, but fails to also minister to that person in meeting their spiritual need, the more important of the two things is neglected and the blessing is lost (Matt. 4:4).  Moreover, the idea of becoming a blessing to someone else also includes the principle that whatever assistance is rendered, nothing is expected from them in return.  Those who “give” with a view toward “getting” lose their opportunity to receive God’s very best for them.

The title of this article is Blessed and Be Blessed and not Blessed to be Blessed–there is a very real difference.  The Spiritual Principle of “sowing and reaping” (Gal. 6:7, implies that once the “seed” is sown the “harvest” is coming as the natural result of the process.  It is not that one gives of himself simply for the benefiting of getting something back from God, or from other people.  That would be a selfish motive and God expects better things from us.  However, the Law of “sowing and reaping” is certain–despite the motivation involved.  Much of the time the things that have manifested in our lives today are the actual result of what was sown yesterday.  This is not to say, however, that when bad things enter our lives that it is always our own fault.  The fact that other factors are involved in the process.  One who is the victim of a violent act from someone is certainly not responsible for the willful action of another whose intention it was to hurt them.  The Law of “sowing and reaping” has to do with those areas of our lives over which we have a certain amount of control.  Some of the things that enter into our lives are beyond our control and therefore falls outside the Spiritual Law under consideration.

Today there are literally thousands of people who are struggling and suffering from a variety of financial hardships and difficulties.  What can be done to change this?  Some of the problems of unemployment and the current recession are certainly beyond the control of any one person.  As much as the President of the United States and Congress would like to see every American working and being productive, their wishful thinking does not change the present reality.  However, suppose you are the person who is unemployed and struggling right now, what can you do to set into motion the Law of sowing and reaping that will have a positive effect on your circumstances?  Here is an interesting suggestion, but one that promises to work for every person who will actually apply the principle:

This, however, is not to suggest that you ignore your responsibility in diligently searching for gainful employment everyday consistently and doing everything possible to get a job.  However, after you have done the “necessary things” the first step is to actually put the Luke 6:38 principle into action by sowing yourself into the lives of other people.  When you volunteer, tell those who operate the organization about your present situation but that even though you cannot give financial resources to them you are willing to helping other people who are among the ‘less fortunate’–the homeless and hungry, and to devote your time and energy into helping other people.  This action will put you in the position of being near people who may know of resources about which you are not aware.  In addition, if you approach your volunteer work with a pure heart and honest motives, those around you will come to know your life and your circumstances and may actually help you in your situation.

By sowing yourself into the lives of other people, you will begin to feel more positive, happy and contented about what God has given your already.  It is in the spirit and attitude of thankfulness that God’s blessings will begin to flow into your life and circumstances.  The Law of God, the Spiritual Principle works, it works every time, for every person.  Your selfless actions will reap everlasting benefits as your life and character are transformed simply by finding a way to serve other people.  In order to be blessed you have to put yourself in the position where God can bless you.  Sitting at home on the couch, worrying about your home, your food, your finances never solves the problem.  The negative attitude and depression that often develops is more harmful than simply the fact that you cannot find a job.

Once the focus of attention is on God and on His blessings and goodness, there spirit of appreciation begins to operate in our lives.  The list of needs is something that we can remember in our prayers with the sense of expectation that God can and does provide for our needs as we “seek for the Kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33; Phil. 4:19).  The principles given in this short article are meant to encourage every person to begin the process of becoming a blessing to other people so that the blessings of God can be released into our own lives as we serve and honor Him and His goodness.

The Emergency Room is a wonderful place, not to be, if at all possible.  This past Sunday, a week ago, I began to have the experience that is far too common for many people living today–that of crushing chest pain extending all the way down my left arm.  Since I live about three blocks from Kaiser, I did what every person should not do, which was drove myself to the ER while talking to my oldest daughter April (29) on the cell phone (while driving).  Chest pains, driving, talking on the cell phone.  The only thing missing was the ability to eat a cheeseburger and tie my shoes–next time.

Upon arrival, I was taken immediately back into a room for an EKG, and all of the other things that are done in such situations.  The level of pain was constant, not getting better or worse, just somewhere between 5 and 10 on the subjective pain scale.  In times like these, life–in movie form–does seem to pass before your eyes.  Unfortunately, I never seem to have gotten past the part that says, “This content my not be suitable for all audiences, parental discretion advised…”  50 years on planet earth is a short span and yet we all must accept the fact that biological death is a reality (Eccl. 9:5, 10; Psa. 146:4)–but not the end of existence itself (John 11:26; Rev. 14:13).  For believers, “eternal life” is a present possession (John 3:16; I John 5:12, 13).

Nothing to do except watch the monitor and listen to the video game sounds coming from the equipment with each beat of my heart.  Blood pressure, heart rate, needles (ouch), all part of the program of attempting to save a life.  After being administered three doses of Nitroglycerin the chest pain subsided and eventually my body returned to “normal.”  Several hours later I was eventually allowed to leave and to return home to sleep in my own bed, in the comfort of my own home.

Perhaps the worst part of any ER experience is not just being there, but it is being there alone.  I called my daughters to let them know what was going on, and my youngest, Jennifer (24) came by to see me, the concern written across her face.  It was very late and she looked so tired that my concern for her fatigue prompted my encouragement for her to go home and rest.  After my best “preacherly” persuasion, I convinced her that I was okay (never mind the colorful array of noisy gadgets and gizmo-thingy’s connected to my body at the time).  She finally left after a threat of being “grounded” if she did not go home–not that it is even possible to “ground” a daughter who is 24 years old and who no longer lives at home.  Again, I was alone.

Although there was a certain discomfort that remained for a few days thereafter, and scheduled follow-up visits with my doctor, there appears to be no lingering effects from the experience.  Diet and exercise are always important things to consider in such situations, ways to improve our health and avoid the late night rush to the ER.  What is surprising is the intense amount of concern doctors and nurses have who work in the business of “saving lives.”  Wonderful people always come at a wonderful price and I expect for the chest pains to return about the same time I receive the invoices from the hospital.

Having lived long enough to have witnessed the death of friends and loved ones–my adoptive mother died the day after my 8th birthday, my adoptive father soon followed the day after Christmas when I was just 12.  My biological mother, whom I came to know and love dearly, died in her late 50′s (although somehow she always claimed to be “39 and holding”) in 1995, with my stepfather passing suddenly in 1997 and an older brother (at age 42) in between the two, I have experienced life and death in those close to my heart.  As a minister of the gospel I stood beside family members in the ER while someone close to them passed away and conducted funeral services for hundreds of people–some who I knew personally, others whose information was provided to me by grieving loved ones.  I suppose my view of physical death is somewhat philosophical simply because my own experiences.

Those who assisted me in the ER were more concerned with keeping me alive than I was–not that I want to die today, but I have peace with God and therefore death seems more like stepping out of one set of clothes and into another.  There are certainly some who would miss my twisted sense of humor, the radio program, and a few other things that I have managed (by God’s grace) to accomplish along the day, but there will be little fanfare when that day does arrive and I am okay with that.  The best way to remember my passing will be in the celebration of my relationship with Jesus Christ and not about fancy services, elaborate caskets, and expensive headstones at the cemetery.  Whatever is done to dispose of my body is fine with me.  I am on the list of those who donate their bodies for medical research purposes, or cremation is always an option.  The thought of having some first year medical student examining my “remains” and saying, “What the heck is that?…I have never seen anything that looks that this before?” is certainly not my favorite idea.  Although being featured on “alien autopsy” would be kinda cool.  But, I digress….

Being alone in the ER is the worst of all possible worlds, in my opinion.  Having been married for 18 years before watching it crumble beneath my feet, brings with it, consequences, not the least of which is that of being alone during those times when you wish somebody was there to hold your hand and lie to you about how great you look.  The vast library of theological books that surround my bedside do not really keep me warm at night–although some them do help with those times when sleep does not come easily.  While in full time ministry I confess that I was not as compassionate toward those who had lost their mate in divorce as I should have been.  Quoting verses and demanding compliance with rules and regulations about “guilty” and “innocent” parties in the complexity of human relationships somehow runs counter to what God’s grace, love and forgiveness is all about (See Matt. 19:1-9).  God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16), not on the basis of legalism, but because it so closely resembles a sort of “death” from which there is never an end, nor is healing of the wounded spirit fully possible although other relationships are possible.

The illustration of God as the husband of an unfaithful spouse (Israel) are abundant and the subsequent pain that such wandering away caused Him.  Likewise, as a parent, God’s two children–Adam and Eve–turned rebellious and grieved the heart of their Father by their actions and their attitudes of blaming each other for their sinful disobedience to His one parental prohibition.  Relationships are, at best, difficult on a good day.  At worst, they perpetuate loneliness and hurt feelings as the words spoken to one another in anger echo long after they are forever silenced in divorce.  Bitterness is common and children that are the casualties of these broken relationships eventually come to believe that such is “normal” and that divorce is simply part of the marriage process.  Somebody once suggested that marriage should be like the DMV.  You first get a “learners permit” followed later by a “test” and the license must be “renewed” every few years or otherwise just expire.  Such a plan, of course, would put millions of attorneys out of business in short order and therefore could never happen.  However, the “sanctity” of marriage and the relationship that two people, standing before God, in the presence of witnesses, is based upon “vows” that ought to be taken seriously.

Recently, someone in discussing the “pro-life” movement mentioned that the abortion of an unborn infant is the murder of a baby, while the action of divorce is the murder of the whole family–something most people never stop to consider.  I suppose for men this could be named the “pro-WIFE” movement and believers could picket outside the offices of divorce attorneys–not a great idea, but it does make a point.  In the ER, late last Sunday, alone amid the throng of medical professionals, something was missing, and I knew it.

I took a week off from producing new programs of Victory Words simply to allow my body the time to rest and to recover.  To my knowledge there is nothing seriously wrong with me and I will continue to visit the doctor on a regular basis just to be sure.  Some of you were aware of my recent experience and kept me lifted up before the Lord in prayer–something for which I am very thankful.  Diet and exercise–two of the most painful words in the English language, but an absolute necessity.  Even at age 50, I still have things to do and therefore cannot schedule the time of my death in the near future–it simply does not fit into my schedule these days.  Radio programs, book projects, conferences, children who need my attention–just too busy to die right now.  Therefore, I will proceed forward and continue to the work God has called me to do.

I apologize for not having fresh material on the website and new programs on the air, but alas, I needed to take a break and those of you to know me realize how difficult it is for me to admit that such a thing is even possible, much less a necessity.  Sam and I are working on a book project and had something more serious occurred the readers might have been exposed to his views only without my vast wisdom and dry humor to moderate his theology.  I just could not go on to be with the Lord and allow him to run amok in the pages of our mutual project.  Of course, these comments are made tongue-in-cheek for those of you who may misunderstand my humor.  Sam Frost and I have a great working relationship and even we can just get that first chapter out of the way, writing the rest of the book will be a breeze.  We hope to have the work accomplished by the end of the year, but it may take longer.  Max King has been working on his commentary of Romans 9-11 since about 1997 and Nevella (his wife) tells me the stack of legal pads is about four feet high at this point.  Apparently, Max has not discovered that magical device called a “computer” yet–but when he does, I am sure that book will just flow right out!

Therefore, onward and upward we go.  Victory Words continues with new programs beginning on Monday!

Since the launch of Victory Words! our radio and podcast subscriptions continue to increase of a regular basis.  During the past two months we have received encouraging messages from listeners and subscribers from 23 states and Canada.  Preterist Radio has reported that people are downloading a variety of podcasts, including Victory Words! well into the gigabytes.  We are hearing from pastors, elders, Bible class teachers and whole churches who are beginning to understand the implications of what it means to be victorious believers who are now living in the “age to come” foretold by Jesus and His apostles.

Questions from listeners are always an exciting part of our ministry and it is our hope to add some valuable resource materials that will address many of the things mentioned by those who listen to the daily broadcast.  It is evident that Christians from all around the world are waking up to the reality of Biblical fulfillment, even during difficult economic times when skepticism and unbelief are increasing.

A special thanks goes to those of you are prayerfully supporting the work of this ministry with your financial resources.  We are believing that God is going to continue to expand this and other worthwhile ministries who are committed to taking the gospel of the Kingdom to every nation, of which Victory Words! is but a small part.  We just finished producing a new introduction and conclusion to our radio broadcast and will be including it within the next few days.  Our special thanks goes to Rick Tarrant of Communion Communications in Memphis, TN for putting together the copy and producing the ‘voice over’ work.  Rick is a broadcast professional known throughout the Christian Radio broadcasting community, whose voice has been heard on hundreds of stations across the United States since the 1980′s.  As was mentioned recently on one of our Friday “Go Live!” segments, a wonderful family from Kansas generously donated new computer equipment to enhance the ability to add professional quality to Victory Words! that will keep this program on the air for many weeks and months to come.

The invitation has been extended to me to participate once again in the annual Preterist Pilgrim Weekend, hosted by the Preterist Research Institute, sponsored by Don K. Preston, whose books, audio and video productions are well known throughout the Preterist community (www.eschatology.org).  All of our listeners are encouraged to attend this exciting event.  The time of fun, fellowship and intensive Bible teaching are more than worth the expenses involved and we know that God will bless each and every one of you who are able to be there with us.  The material under consideration this year is taken from I and II Peter and all of the speakers will be presenting valuable insights on the fulfillment of Bible prophecy and what this means for us today.

Thank you for your prayers, generous support and kind words.

In His Service

Larry D. Siegle

Many are the portraits of human frustration.  The dictionary defines frustration as, “a feeling of disappointment, exasperation or weariness caused by goals being thwarted or desires unsatisfied.”¹ As it pertains to the study of theology, the feelings of frustration are related to the ability to communicate adequately one’s thoughts and concepts that arise therefrom.  As one having attended two separate theological schools, taken courses in the use of the original languages used in the Scriptures, studied Hermeneutics, Logic, Systematic Theology, and countless other textual classes on each of the 66 books of the Bible, it would seem reasonable to conclude that, as to preparation, the extensive investment of time and resources were of great value.  These schools were designed for the purpose of preparing a person to enter into the full time ministry and to be effective in his manner of presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Courses offered in English grammar and composition were indeed helpful in those courses where research was necessary in fulfilling the requirement of the submission of written essays on a variety of assigned topics–all of which were worthy of investigation at the time.  The value of such training in an environment where the authority of the Scriptures is unquestioned is beyond measure.

What one does with such training remains the responsibility of the graduate who takes the knowledge and uses it in a way that glorifies God, edifies the church, and brings new people into the Kingdom of God.  Some who enter such schools are unprepared for the intense nature of the expectations of the Instructors.  Complex theological problems such as the so-called Documentary Hypothesis and the Synoptic Problem are foreign to most average church members, but are essential to the person whose life is devoted to understanding the attacks from liberal scholarship that questions of the authority and authenticity of God’s word and thereby removes the credibility of the doctrine of inspiration.  While the arguments from liberal theologians have been answered to the satisfaction of most Bible-believing persons, the devious methods employed by such skeptics remain active and some are lost in the maze of confusion, left in disbelief.

In all fairness, it should be noted that none of the theological schools this writer attended or from which he graduated would endorse his convictions about Biblical fulfillment.  Each of these schools are firmly convinced that the Amillennial view is the correct approach to Biblical eschatology and all of the Instructors would affirm a “yet future” literal ‘second coming of Jesus Christ–one that is both actual and visible, a physical bodily resurrection of the dead, and a Day of Judgment for the righteous and the unrighteous.  The soundness and orthodoxy of these institutions is unquestioned, despite the fact that a number of graduates have taken positions regarding a number of doctrinal issues–including Preterism–since the time of their graduation.  Again, the responsibility of how one uses his education is the responsibility of the student and not that of his teacher.

Some graduates are content with parroting exactly what the Instructors taught them to say relative to certain aspects of doctrine.  The same lines of argumentation are passed along from generation to generation with little regard for what the text may actually say.  The excuse of “This is what we have always believed..” rings hollow in the ears of those who are asking “Why?” While certain aspects of traditional theology may be true, is it not the responsibility of each person to study the issue for himself, to do the work in the text and to be convinced, not because of tradition, but rather because of the evidence itself?  The great tragedy within the church today is that many know what they believe, but do not know why they believe it.  They hear it from the Pulpit without ever questioning what their Pastor tells them–if only to confirm that his message is truth.  No Pastor feels disrespected when his members are actually spending time in the text, doing the study for themselves, growing spiritually.  The purpose of every sermon or Bible class lesson is the same:  A means through which to whet the appetite of the hearers, to encourage them to go deeper into the text and learn what God says for themselves.

Other graduates of these schools are never content with the word of their teachers.  These are the ones who take the tools given them and go further in their quest to discover the truth.  These students have the healthy perspective of requiring evidence for everything they believe and teach.  If sometime, although the traditional view, does not line up with what the text says, they are compelled by their sense of conviction to investigate the matter further.  It was during this writer’s time in school, in the textual courses of Matthew that he began having questions about the significance of the destruction of Jerusalem, especially in chapters 24 and 25.  The Instructor sought to divide the text at verse 36, arguing that Jesus had answered the question about the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, and at that point directed His attention to a “yet future” Second Coming of Christ.  There was every desire on the part of this writer to believe what the Instructor was saying, but there were questions that simply would not go away.  Questions about Mark 13 and especially Luke 17 in which the same material is presented by Jesus with no imagined “break” or “change” in either subject matter or material lingered.  Respectfully, the questions were asked the Instructor in the presence of other students who were clearly irritated that someone would dare challenge the authority of the teacher–which was certainly not the intent at the time or even now.  This man was, and continues to be, the “favorite” Instructor who teaches at the school, a man who is loved and respected, with a Doctorate degree and a style of presentation that is quite convincing.

His answers to my questions were based upon arguments from the original language and Jesus choice of employing the use of an emphatic expression in the Greek, therefore, it had to be a change of subject matter.  The questions about the other texts mentioned were left unanswered and subsequently this writer was hauled before the Dean of Students and the Director of the school to explain the reasons for having asked these questions.  Since when is asking questions in an academic environment not allowed?  As was later revealed, questions related to the exposition of certain texts implied that the student was leaning toward the false doctrine of Max Kingism–a person about which, at the time, this writer had no knowledge.  The explanations provided to the Dean and to the Director were sufficient to allow this writer to remain in school and to eventually graduate near the top of his class.  The questions pertaining to those verses in Matthew persisted throughout the remaining time at the school, with new and related questions that could never be asked and that would therefore, never be answered.  Would it not have been better to invest the time discussing the matter with me, to resolve those nagging questions once and for all?  The charge of heresy and the threat of false doctrine were enough to prevent this writer from doing further research into the matter until after the time of graduation–when there would be more time to study the matter more carefully.  And who was this Max King guy whom they had mentioned?

AS THE DECADES PASS…

Nearly 20 years have passed since the time of my actual graduation, and there is a certain sense of fondness and nostalgia associated with that time in my life.  Having preached prior to attending a school of theology brings with it the realization of just how beneficial that experience was.  Every encouragement is given to those readers who have some interest in furthering your educational goals relative to ministry.  The investment of time and preparation are priceless.  The tools given and the information shared will be valuable for decades to come.  Although there is little chance that any invitation to attend a class reunion will be forthcoming in the near future, the friendships made during that time have been important.  Most of my fellow classmates have been kind to me, despite our obvious differences of understanding.  There are no invitations to share their Pulpits and this writer is never asked to have his articles published in their magazines.  To most of these men, the writer is a heretic pure and simple.  The possibility that Jesus returned in AD 70 is never a consideration to them.  The simply repeat the same arguments all of us witnessed in the classroom that day and to them it was a satisfactory explanation–nothing more was needed to convince them and no amount of factual evidence from other passages would be sufficient to do so.  Their Instructor was right, he was always right–case closed.

FRUSTRATION

The source of frustration that comes to this writer is from the desire to communicate effectively my convictions as to what the text means.  As has been the case numerous times before, what this writer has submitted on a blog for thoughtful consideration is quickly dismissed and discarded by those bound by disbelief.  Rather than consider the evidence, it is far easier to put the writer in a toga, send him on a fictional journey up Mars Hill and poke fun at him.  The sense of humor in this journey is not offensive to me–taking a joke, even laughing at myself and the mistakes that are made is not an issue.  What is not funny is the reality of the convictions upon which the joke is based.  These, to me, are no laughing matter.  The truth about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the Resurrection of the dead and the eternal Judgment are core elements of Biblical theology, and must be taken with the utmost seriousness.  The schools from which this writer attended or graduated would consider any deviation from orthodoxy, into heresy that which would cost one his very soul.  An extreme view?  Perhaps.  But that is their stance to this very day.  Any student from their schools who embraces Preterism is certain to lose his soul–with Hell awaiting his arrival.  Most people consider accepting Preterism an unfortunate mistake in judgment, even questioning their sanity, but not to the extent of believing that the Preterist is automatically “going to Hell” do not pass “Go” do not collect $200–as in the old board game of Monopoly.

Those who come from traditions other than the one of this writer, are counted as heretics for imbibing at the fountain of Preterism, but few are left with the threat of eternal fire and the pungent odor of brimstone as that to which he may look forward.  Men who come from the roots of historic Restoration Movement and who espouse Preterism are counted as being in a “lost” condition before God–plain and simple.  Any Church of Christ that allows a false teacher who believes and teaches Preterism is immediately “cut off” from the rest of the brotherhood and considered an apostate church.  Harsh, indeed.  No fellowship.  No social functions.  Not so much as a Christmas card in the mail.  When this writer made the decision to have his article, Covenant Rationality published in the August 15, 1992 issue of The Living Presence magazine, his fate was forever sealed in the minds of his contemporaries.  Preterism, then, is no hobby for me, it was a decision that affected my life and that of my wife and children who suffered at the hands of those who turned aside from us.  Support ended.  The church which had just increased my salary and benefits, supported a 15-minute daily radio broadcast, that loved my family and appreciated my work, was done with me.  Acceptance of “The AD 70 Doctrine” was not acceptable under any circumstances.  It was time to move elsewhere.

SERIOUS FRUSTRATION

This writer does not publish many of the articles he has written, simply because of the frustration that exists that drives me forward to find the words that will somehow reach past the objections of the laughing adversaries.  How can they not see this in the text? How can they read the same verses, and understand them so differently?  What great logical argument could be made from the text that would be so overwhelming they the detractors would be left speechless?  It is how are love for the Lord and respect for His word that I preach what I preach and proclaim the message that cost everything for the sake of standing on the side of what I understand beyond question to the truth of the word of God.  Preterism is true.  The question is, what can be said that will reach their hearts and open their eyes?

The stark reality is that nothing can be said that  will absolutely overcome disbelief.  If Jesus, the Son of God stood before the people and performed miracles while preaching the gospel of the Kingdom–and people remained in their disbelief–what could a frail writer such as myself ever hope to say that could convince the unconvinced?  Unfortunately, nothing.  This being said, the mission remains, the fire burns, and the work grows–one heart at a time.  Let them have their toga fun, the “seed” of the word of God has been planted in their hearts despite their efforts to reject its power.  If their hearts are open, that “seed” will do its work and produce its fruit and God will be glorified.

END NOTES

¹ “Frustration” in Encarta (http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861673555/frustration.html). n.d.