I've found that the current events intrigue those that have never considered the Truth of the Bible. I believe God wanted us to fully understand how the story ends so we can explain the crazy events to those that begin to search for answers as these times unfold. This year alone, I've witnessed Gods truth to many who have come, via repentance, to whole heartedly accept the blood on the cross as remissions for their evil hearted sins and thus have been born again. What a beautiful way to serve our Lord, yes?
As I stated in another thread, my caution of Mat is increasing. It's interesting that Jeanne was correct; much of the events of Revelation are speculation at this point because we don't know for certain all the specific details of which everything will play out. We only have a general understanding of the events that will occur, and we will wait to see what happens.
Because that simple thought counters Mat's focus on conspiracies rather than the doctrine, Mat seeks to counter that by saying that "
current events intrigue unbelievers." And there's the problem: Mat is trying to bring unbelievers to the Gospel through another means aside from what Jesus taught us to do.
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
-Luke 24:46-47
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
-Gal 3:22-25Notice this passage does not say that the scripture hath concluded all in ignorance of end times, nor does it say that the knowledge of conspiracies brings us unto Christ. Therefore, the focus we tend to have is the doctrine of salvation, which is the hearing of the law unto unbelievers, that they come to repentance of sin and faith in the blood of Christ.
It's very similar to my focus on "creation science" and "dinosaurs" early on in my ministry. I focused on worldly subjects instead of focusing on the Gospel of Christ, and therefore, my heart had to be changed to be in line with the truth of God's Word, remembering that we are here for His service to preach His Gospel to the lost, not to entertain them with dinosaurs.
If God wanted us to fully understand how the story ended in full detail, He would have given us full detail, with names, locations and specific times. He did not want that; instead, He wants us to live by faith in Him, and by His grace, gave us a generalized understanding of what's coming, not that we would emerge ourselves in conspiracies, but rather, learn to do that which is good.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
-Romans 16:17-20There's nothing wrong with studying Revelation, don't misunderstand; it is a book of the Bible, and I've been falsely accused on a number of occasions of "trivializing" Revelation. (I'm starting to get that vibe from Mat too.) Rather, I try to put emphasis on the fact that very few Christians I meet have a good understanding of Christ's doctrine, despite their belief that they do, and there is a very good reason that Revelation is at the end of the Bible.
Revelation was written by the Holy Spirit, and Revelation is only understood via the Holy Spirit. To dive into Revelation first, which is what Mat would be leading unbelievers to do, without understanding of the Gospel of Christ, is a grave mistake because false converts trying to make sense of Revelation without the Holy Spirit of God is exactly how many cults get started.
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
-1Co 2:13-14Again Mat, the more you write, the more cautious I'm becoming.
