2012: Doomsday All Over Again
Written by Dr. Lawrence Terlizzese

Progress or Regress
It is the end of the world again. The world was predicted to end at least eight times in the past 30 years, from the Jupiter Effect in 1982 to what became a common punch line, “88 reasons why the rapture will happen in 1988.” Then there was the granddaddy of all false apocalyptic prophecies: the millennium bug of 2000, when it was widely held that all computers would fail at the turn of the millennium. Let’s not forget the two failed predictions of the end in 2011. Now the world faces yet another prediction of the end with the Mayan calendar prophecy of 2012. In an age of super-science, computers, space travel and accelerating progress, why are people fascinated with the end of the world?

We have all heard the phrase “What goes up must come down.” This captures the  popular attitude towards progress and regress. Americans believe strongly in human perfectibility and the inevitability of technological progress. This idea states that as technology moves society from its primitive state to an advanced condition it will eventually improve, bringing a better tomorrow. The world is getting better and better. Faith in progress provides the engine for all the accelerating technological changes from space exploration, media, computers, to science and medicine. Historian Robert Nisbet noted the essential role of progress in our belief system when he said that progress does not represent one aspect of modern life, but in fact provides the keystone idea and context for the entire modern worldview, including democracy, equality, social justice and, of course, science and technology.{1} The modern world does not exist without the belief in progress. Technological improvement makes no sense without the larger telos, or purpose of history, guiding it. Simply put, all of this innovation leads to a utopian future.

So we are left with the question, If America is so progressive why is it so obsessed with the end of the world or apocalypticism, a belief that is not progressive, but regressive? This view of history does not move toward a utopian society of universal peace, ease and convenience, but rather toward calamity. Progress and regress share the same view of history. Any belief in progress necessarily has a regressive interpretation. They each look at the same circumstances and data and draw complementary conclusions. One sees the dawn of a great society, the other sees the end of the world. They represent complementary ideas in the same way life and death complement each other. What lives eventually dies, so what progresses will also necessarily regress.

All people intuitively know that they will die one day; so then society, the collective “person,” knows it too must one day die. If progress takes place we know that its opposite, regress, will also happen. Regressive thought states that the progress we take for granted potentially has a downside and in fact will result in something catastrophic. Our society will one day come to an end. It cannot live forever any more than an individual can live forever in a mortal body. We know that what goes up must come down. The current obsession over the end of the world in movies, such as 2012, Melancholia and Contagion or wildly popular novels such as the Left Behind series, the predictions of popular preachers or the Mayan prophecy all cater to our regressive and pessimistic side. This is not as bad as it first sounds. Death creates the foundation of all religion, philosophy and culture as attempts to provide answers for our questions and solace in times of doubt and need. The reality of death causes people to look for the meaning of life. Christians need to harness the regressive side of culture because it warns of imminent danger and offers the opportunity to introduce people to Jesus Christ. Regressive thinking, like the knowledge of our own death, makes us all aware of our need for God and the Savior. Believers must take advantage of this primal consciousness of the end to tell people about what the Bible says concerning the end of the world and the return of Christ. But in order to do this successfully we must first establish guidelines on how to identify false prophecy.

What the Bible Says
Today people are searching for the meaning of life in the wrong places, such as the prophecies of Nostradamus, astrology and, again, the Mayan prophecy of 2012. It is a sign of the end times when there are many false prophets talking about the end of the world (Matthew 24:11). The false prophet shows that people are aware that the end is near.

There are two rules in Scripture that will help believers identify false prophets, which should be followed without exception. First, prophecy must never set a date regarding when the world will end. Jesus spoke clearly about the signs of His return and the end of the world when He said,  “But of the day and the hour no one knows” (Matthew 24:36). Anyone who comes to you with a firm date as to when the world will end such as December 21, 2012 should be avoided. Cultists continually violate this cardinal rule. For example, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have predicted the end of the world eight times between 1914 and 1975. Popular radio preacher Harold Camping predicted the end in 1994 and twice in 2011. The speculation surrounding the year 2000 was much like it is today over 2012. Scientific evidence was proffered predicting that all computers would fail at the turn of the last millennium. This warning was taken very seriously by most people who made preparations for the potential disaster, demonstrating the pervasive sentiment of impending of doom.

However, many Bible-believing Christians also fall prey to the error of date–setting, even if this practice is often veiled in vague language and logic. For example, when prophecy experts identify leading political figures as the Antichrist, such as Hitler, Mussolini or Saddam Hussein, they engage in false prophecy. This approach will invariably get us into trouble because it starts the clock ticking. If Saddam Hussein were the Antichrist, then logically Christ should have returned before the end of his life, since the Antichrist is the precursor to the coming of Christ (Rev. 6:2; 2 Thess. 2:3). However, we know that did not happen. In this way, identification of the Antichrist with any leading figure becomes false prophecy.

How much better it would have been to say Hussein was like the Antichrist or prefigured the Antichrist, rather than identify him as the Antichrist. This simple switch in focus spares us the humiliation of false prophecy, but retains all the power of moral denunciation that apocalyptic thinking offers.

This leads to the second rule of indentifying false prophecy: all prophecy must have a moral imperative. This means people should not engage in speculation and prognostication for the fun of it. A biblical approach to prophecy gives a warning about future judgment and a chance to repent: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near” (Rev. 1:3; see also 2 Thess. 2:1, 5-10). Prophecy engages in denouncing moral outrage, which is why it couches things in the strongest possible language. To say that the world is coming to an end or that someone is the Antichrist gets a lot of attention, but requires a moral cause to justify its claims.

If the prophecy gives a date and it lacks the moral imperative, then the prophecy reveals itself to be false and sensationalistic. The Mayan 2012 prophecy fails on both counts. Although it causes us to contemplate the end, it sets a date and offers no reason for why the world should end. It is simply doomsday all over again!

Notes

1. Robert Nisbet, History of the Idea of Progress (New York: Basic Books, 1980), 9, 171.

© 2012 Probe Ministries

I love God's word so much. There are many verses that have sustained, encouraged, and empowered me over the years. I hope these few that I selected will bless you as much as they have me.
"I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you" (Josh. 1:5).
"... Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine" (Isa. 43:1).
"The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14). 
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe" (Prov. 18:10).
"He has shattered gates of bronze And has cut bars of iron asunder" (Ps. 107:16). "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Heb. 5:14).
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit" (Prov. 18:21).
"He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit" (Prov. 27:18). 
"'Is not My word like fire,' declares the Lord, 'and like a hammer that shatters a rock?'" (Jer. 23:29).
"But Jesus answered and said to them, 'You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God'" (Mt. 22:29).
"The unfolding of Your words gives light..." (Ps. 119:130).
"I am watching over My word to perform it" (Jer. 1:12).

Be Blessed!
Les


 

Revival is more than an isolated experience ... more than a week of extra services ... more than hype and manifestations. It is a "flash" of God's glory, which will one day cover the earth, being displayed before our eyes today. It's a divine foretaste of His kingdom come.

Such divine flashes illuminate American history. On several occasions, God has poured out His Spirit, and entire cities have turned to Him. Prayer meetings have swelled into the streets, and millions around the world have ultimately felt the impact. But could a reviving "flash" of this magnitude occur again?

The First Great Awakening (1734 . 1760)

Shaken from their spiritual slumber by the powerful preaching of men like Jonathan Edwards and George Whitefield, congregations across New England felt the presence of God descend in their midst. Many of these churches had fallen terribly out of step with God's plan, even to the point of ordaining unconverted ministers.

However, as the message of repentance and the lordship of Christ was heralded, the spiritual dam broke, and living water flooded the American landscape. So many souls were converted that some thought the millennial reign of Christ was at hand! The moral impact of this divine visitation laid the foundation for the formation of our system of government after the American Revolution.

The Second Great Awakening (1790 . 1840)

Spearheaded by evangelists like Asahel Nettleton, James McGready, Charles G. Finney, and a host of dedicated circuit riders, revival spread across the colonies and even the wild frontier territories. As power fell from heaven, believers lay prostrate before God in repentance. Tent meetings were filled for weeks at a time with thousands eager to hear the gospel.

Society was transformed as the revival spilled out of the church and into the world. Social reform movements sprang up to address societal evils such as child labor, alcoholism, poverty, the suppression of women, and the terrible blight of slavery.

And, in an unprecedented way, missionary organizations were founded that still carry the gospel to the farthest corners of the world. It was during this era that the famous hymn "Just As I Am" was penne d a fitting message that described the hearts of so many Americans whose lives were forever changed by the revival.

The Great Prayer Revival (1857 . 1858)

By 1857 the need for revival was again apparent in our nation's churches. Preoccupied by growing wealth, hearts had grown spiritually cold, and most had forsaken God completely.

Jeremiah Lanphier, a concerned businessman, decided to pray that God would change people's hearts. On September 23, 1857, he held a prayer meeting in the Old Dutch Reformed Church on Fulton Street in New York City. Only six people participated, but Lanphier persevered. Every week, more people came. When the stock market crashed, the prayer meeting was flooded with suddenly awakened souls. At its height, more than 10,000 were estimated in attendance.

Additional prayer meetings sprang up across the Eastern Seaboard, the frontier, and even into California. God was on the move once again, and as many as 50,000 people a week were being converted.

It has been said that there are revivals without much preaching, but there are never revivals without much praying. The Great Prayer Revival of 1857 . 58 stands as eloquent testimony to that fact. God only needs a few brave souls who will step out in faith and believe Him to do mighty things.

So, when will the next "flash" of God's glory occur? Judging from the pattern of history, a revival in North America is long overdue. We need a new work of God for a new generation, so the world may know that there is indeed a God who lives, who empowers, and who changes the destiny of those who call on Him.

Revive Magazine, Summer 2011, Volume 42, Issue 3, p. 22.

FORTY DAYS OF PRAYER
We agree!  We agree that we need God to work in our life, family, church, community, nation and world.  We agree that Jesus is the name of salvation, deliverance and strength.  We agree with what Jesus says in Matthew 18:19, “Again, I tell you that if two of you agree about anything you ask for, it will done for you by my Father in heaven.”

The booklet “SEEK GOD FOR THE CITY 2012” has a page of prayers for each day from February 22 to April 1 (Palm Sunday).  The prayers reach into the city to include specific groups of people and families.  They also reach beyond the city to include our nation and the world.   In short, it is a comprehensive, Bible-based prayer guide that expresses the hearts of Christians seeking a move of God.

We are excited that already over 40 of you signed up to receive a booklet and agree with each other in prayer.  We find it amazing that we can sit in our respective homes and pray in agreement  - the same thing on the same day.  Debbie will be in the back of the sanctuary this Sunday to continue the sign up.  The cost for the booklet is $2.00 --  a great deal!  We hope you agree with us.

See you Sunday! 

Les & Debbie Cantrell

Faith says, "I trust God's character and God's word more than I trust my circumstances." Our circumstances do not define ultimate reality. Confidence in the Lord is the evidence of our faith.  

Jesus met a Roman commander of between 80 and 800 well-equipped and highly trained special forces soliders. The number under this man's command was based on his rank as a centurion. With compassion and courage this centurion came to Jesus seeking healing for his young servant. Through his encounter with Jesus we learn several things about great faith.

1. Faith is specific not general.
2. Faith is built on God's character.
3. Faith recognizes God's grace.
4. Faith rest squarely on God's word.
5. Faith sees into God's unseen domain.
6. Faith can be wonderful and astonishing to God.
7. Faith receives from the Lord.

Today, it is perfectly okay to acknowledge our circumstances. However, we choose to continually confess with our mouths the truth of God's character and God's word. One day our faith will be sight; we will see face-to-face what we have known and increasingly anticipated all along.

A handful of people at Taylor University knew him simply as “Tripp.” Like many of us, he seemed to nurse some insecurities. In a strange new college environment Tripp kept to himself most of the time. Two months ago on October 3 he was in line for a hamburger at the Dining Commons. Standing behind him was Keith, one of our former FBC youth. Keith felt prompted by God to encourage Tripp.

For the next 10-15 minutes Keith and Tripp talked. Keith encouraged him with assurance that the LORD had great plans for his life. Several days later Tripp saw Keith on campus and took the initiative to say “HI.” 

There were not very many outward signs of shock when Chaplin Randy announced in chapel this past Wednesday that Tripp had passed away. Randy did not explain the circumstances surrounding his death. Apparently Tripp had some kind of accident at his home.

Keith called me after chapel and was shaken by the news. Yet, he was so thankful he had obeyed the promptings of the Holy Spirit to show grace and love to Tripp.

We never know what people around us are facing or what the future holds. Life is very fragile. Each day is an opportunity to encourage others with the kindness and grace of Jesus. During this time of loss, please pray for Tripp's family and the people who knew him.
            
Les
             

Lord, I thank You that by grace and mercy You have fanned into burning flame my love and desire for You. Your holy word teaches that I only love because You first loved me. You initiate... I respond. Then my heartfelt devotion causes Your flame to burst into white hot inner fire. Consume me entirely like that wilderness shrub, that some disillusioned refugee might see and go forth to deliver nations.   

"...there are some, I rejoice to acknowledge, who... want to taste, to touch with their hearts, to see with their inner eyes the wonder that is God. I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God.... Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted." (A.W. Tozer).                  

With shock and amazement we begin to discuss the end of 2011 and the beginning of 2012. This year is unique because both Christmas Day and New Years Day fall on a Sunday. Here are just a few of our current church wide events on the calendar. Enjoy these opportunities!                Les    

November 12                 Father/Daughter evening

November 17                 Tim Hawkins - SOLD OUT

November 19                 Rake and Run

November 23                 No Wednesday night activities
                                      Choir to check with Marge on your schedule

November 24/25          Churches offices closed for Thanksgiving

November 28               Operation Christmas Child team to Denver, CO

December 8                 TABS (senior adult) Coffee

December 11               Cantata in combined 11:00 A.M. worship service  
                                     Sonshine Preschool program at 3:00 P.M. 

December 18                Youth meal and auction at 12:15 P.M.
                                      All-Church Christmas program at 6:00 P.M.

December 21/28           No Wednesday night activities

December 24                Christmas Eve candlelight service at 11:00 P.M.

December 25                No Sunday school  / Combined 11:00 A.M. service

December 26                Church offices closed for Christmas

January 1                      Combined 11:00 A.M. communion service
                                     Social Time 10:15 A.M. - Bring your goodies

January 2                      Church offices closed for New Years

Dec. 27 and Jan. 3        No weekly newsletter (F.B.I.) published

January 15                    Annual Meeting at 12:15 P.M.

The story is told that legendary Spanish artist Pablo Picasso was virtually unknown when he painted his famous portrait of American writer Gertrude Stein in 1906. Picasso gave the portrait to Miss Stein since, as the artist recalled with a smile, at that time in his career “the difference between a gift and a sale were negligible.”

Some years later the painting attracted the interest of millionaire art collector Dr. Albert Barnes, who asked Miss Stein how much she paid Picasso for it. “Nothing,” she replied. Naturally, he gave it to me.” Dr. Barnes was very skeptical that such a priceless work of art could have been a gift.

If you have thought about God’s heart of kindness and compassion expressed in the gospel of the kingdom, you can really appreciate Dr. Barnes skepticism. Think about what believers have been given in Christ: forgiveness, eternal life, authority, destiny, and all the riches of heaven – this and so much more at a cost we could never have paid! A priceless gift offered to every human being for free. A rescue that was purchased by the shed blood of the perfect Son of God.       

But that’s not all of our gifts; we have the privilege of sharing this treasure with others. The good news of the kingdom is that God is establishing His rule and reign over all things. Any person can enter His eternal kingdom by turning from sin and trusting Christ alone. Then we engage as holy warriors in a united advance to bring all things under YHWH’s absolute supremacy and power.     

Four major military branches of the United States are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Four major forces in God’s kingdom advance are kindness, love, mercy, and grace. These mighty weapons are not of this world, and the forces of darkness cannot contend with them and will not win against them.