Nov 9, 2009

Premillenialism Explained by William Bell

The prophetic speculators are running wild and our imaginations are not far behind. We are piqued with impending excitement wondering how all of this end times drama will play out. Many eschatological specialists wait with an eager sense of anticipation to see whether the vacant European Parliament seat number 666 will be filled by Spaniard Javier Solana (the 1st European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy). Nice title, eh? And why is this of any relevance you ask? Because Javier may soon be fulfilling his role as the antichrist! Seat # 666 is the golden ticket. Say it ain't so!

But didn't John tell his readers 2,000 years ago that he KNEW it was the "last hour" because many antichrists had come and the spirit of the antichrist was already in the world? (1 John 2:18; 4:3) John, quit spoiling the fun. You're ruining a really good where's the antichrist adventure hunt? Reminds me of "To Tell the Truth", a game show I loved when I was in my mere youth. They would ask the three guests (one of whom was the real deal) various questions, trying to figure out who was telling the truth about who he or she claimed to be. Then at the end the impostors would remain seated while the real person stood up. Will the real antichrist rise to your feet!

Further evidence that some say we are nearing the end... A website steeped in these current apocalyptic signs, points to the clever way the UN displayed it's 60th anniversary. Do you see it? In the picture above, which was taken at a 2005 UN meeting (Condoleezza Rice is 2nd from right) we see 666 cleverly adorning the UN Wall. Convinced yet?

As the Apostle Peter wrote, "The end is near!" and "the elements will melt with fervent heat." (1 Pet 4:7; 2 Pet 3:10,12) And according to many profits of doom (pun intended) the elements are already heating up.

Oh but it gets better.

Quoting from www.Jesus-Is-Savior.com, we see another clear reference to the antichrist as he is about to be revealed. What recommendation number do you think gave Javier emergency powers over the military wing of the EU in 2000? You guessed it...recommendation number 666! The pattern is unmistakable, right?

"The purpose of the European Union's creation was and is, ultimately, to create a European super-state or “United States of Europe,” as some have suggested naming it, that would eventually rival the United States in influence and military might. In 1999, Javier Solana became the High Representative for the European Union’s foreign and security policy, and through recommendation number 666, he was given emergency powers over the military wing of the European Union in 2000. All that currently remains to create a truly revived Roman Empire is the creation of a permanent executive branch of government and the full integration of the new Euro currency. With the introduction of the new European Union constitution, the groundwork is being laid for just such an executive branch and economic system."

They say that "Mr. Europe" (Solana), as he's affectionately titled, is a perfect match for the man referenced in Daniel 11:37.


He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. Daniel 11:37 (NKJV)

Although his Jewish heritage is questionable ("shall not regard the God of his fathers") and considering the fact that he's married with 2 children ("nor his desire of women"), this minor discrepancies do not seem to slow the abounding speculations one bit. So they go on to highlight the fact that Solara does have the tendency to "exalt himself above them all." As if this could not be said of 25% of our planet's male population. :)

So if you feel driven and tossed by the prophetic winds (and you will if you partake a steady diet of these "proofs"), stop and gain a clearer understanding of the premillennial system that spawns this kind of speculation. It is clearly the "end times" champion of our time, so it might be beneficial to see it from a fresh perspective. It'll only take about 15 minutes and I believe it will be time well spent.

In the following 3 videos, William Bell takes a closer look at premillennialism. You may find his conclusions challenging, but hopefully he will facilitate a desire to see if these things are so.

PART 1


PART 2


PART 3


For more information, William Bell can be reached at www.AllThingsFulfilled.com.

Nov 1, 2009

The Monsterellas

I am not a fan of Halloween so please no nasty hate-mail. Matthew's girlfriend Rebecca put this together and I thought it was incredibly funny. I don't think Debbie's laughed that hard in the last 20 years. She came in to tell me about it and she could hardly speak because she was laughing to the point of tears.

Oct 24, 2009

Collision: Atheism vs. Christianity

When worldviews collide. God-hater vs. God adorer. Christopher Hitchens (avowed atheist) vs. Douglas Wilson (pastor and evangelical theologian). COLLISION is a movie about diametrically opposing paradigms. It opens at theaters nationally October 27, 2009 and is also available in DVD at American Vision.

This is no ordinary debate. It doesn't take place behind separate lecterns in a sterile stodgy auditorium. These men interact at the deepest level in a variety of settings. They are passionate but civil. They pull no punches. Whatever your theistic position you will be stretched and challenged.

“(Christianity) is a wicked cult, and it’s high time we left it behind.” - CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS

"There are two tenets of atheism. One, there is no God. Two, I hate him." - PASTOR DOUGLAS WILSON

SYNOPSIS
The documentary COLLISION pits leading atheist, political journalist and author Christopher Hitchens (God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything) against fellow author and evangelical theologian Pastor Douglas Wilson on a debate tour arguing the topic “Is Religion Good For The World?”. Lives and worldviews collide as Hitchens and Wilson wittily and passionately argue the timeless question, proving to be perfectly matched intellectual, philosophical, and cinematic rivals. COLLISION is directed by prolific independent filmmaker Darren Doane (Van Morrison: To Be Born Again, The Battle For L.A., Godmoney).



OVERVIEW

In May 2007, leading atheist Christopher Hitchens and Christian apologist Douglas Wilson began to argue the topic “Is Christianity Good for the World?” in a series of written exchanges published in Christianity Today. The rowdy literary bout piqued the interest of filmmaker Darren Doane, who sought out Hitchens and Wilson to pitch the idea of making a film around the debate.

In Fall 2008, Doane and crew accompanied Hitchens and Wilson on an east coast tour to promote the book compiled from their written debate titled creatively enough, Is Christianity Good for the World?. “I loved the idea of putting one of the beltway’s most respected public intellectuals together with an ultra-conservative pastor from Idaho who looks like a lumberjack”, says Doane. “You couldn’t write two characters more contrary. What’s more real and punk rock than a fight between two guys who are on complete opposite sides of the fence on the most divisive issue in the world? We were ready to make a movie about two intellectual warriors at the top of their game going one-on-one. I knew it would make an amazing film.”

In Christopher Hitchens, Doane found a celebrated prophet of atheism. Loud. Funny. Angry. Smart. Quick. An intimidating intellectual Goliath. Well-known for bullying and mocking believers into doubt and doubters into outright unbelief. In Douglas Wilson, Doane found the man who could provide a perfect intellectual, philosophical, and cinematic counterpoint to Hitchens' position and style. A trained philosopher and and deft debater. Big, bearded, and jolly. A pastor, a contrarian, a humorist--an unintimidated outsider, impossible to bully, capable of calling Hitchens a puritan (over a beer).

It was a collision of lives.What Doane didn’t expect was how much Hitchens and Wilson would have in common and the respectful bond the new friend/foes would build through the course of the book tour. “These guys ended up at the bar laughing, joking, drinking. There were so many things that they had in common,” according to Doane. “Opinions on history and politics. Literature and poetry. They agreed on so many things. Except on the existence of God.”

John Piper interviews Wilson - 15 min

Gary DeMar: "Where does 'good' come from?" - 15 min

Joel Mcdurmon: "Synonymous with sin...metaphorically" - 15 min

BIOS


CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS
Christopher Hitchens (b. April 13, 1949) is a popular political journalist and the author of several books, including God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Hitchens is regarded as one of the most fundamental figures of modern atheism. A regular contributor to Vanity Fair, The Atlantic Monthly and Slate, Hitchens is also a frequent guest on The Daily Show, Charlie Rose, Washington Journal, and Real Time with Bill Maher. He was named one of the US’s "25 Most Influential Liberals” by Forbes and one of the world’s “Top 100 Public Intellectuals” by Foreign Policy. Hitchens lives in Washington, DC.

DOUGLAS WILSON
Douglas Wilson (b. June 18, 1953) is a pastor of Christ Church, editor of Credenda/Agenda magazine, and a Senior Fellow at New Saint Andrews College. A prolific writer, he is the author of many books, including The Case for Classical Christian Education, Letter from a Christian Citizen, Reforming Marriage and Heaven Misplaced: Christ’s Kingdom on Earth. Wilson lives in Moscow, Idaho.

DARREN DOANE
Darren Doane is a Los Angeles-based independent filmmaker. Doane made his name as a music video director. His work for Blink-182, AFI, Jimmy Eat World and Pennywise is credited for helping bring punk rock into the mainstream in the 1990s. His previous documentary film, The Battle For LA, explored the underground battle rap scene in Los Angeles. Doane is currently in production on the documentary film To Be Born Again about legendary musician Van Morrison and has also written and directed several feature films, including Godmoney, 42K and Black Friday.

Author:
featuring Douglas Wilson and Christopher Hitchens

Specifications: DVD, NTSC 90 minutes

© 2009 Level4

(1 min)