Be Berean Acts 17:10,11
People used to say to me, “I can tell you were in the military. You are so disciplined, and strict.” Perhaps. Or, maybe it’s because I kind of look like Gerald Mcraney (from the very old TV show, Major Dad).
Or, Perhaps I am a bit OCD?
Actually, I am trying to be “Berean”.
At any rate, think what you will. The following is worth considering.
I used to attend a very popular men’s bible study. About one hundred men attended, at this time. The teaching was live-streamed from another city, via internet. We, at the meeting, would discuss the teachings.
I really liked being with other men, studying the Bible and being among men singing Gospel hymns. I was inspired each week.
The teacher of this group was well informed and studied in the Bible. However, as he was beginning a new study series, on the Book of Revelation, he plainly, unequivocally and emphatically stated that the Book of Revelation as nothing more than a metaphor.
This teacher mocked the idea that anyone who took this Book literally was foolish. He tried to distinguish between metaphors, similes, figures of speech and literalism. But, concluded by saying that since the vast majority of Revelation is a metaphor, we could not consider any of it to be literal, except the most plain examples. (This is ideological disimilation or disassociation)
He had began, after a year of listening to him, to sound like a Preterist.
Preterism is an eschatological view (concerning matters of the end times) that interprets some or all prophecies of the Bible as events which have already happened. (This school of thought interprets the Book of Daniel as referring to events that happened from the 7th century BC until the first century AD, while seeing the prophecies of Revelation as events that happened in the first century AD. Preterism holds that Ancient Israel finds its continuation or fulfillment in the Christian church at the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.)
The problem is that Revelation chapter 19 tell us that Jesus will return and will first be seen in the heavens. He comes as Conquering Victor and be recognized and proclaimed as KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS.
If the prophecies in Revelation have already occurred, or worse yet, are only metaphors, then the future return of Christ is a lie and all hope is lost.
Read Revelation 19:11-15
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will [a]rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the [b]wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
But, it is not a lie.
So, this teacher is either deceived, a deceiver himself or both. That would make what this teacher says as a lie and he, a liar.
Now I read and listened, 2 John 2:7
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”
1. Deceivers do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.
a. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
2. Watch yourself that you do not lose what has been accomplished in teaching the Gospel.
a. So that you man receive a full reward.
3. Anyone who goes too far, and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God.
a. the one who abides in the teaching of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
4. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your
house and do not give him/her a greeting.
a. the one who gives him/her a greeting participate in his/her evil deeds.
In our next discussion group, I plainly, unequivocally and emphatically stated that this teacher was, at best, mistaken and at worst, deceived. But, most likely he is self absorbed, a liar, is a heretic and is teaching lies.
I could have said nice things about him, but, why?
I had to leave the Bible study group. Many of the men thanked me for my remarks. Many of them in ‘professional full time ministry. A few said they were sorry I was leaving, saying my voice was needed.
I miss these guys. I miss that group and the experience.
But, I wonder, why are they still there? After all, “…many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”
Let’s keep ourselves unstained to the extent it is possible, pursuing God, His Truth, His Holiness, confessing our sins and forgiving one another.
Let’s Be Berean. The times require it.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
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