Controversy
Posted by Ryan Geiger on November 15, 2009 · 4 Comments
It’s been a while since I have written a blog that made people angry and caused them to litter my inbox with hate mails and questions of my faith, so I thought I was due.
I have been chewing on something for a while now that I think may make you angry but if you step back I believe will challenge you to live different each day. Recently many people have come up to me saying that we need to talk more about the end times and the book of Revelation and prophecy. My question to that is, why? Now before you call for my resignation and call me a heretic hear me out.
The truth is why focus so much on the future when most can’t even live for today? Why be so concerned about the details of pre-tribulation, mid-trib or post-trib? Why be so concerned about when Jesus is coming back? I ask why because does it really change anything? My answer is, it shouldn’t. Shouldn’t we live each day as if it is the last? Shouldn’t we have the same energy and passion to tell people about Jesus and a relationship with Him regardless of when or how the end times will occur? Shouldn’t we not be so concerned about scare tactics as we are with a passionate plea of repentance and life change?
I grew up hearing all about the end times. I believe as Christ followers we need to be educated about the book of Revelation, but I believe we should be just as educated about the Gospels and living out that Gospel. The end will come and there is nothing we can do to change it, except to live today with a passion and a sincerity that engages people with the love of Christ. I hate being caught up in all the details and miss the main message. I love a good debate and I also get just as intrigued as anybody else about what is going to happen and when its going to happen, BUT, I must live in the now and teach Jesus, His Love, His Death, His Burial and His Resurrection that will be what draws people to Jesus.
Live today as if it were your last. Live it with such passion and conviction that people will be drawn to Christ. Live it with such integrity that you do no harm to God’s name. Live today with a desire to see everyone you know have a powerful, life changing relationship with a loving, sacrificial God. Live today as if it were your last.
Totally agree with you. Sometimes I think people focus so much on the end times so that they know how long they have to clean up there acts. I”d also rather hear hear about Christ and how he lived for God and how I can be like him, and create/make disciples for Christ like were called to do in Matthew 28.
Absolutely. Sadly, most times such talk only leads to fear instead of faith and trust. God is in control no matter what happens. Keep preaching, Ryan : >)
I agree with you Ryan! Revelation is a loaded study & as much as we should know what it says, too many use it as their guide in reaching people rather than the Gospels or letters.
I’m hoping your inbox doesn’t fill up, but in this crazy world if you’re not in the line of fire, then you’re not in the game. I think I read something yesterday, “better to bring the heat on this side of hell.”
guess it wasn’t so controversial. next?