James:
Regarding the recent piece on eschatology and prepper Christian world views: We must suffer.
I’m not sure which is correct; post-trib, pre-trib, mid-trib, post-mil, whatever. But I know this: Some hold to pre-trib rapture simply because of an assumption that God won’t let His children suffer. But that turns a blind eye to the unmentionable suffering of Christians in the world today.
The Bible tells us to expect suffering: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom.” (Acts 14:22) Peter said, “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12). In other words it is not strange; it is to be expected. And Paul said (in 2 Timothy 3:12), “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
Two reasons to prepare anyway Two reasons it’s not foolish to prepare even if you are pre-trib: 1.) You might be mistaken on your interpretation of the Bible. Do not arrogantly assume you are correct about a topic for which there is considerable debate amongst intelligent, godly scholars (applies to post-trib as well). Such hubris will only harm people. I’m hoping the rapture happens before the tribulation and living as though it won’t. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. 2.) These might not be the last days. Don’t assume that simply because many nations are headed for great difficulty that Christ is definitely coming. You’d have thought Jesus was coming any second during the last days of the Great Depression when the Dust Bowl consumed your food and Hitler was rising to power.
There are many reasons to think these days are indeed the last days. I’m 75% sure we’re in them. It’s the other 25% which bothers me: History is littered with great upheavals and all along they were sure it was the time to see Jesus. Even in Paul’s day they were saying it was the last days (2 Thessalonians 2).
Yet I’m 100% sure America will suffer great poverty within my lifetime — unless we have a mighty miracle. When we see winter coming we should prepare: “Four things on earth are small, but they are exceedingly wise: the ants are a people not strong, yet they provide their food in the summer…” (Proverbs 30:24,25 ESV)
Physically and spiritually James Rawles at SurvivalBlog.com is doing a great job teaching us how to physically prepare. One way to spiritually prepare is to start with many of the incredibly rich, free resources by Dr. John Piper. Start with the short videos, then listen to or read the other messages. Short video: America’s Ugly Exported “Gospel” Short video: Why Did the Bridge Collapse? Where Is God? (My favorite!) The Suffering of Christ and the Sovereignty of God , Don’t Waste Your Cancer, Doing Missions When Dying Is Gain
Book that’s now free thanks to generosity: Suffering and the Sovereignty of God. (Both it and its study guide are free.).
More goodies: Essential Resources
The Bible can be deeply soul-satisfying in times of suffering, and I’m thankful for Dr. Piper’s work in exposing these truths.
Meditate on your Bible Much of the Bible is written for hard times, and up until now we’ve been living in Disney World so it hasn’t made as much sense. Half of the Psalms will pop off the page once things really start rolling. The writings surrounding the Babylonian capture are particularly applicable.
I suggest you start right now by reading Matthew 6:19-34 and Habakkuk 3:17-19 out loud. It seems to have a stronger effect when you read it out loud.
Also see Luke 12, the Psalms and Lamentations.
Memorize your Bible — with some excellent help I’m really bad at memorizing Scripture, but I’ve got some crutches which work wonders. David said, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) (Yes, I wrote that from memory.) One day I was worried about the bee colony collapse disorder when Habakkuk 3:17-19 immediately popped into my head. I didn’t have to think, “What’s that verse about food?” It just immediately came to mind. The Spirit kept me from sinning by reminding me of a memorized passage.
I’ve got the “Hide the Word” CD series because I’m really bad at memorization. (Free samples here.) They definitely work, and are worth their weight in gold. You can also get Seeds Family Worship, the Glory Revealed CDs, and this free scripture memorization series. Also see Amazon’s and Google Shopping’s offerings. Worth their weight in gold!
Trust God. Oh that more Christians would trust God in hard times! He suffered more than any of us so He understands suffering (Hebrews 4:15).
He knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8). He promised that if we seek first the Kingdom that food and clothing will be provided (Luke 12). George Mueller proved this with over 50,000 specific answers to prayer for specific needs.
One day He will deliver us from all suffering: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4 ESV) Amen! Come quickly Lord Jesus.
In summary, it’s wise to prepare for both physical and spiritual suffering, whether you are pre-trib or post-trib. Even if nothing happens you’ll still have goods left over to give to the needy. – C.D.V.
Dear B.H. in North Central Idaho,
Your letter was well thought out and delivered and I agree with some of the statements you made. However, I struggled with your claims on the eschatology of some of the religions you mentioned such as Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists. Having many close friends in both those churches and knowing what they believe, I’m sorry sir, but they don’t meet the criteria you assigned to them. There are far more believers outside of those churches, and considered more mainstream, that believe in the Rapture. The last time I spoke to my Mormon and Seventh Day Adventist friends they were preparing for a long hard ride through the Tribulation or any other catastrophe that might befall us. Many of them are doctors, medics, teachers, and community volunteers who are out there helping their fellow man just as you suggest and they are doing it now–not waiting for a TEOTWAWKI. I know because I am in the emergency medical field and a community volunteer and that is where I met many of them. Might I suggest that rather than focusing on our differences we might instead focus on what we do have in common so that we might work together for the good. “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. ” – Luke 11:17. Respectfully,- J.H. in Washington State
Mr. Rawles,
Regarding the recent article on SurvivalBlog entitled “How Your World View and Preparedness Mindset are Influenced by Your Eschatology”:
Some readers may be interested to know that all three books recommended by B.H. are available (digitally) for free on Dr. Gary North’s Freebooks page.