http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573 As with all things of the supernatural such as ghosts and spirits, Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce, whatever one’s thoughts about Bible prophecies there is a great deal of interest in such things, and it is of personal interest to me that Glenn Beck would be giving so much air time to this subject and so many people are tuning in. His latest guest Joel Rosenberg has a good grasp of the “End Times” doctrine to which most evangelical Christians subscribe, and reminds me of my spiritual mentor Dr. Charles Lee Feinberg who became the Dean of Talbot Theological Seminary where I first met him. Dr. Feinberg published many books of exposition and commentary about the Old Testament prophets, and gave me much personal guidance in my own Biblical studies. With my background in such studies I find myself in my own element with those like Rosenberg, and understand his position very well. Though there are several forms of “Dispensational” theology, many interpretations of Eschatology, exegesis and hermeneutical viewpoints there is also much agreement concerning what Jesus referred to as the “end of the age” and the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. Rosenberg among others point to some of the “signs of the times” such as Israel once more becoming a nation in order for the end time prophecies to be fulfilled. There are other things like satellite communications enabling the whole world to view the things taking place during the end time. Some of us believe it is no coincidence that so much TV programming has been given over to doomsday scenarios, many of which fit right in with Biblical prophecies concerning the end of the age, which according to the Bible is not the end of the world but results in a new beginning with a new heaven and earth where there will be no evil. It is my hope this will be the case, since I don’t find much basis for such hope in the works of men and the historical record together with current events doesn’t provide much room for optimism about the future. Like Henry Thoreau I have always wanted wide latitude for my life, and “hobbles and fences” have never been to my liking either by lifestyle or in my thinking. It is for this reason I refuse to be confined by any doctrines of men whether of theology or science; but neither am I close minded to facts of either discipline. Neither am I close minded to the possibilities that may be in the domain of the supernatural of whatever nature, and I remain of the opinion there are things inexplicable to science that may well remain in the realm of the supernatural. Now here is something that to my mind, though it be of science has all the signs of the supernatural: Humans Almost Became Extinct 70,000 Years Ago: Human beings may have had a brush with extinction 70,000 years ago, an extensive genetic study suggests. The human population at that time was reduced to small isolated groups in Africa, apparently because of drought, according to an analysis released Thursday. The report notes that a separate study by researchers at Stanford University estimated the number of early humans may have shrunk as low as 2,000 before numbers began to expand again in the early Stone Age. "This study illustrates the extraordinary power of genetics to reveal insights into some of the key events in our species' history," Spencer Wells, National Geographic Society explorer in residence, said in a statement. "Tiny bands of early humans, forced apart by harsh environmental conditions, coming back from the brink to reunite and populate the world," he added. "Truly an epic drama, written in our DNA." Wells is director of the Genographic Project, launched in 2005 to study anthropology using genetics. The report was published in the American Journal of Human Genetics… If in fact the human population had been so close to the brink of extinction, one can only guess what saved our species from utter extinction? If we accept such a premise we must also accept, discounting things like extraterrestrial influence, that everything leading to our present condition came from this miniscule number of human beings, and this would include all the myths and legends which this tiny number of humans passed on to future generations, each expanding and elaborating on these to fit their circumstances. At that, there are only educated guesses as to what eventually led to the beginnings of civilization as we know it. The wonder of it all, as the hymn so well expresses, is truly mind-boggling! There is another wonder, and one which many like Dr. Feinberg pointed out, the fact of Israel becoming a nation. Not only was this thought to be impossible, neither would anyone suppose such a tiny nation could be so prominent in world affairs. Now it seems this tiny nation as per Biblical prophecies concerning the end times is pivotal to the fulfillment of such prophecies. If for no other reason I am willing to credit the truth of the Bible in this, and continue to be grateful I know it so well. The many forms of religion have served in large measure to deceive and delude; but it is difficult to read the Bible in its entirety without having a sense of the truth of it in many instances, one such truth being that of John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress.” The righteous enter into life through much tribulation. As I was discussing this the other day with my good friend Byron, the Episcopal Priest, the point of Jesus concerning the real prophets of God not living luxuriously is one that still separates the wolves from the flock notwithstanding how so many seem to flaunt wealth as a measure of God’s approval. One can only accept those following such “false shepherds” are willingly deceived. And it was this point I emphasized to Byron, that Jesus himself had pointed out very few would be saved. Whatever one’s thoughts about the subject, I find it of continuing interest. And so long as I remain interested in such things my mind stays active and alert to others and present events, and like most people I have my own thoughts about such things like Biblical prophecies. Over 150 years ago Emerson wrote: “The appearance strikes the eye everywhere of an aimless society, of aimless nations. Were the ends of nature so great and cogent, as to exact this immense sacrifice of men?” These words of Emerson are nearly prophetic of the times in which we live. But no, we are not to blame nature for the actions of men intent on making wars for the sake of power and wealth for example, but as Emerson emphasized the delusion of religion is promising a reward for being righteous in the “sweet by and by” all the while refusing to confront evil and make every attempt to overcome it in the present world. However, as the Scripture has it if the righteous scarcely be saved what is to be the end of the unrighteous? In my opinion, we may soon find out. And in my opinion, Glenn Beck believes this as well. The question is why CNN is cooperating with him? In the words of John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” Perhaps some at CNN are listening.   As with all things of the supernatural such as ghosts and spirits, Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce, whatever one’s thoughts about Bible prophecies there is a great deal of interest in such things, and it is of personal interest to me that Glenn Beck would be giving so much air time to this subject and so many people are tuning in. His latest guest Joel Rosenberg has a good grasp of the “End Times” doctrine to which most evangelical Christians subscribe, and reminds me of my spiritual mentor Dr. Charles Lee Feinberg who became the Dean of Talbot Theological Seminary where I first met him. Dr. Feinberg published many books of exposition and commentary about the Old Testament prophets, and gave me much personal guidance in my own Biblical studies. With my background in such studies I find myself in my own element with those like Rosenberg, and understand his position very well. Though there are several forms of “Dispensational” theology, many interpretations of Eschatology, exegesis and hermeneutical viewpoints there is also much agreement concerning what Jesus referred to as the “end of the age” and the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. Rosenberg among others point to some of the “signs of the times” such as Israel once more becoming a nation in order for the end time prophecies to be fulfilled. There are other things like satellite communications enabling the whole world to view the things taking place during the end time. Some of us believe it is no coincidence that so much TV programming has been given over to doomsday scenarios, many of which fit right in with Biblical prophecies concerning the end of the age, which according to the Bible is not the end of the world but results in a new beginning with a new heaven and earth where there will be no evil. It is my hope this will be the case, since I don’t find much basis for such hope in the works of men and the historical record together with current events doesn’t provide much room for optimism about the future. Like Henry Thoreau I have always wanted wide latitude for my life, and “hobbles and fences” have never been to my liking either by lifestyle or in my thinking. It is for this reason I refuse to be confined by any doctrines of men whether of theology or science; but neither am I close minded to facts of either discipline. Neither am I close minded to the possibilities that may be in the domain of the supernatural of whatever nature, and I remain of the opinion there are things inexplicable to science that may well remain in the realm of the supernatural. Now here is something that to my mind, though it be of science has all the signs of the supernatural: Humans Almost Became Extinct 70,000 Years Ago: Human beings may have had a brush with extinction 70,000 years ago, an extensive genetic study suggests. The human population at that time was reduced to small isolated groups in Africa, apparently because of drought, according to an analysis released Thursday. The report notes that a separate study by researchers at Stanford University estimated the number of early humans may have shrunk as low as 2,000 before numbers began to expand again in the early Stone Age. "This study illustrates the extraordinary power of genetics to reveal insights into some of the key events in our species' history," Spencer Wells, National Geographic Society explorer in residence, said in a statement. "Tiny bands of early humans, forced apart by harsh environmental conditions, coming back from the brink to reunite and populate the world," he added. "Truly an epic drama, written in our DNA." Wells is director of the Genographic Project, launched in 2005 to study anthropology using genetics. The report was published in the American Journal of Human Genetics… If in fact the human population had been so close to the brink of extinction, one can only guess what saved our species from utter extinction? If we accept such a premise we must also accept, discounting things like extraterrestrial influence, that everything leading to our present condition came from this miniscule number of human beings, and this would include all the myths and legends which this tiny number of humans passed on to future generations, each expanding and elaborating on these to fit their circumstances. At that, there are only educated guesses as to what eventually led to the beginnings of civilization as we know it. The wonder of it all, as the hymn so well expresses, is truly mind-boggling! There is another wonder, and one which many like Dr. Feinberg pointed out, the fact of Israel becoming a nation. Not only was this thought to be impossible, neither would anyone suppose such a tiny nation could be so prominent in world affairs. Now it seems this tiny nation as per Biblical prophecies concerning the end times is pivotal to the fulfillment of such prophecies. If for no other reason I am willing to credit the truth of the Bible in this, and continue to be grateful I know it so well. The many forms of religion have served in large measure to deceive and delude; but it is difficult to read the Bible in its entirety without having a sense of the truth of it in many instances, one such truth being that of John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress.” The righteous enter into life through much tribulation. As I was discussing this the other day with my good friend Byron, the Episcopal Priest, the point of Jesus concerning the real prophets of God not living luxuriously is one that still separates the wolves from the flock notwithstanding how so many seem to flaunt wealth as a measure of God’s approval. One can only accept those following such “false shepherds” are willingly deceived. And it was this point I emphasized to Byron, that Jesus himself had pointed out very few would be saved. Whatever one’s thoughts about the subject, I find it of continuing interest. And so long as I remain interested in such things my mind stays active and alert to others and present events, and like most people I have my own thoughts about such things like Biblical prophecies. Over 150 years ago Emerson wrote: “The appearance strikes the eye everywhere of an aimless society, of aimless nations. Were the ends of nature so great and cogent, as to exact this immense sacrifice of men?” These words of Emerson are nearly prophetic of the times in which we live. But no, we are not to blame nature for the actions of men intent on making wars for the sake of power and wealth for example, but as Emerson emphasized the delusion of religion is promising a reward for being righteous in the “sweet by and by” all the while refusing to confront evil and make every attempt to overcome it in the present world. However, as the Scripture has it if the righteous scarcely be saved what is to be the end of the unrighteous? In my opinion, we may soon find out. And in my opinion, Glenn Beck believes this as well. The question is why CNN is cooperating with him? In the words of John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” Perhaps some at CNN are listening.   en-us Someone sent me this link regarding "The Church of Oprah".  Have you seen this?  When you start talking about end times and false prophets, this is some scary stuff.  It fits right in with your discussion. http://www.carringtonsteele.citymax.com/page/page/5776487.htm       http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_229948 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_229948 Someone sent me this link regarding "The Church of Oprah".  Have you seen this?  When you start talking about end times and false prophets, this is some scary stuff.  It fits right in with your discussion. http://www.carringtonsteele.citymax.com/page/page/5776487.htm       Thank you sunshine; and you're right about some "scary stuff." http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230097 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230097 Thank you sunshine; and you're right about some "scary stuff." I saw two of the Glenn Beck episodes with Rosenberg.   I'm not a believer in any biblical prophesy, but I did enjoy listening to Rosenberg's interpretation of the signs.  It's enough to make me say "huh"- not in the sense that I believe it, but in the sense that he's making some interesting connections.  I particularly enjoyed listening to his theory about the EU being the vehicle to give rise to the antichrist. I haven't read any of his books, but my mother (who is a devout fan of them) tells me that they're fantastic, albeit extremely depressing.  I know some people that have gotten terrible nightmares after reading them.  I'm glad I don't have the time to read much right now.  It gives me an excuse to avoid them. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230211 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230211 I saw two of the Glenn Beck episodes with Rosenberg.   I'm not a believer in any biblical prophesy, but I did enjoy listening to Rosenberg's interpretation of the signs.  It's enough to make me say "huh"- not in the sense that I believe it, but in the sense that he's making some interesting connections.  I particularly enjoyed listening to his theory about the EU being the vehicle to give rise to the antichrist. I haven't read any of his books, but my mother (who is a devout fan of them) tells me that they're fantastic, albeit extremely depressing.  I know some people that have gotten terrible nightmares after reading them.  I'm glad I don't have the time to read much right now.  It gives me an excuse to avoid them. I can appreciate your reservations as well as your interest, and you are correct about his books not being night time reading material. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230214 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230214 I can appreciate your reservations as well as your interest, and you are correct about his books not being night time reading material. Just to let the readers know, there are some Christians out there that do not hold to Joel Roesenberg's interpertation of end-times and prophecy. However, it has nothing to do with our concrete beliefs in Jesus Christ as Saviour and His return for ALL His follwers. Most of end times theology is comes from Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matt 23 &24 just to name one gospel). Sadly, evangelical America has misinterpreted who Jesus spoke to in regards to "end times". He said in Matthew 24:34   "Truly I say to you, that this generation will not pass away, until all these things happen." First of all, when He said "I say to YOU", who was He speaking to? Again, when HE said, "...that THIS generation", which generation was He referring to? And, what things will happen? The things (famines, earthquakes, false prophets) that He predicted earlier that would happen before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Joel Rosenberg and the likes, love to use what I call, "Newspaper Theology" to interpret what they think are the "signs of the times". They measure prophecy by what they see going on in the Middle East on CNN/FOX/BBC, etc., and read from major newspapers instead of allowing the Bible ito nterpret itself. There is not ONE New Testament book or scripture that speaks of any 7-year rapture or AntiChrist taking over some mythical temple. If you find just one, and the Book of Daniel doesn't count, just find me one.  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230604 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230604 Just to let the readers know, there are some Christians out there that do not hold to Joel Roesenberg's interpertation of end-times and prophecy. However, it has nothing to do with our concrete beliefs in Jesus Christ as Saviour and His return for ALL His follwers. Most of end times theology is comes from Jesus' Olivet Discourse (Matt 23 &24 just to name one gospel). Sadly, evangelical America has misinterpreted who Jesus spoke to in regards to "end times". He said in Matthew 24:34   "Truly I say to you, that this generation will not pass away, until all these things happen." First of all, when He said "I say to YOU", who was He speaking to? Again, when HE said, "...that THIS generation", which generation was He referring to? And, what things will happen? The things (famines, earthquakes, false prophets) that He predicted earlier that would happen before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Joel Rosenberg and the likes, love to use what I call, "Newspaper Theology" to interpret what they think are the "signs of the times". They measure prophecy by what they see going on in the Middle East on CNN/FOX/BBC, etc., and read from major newspapers instead of allowing the Bible ito nterpret itself. There is not ONE New Testament book or scripture that speaks of any 7-year rapture or AntiChrist taking over some mythical temple. If you find just one, and the Book of Daniel doesn't count, just find me one.  Out of curiosity, why doesn't Daniel count? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230785 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230785 Out of curiosity, why doesn't Daniel count? Well... hmm.... it would take more than a mere response in this comment section to give you a biblical interpretation of Daniel. You see, Standard dispensationalism (the belief in a Rapture and a seven-year tribulation thereafter) has always taught that the prophetic time clock stopped ticking when Israel rejected her Messiah. This rejection put the conclusion of Daniel's seventy weeks (490 years) on hold. Israel experienced 483 years of the prophecy outlined by God in Daniel 9:24-27.  The final week--the seven years that will complete the prophecy--is still to take place according to Joel Rosenberg and the likes. This is the period of "Jacob's trouble" when Israel will go through this untold persecution. Of course, as with much of dispensationalism, there are no verses to point to in support of this view. One must be an expert in reading between the verses. And no where else in the Bible does God allow a period of time between years for any doctrine. Dispensationalism, which has only been around since the mid 1800s, supports this "theory" of end-times. However, I attend a church that teaches this interpretation. You see, even though there are "in-house" debates within Christianity, as long as it's not denying the resurrection and thne fulfillment and the message of His love for mankind by dying on the cross for the sins of the world,  then it's "all good".  There is no perfect church. Once I find one, I'll taint it and therefore it becomes imperfect. I may not agree with my denomination's view of all this last days madness, that doesn't mean I don't agree with them on many other essentials of the faith. Still curious? I currently am running a series on this on my blog, http://thatsagreatquestion.blogspot.com     http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230802 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230802 Well... hmm.... it would take more than a mere response in this comment section to give you a biblical interpretation of Daniel. You see, Standard dispensationalism (the belief in a Rapture and a seven-year tribulation thereafter) has always taught that the prophetic time clock stopped ticking when Israel rejected her Messiah. This rejection put the conclusion of Daniel's seventy weeks (490 years) on hold. Israel experienced 483 years of the prophecy outlined by God in Daniel 9:24-27.  The final week--the seven years that will complete the prophecy--is still to take place according to Joel Rosenberg and the likes. This is the period of "Jacob's trouble" when Israel will go through this untold persecution. Of course, as with much of dispensationalism, there are no verses to point to in support of this view. One must be an expert in reading between the verses. And no where else in the Bible does God allow a period of time between years for any doctrine. Dispensationalism, which has only been around since the mid 1800s, supports this "theory" of end-times. However, I attend a church that teaches this interpretation. You see, even though there are "in-house" debates within Christianity, as long as it's not denying the resurrection and thne fulfillment and the message of His love for mankind by dying on the cross for the sins of the world,  then it's "all good".  There is no perfect church. Once I find one, I'll taint it and therefore it becomes imperfect. I may not agree with my denomination's view of all this last days madness, that doesn't mean I don't agree with them on many other essentials of the faith. Still curious? I currently am running a series on this on my blog, http://thatsagreatquestion.blogspot.com     Oh, I see.  So it's basically theory building upon theory, but with no evidence to support the previous theories.  Thanks for the jist :) http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230810 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/samheath/25573/#c_230810 Oh, I see.  So it's basically theory building upon theory, but with no evidence to support the previous theories.  Thanks for the jist :)