An Explanation of My Controversial (Though Orthodox and Completely Biblical) Eschatological Views - Part 2

II. PRETERISM (PARTIAL)

A. What Is Preterism (Partial)?

The belief of preterism, often called partial preterism, is the belief that some prophecies made in the New Testament that are believed by many to refer to the end of the world actually refer to events that have since occurred (fulfilling the prophecies). They predominantly revolve around the fall of Jerusalem and second destruction of the temple in AD 70.

An example would be what is known as the “Olivet discourse,” which is the conversation Jesus had with His disciples on the Mount of Olives in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Jesus speaks of his “coming,” of all kinds of signs, the end of the age etc. It is typically believed that it speaks of the end of the world, but I as a preterist hold that He is talking about the fall of Jerusalem.

An Explanation of My Controversial (Though Orthodox and Completely Biblical) Eschatological Views - Part 1

As most of you who know me know, I am what most would consider an "evangelical" Christian. You might also be aware that I hold to two views of eschatology (that is, the study of the end of the world) that are less common than some other views (especially the former). I was going to talk about them both, but it ended up getting so long I decided to split it up into two posts. My goal here isn’t to convince anyone (though I admit I go into the second a bit more than I thought I would). Truly, my goal is just to explain what I believe, you who follow this blog will know what I’m saying.

More Common Christian Sayings That I Don’t Like - “Jesus Died the Death We Deserved”

After my last post, I realized I could run with this idea of common Christian sayings that kind of rub me the wrong way. So, here’s one that, though common, I find a bit problematic.

“Jesus Died the Death We Deserved.”
Now, I need to be careful here. How this is phrased is very important. I am not denying that Jesus’ death (and resurrection) is what saves all who believe in Him. I am not denying that Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for us and that He turns away the wrath of God. I am not denying anything that Paul lays out in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

Why I Do Not Typically Say “God Is Good” When Something Good Happens To Me

Now, this is less a theological teaching as much as it is simply my 2 cents on something.

Now, it’s not uncommon to hear a believer say, when something good happens, “God is good.” Now of course, God is good. God alone is good. But while I am not slow to praise God, I don’t make a habit of saying “God is good” whenever something good happens to me. And here’s why: God’s goodness is not based simply on what happens on earth, yet I feel like that sounds like what is being said (though I know it isn’t). Now, He does show His goodness on earth all the time. But if we were to judge God’s goodness on what happens on earth, we’d hardly have a very good God!

A Battle For the Ages: the Big Mac vs. the Big Carl

Obviously, this has nothing to do with theology. But that's okay. Jesus is the bread of life, but who doesn't love to talk about regular food too?

"Two small beef patties, sauce shredded lettuce, a single piece of cheese, onions pickles on 3 bready buns..."

My Take On Drinking

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have surely noticed that alcohol is a big part of our culture here in the USA, and really, most of the developed world. Here is my take on it:

Ever Notice How The Bible Sometimes Likes To Leave Us Hanging?

Ever read the bible and wish that the writer would have made it a little more clear?

"Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment" (Hebrews 6:1-2).