The overarching theme of this book is that the Second Coming of Jesus happened in AD 72, and that therefore Jesus is not coming again to rapture the church. The book lays out a thorough exploration in support of this theme. Daniels prophecies are foundational, especially his prophecy of the Seventy Weeks in Daniel 9:2427 and his prophecy of four sequential Fertile-Crescent, Mediterranean empires (see Daniel 7). The Fourth Empire, or the Roman Empire, is the key to understanding my theme, with stress on the meaning of the horns on the head of the Fourth Beast (see Daniel 7:78). As proof of my theme, I use the biblical code of two or three witnesses (see, e.g., Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16, John 8:17, and 1 John 5:8). The three witnesses I give are Daniel, Jesus, and the collective apostlesall of whom taught and agreed that Jesuss Second Coming would take place before Jesuss generation passed away (Matthew 24:34). Furthermore, I show how the epistles of the New Testament reflect this theme by citing scores of passages from them for my readers to consider. Finally, in chapter 5 of the book and in five appendixes, I show how the Book of Revelation, aptly interpreted, fully agrees with this theme.
A Study Guide and a Teacher’s Manual Gospel Principles was written both as a personal study guide and as a teacher’s manual. As you study it, seeking the Spirit of the Lord, you can grow in your understanding and testimony of God the Father, Jesus Christand His Atonement, and the Restoration of the gospel. You can find answers to life’s questions, gain an assurance of your purpose and self-worth, and face personal and family challenges with faith.
Analyzes what Jesus said about when he would return and the last days would arrive (as in Matthew 24:34). Defends the trustworthiness of Jesus' teachings.
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14:3 ESV Jesus Christ was very clear: One day He will return-and none of us knows when. Vocal fanatics claim to know the details of the Second Coming, causing many Christians to all but ignore the good news that Jesus is coming again. Yet God's own Word commands us to know the signs of the times, to remain watchful, and to be ready-whenever Christ comes. This book is a straightforward, in-depth exploration of the key biblical texts regarding the Second Coming; most notably, Christ's longest and most important eschatological message, the Olivet Discourse. As you study what the Word of God says about these matters, it will stir in your heart an earnest longing for Christ's return-as well as a certainty about how to live expectantly until He comes again.
Belief in the second coming of Christ is indispensable to biblical Christianity. It is also crucial to a positive and relevant Christian worldview in a world that otherwise despairs of real hope. "An earthly hope without the prospect of life beyond death is illusory and shortlived," writes the author. "But a real hope of eternal life with God sets us free from anxiety about death, and frees us to work for the transformation of the world." "The courage, clarity and teaching skills of Dr. Travis in this important book are going to help a great many people." -Michael Green "As a guide to a healthy and biblical perspective in thought and life this book would take some beating ... it gloriously lives up to the solid affirmation of its title." --Church of England Newspaper Dr. Stephen H. Travis is Vice-Principal of St. John's College, Nottingham, England. His other books include Getting to Know the New Testament and The Bible in Time.
All Christians believe that Jesus will come again, but there is much disagreement concerning the manner of His coming again. Why must Jesus come again? What is accomplished when He comes again? Is it complicated or simple? Is there a "secret rapture" which precedes His return or does it all occur in one day? What is the great tribulation? What is the Millennium? Is Revelation a prerecorded history of the tribulation period, or is it something else entirely different? Should the church use obscure and ambiguous passages to define and interpret clear passages of Scripture? What did Jesus have to say about His second coming? What did Paul teach? Did they teach the same things or was it different? These questions and more are answered directly from the Word of God using verses that cannot possibly be misunderstood unless done so deliberately in order to preserve and protect the systematic theology one has been taught. Prayerful and careful study of Scripture has absolutely convinced the author of the error of the popular "rapture" teaching concerning the second coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This book is not an in depth analysis of prophecy, but it is a brief examination of some of the truths the author has culled from historical accounts and has discerned from Scripture through many years of study. The author holds a D.Min degree from Covington Theological Seminary. He was the pastor of the fastest growing church in New Hampshire in 1985, being recognized as such by Liberty University. He is no longer pastoring full time, but ministers in RV parks during the winter season in Naples, FL. He has authored three other books which have yet to be published.
The prophet Brigham Young taught the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in a basic, practical way that gave inspiration and hope to the Saints struggling to build a home in the wilderness. Though more than a century has now passed, his words are still fresh and appropriate for us today as we continue the work of building the kingdom of God. President Young declared that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we possess the “doctrine of life and salvation for all the honest-in-heart” (DBY, 7). He promised that those who receive the gospel in their hearts will have awakened “within them a desire to know and understand the things of God more than they ever did before in their lives” and will begin to “inquire, read and search and when they go to their Father in the name of Jesus he will not leave them without a witness” (DBY, 450). This book reflects the desire of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to deepen the doctrinal understanding of Church members and to awaken within them a greater desire to know the things of God. It will inspire and motivate individuals, priesthood quorums, and Relief Society classes to inquire, read, search, and then go to their Father in Heaven for a witness of the truth of these teachings. Each chapter contains two sections—“Teachings of Brigham Young” and “Suggestions for Study.” The first section consists of extracts from Brigham Young’s sermons to the early Saints. Each statement has been referenced, and the original spelling and punctuation have been preserved; however, the sources cited will not be readily available to most members. These original sources are not necessary to have in order to effectively study or teach from this book. Members need not purchase additional references and commentaries to study or teach these chapters. The text provided in this book, accompanied by the scriptures, is sufficient for instruction. Members should prayerfully read and study President Young’s teachings in order to gain new insights into gospel principles and discover how those principles apply to their everyday lives. By faithfully and prayerfully studying these selections, Latter-day Saints will have a greater understanding of gospel principles and will more fully appreciate the profound and inspired teachings of this great prophet. The second section of each chapter offers a series of questions that will encourage thoughtful contemplation, personal application, and discussion of President Young’s teachings. Members should refer to and carefully reread his words on the principle being discussed. Deep and prayerful study of these teachings will inspire members to greater personal commitment and will help them resolve to follow the teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ. If individuals and families prayerfully follow the principles in this book, they will be blessed and inspired to greater dedication and spirituality, as were the early Saints who heard these words directly from the lips of the “Lion of the Lord” (HC, 7:434)—the prophet, seer, and revelator, President Brigham Young.
