Note: Some of the following commentary has understandably offended some folks, including Christians, because of its “tone”. While the primary underlying message of the article is entirely serious, please recognize that some portions were intended to be playfully over-the-top in their politically charged rhetoric. These comments should not be taken too seriously. Recognizing that my perhaps unique sense of humor is not always recognized as such, I will make every effort in the future to refrain from making comments that could easily be misunderstood.
In light of President Obama’s re-election, it is essential to briefly detail some of the reasons why Christians should rise above the depression and hopelessness that has gripped so many American conservatives.
In the afterglow of Obama’s victory, Ayman al-Zawahiri, Ayatollah Khamenei, Vladimir Putin and Chris Matthews, as well as millions of pot-heads, sodomites, pro-aborts and all common moochers, are sharing a collective thrill. The American people by a clear majority have rejected fiscal responsibility, energy independence, national security, border security, traditional family values, and worst of all, standing with the most defenseless and innocent among us. Barack Obama’s re-election is a complete political, economic, moral, social and spiritual catastrophe.
But despite the very real implications of America’s downfall, Christians have far more substantial hope and reason to remain joyful.
In pondering which portions of Scripture might be encouraging for American Christians at this moment, I was immediately reminded of Hebrews 11, where believers today are encouraged to consider the lives of several faithful saints of old. Some of these men and woman lived very blessed lives and experienced great prosperity. Others suffered terrible hardships. What they all shared, however, was a vision, a hope of “a better country,” a heavenly “city.” Consider what the Bible has to say concerning Abraham:
“By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” —Hebrews 11:9-10
As sad as it is to watch this great country take such a harsh turn into irresponsibility and outright godlessness, we are reminded that our ultimate and even eternal citizenship is not here. Christians are to live within this corrupt and perverse age as mere aliens, foreigners, whose eyes are ever fixed on our true and eternal home, as we imitate these saints of old:
“They admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” —Hebrews 11:13-16
Before the election, I sometimes wondered if it might be good for American Christian to get just a slight taste of what it is like for so many of their brothers and sisters who live in nations where they are a minority, where persecution and overt hatred of Christians is common. This is after all, how life was for the early Church. Perhaps our hope has been too focused on this life, on our stuff, on our comforts. Perhaps if we are made a bit more uncomfortable, we might shift our eyes to the heavenly city, to the country that God is preparing for us. Who knows? Perhaps there is a providential and redemptive purpose behind this catastrophe.
What else will the coming of this new messianic kingdom entail?
In one of the most well-known prophetic messianic psalms, we read the following description of what Jesus will accomplish when he returns:
“The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. … The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.’” —Psalm 110:2, 4-6
That’s right, one of the primary events that will accompany the return of Jesus as he establishes his messianic kingdom over the earth from Jerusalem is the judgment of the many unrighteous, self-serving and corrupt politicians throughout the whole earth. As the psalm states, when Jesus returns, before he establishes his kingdom, he will “crush kings on the day of his wrath.” While some may understandably feel uneasy with this point, personally, I take great comfort in this. Who among us doesn’t truly grieve at the degree of corruption, character assassination, slander, lies and deceit that so many politicians use to acquire and maintain power? The Lord will not allow this to remain unpunished. There is a day of justice.
For now, my country is governed by a man many of us feel is a truly unrighteous individual, a race-baiter, a divider, a liar, a destroyer. And while I would not suppose to truly know anyone’s heart, I do take great comfort in the fact that there is one who knows the hearts of all people and who has promised a day of justice for all of the earth. So while I will continue to stand and fight for this great nation, even believing that there is yet hope for repentance, revival and restoration, as I watch this beautiful country slip away and devolve into something almost unrecognizable, I take great comfort in knowing that a heavenly country lies ahead. I have been promised a kingdom, and it is on this kingdom the eyes of my heart are fixed. And even more than the coming kingdom, my eyes of hope are fixed entirely on the coming King. And for this reason, the present man in office will never have control over my emotions and will do nothing to steal my joy.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” —Romans 15:13
45 Responses
Thank you, Joel. I needed that. My heart is right there with you, brother.
That was great, thank you Joel. Nicely put–you’re so good with words. You should write a book! 😉
well said, Joel. Your insights are a great help.
I compare President Obama with Kid. Saul…the people and majority of the Israel nation got what they begged GOD for, a leader. Just as we our country today they rejected the idea that he was Not a GOD sent. They believed the lie and suffered greatly for it. My prayer is that the True Church will be more like the Saints in Hebrews 11, Living a testimony of faith despite the odds.
That is “King” Saul, my phone tries to outsmart me. lol!
Great scripture, I find comfort in it also. Bless you and your family.
Horrible column. Your column is narrow minded and parochial, and i think that your interpretation of what is christian and right betrays your arrogance, revealing that you have the intellectual depth of a puddle. Obama’s reelection is a vote of confidence in the man’s moral compass. Try and open your mind – there is room in there for humility, compassion, for God, free will and common sense.
Sigh… Yeah, voting three times to support post-birth infanticide. Fantastic moral compass indeed.
@greg anderson
The man’s moral compass includes support of murdering babies and there’s nothing sensible about that
As a practising Christian, I have often pondered on why some of the most horrendous moral crimes in human history were carried out by Christians. On reading your article on Obama I am clearer in my mind as to why Christian leaders are sometimes the most brutal in their hatred.
Were you around a century and a half ago, I am sure you would have villified Lincoln for ending slavery. I don’t even feel like going to Church anymore.
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice;
When the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Prov. 29:2)
Jesus the righteous is in control; Let us rejoice.
@greg anderson
You know the marijuana you’ve had to have been smoking to arrive at your conclusion is now going to be legal in Colorado. I suspect that’s another fine example of the “moral compass” your pot smoking president has. Maybe you can defend abortion on demand or homosexual marriage or any of the other Godless initiatives of this president. You see, people like Barack Obama and yourself vote “present” with accuations of “narrow mindedness” because you’re incapable of defending sin while claiming any kind of relationship with God simultaneously. The standard is Christ and His coming Kingdom. And when He comes in all of his glory, I will rejoice in the “moral compass” that suddenly appears in YOUR eyes and across your face when this world bows before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords…that includes you and your Baal President by the way.
Hi Joel, sorry I’ve been MIA for so long! It’s been a wild year and a half for my family. You remain in my prayers brother!
Jeremiah -Ohio
Many reports credit the Hurricaines (Irene/Sandy) with increasing the Obama vote. God chooses who rules and in order for the end to come, Obama must rule. It’s not likely that a conservative president would be so hostile to Israel, Christians, and the Unborn.
America has joined forces with al-qaida and been fighting for their principles in several different countries for over two years. America is no longer standing in the way for ME prophecy to occur. No need for a rapture, destruction, collapse, or any other event. It’s over for America as a nation that serves God. There will be no great revival.
Christians overwhelmingly voted for Obama and spew venom over Bible prophecy (just mention anything other than pre-trib). Now is the time to renew your vows to your family, and to God. Never give up, continue to run the race- all the way to the sweet, bitter end.
Excellent words Joel. To the rest of us let’s try to keep things in perspective. As God fearing, Christ loving Christians, we need to stop looking at the world through our own eyes. Romans 13:1 tells us that all authority comes from God and that He appoints those in authority. What we must do here is ask ourselves a question or two.
1. How does Obama being re-elected further God’s plan for mankind’s redemption?
2. How does his re-election effect Israel and the middle East?
God’s world revolves around Israel and not America. As westerners, we tend to look at the world through an American lens of sorts. Yes it is true that America plays a tremendous role in the world, but America must fulfill His wonderful plan as well as every other nation on Earth.
I asked myself those 2 questions prior to the election. Months away from the election as a matter of fact. Everyone around me was sure that Romney would win. I never had that confidence. Sure I wanted Romney to win. But only because I felt that if he did it would buy us some time. But if you look at it through the lens of how does it effect Israel, the you would see that Obama is bad for Israel, which we all pretty much agree on. But Romney would have been good for Israel. What I mean by this is that Obama is friendly to Muslims in the Middle East and he sees Israel as an oppressor just like he sees America as an oppressor. Romney is the exact opposite.
If we are to have faith in His Word, and we understand that Islam is the religion of the prince of sin, then we must begin to understand that anything that furthers the rise of an Islamic empire, is within God’s plan. Romney would likely not have made policy decisions that would further His plan.
Remember that in the end of the last days, life must get worse before it gets better (in the sense of the millennial reign).
It may be hard to understand, but what is bad for Israel is actually good for Israel. But only if you look at it through the prism of God’s plan for redemption.
When ever you are depressed about the world or something in your own life, or if perhaps you are simply confused as to why things are happening in this world, just remember this one thing and you will have peace:
If you knew what God knew, you wouldn’t change a thing.
I reiterate what I have posted elsewhere: The United States will be taken less seriously in the next four years, than what it thinks it deserves.
When the wind is reaped, the harvest is the whirlwind.
It has always been this way, and it will continue to be this way.
My condolences on the election. Its only 4 years. Cant last forever 😉
WOAH, wait a minute….did you say POST-birth infanticide? Are you kidding me?!
Joel – great article! It never ceases to amaze me that so many who call themselves “Christian” yet do not have the mind of Christ. Biblical values = Conservatism and Liberalism = the World’s system or Man’s Ways. Many who claim to have faith in Christ, but yet they are friends with the world. This is a great contradiction! I have changed my Eschatology thanks to your teachings. You have gained my confidence in your handling of Scriptures with your sound Hermeneutics. I talk to all my friends and family about your books and DVDs. I would like to see more on Post Trib Rapture and the Millennium. I have everything you have published. God Bless you and your ministry!
Well said, Joel…these are shocking times, but they bring us ever closer to the hope promised through out the scriptures of a wonderful, just Kingdom under the Messiah’s rulership. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, knowing what would befall his people. We can weep over Washington, for we have a Saviour that knows our pain, but is faithful to remedy the ills of this present evil age. Thanks again for your words of truth and encouragement!
Hi Joel,
Nice article. After the election, I made a point of reviewing and meditating on Habakkuk 3. It was good again to ponder and savor verses 17-19:
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my stength …”
and so, I will wait patiently…
Great response Joel!
I appreciate that you remind us that we can never know the heart of a person but also that their actions should be weighed and judged.
A man who affirms the murder of children is a truly lost man, not beyond redemption in Christ, but certainly lost at this moment. And Obama is lost based upon his attitude towards the unborn and the born. Indeed, he really needs to step into authentic manhood and put himself on the line for the sake of the next generation.
Too bad so many people seem to believe him when he claims to be a Christian, one who follows Christ, and yet strongly supports infanticide, “homosexual marriage”, and the other moral delusions that go along with such positions. On these issues, he is not following Christ.
Certainly, there are other issues to consider in the presidency but what Christian really wants economic and diplomatic success (not that Obama has given this by any means) at the price of as many murdered children as tax payer funding can buy? I’d take poverty for their lives any day.
It’s good to be reminded of what Jesus says about children and those who hate them;
Mat_18:6 and whoever ensnares one of these little ones who trust me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the open sea!
Mat_18:10 See that you never despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually seeing the face of my Father in heaven.
Mat_18:14 Thus your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to be lost.
Mar_9:42 “Whoever ensnares one of these little ones who trust me — it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be thrown in the sea.
May God continue to bless you, brother!
It’s so refreshing to hear someone boldly describe all those we ought to hate and fear, and to point to as the source of evil and the reason that God is forsaking us in these dark times. In this confusing culture, it is difficult to know who is the enemy and who is not. How will we know for sure who to hate and fear and whose hypocrisy we can overlook? I for one do not want to live in a godforsaken world where there is no one left to tell me who to hate and fear. Thank you and God bless you!
Hi Joel
Thanks for article. Most Christians here in Australia share with our American brothers and sisters the disappointment of the re-election of Obama. If anything our political system here is more divided and dysfuntional than yours. I observe with sadness how far both our nations have gone in driving God from our public and private lives. The accumulated compromise of promiscuity, material excess and pride over the past forty or so years is storing up for us a fearful consequence. Unfortunately the Churh of Jesus Christ has not led the way in being the salt and we look like being put through the furnace in the near future. However Gods grace is always sufficient for those who look to the cross. God bless. Mark.
Post-birth infanticide! That is blatant lie Joel. How President Obama has voted on issues is a matter of public record. I challenge you to provide the official links to those records supporting your claim.
Greg Anderson,
Obama’s tactic of denying demonstrable truths by shouting down his opponents will not work here. This tactic, used over and over by the President during the debates and also used by several Obama activists who both called my home and came to my door over the past few months, has surpassed tiring. But denials and shouting louder will not work here. In my house, the rights of the innocent and defenseless will always be defended. I will not allow anyone to cloud the truth concerning this abomination in our midst, or the present President’s repeated support for it.
Here are the facts. While a Senator, Obama voted against the “Born Alive Infant Protection Bill” multiple times. Beyond this, as President, Obama crafted the Obama health care bill, now passed, which broadly expands woman’s rights to “abortion” including post-birth “abortion” aka infanticide. As I already said, to me this speaks of lacking any moral compass. This is brute barbarism and utter depravity. Defend it and support it if you choose, but as I have already stated, the Bible is clear; there is a day of justice coming for all the inhabitants of the earth.
http://www.bernardgoldberg.com/now-your-momma-can-abort-you-after-you-are-born/
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-107hr2175enr/pdf/BILLS-107hr2175enr.pdf
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUkbuhXzbvI&feature=player_embedded
http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/Obamacoveruponbornalive.htm
http://www.wnd.com/2008/01/45553/
http://www.jillstanek.com/29383467.mp3
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/obama_and_infanticide.html
http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/SenRepubStaffAnalysisSB1082.html
http://www.nrlc.org/ObamaBAIPA/ObamaKills2003amendedBAIPA.htm
Great response to Greg…..those facts cannot be denied! The Bible says in the last days even the elect will be deceived and the peoples hearts will be hardened.
Question: So I can understand this, you believe in post tribulation rapture?
No idea re: Hagee.
Yes, I am post-trib, but charitable toward all other conservative futurists. In my opinion, rather than endlessly arguing regarding pre or post trib, we should agree to encourage one another to aggressively prepare for giving a faithful witness unto death. The time for strutting egos and the prophecy wars of yesterday should be over IMO. The night is already upon us, let us be about the work of God.
I whole heartedly agree! I was just curious to your thinking regarding the tribulation since you have obviously researched it so extensively! So has Dr Tim Lahaye endorsed your reaearch about the post tribulation also? I know he used to be a pre-trib. Love your books! When is the next one coming out?
Tim Lahaye is entirely Pre-Tribulational in his theology and outlook. I certainly would not read his recommendation of my book as a wholesale endorsement of everything it teaches.
Joel, I appreciated your remarks regarding the election. I am a member of Pastor Tim Warner’s church…so you know we are post trib! Regardless of what I know will happen in the future, I too retained some hope that America would choose a strong moral choice. This wasn’t about a man’s religion so much as it was about a moral point of view. The disappointment came when I had begun to believe we had a second chance… and just might take it! It’s such an encouragement to me that there are other likeminded people out there. We are not alone! Dwindling…obviously…but not alone!
Tim Warner is fantastic. A shining light for sure.
@Sam, who wrote in part, “It’s over for America as a nation that serves God. There will be no great revival.”
Revival will not begin with a nation, a community, or even a church. It will begin with an individual. Do not let this statement be daunting. I don’t think anyone ever set out to create a great revival. I think that in the minds of those who led one, they were thinking only how they themselves could stand to serve God personally. The revival begins when others sit up and take notice of the true devotion that a single person demonstrates in order that they too should follow – not as a movement – but in their own heart for the glory of God.
It can be disconcerting when we see a majority of people in our county, state, and nation elect for themselves the broad path, but it is understandable. When the house of cards crash, will God find faith here on earth in us to reassure and lead dead souls to the One who can give them an eternal hope? May it be so.
@ Keith
I read Joel Rosenberg’s blog also. He frequently mentions hope for a Great Revival. I forget that some people may not read his blog also. Sorry, man. My point was not to give up hope, but to begin at home and in your communities. Help lead one person to Jesus at a time and be prepared for trouble.
Amen! Words of wisdom!!!
Amen Joel!! We don’t have to lose heart, of course our hearts ache when we see these things but we know that our redemption draws near. We can gladly share our faith to unbelievers regardless of the consequences, just like the early church knowing that the Spirit of God is with us. If we would just forget about ourselves (worldly pursuits) and put high priority on the great commission as we go about our lives; we will see a move of God a great moved of God. But not what many are calling for, not the nation turning to God but individuals turning to God, family’s turning to God. I’m convinced that in America and many other countries, God is pouring out His Spirit while unbelievers and their leaders are becoming more corrupt and enveloped in darkness. Jesus said it would be as the days of Sodom which is extreme wickedness, extreme darkness and the days of Noah, which is unbelief. If we only look in the natural, our hearts would fail for fear (and many are and will) but if we keep our eyes on Jesus and follow Him we will truly walk in victory and experience the best days of our lives. I just wish believers would stop living in a fantasy land and open their eyes to the Truth of the Word of God and pray and act accordingly.
Thanks for your hard work and research it is truly a blessing to me!!
Tina
I liken America to Israel when they turned their backs on God and Obama is like their enemies. God raised up Israel’s enemies against her and God has handed America over to an enemy ideology. In either case all it (took)takes, to turn the situation around, for the good of the nation, (was)is the people of God to obey 2nd Chronicles 7:14.
I am disappointed in your comments. I really enjoy reading your blog, and am currently going through your latest book with my small group. Though I appreciate your zeal for America, and passion for a better future for our citizens, I am saddened by your portrayal of liberals and the way you speak about our president. It seems clear to me in scripture on how we are to respond to those in authority over us. We are called to pray for our governmental leaders, and live peaceable lives. And if that is not enough, Jesus goes on to say how we should treat our enemies in Matthew 5. We are called to bless those who persecute us, and really love our enemies. I am really concerned in the “tone” I hear from many Christians these days in how they speak about those political leaders they oppose, and am afraid in how that message is perceived by a world that is watching us. I feel all to often in the political discourse in America, that we Christians unfortunately do not accurately reflect the heart of Jesus.
I am a voting Republican, and like you believe in fiscal responsibility, and smaller government, and I too am concerned with some of the moral issues that face our nation, but I am not naive to think that unrighteousness only exists in the Democratic party. Both parties fall far short of God’s ideal, so I continue to place my hope in the only true righteous kingdom that is coming when Jesus returns, and this hope gives me the grace to speak well of, bless and pray for whoever is elected into office. Come Lord Jesus, come!
Terry,
A couple others have expressed their distaste for this article. Most have written to express their appreciation. What the unappreciative do not seem to recognize is that the first portion was intended to be playfully over the top in its tone. We all have differing senses of humor. While many for instance cannot stand characters like Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter, I often find them to be very entertaining. But I don’t take their over the top comments as entirely serious. Nor should you take my introductory comments here so seriously.
Many Blessings
Thanks Mr. Richardson for graciously responding back.
Blessings!
I, too, was greatly disappointed with the election results, however, I rest in the knowledge that my God IS Sovereign and chooses whom to put in postions of authority. I know He is working His plan. It is not our plan. We need to try to see things from His perspective and not our own.
Yesterday I happened upon another blogger who used scathing language to berate you. I was saddened and shocked they called themselves Christians while hiding behind terminoloy like “righteous indignation” (sp?)as an excuse to use such words presented in such a manner. There are Christian ways to disagree. I do hope that you continue to refuse to be drawn into that behavior.
I do believe God is using you to turn the page on propecy and allowing us to learn more. Your information is proven day after day in the news. Where’s any inkling about Roman Empire in today’s news. I was an avid follower of Jack Van Impe back in the day and he was a Roman Empire person. Many things he spoke of have come to pass. Too sad that he chose a day for Christ’s return. This has turned people away from him because the Bible is clear: no one knows the day or the hour. Anyway, I’d like to know what he thinks about the Islamic Anti-Christ. Great job being God’s trumpet.
All Christians should pray for America,for the unborn and homosexuality which is being opposed by its leader.Repentance is being needed before late.
you know joel i have been studying prophecy for seven rather intense years. I started with Left behind and over the years have come more to your line of reasoning. in many things i don’t quite think you have it right, but in many you do and I have no question that your heart is with Christ, therefore what you have to say should be listened to. HOWEVER, one thing that much of the Christian Right has been wrong about this last couple of years in particular is this. Obama was the only Christian to vote for this last election. Had we elected Romney, regardless of what he says his views are or not, we would have been promoting to the position that has long been called the most powerful man in the world, a man who honestly believes that someday he will be a God on the same level as Christ and Jehovah. I respect Mr. Romney as a person, but I refused to be the one casting the winning vote for the first openly non christian president. true Jefferson was a deist, but realistically to the average voting man, that would have seemed Christian, the same with many others. Mormon is not the same thing. the average person today has access to knowledge of what a Mormon is and believes. I come from a large family, many of which are Mormon and I can tell you, there is a vast difference. So as a fellow believer, I must say something. if there is a falling away of the United states of America in the recent years, it is this. that we were ready to place someone in the oval office who believes the Bible In so much as it is correctly translated, and placed Joseph Smith as the completer of Christ’s message. that means that what Jesus said and did was not good enough.
[Hi Joel, here’s something intriguing that I ran into while on my computer.]
Pretrib Rapture Pride
by Bruce Rockwell
Pretrib rapture promoters like Thomas Ice give the impression they know more than the early Church Fathers, the Reformers, the greatest Greek New Testament scholars including those who produced the KJV Bible, the founders of their favorite Bible schools, and even their own mentors!
Ice’s mentor, Dallas Sem. president John Walvoord, couldn’t find anyone holding to pretrib before 1830 – and Walvoord called John Darby and his Brethren followers “the early pretribulationists” (RQ, pp. 160-62). Ice belittles Walvoord and claims that several pre-1830 persons, including “Pseudo-Ephraem” and a “Rev. Morgan Edwards,” taught a pretrib rapture. Even though the first one viewed Antichrist’s arrival as the only “imminent” event, Ice (and Grant Jeffrey) audaciously claim he expected an “imminent” pretrib rapture! And Ice (and John Bray) have covered up Edwards’ historicism which made a pretrib rapture impossible! Google historian Dave MacPherson’s “Deceiving and Being Deceived” for documentation on these and similar historical distortions.
The same pretrib defenders, when combing ancient books, deviously read “pretrib” into phrases like “before Armageddon,” “before the final conflagration,” and “escape all these things”!
BTW, the KJV translators’ other writings found in London’s famed British Library (where MacPherson has researched) don’t have even a hint of pretrib rapturism. Is it possible that Ice etc. have found pretrib “proof” in the KJV that its translators never found?
Pretrib merchandisers like Ice claim that nothing is better pretrib proof than Rev. 3:10. They also cover up “Famous Rapture Watchers” (on Google) which shows how the greatest Greek NT scholars of all time interpreted it.
Pretrib didn’t flourish in America much before the 1909 Scofield Bible which has pretribby “explanatory notes” in its margins. Not seen in the margins was jailed forger Scofield’s criminal record throughout his life that David Lutzweiler has documented in his recent book “The Praise of Folly” which is available online.
Biola University’s doctrinal statement says Christ’s return is “premillennial” and “before the Tribulation.” Although universities stand for “academic freedom,” Biola has added these narrow, restrictive phrases – non-essentials the founders purposely didn’t include in their original doctrinal statement when Biola was just a small Bible institute! And other Christian schools have also belittled their founders.
Ice, BTW, has a “Ph.D” issued by a tiny Texas school that wasn’t authorized to issue degrees! Ice now says that he’s working on another “Ph.D” via the University of Wales in Britain. For light on the degrees of Ice’s scholarliness, Google “Bogus degree scandal prompts calls to wind up University of Wales,” “Thomas Ice (Bloopers),” “be careful in polemics – Peripatetic Learning,” and “Walvoord Melts Ice.” Also Google “Thomas Ice (Hired Gun)” – featured by media luminary Joe Ortiz on his Jan. 30, 2013 “End Times Passover” blog.
Other fascinating Google articles include “The Unoriginal John Darby,” “X-raying Margaret,” “Edward Irving in Unnerving,” “Pretrib Rapture Politics,” “Pretrib Rapture Secrets,” “Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty,” “Pretrib Hypocrisy,” “Pretrib Rapture Secrecy,” and “Roots of Warlike Christian Zionism” – most from the author of “The Rapture Plot,” the most accurate documentation on pretrib rapture history.
Can anyone guess who the last proud pretrib rapture holdout will be?
(Postscript: For another jolt or two Google “The Background Obama Can’t Cover Up.”)