Sensationalism vs. Scripture: Don’t Get Caught Up in End Time Speculation

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On May 9, 2023

The current global financial crisis, wars, and the rise of apostate Christianity have led many believers to indulge in the sensationalism of these events. Some ministries are excessively preoccupied with the end-time events and the coming of the Antichrist and the Beast System, with no teaching, only using scripture to sensationalize current events. Although it’s crucial to study end-time events and understand the “signs of the times,” it’s no more or less important than any other doctrine in scripture.

 

Clear Signs of the End Times for Grace Age Believers

As grace age believers, the apostle Paul writes in II Timothy chapter 3 and makes it abundantly clear what the world will look like just before the Lord comes for His church – His body or the rapture. The cataclysmic events mentioned in Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are related to the Lord’s second coming, not the rapture of the Church. The only sign grace age believers are to look for is the complete moral breakdown of society delineated in the verse below.

 

‘But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!’

II Timothy 3:1-5

 

As believers, we must not allow ourselves to be consumed by speculation on end-time events. Instead, we must focus on sharing the Gospel and living a life that pleases God. We must remember that God is sovereign and in control of all things, including the end times. Our mission is to serve Him as ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), love others, and be ready for Christ’s return whenever it happens.

 

Let’s not be distracted by end-time sensationalism and instead focus on what really matters – studying the word of God daily, living a life that honors God, and sharing the good news of salvation with those around us.

 

Before the End of All Things and the New Heaven & New Earth

 

Thank you for reading.

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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

 

 

 

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

Z

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

Z

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

Z

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

Z

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

Z

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Z

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Z

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-42cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

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