In one of my most recent posts, there was mention of Glenn Beck and how he has helped bridge the gap between Christians and Mormons. Just days after I wrote that post, an evangelical member of my family contacted me about something Beck had shown the other day on end times from both a Christian and Muslim perspective. Her exact words were “God sure is using Glenn Beck to wake up the American people”. I decided to check out what she was referring to.
In this particular broadcast, Beck lays out end times from a Christian perspective and a Muslim perspective. He basically points out that the individual Christians refer to as the Anti-Christ is praised by the Muslims as a prophet. The mark of the beast Christians are warned to stay away from, is something that is welcomed by the Muslims and receiving the mark is an honor.
To me, this is interesting but didn’t see a reason to get frantic or distressed over anything. My perspective is that if I live my life in line with the gospel I shouldn’t worry.
It seems to me that most evangelical Christians are very well-versed in end-times prophesies and dedicate ministries to end times. I was referred to the Olive Tree Ministries by my family member as well as Understanding the Times. Both of these sites dedicate everything to current events and things happening that prove the end is near.
I found it interesting that within myself I do not feel a strong sense of urgency or distress. I wondered if that was me just being careless or if that is how it should be so I decided to look into what LDS prophets have said about the end times. I found a great video entitled “Be not Troubled” that is part of the lesson material from the Doctrine and Covenants manual entitled “Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord to Come“. I found comfort in the scriptures and the video knowing that if I’m prepared I have no need to worry.
What are your thoughts? Should we worry about the Anti-Christ and the end of the world? What is your take on preparing for the Second Coming?
Grace for Grace 
11 comments
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February 20, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Steve
The key is perspective.
Those who knew Jesus thought the end would come shortly.
In 1000 A.D., all of Christianity virtually ground to halt because the end was about to be manifest.
Some thought the black plague was a sign.
Joseph Smith and many early Mormons expended Armageddon within a decade or two.
Many Americans became frantic over the Y2K issue which was surely going to collapse society.
In the past decade, some have seen 9/11, the war on terror, the invasion of Iraq, the Patriot Act, North Korea as signs of the last stage of human history.
Today, many look at President Obama, health care, Egypt or the budget deficit as impending signs of doom.
Anyone pick up a pattern?
First, everyone always assumes that their time is the one.
Second, some obsess about the issue.
Third, fanatics are discredited when nothing dramatic happens.
We really need to be careful. The world is not now in some kind of downward spiral. People live longer. We have far less conflict that 60 or 70 years ago. Prosperity is far more widespread. Divorce is less common than a few decades ago.
Nor is there any no indication that earthquakes are substantially more common or devastating storms.
And, even with current turmoil, the Middle East is more stable than it was in most of the 20th Century.
Fundamentally, the End of Days will be dramatic. Not the piddly issues we see today.
We need to worry more about our families and communities and less about casting whatever we don’t like as a sign of the arrival of the Anti-Christ.
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February 21, 2011 at 10:35 pm
ama49
I’m right there with you Steve. Thanks for the comments!
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February 21, 2011 at 2:56 am
Cal
I agree with both ama and Steve.
This is not to say that I disagree with Glenn Beck. I’ve heard from other reputable sources as well that what the individual Christians refer to as the Anti-Christ is praised by the Muslims as a prophet.
God doesn’t want us to know exactly when our Lord will return but I’m going to go against the grain and say that the Lord isn’t coming back for a while. I believe the church of Jesus Christ (including non-Mormon Christians, of course) has a lot more growing to do. The Parable of the Weeds seems to indicate that we will mature before Jesus returns.
When he does return, it will not be the end but only the beginning for we who love him!!
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February 21, 2011 at 10:36 pm
ama49
Amen, Cal!
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February 21, 2011 at 4:59 am
Syphax
Steve, you’ve put into words perfectly what I’ve been thinking for weeks now.
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February 21, 2011 at 6:46 am
ezra
Let’s take our cue from Jesus.
In the first place, Jesus didn’t tell them “end-time details” until the disciples asked.
(Which tells me that one thing was important: believing.trusting God above all things.)
Second, even if all the signs are being checked off the eschatological listing,
and we are down to the really heady items, like distress in the heavens.
(which would really freak me out, by comparison)
Jesus says,
Lift up your head, for your salvation is drawing near.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
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February 21, 2011 at 11:45 am
wonderdog
I’m not worried. I do what the prophet councels us to do. I have a years supply of food. I am totally out of debt. I fulfill my callings.
My father died of a stroke at age 36. I was 11. As a teenager I realized that there was wisdom in being prepared to die at any time. I had a stroke recently. I was glad that I had sufficient life insurance, disability insurance, and was right with God.
Any of us could be called home at any time. Are we ready?
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February 21, 2011 at 10:33 pm
ama49
Wonderdog,
Very good comments. I think it’s great you’ve done everything both temporally and spiritually to be prepared. I think people who focus too much on one or the other (spiritual/temporal prepardness) are missing the boat.
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February 23, 2011 at 1:00 am
Cal
Good, uplifting discussion.
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February 24, 2011 at 6:49 am
Anthony E. Larson
Firstly, when did God reveal that mainstream Christianity had become acceptable? I thought the implication of Christ’s admonition to Joseph in the First Vision to “join none of them” meant that Christian doctrine was riddled with falsehood. Did they suddenly stumble upon the truth where prophecy is concerned? I think not. So, why turn to evangelicals for any truth?
Sadly, I see nearly all Mormons falling into this same trap. They turn to evangelical ministers’ opinions about the last days. That’s misguided spiritual laziness in my book. Instead, they should be seeking out the teachings on the subject by latter-day prophets, the Savior and his apostles and ancient prophets. The real answers lie there, not in the wild speculations of modern evangelicals and millenialists.
Secondly, no one who truly understands prophecy should feel “urgency” or “distress.” That stress is reserved only for those who misread prophecy … though I guess that includes almost everyone, as I see it … Glenn Beck included. Those are the folks that see the fulfillment of End Times events in current events. Their ignorance fills them with fear and dread when they read prophecy because they simply do not understand it.
If you truly wish to learn my take on these topics, as you wrote, I suggest you visit my blog (www.mormonprophecy.blogspot.com) I suggest you begin with the monographs “Prophecy in the Atomic Age” and “The Gospel Litmus Test.”
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February 25, 2011 at 3:38 am
Cal
Thanks for dropping by, Anthony.
You said, “When did God reveal that mainstream Christianity had become acceptable?”
I used to think that Mormonism was a non-Christian cult. Through lots of prayer, Bible study, and investigation of the LDS, God showed me otherwise. Jesus inspired me to be an independent thinker and be willing to go against the grain of my tragically misinformed fellow evangelicals.
Anthony, I guarantee that if you do the same from the other side of the divide, you’ll get a revelation that mainstream Christians are acceptable simply because we believe in and follow Jesus. Acts 10:43: “All the prophets testify about him [Jesus] that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Have a great day, brother.
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