Review of Caleb Graham’s, Resurrection Debate

Last week I had the privilege of sharing some of my thoughts regarding Caleb Graham’s recent debate with Mike Holloway regarding the ‘resurrection of the dead’. You can listen to that short review at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=723JxB0TbMc

In that review I shared thoughts regarding the “hope of Israel” through Hebraic perspective, especially as made known through the Law and the Prophets (i.e., the Old Testament).  I mentioned the importance of understanding the Old Testament narrative to gain insight regarding what the New Testament writers are pointing back to, especially pertaining to what we might understand the ‘resurrection of the dead’ to be (cf. Hosea 6:2; Hosea 13:14; Isaiah 25:8 – all of which the Apostle Paul quotes from). I mentioned a bit about “dust” and “corruption” as found throughout the Biblical narrative as well. In the debate, Caleb mentioned my resources, which I greatly appreciated. As pertaining to the topic of ‘dust’, I recommend reading and studying through my blog, ‘Man of Dust’, which can be found at then following link, https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/man-of-dust-genesis-ancient-near-eastern-origins/

In that blog, I assert, “‘Dust’ as used through Scripture and historical context also carries the thought of humility and desperation. When Adam and Eve sin and suffer “the death” due to sin, they are ashamed and hide themselves from God- no longer freely roaming in the blessedness of God’s garden as He provided to them. This will later be the story of fleshly Israel as well- they violate the command God gives them and thus suffer shame.”

Adam and Eve are now “dead”, as God told them the day they eat of the tree they shall surely die. God provides them with a covering and removes them from the Garden where they enjoyed God’s presence and possibility of “immortality” through the Tree of Life. From dust they were created, to dust they shall return.” 

Also, the topic of corruption, which Mike Holloway seems to want to relate to the physical human experience, this can be simple clarified by gaining what I refer to as a ‘narrative understanding’ of the topic. Simple go to BlueLetterBible.com and type in the words ‘corrupt’ and ‘corruption’ and survey the Scriptures that pertain to that topic. What became corrupt and why in the Old Testament? How does Jesus and all that was promised regarding the Messiah in the Old and New Testament deliver man from that corruption? 

I mentioned the all too often ‘presumptive thinking’ that is brought to the debate table with Futurists, rather than sincere examination, especially regarding the Church Fathers. Caleb did a great job mentioning issues with the Didache and also Church Fathers, which rather than understanding his point, Mike Holloway took opportunity to highlight a side issue (what he talked about regarding ‘prescriptive’ and ‘descriptive’ details). It was all too clear that Mike Holloway fails to see how and why much of his perspective is not properly studied out, nor in line with the Biblical narrative. For example, Mike Holloway tried to highlight that because Romans 8:21 used to word “creation” (ktisis in the Greek), that this must mean physical creation. Well, not only is that out-of-context regarding a proper understanding of Romans 8, in line with the “creation” that was corrupted due to the Law (of Moses), sin, and death. The Apostle’s understood “creation” to be far more limited than all physical creation in texts such as 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 1:23 1 Peter 2:13.  Also, Mike Holloway continued to borrow points from texts without seeking their Old Testament context. For example, in citing 1 Corinthians 15:4, he asserts this is all about Christ’s physical resurrection, when actually is was a citation, (“according to the Scriptures”), from Hosea 6:2. 

Caleb, from the very start of the debate, demonstrated the importance of taking seriously the imminent expectation of the first century Christians and time-statements, listing verses such as 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (wherein we read that some would be “alive and remain” up until the coming of the Lord), the last days mentioned in James 5:7-10 and Hebrews 10:36-37, and “that generation” of Matthew 24:34 (cf. Numbers 32:13). 

Mike Holloway tried to affirm that 1 Thessalonians 4:16 could not have happened yet because “the Lord Himself” must come physically. Caleb responded by citing Amos 2:9-10, how the Lord Himself led Israel out of Egypt. Nothing about that phrase demands a physical appearance of the Lord. 

Overall, Caleb Graham did a great job demonstrating the power of preterism (a past and Spiritual resurrection) and the flaws of the futurist view when it comes to a future and physical resurrection. 

You too can watch and review the debate between Caleb Graham and Mike Holloway regarding the ‘resurrection of the dead’ at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7o3VcoGMAc&t=8s

Sincerely submitted, 
Michael Miano, pastor 
The Blue Point Bible Church 
www.bluepointbiblechurch.org 

Examining Isaiah With NCMI Live

Bible teacher, Ward Fenley, has a ministry called New Creation Ministries International (http://www.newcreationministries.tv/). Mr. Fenley offers a variety of articles, sermons, and YouTube teachings through his ministry namely focused in on eschatology, proctology, and the sovereignty of God. 

This past Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, Michael Miano (director of TPPN and pastor at The Blue Point Bible Church) joined in on the live Zoom/ YouTube session of NCMI Live. The study and discussion was through Isaiah chapter 54, and next Tuesday will be Isaiah chapter 55. You can watch that video teaching at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nw-ukhddJc

Isaiah 54 (part of the larger context of Isaiah 49-55) is a beautiful description of the New Covenant and how the people of God hoped to put on righteousness. Much of the discussion between Fenley and Miano was highlighting the prophetic hopes and how they were given Apostolic commentary in the New Testament. Texts such as Galatians 4:21-31, Revelation 21:10-27, Hebrews 8, John 6:41-47, and Matthew 6:33 were offered up and discussed as pertaining to the hope of Israel. The closing of the NCMI Live teaching highlighted how the New Covenant and the grace, mercy, and love of God that is demonstrated through it is the “heritage of the servants of the Lord”. 

Also, following the study, the next morning’s devotional reading from Max Lucado highlighted the “clothing” that covers and identifies God’s people under the New Covenant. Consider the following graphic.

Visit the website. Follow Ward Fenley on Facebook. Tune in on Tuesdays at 9:30pm et.  Be blessed by solid Bible teaching. 

“The whole Bible is about the contrast between self-righteousness and Christ’s righteousness”. – Ward Fenley

Date vs. Miano (Post-Debate Resources)

On August 11th, 2020, Michael Miano, director of The Power of Preterism Network (www.powerofpreterism.com) debated Chris Date, apologist at ReThinkingHell.com. The subject of the debate was Chris Date affirming that “There Will Be A Future Physical Resurrection of the Dead”, to which Michael Miano offered the negative. This blog will provide not only the link to the debate, but also some of the follow-up resources that were provided.

You can watch that debate on YouTube at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFLmRpxRhN4&t=2s

On the Sunday following the debate, Michael Miano preached a sermon titled, “Jesus Christ is the Resurrection” at The Blue Point Bible Church. You can view that sermon (which begins around the 17 minute mark) at the following link,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLCH8370ri4&t=24s

Also, Pastor Miano has also provided an online review of the debate which you can watch the following link as well,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K56-t9LwYo0&t=59s

Lastly, Chris Date participated in post-debate in interview with the Reformed Rookie podcast, which you can view at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGHW3kKUQcM

May these resources encourage your growth in the grace and knowledge of God, and urge you toward a continued ethic of seeking, searching, studying, and proving all things in accordance with the Scriptures.

Preparation for upcoming debate w/Chris Date

As I look forward to and prepare for my upcoming debate with apologist Chris Date from RethinkingHell.com regarding the “resurrection of the dead”, I have found it to be imperative that I put together this blog of the various teachings, articles, debates, videos, and podcasts I have offered on the subject. The goal is to not only review them myself, but to also foster some sort of “peer review” by challenging those who read this blog to go through the teachings and come up with edifying thoughts or questions. And, of course, I’ll be sending this blog to Chris Date so that he can be best informed of my position on the “resurrection of the dead”, and that our debate will be brought forth with intellectual honesty and clarity.

I will be in the negative for the debate, meaning that I will seek to prove that, according to the Scriptures understood in their right context, we who are alive 2,000 years removed from that 1st century generation, are not waiting for an individual, physical body resurrection, to happen in our yet future. Furthermore, I will prove that such notions are not Biblical at all, and were not expected by the 1st century Apostles of Jesus Christ (in their time or at any latter date).

 

My most recent blog regarding details on the resurrection of the dead was written in February and can be accessed at the following link, https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2020/02/12/discussing-the-glorified-body-pt-1/

 

The following links are blogs and audio recordings I have published regarding different factors and details pertaining to a Biblical understanding of the resurrection of the dead (subject to the right of the links),

https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2017/05/27/notebook-review-resurrection-of-the-dead/ – Notebook review of the resurrection of the dead

https://powerofpreterism.wordpress.com/2017/05/03/an-introduction-to-and-praise-of-the-corporate-body-view-cbv/ – intro to CBV

https://powerofpreterism.wordpress.com/2016/04/ – soma/body

https://powerofpreterism.wordpress.com/2017/03/02/the-last-enemy-the-triumph-of-christ-a-book-review/ – the last enemy

https://powerofpreterism.wordpress.com/2018/09/20/resurrection-talk-explained-reviewed/ – Resurrection talk – explained and reviewed

https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2015/10/09/man-of-dust-genesis-ancient-near-eastern-origins/ – Man of Dust

https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2014/04/17/1-corinthians-15-summaries/ – 1 Corinthians 15 Summaries

https://www.academia.edu/23671162/_Replacing_the_Resurrection_Considering_the_Confusion_and_Finding_Clarity_in_Scripture_ – Replacing the Resurrection

http://www.buzzsprout.com/11630/856765-a-detailed-discussion-on-the-resurrection-of-the-dead-michael-miano-don-johnsen – A Detailed Discussion on the Resurrection w/ Don Johnsen

 

Below you will find various links to YouTube teachings I have published on the topic:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMUhZ2_BI5M&t=1608s – Resurrection Talk (2019)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7zaUtNfLC0&t=689s  – Discussion w/ Ed Stevens regarding “change” (2018)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLFEmHzultM&t=11s – Pulling Apart the Strawman – Resurrection (2013)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puyjBlymUHo&t=86s – Understanding ‘Soma Salvation) (2018)

 

There are a variety of Bible teachers/preachers who have taught and debated regarding the proper understanding of the “resurrection of the dead” (that I will be defending), such as, but not limited to, Dr. Don K. Preston, Holger Neubauer, Ward Fenley, Larry Siegle, Dr. William Bell, as well as Sam Dawson, who I look to review their resources and fellowship with prior to the debate. Also, I look to host a variety of public sessions at The Blue Point Bible Church, as well as online, for edifying discussion and study to prepare for the debate. If you so choose to communicate with me, please email me at PastorMikeMiano@Yahoo.com

To God be the glory,

Michael Miano
Pastor, The Blue Point Bible Church
Director, The Power of Preterism Network
Apologist, MGW Apologetics

TPPN “Review & Redeem” Conference Review

Last week, The Power of Preterism Network hosted a conference with the theme of “Review & Redeem”, namely talking about the fruit of Preterism and time-management. A variety of speakers were brought together to share insights, studies, and more. Consider the following Biblical texts:

“Therefore,be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16)”.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12)”.

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that (James 4:13-15)”.

DAY ONE

A discussion between Pastor Michael Miano and Edward Howell, both members of The Blue Point Bible Church, started out the online conference. Time was spent reviewing the 5 points of “What’s Next” that were shared by Bible teacher Ward Fenley at the 2019 BPBC Annual Bible Conference. The 5 points were:

1.) We must assess our Kingdom history

2.) We must assess our Kingdom discussion

3.) We must assess our Kingdom hermeneutic

4.) We must assess our Kingdom faith

5.) We must assess our Kingdom life

Author and Bible teacher, T.J. Smith, shared about time-management and how Preterism shaped him view of time. He challenges us that there should be “No more circling the wagon like the last generation, especially in regards to the message that “Jesus is coming”. He highlighted resources such as 7 Habits off Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, and mentioned Zig Ziglar, ultimately compelling us to see the importance in setting goals. You can find T.J. Smith’s books on Amazon at the following link, https://www.amazon.com/TJ-Smith/e/B0846ZZD5K?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_6&qid=1592953784&sr=8-6

Also, you can find him on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/tjsmith/videos

I had shared excerpts from Richard Baxter’s message titled, Time is Your Opportunity, and David Martin Lloyd-Jones’ message, Buying Up The Opportunities. Pastor Caleb Graham of Restoration Church weighed in on this first evenings session with the following thought, “We ought to live in our purpose so powerfully that others know who we are and whose we are, by simply seeing us live our what God has for us”.

View DAY ONE of the conference at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvBIwVGio2M&t=3245s

 

DAY TWO

Pastor Michael Miano shared a video on his regular practice of Common Prayer in the early morning of DAY TWO. You can view that at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYeQA-lsq0I

Dr. Cindye Coates, of The Porch, joined in on a discussion with Pastor Mike sharing that “Time-management is a skill I had to learn”. Dr. Coates challenges us to think like an investor, trans-generationally. She did highlight, however, that it’s hard to think about investing and building when so many are captivated with the mantra “time is short”. With a passion to see people discipled and teachers sent out, Dr. Coates remarked, “The plans are man’s, but the odds are God’s”. You can visit the following link to learn more about The Porch, www.theporch.us

Also, keep an eye out for a soon coming CD with worship music highlighting the beauty of Present Truth and our identity in Christ, through the Coates family ministry, Rooted Worship. Here is a link to their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/RootedWorshipBand

Listen to the discussion with Dr. Cindye Coates at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsIf_1oDWmk

Rueben Mitchell, of Kingdom Now Ministries in Tulsa, Oklahoma, shared a discussion with Pastor Mike regarding the need for “Good men standing up” and demonstrating unity, love, a necessary voice in the darkness, and to “bring people into the joy we have”. Rueben shared how “Outreach was the natural outworking of fulfilled eschatology (Preterism)”. Speaking about good time-management, Reuben exhorted each of us to shift when necessary, examine decision-making, and continually ask ourselves “What is bearing fruit?” Learn more about and donate to Kingdom Now Ministries by visiting the following link, KingdomNowMinistries.com

Listen to the discussion with Reuben Mitchell at the following link,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lKiudg7o6I

 

DAY THREE

Bible teacher and commentator, Terry Kashan, joined with Pastor Mike for a discussion that highlighted the importance of consistent daily practices, ultimately because as disciples, we are called into “the most disciplined life in the universe”. Terry highlighted “the light and life” that Jesus had and gave us (cf. John 1:4) as the very essence of reality. In speaking about Spiritual disciples, Terry remarked, “Spiritual disciplines have to be your servant, not your master”.  Terry also highlighted the importance of learning the lessons God has provided for every generation, speaking specifically about the “generational model” that was set forth in the 1st century as a foundation for us to build upon, namely building the community of Believers as the family, temple, bride, and army of God. He mentioned reading The Pilgrim Church to learn more about history, and you can do so at the following link (free-of-charge), http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks10/1000351h.html

You can get your hands on The Kingdom Bible and read Terry’s commentaries – Old Testament Introduction, Ezekiel Synopsis, Obadiah Synopsis, 1 Corinthians Commentary, The Truth of Two Ages, and the Synopsis of Jude, at the following link, Bibleprophecyfulfilled.com

Listen to the discussion with Terry Kashian at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIOqmvct3ic

Elder Mark Horton, of Cloudcroft Church of Christ, in New Mexico shared a great lesson on who the Church is and how can walk worthy of our identity (he even included Power Point!). Mark mentioned a few books by Frank Viola, Pagan Christianity and From Eternity to Here: Rediscovering the Ageless Purpose of God. I rather appreciated Mark’s exhortation that“If we know who we are, perhaps we can do our job a bit better”, especially as he illustrated from texts such as Ephesians 5:22-32, Proverbs 31, and Job 29. He mentioned that the Church has been at a disadvantage being  hung up on the Billy Graham message of individual salvation, whereas the Scriptures focus on a corporate, collective salvation, as well as the Futurist view which leads to “abandonment theology”.

You can follow the ministry of Cloudcroft Church of Christ at the following link, https://cloudcroftchurchofchrist.org/
Also, Mark has shared a few lessons at the following ministry link, WHTT.org

Listen to Mark Horton’s lesson at the following link,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWPZwrgSnp4

Chris Lombardi joined Pastor Mike for an end of the conference chat about time-management. He shared the importance of reflection and self-examination, fellowship with other Believers, starting the day with the Lord, necessary study of Scripture with your family and on your own, cleaving (or being glued to) that which is good, and the need to take each day one by one (cf. Matthew 6:34). Chris also shared importance Greek words such as “akribos” which highlights our need to pay special attention to what we are doing the way an Romans 12, Colossians 4:2-6, Proverbs 17:6, and Proverbs 20:11.

The conference was concluded with our consider the following questions, individually and collectively;

What am I doing for the Lord’s kingdom?

What am I doing to prepare for the future?

How am I contributing to the building up the Body?

Listen to that discussion with Chris Lombardi at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh-Yeb9kdhU

 

“Abhor a sluggish habit of mind: go cheerfully about what you have to do, and do it diligently with all your might”. – Richard Baxter

“…the greatest characteristic of the Christin life is to be consistency”. – David Martin Llloyd-Jones

“I can do nothing with the days that are past, I can do nothing with days that are future – yet I reach out towards them – but I cannot improve them. The past and the future far beyond the reach of my culture. I can neither plow nor sow the future, nor can I prune and correct the past. For practical purposes, the only time I have is that which is just now passing. Did I say I had it? While I said I had it, it is gone, like the meteor that dashes down the sky, the eagles that flies afar, or the swift ships that disappear beyond the horizon. Time present is the only time I may ever have”. – Charles Spurgeon

#TeamPRETERIST podcasts – Reviewing Recent Debates

This week I had the opportunity to review two very edifying recent debates with three brothers in the faith. Our previous blogs provided links and resources for the debates between Michael Sullivan, of Tree of Life Ministries and FullPreterism.com, and Dr. Michael Brown, host of Faith on Fire, as well as the debate between Dr. Don K. Preston, of the Preterist Research Institute, and Samuel Frost, author of Why I Left Full Preterism.

Edward Howell joined me to talk through the value of syllogisms and correlating Bible texts. You can review that video podcast at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJdOxea18ck

Chris Lombardi joined me to offer review of both aforementioned debates. You can review that video podcast at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Glarj3RNSs

Michael Sullivan joined me to offer insights pertaining to the before and after of the debate with Dr. Brown from his very own experience, and also offered thoughts in regards to the recent Preston/Frost debate. You can review that video podcast at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa6rqIWVS8E

Preston/Frost Debate Links

Recently, Dr. Don K. Preston, of the Preterist Research Institute, debated Mr. Sam Frost, author of the book, Why I Left Full Preterism, regarding the “second coming of Christ” and the “resurrection of the dead”.

The following 2 links are the 2 days of the debate:

1.) http://www.ironsharpensironradio.com/podcast/may-28-2020-show-with-don-k-preston-day-1-the-second-coming-of-christ-was-in-ad-70-preston-affirms-frost-denies/

2.) http://www.ironsharpensironradio.com/podcast/may-29-2020-show-with-samuel-frost-day-2-the-physical-resurrection-of-the-dead-is-still-in-our-future-frost-affirms-preston-denies/

TPPN: Sullivan/Brown Debate Review

The discussion we were supposed to have and record regarding the debate between Mr. Michael Sullivan and Dr. Michael Brown on the TPPN monthly Zoom session last night has been postponed. Mr. Chris Lombardi, myself, and other teachers and preachers (still welcoming those interested), will offer up review of the debate.

You can review the debate at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5DZRv56eQg&fbclid=IwAR1sa_e1A60AyOgRy_zqAXZCHTgRuTfVi0kOZFYMPL2fIduSiOdTbKJYsN0

You can read Michael Sullivan follow-up thoughts regarding the debate at this link, https://fullpreterism.com/reviewing-and-critiquing-my-debate-with-charismatic-dr-michael-brown-over-1-corinthians-138-12-and-introducing-a-full-preterist-chronomessianic-interpretation-argument-on-daniel-924-27-that-went-un/?fbclid=IwAR3zsKBWfqwVIFAB_LSxxPwFD_1qF0kwv9aiLpsbfQAzPhZtcO2k6w9e5uQ

I am sharing two charts that demonstrate the fulfilment of the “Great Commission” and the syllogistic details of Matthew chapter 24, 1 Thessalonians 4, and 1 Corinthians chapter 15.

 

I encourage you to look forward to the #TeamPRETERIST podcast that will soon be shared regarding further review of this excellent debate. We are grateful to Michael Sullivan for his efforts. To God be the glory!

Sincerely,
Michael Miano
Pastor, The Blue Point Bible Church
Director, The Power of Preterism Network

 

P.S. – Mr. Sullivan reached out to me after I had shared this blog and provided these two syllogistic charts that didn’t make it to the debate.

 

A Timely Update from The Power of Preterism Network

Blessings,

First allow me to express that I hope each of you are safe, doing well, and maintaining good health. This pandemic surely has tried the faith of many, and I hope you are being kept in the fear of the Lord, not world fear of anxiety and depression. The Gospel doesn’t cease to be good news in the midst of crisis, rather the gospel makes us wiser and brighter in the midst of crisis. Earlier today, I heard the following quote by Albert Einstein, “In the MIDDLE of difficulty lies opportunity”. I couldn’t agree more.Most of our work at TPPN is done online therefore this allows us time to revise some ideas and efforts and also allows you time to get in tune with all that TPPN has to offer.

 

 

Updates

In a few days expect a website change at www.powerofpreterism.com. Our goal is to always bring forth clarity, healing, and strategy as we seek to see Preterism have it’s effect on the front lines of reformation and revival.

 

Our May 2020 Bible Conference at The Blue Point Bible Church may be postponed (or) canceled due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Work is going to be put forth by TPPN to host an online Preterist Conference. More information will be coming soon.

 

 

Update on our ministries:

#TeamPRETERIST – collaborating for the advancement of a Missional Preterism

– Facebook group
– Mission Sheets – coming soon
– Podcast – coming soon

The Preterist Pastors/ Preachers Network– Advancing Preterism in the local church
– Conference Calls – 3/ 30
– Blog – https://thepreteristpastorblog.wordpress.com/

ReformationNOW – A Titus 1:9 Ministry
– Facebook page
– Monthly Topic – April 2020 – “Caught Together To Meet The Lord”
– Local/online conferences

Power Preterism Radio (PPR) – https://www.buzzsprout.com/607474
more interviews and conversations to come
– L.I.F.E. w/MGW (updated bi-weekly)
– Chronicles of Josephus (updated weekly)
– #TeamPRETERIST Podcast / “Boots on the Ground” – coming soon

 

 

Upcoming Resources:

Matthew 24 courses – coming soon

Clarity in Revelation book & teachings- video teachings coming soon
Purchase studyguide at, https://www.amazon.com/Clarity-Revelation-Study-Sermon-Church/dp/1986038246

Getting Answers About Preterism & The End Times – coming soon
A series of clear responses to a series of confusing perspectives

 

Other partnering ministries:

Fulfilled Dynamics

MGW Apologetics

New Covenant Network

Authentic Revelation/ Restoration Church Plano

Take A Closer Look Ministries

By & His Grace & Glory,

Michael Miano, pastor & director
The Blue Point Bible Church/ The Power of Preterism Network

 http://www.powerofpreterism.com

Hating The Purpose? A Review of Bill Young’s Book, Churchism In the Church Age

My recent reading of Bill Young’s book, Churchism In The Church Age, left me thinking the absurd notion that he hates the very purpose and culmination of God’s plan – the church. Go ahead and read Ephesians 3:9-12. In a rather frustrated, aggressive, and yes, a bit arrogant of a way, Mr. Young seeks to detail that by and large, the “…Words of God have been rejected and replaced by traditions of false religions which first began in the 300 AD period”.

 

Teachers, Preachers, & The Ecclesia
It would seem that Mr. Young has wandered into the “rapture theory” of AD 70 in his making the following point, “All of God’s teachers or preachers were removed from the earth by 70 AD and after the Resurrection was completed God chose no more preachers. If He has chosen any other person or persons to speak for Him we would be able to find it written in His Scriptures because God has never left His people in dark”. It may be his failing to understand the Corporate Body View (CBV) within Preterism that has left him thinking it was all meant to be wrapped up in AD 70. Now, instead the “consummation of the ages” was to bring the living and the dead into the “one body” so that through the church, God would be seen and praised “all in all”. Again, either Mr. Young misunderstands the “goal of the ages” or hates the goal of the ages. Not to mention, Bill Young seems to think the “calling out” was a periodic thing, rather than God’s goal through the ages and thus he makes the following statements:

“If the “Ecclesia period” has passed in fulfillment along with the Law, then what are we doing today?”

“The world has accepted “The Church” as the avenue to eternal life, the way of salvation, but without any evidence to support such a conclusion from the Words from heaven found in the Christian Bible”.

 

Preterism
The good news is that Bill Young has knowledge of and seems to be in agreement with “fulfilled Bible prophecy” and clearly sees the problem with futurism. He writes;
“There have been so many predictions about Christ’s return that to compile such a list together would be to compile man’s misunderstanding and ignorance of Scriptures and there would be many, many volumes”.
“There are a few now who go by the name “Preterist” who have rejected the false teachings of Churchism concerning “the end times” of Christ coming soon in our near future”.

 

Forsake the Assembly
In his book, Mr. Young writes, “When it comes to knowledge and understanding, our greatest errors in life come from the lack of good information”. I couldn’t agree more. God’s people were destroyed for their lack of knowledge and for having a zeal for God that was without knowledge (cf. Hosea 4:6; Proverbs 19:2; Romans 10:1-3). Yet, I believe these words should convict Mr. Young. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Believers are exhorted to “prove all things” and “hold fast to that which is good”. It would seem that in his hasty effort to attach the Institutional Church, Mr. Young has failed to consider that just maybe many of the traditions put into effect (as flawed as they might be) are the result of men of God (just as he assumes himself to be) studying and proving what might be good and beneficial for the people in the church and their neighbors.
For example, Mr. Young cites the following two texts and makes the following assertions which demonstrate his ignorance:

In Acts 11:28-29, we read of how the church at Antioch sent money to the church at Jerusalem. Mr. Young goes on to say, “Was this money collected for a church? No, it was collected for those in need…Following the example God left us, we can lay aside 10% or what we can every first day of the week to give to the poor and needy and thereby lay up treasures in heaven”. It would seem that Mr. Young with his ‘isolationist attitude’ has missed the benefit of how strong groups can be and the blessing of 501c3 status when it comes to giving and helping others. So true is the sentiment that ‘we are stronger together’. Also, to be clear, the money in Acts 11:28-29 was collected for a church – “the brethren at Jerusalem’.

He also makes mention of 1 Corinthians 16:2 (which is letter to a corporate group of believers – a church), and says, “However, it does not mention any coming together to accomplish setting aside their money for the needy saints”. Again, it is written to a church, so that by necessity demands “a coming together”.

Young writes, “Read John 4: 21, 23-24 of what Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well concerning the future of physical earth worship”. Or….what Jesus was actually saying is that there will not be a designated location of worship, but rather true worship of gathered Believer’s wherever they are (which surely doesn’t omit gathering together). Actually, the text says that time “now is” meaning it would contradict Hebrews 10:25, where the Believer’s of that time are specifically told “not to forsake gathering together”.

 

God’s Good Creation
The bad news, along with Mr. Young’s seemingly rejection of what God says was the “eternal purpose”, he also has seems to maintain some other false paradigms. For example, Mr. Young seems to think we must still obey the 7th day sabbath of the Old Covenant?!?!? Surely a good understanding of all that Scripture points to would help Him realize our rest, our Sabbath day, is found in Christ Jesus.
Also, Mr. Young in his private reading rather than gathering with a group seems to hold to a strange interpretation of Genesis creation. He writes, “…this world since Adam and Eve was never intended to be a place to love. We should not appreciate or love this miserable world that Adam and Eve’s sin left us. It is eternity that we should look forward to for a much better world”. It would seem that not only has Mr. Young miscategorized the goal of the end, but has also misunderstood what happened in the beginning. The story of Adam and Eve is how ‘covenant death and sin’ plagued the people of God, and that God would build Bible prophecy upon that story to lead to redemption in and through Jesus Christ. The Church is the living reality of everything Adam and Eve failed to be. I wrote a blog about this a while ago, detailing how the Church (the Body of Christ), and every individual church (local members of the Body), are the deposit of life. You can read that blog at this link – https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2019/04/23/the-church-as-the-deposit-of-his-life/

 

Conclusion
I had put off reading Bill Young’s book for quite some time and I am glad that I did. It was depressing and a bit contradictory to read of his issues with “church salvation”; church control”, and “church collection”. He depreciates the thinking men and women of God throughout Church history. Yes, as he writes, “They all came from the creative minds of men after AD 70”, which is not entirely wrong. I just happen to know, see, and believe in God’s eternal purpose – the Church- as a reality that has continued to be shaped and formed, and reformed, by those who “… see and read what we have received from Him, His spoken Words written”. The Church is the product of men and women of Church history doing exactly what Bill Young says Believer’s should be doing, not the antithesis, despite his failing to appreciate and see the benefit of it.
“So what do we do with ourselves today?…We must endeavor to discover from the Scriptures what are our duties and obligations as sons of God”.

(BTW, Bill Young’s confusion and depreciation is all the more reason why this year at the 7th Annual Fulfilled Bible Conference at The Blue Point Bible Church is focusing on what the goal of the end was. Surely many within Preterist circles, as well as Christianity in general, can grow in their understanding of what the goal of the ages was and what we can do to see the continued growth and productivity of what God gave us as His eternal purpose – The Church).

 

Written by: Michael Miano