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

Responding to “Unanswered Challenges to FP”.

Recently, Mr. William Vincent, an opponent of Full Preterist thought, posted what he posited as “Unanswered challenges to Full Preterism”. I will assert that much of what he challenged was either based upon problems drawn up by his own presuppositions (or) have indeed been responded to before. I believe I make that clear in my response to his questions below. As I said years ago, “Full Preterism has answers”.

 

1.) Why does the ascension not play any role in any of the imminent expectations of the Gospels?
Not quite sure I understand this question. The “end of the age” was imminent as demonstrated through time-statements all throughout the Gospels. Part and parcel of the “end of the age” is not only the ‘sign of Jonah’ to that generation (cf. Matthew 12:40) but also the fulfillment of all that was written (i.e., the hope of Israel) (cf. Luke 21:22). In order for the “hope of Israel” to be fulfilled, the Messiah would have to die, ascend, come in glory, and resurrect the dead ones – all of this is explained throughout the epistles, but unfortunately many “ignorant and unstable” people distorted and continue to distort those things (cf. 2 Peter 3:16).

2.) What would 70AD have added to the already glorified Son of Man that He did not already receive in His glorification?
In putting together the framework of fulfilled Bible prophecy it is vital to understand the “already but not yet” progression of events that happened in the first century. When Christ ascended in Acts 1:9-11 it was promised that He could come in the same manner He left (“hidden in the clouds” – which also correlates with what Christ said in Luke 17:20 about the Kingdom not coming with observation). The Parousia of Christ in AD 70 was the inauguration of the Kingdom.
It’s not what did AD 70 add to the Son of Man, but rather, in His coming in AD 70 what did the Son of Man supply to those who eagerly awaited Him? Faithfulness to His Word (cf. Matthew 16:27-28), complete salvation (Hebrews 9:28), and most notable, His demonstrated presence in and through His saints (His Temple) – which was the goal of prophecy (cf. Colossians 1:27). That also explains why the saints proclaimed “His death” until He would come (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:26 ), now we declare His life in and through us.

 

3.) Why was the Kingdom already preached as a reality before 70AD, if the point of 70AD is initiating the Kingdom?
As I mentioned in response to the last question, in putting together the framework of fulfilled Bible prophecy it is vital to understand the “already but not yet” progression of events that happened in the first century. Yes, Jesus Christ said the Kingdom was “at hand” and was in the midst of the people of God prior to AD 70 (cf. Matthew 3:2; Luke 17:21). However, even the Futurist, or especially the Futurist acknowledges that there is more to come (obviously to fulfill the details of the “end times”). Just like understanding the progressive effect of salvation and God’s presence, so it is the same with the Kingdom, and more and more was revealed as the “jots and the tittles” of the Old Covenant, or “all things that were written” were finding their fulfillment.

The real problem is that the Futurist has sought to stretch the progressive fulfillment of these prophecies, the “already but not yet” to be more than 2,000 years. The Preterist asserts that the things which were “not yet” would find their fulfilment within the generation of some of those who were alive at the time of Christ’s earthly existence (cf. Matthew 16:27-28; Matthew 24:34).

Here are two links by popular Full Preterist teachers, Ward Fenley, and Mike Sullivan, regarding “the already but not yet” and the “inauguration of the Kingdom” in AD 70.
https://www.preteristarchive.com/Hyper/1998_fenley_response-zaspel_01.html
http://fullpreterism.com/jesus-taught-the-soteriological-and-eschatological-already-and-not-yet-of-his-kingdom-and-second-coming-would-be-fulfilled-by-ad-70/
4.) Why were Christians already “raised with Christ” spiritually before 70AD, if the resurrection itself was only being raised spiritually? (Also what did 70AD have to do with this?)
In Colossians 3:1, we read “you then being risen with Christ”, which demonstrates that the living saints could experience ‘resurrection power’ before AD 70 (not only did Jesus say this in John 11:25-26, the Apostle John writes in in 1 John 3:14, and said power as the church’s reality is explained by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians chapter 1). Simply put, the living saints could experience the “synergio Christos” by living in faith. But…the “hope of Israel” made known through the Law and the Prophets highlight that generations before the first century would experience “resurrection” as well – this is what the writer of Hebrews is getting at in Hebrews 11:39-40. Neither the living saints of the 1st century or those who had “fallen asleep in Christ” would experience the fulness of salvation until the dead ones were raised.
The “resurrection of the dead” is different than “being raised with Christ”. The “anastasis nekroi” is the standing again of the dead ones, and demonstrated the promise of fulfillment being extended to the Old Covenant saints – those who could not put their faith in Christ in the 1st century. This “standing again” would take place at the coming of the Lord and the destruction of the Temple (cf. Daniel chapter 12 and 1 Corinthians chapter 15).

I had participated in a public discussion with Ed Stevens, a Full Preterist who disagrees with what has come to be known as the “Corporate Body View”. In that debate I explained and demonstrated the “change” spoken of in 1 Corinthians 15:51. You can view that debate at the following link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7zaUtNfLC0&t=501s
5.) Why did Christ promised to be mystically with the Church and never leave her, if he would not return mystically to her until 70AD? (Also what did 70AD have to do with that?)
This is a rather confusing question and reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the ‘telos’/ the goal of the Biblical narrative. God was “mystically” (to borrow the term Mr. Vincent used) present with Old Covenant Israel in the cloud and fire (and later the Ark of the Covenant) and that was based upon their obedience to the Law of Moses. The Old Testament reveals this is problematic, as innate wickedness continually led Israel into disobedience. But God promised….Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, comes to do to the work of fulfillment of the Law and thus rendering it obsolete as the standard of God’s presence (cf. Matthew 5:17-18; Hebrews 8:10). Thus removing “the death” that plagued the people of God by the work of Jesus Christ.

All of that said, Jesus Christ came in the flesh to fulfill necessary aspects of sacrifice, raised in glory to demonstrate His being the power of God (which is what is meant by “seated at the right hand of God”) and thus provided the Church with the Holy Spirit to discern the things of the Spirit, and then came in glory to have His life in His Body, the Church (much of this seems to be demonstrated in John chapter 14). The destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem in AD 70 demonstrated the truth and faithfulness of God through Jesus Christ (this is the very basics of Full Preterism). It demonstrated where God’s presence was to be found. Even the 1st century Jewish historian, Josephus, took note that the burning of the Temple and the signs that followed, were representative of God’s presence departing that Temple and system (“Heaven and Earth”).

A beautiful resource regarding the contemporary application of what God “mystically” did for the saints, the “change of mind” (Gr. Word alasso used in 1 Corinthians 15:51) that was provided, can be found at the following link titled, “Remember Pella”, https://www.preteristarchive.com/Idealism/2005_dubois_pella.html
6.) Why is Christ shown as “in the midst” of the Seven Churches at the opening of the Revelation, if the Revelation is about 70AD and Christ was to only ever be present mystically; and this at 70AD?
Another confusing question which demonstrates Mr. Vincent’s presuppositional desire to impose a different presence of Christ upon the nature of fulfillment. In the beginning chapters of the Book of Revelation we read a vision given to the Apostle John regarding Christ’s declaration to the 7 Churches of Asia Minor (cf. Revelation 1:9 -11, 13, and so on…). The details of Revelation are about things which were, things which are, and things which will come, which again makes it necessary to understand the “already but not yet” of Christ’s presence with His people through the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Not even the Futurist denies this progressive demonstration of Christ’s presence with His people through the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.
In AD 70, the “end of the age” (cf. Matthew 24:3), the details of Revelation chapters 21-22 were fulfilled in that the fullness of the New Covenant was revealed (the “New Jerusalem” of Revelation 21:2 and Galatians 4:23-26), God’s presence and tabernacling among His people was demonstrated (cf. Revelation 21:3), and the “burning up” of the Temple (or the “elements” as Peter mentioned in 2 Peter 3:10) gave evidence to the crying, mourning, and death revealed through the “old order of things” had passed away (cf. Revelation 21:4).

 

7.) In other words, if every single aspect that FPs allow about the return of Christ and resurrection was a reality BEFORE 70AD, then how did 70AD add anything to that and why were the Apostles yet preaching that Christ would return from heaven at the restitution of all things?
Mr. Vincent’s use of “In other words” demonstrates that all of his other questions, which I believe I have sufficiently and Scripturally responded to, led up to the point of what does AD 70 add. As I explained through the various responses I gave that Mr. Vincent fails to grasp the progressive nature of fulfillment being demonstrated through the “already but not yet”. Author and Bible teacher Tony Denton mentions the concept of “prolepsis” as necessary to understand the fulfillment of Bible prophecy and the things of salvation, the Kingdom, and God’s presence. The book of Proverbs mentions the blessing of “a hope fulfilled”, which is what the Preterist asserts happened in AD 70 at the coming of the Lord Jesus, it says it is a “tree of life” (cf. Proverbs 13:12). It offers eternal life. That is demonstrated through a life that has moved from “hoping to having” as author Glenn Hill has mentioned. Point being? This question has been responded to again and again in the Full Preterist community.

Zion’s Fire & Revelation 14

Recently, in a ‘prove all things’ manner, I decided to pick up an issue of Zion’s Fire (I am in extreme disagreement with the premillennial dispensationalism that is fostered by said magazine yet in continues to show up in my mailbox due to BPBC’s previous support). I read through the July – August 2019 issue, namely the article highlighted on the cover, ‘The Lamb, The 144,000, and the Harvest (Rev 14)’. What I’d like to do in this blog is just examine some of the points made in the article and then reference you to my Revelation chapter 14 lecture and teaching outline.

The Zion’s Fire article was written by the Rosenthal brothers. They remarked, “The 144,000 are spoken of as virgins in a spiritual sense (Revelation 2:14, 20-22; 17:2, 4; 18:3). They did not commit fornication during the Great Tribulation by embracing the Antichrist, taking his mark, and giving him their loyalty and affection”.

Cf. The virgin reference found in Revelation 14:4 pertains to spiritual fornication. The Church being the antithesis of the unfaithful Israel of the Old Covenant (see, Matthew 15:1-13; 2 Corinthians 11:2; and Ephesians 5:32). The number 144,000 is understood through the relevance of Hebrew gematria (alphabet mathematics) that was commonplace to 1st century Jews. The 144,000 represents 12 x 12 (Old Covenant Elect/ New Covenant Elect) x 1000 (beyond man’s comprehension). All the numbers used represent completeness. God would surely save those who were His during the time of ‘Great Tribulation’, which contrary to the Zion’s Fire futurism, I would assert these details have been fulfilled in the 1st century just as the time-statements in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 demonstrate for us. The Antichrist and mark of the beast were the calamitous issues that came against the first century Christian church, namely through the Jewish Priesthood and Roman authorities. The Christian Church/ Elect going through the ‘Great Tribulation’ was to persevere and not fall victim to idolatry in seeking Roman/Jewish comfort rather than be steadfast in their devotion to Christ. Do fall away, back into either idolatry of the Old Covenant or pagan idolatry of the Roman Empire was fornication. But those days were cut short, just as Christ said they would be…see, Matthew 24:22.

“These are the redeemed among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb”. If this expression means anything at all, and it certainly does, it means this: There will be more to follow. The 144,000, as wonderful as they are, are only the first fruits. They are just the beginning”.
Cf. The Rosenthal’s were right in noting the use of ‘first fruit language’ in Revelation chapter 14 and I love how they note that this means “there are more to follow”. The 144,000-language coupled with first fruits demonstrates the salvation of the elect Jews and Gentiles (see, Romans 1:16-17). There is no doubt a Hebrew exclusivity that is demonstrated throughout the Scriptures. I have explained this is a few other blogs, however I will share a link to follow in which I not only talked about ‘Hebrew exclusivity’, but also the details pertain to the ‘Great Tribulation’ being talked about in the Scriptures. Here is the link, https://mianogonewild.wordpress.com/2013/06/17/my-eschatological-position-a-journal-entry-style-essay/

“The blessed man of Psalm 1 is the man who has life. He is like a tree planted by the rivers of water – his leaves will not wither and whosoever he does shall prosper. The expression, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord” could literally be expressed this way: “alive are the dead who died as martyrs for the Lord”. What an amazing paradox!”.

Cf. While I agree with the sentiment that the Rosenthal’s are highlighted herein, I believe there is more to the proclamation “…from now on” as found in Revelation 14:13 that just that eternal life is found in Christ. Rather, I would assert that due to the fulfillment of the details of Revelation chapter 14, the destruction of Babylon (Old Covenant Jerusalem) and the salvation of the Elect in that generation, the dead who died after that were blessed – a demonstration of the effect of fulfilled Bible prophecy (i.e.., Full Preterism).

As I mentioned at the beginning, I have previously taught on this topic. I was supposed to present these details at the 2018 Spirit & Life Lectureship in Southaven, Michigan, which bad weather prevented. However, I provided a podcasted sermon and an outline for your edification. Here is the link to both of those resources, https://powerofpreterism.wordpress.com/2018/08/05/revelation-14-correlating-verses-outline/

Lastly, I have heard that the brothers who lectured at the aforementioned conference are working on putting together a written and outlined commentary on the Book of Revelation, in which my full notes will be provided for Revelation chapter 14.

Provoking a Zeal For His Truth,
Michael Miano, pastor
The Blue Point Bible Church
http://www.bluepointbiblechurch.org

Review of PPW 2019 (Preterist Pilgrim Weekend)

Recently the 15^th Annual Preterist Pilgrim Weekend occurred in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Dr. Don K. Preston of Preterist Research Institute (www.eschatology.org) was the host and the theme was ‘How We Know We are Not in the Last Days’. At the beginning of the conference Dr. Preston mentioned our goal being to gain a better understanding of “God’s heart, God’s mind, and God’s will”, and that seemed to be expressed well all throughout the conference.

What I will do below is list the various speakers and summarize some notes I had taken during the conference. Also, I will include links for the messages presented by each speaker.

 

 Kyle Elliot – preached two messages entitled “A Priest Forever”, wherein he sought to demonstrate how Psalm 110 is used in the argument of the book of Hebrews. Kyle stated this is a text that demonstrates God establishing the throne of His Kingship. In highlighting the “last days framework” and correlation to Psalm 110, Kyle mentioned quite a few texts and the necessity of understanding literary structures in the text (mentioning chiasm’s and forward symmetry as being seen in Psalm 110). So many good details were mentioned that I made a notation to ask Kyle for his PowerPoints.

In talk through Psalm 110, Kyle mentioned that in verse 1, “Victory frames the entire Psalm”.  In talking through verse 6, and the “judgement language” used, Kyle mentioned the “gospel of destruction) (of which Dr. Preston has been doing a video series on YouTube about). We see in Psalm 2:4-9, that “The Father issues judgement, the Son exacts judgement”. “The day” of Ps. 110:3-5 correlates to Revelation 6:12-14. Also, cross-reference Psalm 110:4 with Hebrews 7:1-3 to better see how “Psalm 110 is the salvation story in epitome”.

“From every ‘angle’, Ps. 110 is Messianic and emphasizes the victory of the priest-king over His enemies at the Day of His power and the confirmation of His reign and priesthood. The Day of power and wrath secures His reign and priesthood, it does not end it”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTvAdOXIzGo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rbxziQ7i7k&t=5s

 

Dr. Don K. Preston preached two messages properly “Identifying the Last Days”. He talked a bit about the phrase “Christian age” and charged that when rightly understanding the “last days” as the end of the Old Covenant, we can realize that the “Christian age” (what would be Scripturally identified as the “Age to Come”) has no end. He further highlighted, “If we are not in the last days, there is no future last day”. He also further stated, “Christ’s New Covenant will never go out of business”. Citing 2 Peter 3 and Deuteronomy 32, Dr. Preston challenged us to search those texts and discern two questions, 1 – Where is the promise of His coming? 2 – What were the last days?

Don went on exegete Deuteronomy 31-32 (and highlight how it correlates to 2 Peter 3) making the following notations:
Deut. 30:29; 32:20, 28 – last days
Deut. 32:21-22 – fire, destruction of the earth
Deut. 32:34 – 35 – judgement of the ungodly
Deut. 32:43 – vindication of the martyrs
“you shall remind them of this song” cf. Deut. 31:19; Psalm 102:18

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCrDWIia9Eg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwDeZn2EbJc

 

Rod MacArthur preached two messages with the following titles, “Joel’s Last Days Didn’t Last Past Peter” (highlighting fulfilled prophecy in the book of Joel) and “Daniel’s ‘Last Days’ Came to an End Long Ago” (highlighting fulfilled prophecy in the book of Daniel). Starting at the first mention of “last days” in Genesis 49:1, Rod took us through a few other texts as well – Numbers 24:14-19; Deuteronomy 32:20, 29, 35-36, 43, and Joel 3:12-13. He highlighted the goal of the covenant is to enable the people of God to “walk with Him” as they did in Eden (cf. Leviticus 26:12-13; Genesis 3:8).

Rod went on to detail that the “day of the locusts” mentioned in Joel 2:1-2 is the “Day of Yahweh”, and we must understand the “this is that” of Acts 2:16 and how it cites Joel 2:28-32 as the current reality in that day. In that generation we saw the 2^nd Exodus take place with wonders and blood. The two responses that came from all of this were 1 – what does this mean? 2 – these men are just drunk. Those who properly discerned the event asked, “What shall we do?” and they repented, committed to Jesus and were saved from that corrupt generation.

• The last days pertained to Israel’s history
• The curses pointed to a terminal generation
• Joel commented on the current curse in his day and prophesied the day was coming.
• Peter said “This is it”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84JWorkdlvw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54vuaVhEZQw

 

Daniel Rogers preached two messages detailed “The Sermon on the Mount and the Last Days”. In highlighting the nature of the Kingdom, Daniel took us to Isaiah chapter 2 and Daniel chapter 2. He then set up the stage for us to understand the 1^st century scene and what it would have been like being a Jew waiting for deliverance from Roman oppression. Questions that would have been on the mind would be, “When will the Lord deliver us from Rome?”, “Did God forget His promise to David?”, “What about the promises to Abraham?”, and “Where is God?”.

Daniel went on the demonstrate how the Gospel According to Matthew is responding to those questions. Matthew 1:1 cites Jesus as the “son of David, Son of Abraham”, Matthew 1:23 refers to Jesus Christ as “Immanuel”, which means “God with us”. In Matthew chapter 2 we see that Jesus is the prophesied “prophet like Moses” who would appear to bring the people through the greater exodus. In Matthew chapter 3 we read about John the Baptist telling that generation of Jews to come to repentance. In Matthew chapter 5 , we read the Beatitudes of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom, however it is important to know that Rome would have had their own version, almost the opposite to everything Jesus Christ said. Daniel went on the lament the “empire version of Christianity” that has dominated in our current day. “Christianity is not about saying, it is about doing”.

After highlighting the nature of God’s Kingdom, how things were fulfilled, Daniel went on to detail ways we can live in fulfillment. He made the following points regarding the peace of God versus the peace of the world;

Peace of God surpasses understand (Phil. 4:7); peace of the world is conventional
Peace of God makes us fools to the world (1 Cor. 1:18); peace of the world makes one “wise” to the world
Peace of God comes through knowledge of God (John 17:3); peace of world comes through bombs and military victory,

In his second message, Daniel made note of 4 levels of interpreting the Bible – literal, deeper, comprehensive, and mystery. He noted in understanding the Biblical narrative that, “Israel was not chosen to the exclusion of the world but to the entire world’s inclusion (cf. Genesis 12)”. He further noted that only through Jesus Christ can one see the true intention of the Law (cf. 2 Corinthians 3).

You can view both of Daniel’s lectures at the following links,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHbgBWt7d9M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_f_Gx_VWgA

 

Obviously I didn’t take any notes on the two messages I (Michael Miano) delivered. I preached a message from Matthew 5:17-18 titled, “Old Covenant Details and the Last Days”, as well as a message on Hebrews 9:28 – “Salvation Now, Last Days Past”. Here are the links for those messages;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeJf_BB0OGU&t=1859s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTuBHvmbARE

 

Dr. William Bell presented a two part message with the title “The Hour of Glory”. He said, “The hour of glory connects the New Testament inseparably and incontrovertibly to the book of Daniel”. Daniel is the only Old Testament book that uses the phrase “eternal life”. William went on to demonstrate the correlations between John chapter 5 and chapter 12. (I have included a picture of his chart in the pictures below). William also demonstrated the correlations in Daniel to the intertestamental books.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcMgcWSImOE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPctmroTm9w

 

Garrett Cradduck’s memorized recitation of the book of Hebrews was beautiful. I appreciated that he started it out with a challenge for the each of us, as he said, “The Lord has blessed us with time and tools that no one had before”. Go ahead and give your full attention to his deliverance of the Book of Hebrews at the following link,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EweO4Q3LJ3A