Dear Tracy and others who feel that "date setting" is
contrary or contra-indicative of "good witnessing".

I used to feel that way too and certainly the constant
new "dates" that come by every few weeks or so seem
superfluous.  But I disagree about the "babes" out
there.  I used to be one.

While it is true that many were "wrong" (and I among
them) that last Rosh Hoshanah was THE date, that
didn't stop me from "thinking" that "a" Rosh Hoshanah
will probably be the date for the Rapture.  In fact,
that is pretty much what I said, though due to other
considerations at the time, I felt that last RH was
particularly likely.

Many more are discouraged by the world we live in than
by "date setting" or more likely named "date hoping"
rapture believers.  Many more still are turned off by
the state of the apostate church.  Should we move off
planet?  Should we stop attending or talking about
churches?

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that you should not
"guess".  It says in fact, that "no one knows the day
or the hour"....very different words.  It also says
that a special crown is reserved for those who
"watch".  What is watching but hoping and hoping and
praying and praying?  Surely that would entail
"watching the signs" and "putting the pieces
together".  Most do not stare vacantly or pray
aimlessly.  Watchers are a focused bunch...at least
the ones I've been around.

I do not believe that people are put off or
permanently dissuaded about Christ because of date
setters.  I do believe that many fall by the wayside
due to poor or no discipleship.  Intelligent people
understand that we are guessing when we make our
predictions.  I've not yet heard anyone say, "Thus
sayeth the Lord".

Until that moment, I will merely continue watching,
hoping, praying and if I see the signs come together
again as last year, I will speak out that "this" MAY
be the one.  I've only said it once in my life and I
don't regret saying it.  I do regret being wrong, but
not saying it.  I've never felt so close to Jesus as I
did in the days leading up to RH last year.  It was a
momentous turning point in my faith.

Yes, I was disappointed, but it did not even "dent" my
faith a bit.  I wonder at those whose faith is so weak
that they cannot stand it when a date passes.

We are to believe in imminence with regard to Christ's
return.  That being said, we should all be looking for
Him EVERY SINGLE MOMENT OF EVERY SINGLE DAY.  Surely
that would be more disappointing to "babes" than the
few dates coming along every few weeks or months?

At any rate, I will not fall in line with those who
scream to not date set.  I do not see it as a
hindrance but another opportunity to "get right" with
Jesus.  It is a constant reminder that He may come any
moment...and  THAT is how we are SUPPOSED to be
living.

M.M.M. Costa

http://fairmindedberean.modblog.com/
 
Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
 
1 Thess 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.