There are allot of groups out making all kinds of attacks and misrepresentations against the Catholic Faith.
Especially regarding the end times. Movies have been wonderfully made regarding the Rapture based from the Left Behind series.
Allot of discussion has been made on the subject. The Second Coming of Christ is centered from Catholic Tradition and Scripture.
From the Nicene Creed we proclaim "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his Kingdom will have no end" (2 Timothy 4:1). As I look into his truth, it is important to note that no one knows the exact day or hour of his return (Matthew 24:36).
However, Jesus revealed signs for us to watch so we would not be caught sleeping (Matthew 24:3-31). The Church reminds us to be alert for his coming so he will not come "like a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:2)."
The Church wants us to be ready on a daily basis, as if this could be the day. Many will rise on any given day not aware that today is their final day. Accidents happen along with violence that impact thousands of people every day.
The Catholic Church certainly desires peace that only Christ can give under such circumstances. Christians have always believed from the beginning that the Lord's return was imminent. St Paul warns the Church not to get caught listening to every alarming statement from a teaching "allegedly from them 'the Apostles" (2 Thess 2:2).
Jesus told the people of his time "You know how to judge the appearance of the sky, but you cannot judge the signs of the times" (Matthew 16:3).
What makes our generation different? One of the most important bible prophecy to be fulfilled is Israel's return to their homeland. This happened on May 14, 1948.
Pope Pius XII announced to the world on Easter Sunday 1957 in front of a large crowd at Vatican City that the capture of Jerusalem would be one of the last major fulfillment of scripture.
This might set up the stage for the end time drama. I want to pause here for a moment to speak on the Catholic Church's teaching on this.
The Catholic Church takes the position on the end times called "amillennial" which is based from St. Augustine's teaching that the 1,000 reign of Christ in Rev 20:4 is symbolic.
Much of the Scripture is symbolic. Much of the prophecy has already happened such as Nero was traditionally believed to be the beast in Rev 13.
Can such scripture have double meaning for the last days?
That is an interesting question. Regardless how this plays the Lord will always be with his Church through all of it and His promise will always be true.
Going back to Pope Pius XII, after 2,500 years Israel would be set up in their homeland and Jerusalem no longer in the hands of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24).
Jews from all over the world have returned to Palestine, they came from 120 Nations speaking 83 languages setting up their own government and Army.
The flag bearing the Star of David has been waving ever since 14 May 1948. In 1967 the Jews reclaim Jerusalem as a result of the six day war.
The Late Great Pope John Paul II traveled to Israel for the year of jubilee. What are some signs the bible speaks of that we should be watching for?
Take a look at inequity, this word inequity is refereed to in the bible over 275 times. When it is used for in prophecy, it always implies dramatic increase. According to Websters Dictionary, inequity stands for "wickedness, an iniquitous act or thing: Sin".
Jesus states, "Many false prophets will arise and deceive many and because of the increase of evil doing, the love of many will grow cold"(Matthew 24:11-12).
Some people will argue that sin and vice have always been with us. Jesus states "Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When it's branch becomes tender and spouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, know that he is near, at the gates. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place (Matthew 24:32-35)".
2 Timothy 3:4 states in part that people would become "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, as they make a pretense of religion but deny it's power".
With the creation of Television and the promotion of the Birth Control Pill, the 1960's usurped in the sexual revolution. The American family has bore the blunt of this attack on morality.
Casualties are found and experienced by most families and solutions are not easily reconciled. As a result to this rebellion against God's teaching, something like 1-5 Americans are presently infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
With the aid of the electronic media age, STD's are the most common disease in America next to the common cold and flu. 12 million new STD cases are reported each year, 33,000 per day.
45 million Americans are infected with an incurable STD. There are more than 60 different kinds of STD's, 20 different STD's are rampant among teenagers. 63% of all STD's occur in persons less than 25 years of age. STD's infect 3 million teenagers each year. 60-80% infected with an STD do not develop initial symptoms.
Since 1973 with the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision there have been nearly 50,000,000 abortions in America. About 1 in 3 pregnancies will end with abortion.
Divorce in America will end more than half of all marriages. Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry in America. 1 out of 3 girls will be molested most of which by a close relative and 1 in 7 boys will be molested.
In America there has been a rise of homosexual activity and acceptance/toleration promoted by left wing special interest groups. The Catholic Church's teachings are under attack or largely ignored.
Those of us who are faithful and loyal to the teachings of Christ have Jesus promise, "But the one who perseveres to the end Will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).
The bible also offers this great hope as long a his grace shall flow, "And if my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and urn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land" 2 Chrnicles 7:14.
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