Perspectives “Many Preterists are isolated from meaningful fellowship, or feel uncomfortable sitting under Futurist teaching. What advice can you offer?”
Preterists and the Local Church
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by David Curtis
eing a Preterist and being involved in a local church is not an easy task if you are not fortunate enough to live in a town that has a Preterist church. Many Preterists are not involved in a local church because they have either been given the “left foot of fellowship,” or they don’t feel comfortable sitting under teaching that denies the words of our Lord Jesus Christ concerning the time of His return. This puts them in a very undesirable position because, as Christians, we need each other. God said, “It is not good for a man to be alone” (Gen 2:18). This principle applies to more than just the marriage relationship, because none of us have the spiritual wherewithal to go it alone in our Christian lives: Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. (Eccl 4:9-10, NASB) We need each other because that is how the Lord created
us. So what is a Preterist to do about involvement in the local Church? Even if they are uncomfortable sitting under the teaching of Futurist doctrine, my advice is always the same, “Do all you can to find a church that you can live with.” I think this is very important because of what the Bible says about the importance of community. Consider what the writer of Hebrews told believers: . . . and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. . . . (Heb 10:24, NASB) You thought I was going to use verse 25 didn’t you? Being aware of audience relevance, I recognize that this verse wasn’t written to us, but I do believe that the principle is nevertheless for us. I believe that we still need to be stimulating one another to love and good deeds. In the phrase, “Let us consider how to stimulate one another,” the word consider is from the Greek word katanoeo, a compound word composed of kata, which means “down,” and noeo, which means “to exercise the mind.” It has the idea of thoroughly and carefully noticing
Perspectives Preterists and the Local Church
by Joseph Vincent
Question: Given our “state of the union”—that is, the dilemma of Preterists throughout the world today—how can we seek out unity with one another despite our eschatological differences, and how can we bridge the gap between our Futurist brothers and sisters in Christ without all the drama and divisiveness? Answer: First, let me just emphasize the importance of not acting arrogantly toward our Futurist brothers and sisters in Christ. While it can be tempting at times to dismiss them as ignorant (just as they often do to us), we must remember that everyone learns at a different pace, and is at a different place in their life than we are. If you are genuine, humble, and approach another Christian with love and respect and you are shown the door or given the silent treatment, dust
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FULFILLED MAGAZINE • FALL 2010
your feet off and move on. On the other hand, if you are invited to join another fellowship, be up front about your views; at the same time, don’t make Preterism a major point of contention. Otherwise, down the road when your views become known, the “true colors” of those whom you thought were your friends and fellow believers in Christ often end up coming out in bold fashion. Most people will love you like a sibling if you are one of them, or think alike, or if you simply avoid controversial issues. But when they find out you are a little different, many times your only recourse is to walk away and never speak to them again. As unfortunate as this may sound, it is often true. The only way we are ever going to bridge the gap between Futurism and Preterism is if we talk to those people who will listen, and dust off our feet in response to those who attack us or ignore us. Move on! Now, if someone won’t leave you alone, or constantly pursues you or your ministry, you do have a right to defend yourself. However, don’t make it your goal to respond to or defend every attack that comes your
