A Long Obedience In The Same Direction

Readers of the New Testament discover about 40 days after his resurrection Jesus disappeared into the atmosphere, promising to return in just the same way someday.  That sounds great.  I am all for that!  But when will it happen?  More importantly, when did the authors of the New Testament say it would happen? In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus is quoted saying the current generation of people would not pass away before the end would come (Matt. 24:34).  In The Revelation, John quotes Jesus saying he is coming “soon” (Rev. 3:11, 22:7, 22:12, 22:20).  Peter writes, “The end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7).  John writes “this is the last hour” (1 John 2:18).  So the clear understanding of the writers of the New Testament is not only that Jesus would return, but he would return soon . It has been about 2000 years since those words were written.  It seems clear that Jesus was either misquoted, misunderstood the timing, or meant something spiritual rather than literal in his talk

I just read an excerpt from Rob Bell's soon to be published book, "What is the Bible?".  It looks to be a really interesting, challenging, thought-provoking, inspiring book.  The excerpt, which was posted on his Facebook page  has created in me a bit of an inner argument. I'm personally really excited to get this book, and more excited about the thought of perhaps engaging a group of people who have abandoned the Bible completely to take a fresh look at it through the lenses Rob appears ready to help people use. But, I thought twice, three times, even four about even "LIKING" the Facebook post.  I know what will happen.  Many people will question me, "Do you really read Rob Bell?  Don't you know he is a heretic?"  A few will give a thumbs up to me.  Most will say "Rob who?" But it's time to come out of the closet.  It's time to stop worrying about pleasing and appeasing people when it comes to what I believe about the