Debate with My Brother

Many of you have heard me talk about how my brother and I are divided. This is a source of sadness for me, but really doesn't surprise me. Jesus clearly said that families will be divided because of Him.

What's interesting is that I will send my brother articles on politics, global warming, stimulus packages etc...and more often that not, he will throw in some rant against Christians. Usually the rant centers around our hypocrisy. He feels he knows enough about Jesus and the NT to throw out venom at Christ followers who don't have the same worldview as he believes they should...if they are following his understanding of Christ.

His understanding of Jesus has characteristics like, "good husband of the earth" or "helping the poor through Government" or "never going to war"...in essence my brother has created Jesus to be a far left, liberal voting, Prius driving, Nancy Pelosi supporting human being. Sadly, his version isn't too far away from the version that many within The Church have come to understand.

I have come to the conclusion that many who believe this way have only focused on Jesus in his first coming and they have no idea (orbelief) of what Jesus will be at his 2nd coming. That being said, Dr. David Jeremiah in his book, WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON? has a nice passage that lays out this dramatic contrast;

In His first coming He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. In His second coming He will be clothed royally in a robe dipped in blood.

In His first coming He was surrounded by cattle and common people. In His second coming He will be accompanied by the massive armies of heaven.

In His first coming the door ofthe inn was closed to Him. In His second coming the door of the heavens will be opened to Him.

In His first coming His voice was the tiny cry of a baby. In His second coming His voice will thunder as the sound of many waters.

In His first coming, He was the Lamb of God who came bringing salvation. In His second coming, He will be the Lion of the tribe of Judah who comes bringing judgement.

Friends, people who don't understand the nature of Jesus second coming, simply do not know Jesus.