Earlier this week two news commentators on BBC (British Broadcasting Company) were discussing various issues of the present, including a rather significant development in relation to the current pre-Iraqi war intelligence controversy. Having addressed the point, the one analyst then asked, "Is there anything else we should discuss?" to which the other replied somewhat wearily, "Well, yes - the usual troubles."
Whether at home or abroad, there is little escaping an intensifying unease among many that not only are "the usual troubles" yet with us, but that greater and even more chaotic realities may lie just over the horizon (avian 'flu pandemic, potential mid-east disaster, increasingly rampant Islamic terrorism, etc.).
It is to be feared, however, that within the believing community many are yet unaware of the Church's vital interest in the world's state as it progresses toward an ultimate conclusion. After all, "This world is not our home, we're just a passin' through" on our way to that "mansion over the hilltop" via a Pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church. Right? Perhaps not quite. Not only is such mindset lacking in the apostolic writings, but from the early Church fathers until recent times, the concept remained unknown - first surfacing approximately two hundred years ago.
A few years back, biblical scholar Dave MacPherson compiled a list of quotations by reputable Church leaders from the early fathers onward concerning the Body of Christ and end time developments. We would define its contents as both intriguing and enlightening. This compilation may be accessed by simply clicking here.
Burl Ratzsch
