1. Overview of Premillennialism (Colossians 1:13-18)

2. PREMILLENNIALISM One of the most popular doctrines among fundamental denominations Different shades, especially among the cults Our focus will be on classical or mainline premillennialism

3. Popularity of Premillennialism 86% believe Jesus will return to establish His kingdom on earth Most Pentecostal and Baptist churches Most radio and TV preachers Many religious books Among Denominational Churches

4. Popularity of Premillennialism Made popular in the 1930’s by R. H. Boll Word and Work still being published Mostly located in Kentucky/Indiana area and Louisiana Among Churches of Christ Church of Christ

5. Premillennialism Defined “The doctrine or belief that the Second Coming of Christ will precede the millennium” The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Second Edition, Unabridged), p. 1526 “This interpretation teaches that the age will end in judgment at the second coming of Christ, who will restore the kingdom to Israel and reign for at least 1,000 years.” New Unger's Bible Dictionary, via PC Study Bible (CD-ROM)

6. Premillennialism Defined “The doctrine or belief that the Second Coming of Christ will precede the millennium” The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Second Edition, Unabridged), p. 1526 “This interpretation teaches that the age will end in judgment at the second coming of Christ, who will restore the kingdom to Israel and reign for at least 1,000 years.” New Unger's Bible Dictionary, via PC Study Bible (CD-ROM) Pre millennial ism before 1,000 years doctrine

7. Objectives Survey the various components of this popular doctrine Contrast the premillennial concept of the kingdom with Bible teaching about the kingdom

8. Premillennial Schedule Jesus coming to set up an earthly kingdom –Based on misinterpretation of OT prophecy –Demands a literal interpretation of all scripture Jewish rejection and kingdom postponed –A flawed Jewish expectation –Rejection of a spiritual kingdom

9. Premillennial Schedule Last minute substitution of the church –Implies the church was not in God’s plan –Mission of the church is to call a few Christ’s return for His saints in “Rapture” –End of the “church age” –Signals either the beginning, middle, or end of the “Great Tribulation”

10. Premillennial Schedule Beginning of the “Great Tribulation” –Intense persecution for seven years –Some believe the saints are already in heaven, having been judged and rewarded –Marriage feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19), and the appearance of “The Antichrist” who tries to deceive the 144,000

11. Premillennial Schedule Christ’s return with His saints –Claims those converted during the Tribulation –Judgment of nations (Matthew 25:31-46) –Kingdom established in Palestine with Christ on the throne of David –Battle of Armageddon and the binding of Satan

12. Premillennial Schedule Beginning of the millennium –Based on a perversion of Revelation 20:1-6 –Time of unparalleled peace –Satan’s release for a little season to test those who were converted during the millennium –Satan leads the forces of Gog and Magog for a final battle –“Great White Throne Judgment”

13. Premillennial Schedule End of the world –Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and all who follow them are sent to their doom –Righteous sent to heaven

14. God’s Schedule Christ’s first coming to set up His kingdom Establishment of the kingdom, or church Christ’s second coming for judgment Judgment of all the living and dead Eternity

15. Unsupported Assertions No mention of a rebuilt Jerusalem temple; Neither Daniel nor Revelation uses “Antichrist”; There is no record in Revelation or Daniel of the Antichrist making a covenant with Israel; There is no record in Daniel or Revelation of the Antichrist breaking a covenant with Israel; There is no mention that Jesus will set up an earthly throne in Jerusalem –Gary DeMar, End Times Fiction: A Biblical Consideration of The Left Behind Theology, pp. 32, 44

16. Premillennial Idea of Kingdom Earthly in nature –Rejected by Jesus (John 6:15) –Declared it to be spiritual (John 18:36, 37) Different from the church –Old Testament prophecies fit the church (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:31-45; Micah 4:1-4) –Peter’s use of Joel (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16)

17. The Truth About The Kingdom Church was part of God’s eternal plan –The rebuilding of David’s dynasty (Amos 9:11, 12; Acts 15:16-18) –Paul’s direct teaching (Ephesians 3:10, 11) Kingdom established on schedule –Paul was in it (Colossians 1:13) –John was in it (Revelation 1:9) –Many others and us (Hebrews 12:28)

18. Conclusion Do not be deceived –Denies the church’s mission (1 Timothy 3:15) –Voids the apostles’ work (Matthew 28:18-20) Become knowledgeable –Become aware of its teaching –Be prepared to show others the truth