Larry H

Not all the Jews rejected Him, including the Apostles. Not sure what your getting at. Was it this one from Isaiah 53:3 "He was despised and rejected by men" Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, Revelation 1:9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Hi George... that makes you a partial preterist, that wasn't hard was it. ☺️ There are some 101 time text in the New Testament like the ones I referenced,. all having to do with what preterist believe to be first century fulfillment's. If you want to call it a first coming so be it. I'll let the rest of the prophecies you predicted from scripture for another time. As always kind regards Larry

Hey my brother George ... I on no account meant to put forward someone in this forum is predicting a date for the second coming in our future. Only what is called observable signs in the News of that prediction and the realization of a near coming. I.e." look around". Also when speaking of the binding of Satan, and the second coming, I presented two view in the case of Satan, he is bound or not bound, and the consequences of that dogma. For me this is just a learning process of scripture. There is no question Satan was looking for someone to devour in the first century. As for Satan running around today, there are quite a number of view suggesting that. As you know I will be presenting one of them in the last post, and sees where it goes. What's going on. The key verse in the scriptural scenario was, " if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Matthew 12:28 To me these verse confirm that the kingdom of God, and the second coming, was a first century event. 1. "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." (Matt. 3:2) 2. "Who warned you to flee from the wrath about to come?" (Matt. 3:7) 3. "The axe is already laid at the root of the trees." (Matt. 3:10) 4. "His winnowing fork is in His hand." (Matt. 3:12) 5. "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. 4:17) 6. "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. 10:7) 7. "You shall not finish going through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man comes." (Matt. 10:23)

For me I am not seeded in a any comfort zone because study of the scriptures is very important to me. As I am sure with you. "The Nicene Creed, also called the Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed, is a statement of the orthodox faith of the early Christian Church" If all these church get together they will have great power in the world. And I believe not for the good of our Gospel message as you indicated. Kind Regards Larry

Hi George ..... You have not as yet given a cross reference that will provide the evidence of your take on Revelation 20, does it stand alone. Do you see any symbolism, which you call spiritualizing in the reference? The word angel in Revelation 20 in Greek is aggelos meaning messenger. This messenger is the one who came down to bind Satan. Up front I am not suggesting that Christ is an angel. He is the Christ the Messenger of the Covenant. He is the only one with the power and authority to bind Satan. The key and the chain represent something in this very symbolic book of Revelation. Because a literal chain and Key cannot bind Satan a spirit creature. Can we agree on this so far?? Symbolism: Keys = Right, Authority, Ability Chain = Power, Means to Restrain Bottomless Pit = Boundless Void, an Abyss without form Do you see it this way. If not what's your take on it. By the way this is not a preterist concept.

Hi George ..... If Satan is the god of this world, it could be deceiving to look around what is going on. This I call the New paper Gospel, because one reads an article then open the bible looking for a scripture to fit the event. That has lead popular leaders in the Christian faith to preach a no show of Christ. Leading millions to a false prediction. That is one great stumbling block of the Christian faith, and it supplies the atheist with ammunition to shoot back at us. How many have lost their faith because of it. The futurist theology is responsible for those poor suffering souls who bought into it. And what they might have given up because of same. To see the list of false prediction of the coming of Christ, and the millennium check out this link. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predictions_and_claims_for_the_Second_Coming_of_Christ Deuteronomy 18:19 If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account. 20 But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." 21 You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?" 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him. Its a good thing these guy, who take this lightly, were not living in Old Testament times must be put to death." I will respond to the other statement, concerning Daniel chapter 12 later on. Blessing my brother Larry

Your explaining yourself just fine. On this forum we are only having an interchange of thought, and this stuff is not a salvation issue. As the saying goes we can "agree to disagree" and let the chips fall where they may. And I concur with you in many forums I find negative aspersion by those who use intimation to win an argument in place of winning a case through the Word of God. . To avoid this in my estimation it may be first-class keeping in mind Christ may perhaps be sitting with us now at the table. 1 Peter 3:15 So we put this stuff, food for thought., on the desk and examine it from different perspectives. Considering that none of us has a handle on all truth,.we just want to "make sure of all things" by putting them to the test. 1 Thess. 5:21 I'll have to get to your posting later on. Good Bless Larry

Well said I can see you have a love for God Yes and no ... Yes God is still at work through the holy Spirit in people. No ... not according to Jesus about the world. Matthew 10:34 "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. Jesus came to bring peace with God. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, And that is the only peace that really counts, wouldn't you say I can't see the future outside of what the bible may indicate to me, so I cannot make that prediction. There are some 33 thousand Christian denomination around the world, because of doctrinal belief. How do you see it? Kind Regard and thanks for the opportunity to answer your questions. Larry

That is because in the preterist view which is not understood by Christian, the New Heavens and Earth was established and realized by the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. When the letters were written, including Hebrews, during the transitional period, 40 years, from the cross to AD 70, the future to them was AD 70. In turn history to us. As what the Old and New Heaven and Earth represented is penned in my other postings. Since Hebrews was penned concerning the Old and New Covenant, it was soon to disappear. Not some thousands of years later. Why would the writer of Hebrews say that to those Christians our brothers who were waiting for that event. Because it was a near expectation. Read Hebrews 10:37 Hebrews 8:13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. When I see the words soon, at hand, near, at the door etc in the New Testament that is what they mean. BTW everyone I posted with those expressions has been ignored why is that.

When were those Old Testament scriptures fulfilled, or were they already fulfilled Luke 21:22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written.

George this test will not take more than 20 minutes, questions Part 1 and Part 2 are at the bottom To at least have one cross reference about the binding of Satan .... I will supply one to start before filling in some details if it takes off. Is Satan bound Matthew 12:23 And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. KJV A Who is the strong man that is bound. Questions Part 1 1. Who is the Strong man? 2. What is his house? 3. Who is it that comes to bind him? 4 What are the possessions in the strong man's house that he wants to Spoil (take by conquest)? 5. What "MUST" be done first, before that can happen? 6 Is Satan bound Part 2 Is the kingdom of God in operation now, or are we still in the darkness. Colossians 1:13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Kind Regards Larry

That's a new one on me, a heaven with ears. How about an earth with no sea water Rev. 1, or a city coming out of the sky with the following measurements. Or a Lion with no teeth .... OK little teeth. The measurement of the city described in Revelation chapters 21 and 22 is 12,000 furlongs. A furlong is 1/8 th of a mile. This makes the city about 1500 miles square, or 1500 miles in all directions. That is quite a large city. The total land area of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, is 3,717,796 sq miles. The literal land area of the city described in Revelation would be 2,250,000 sq miles. That would make the city a somewhat larger than 1/2 the size of the United States. In addition to that the wall of the city described in Revelation is 1500 miles high. That is an extremely high wall considering that most commercial airliners fly at an altitude of about 7 to 8 miles.

Thanks for asking, and giving me an opportunity to provide an answer. I can only speak for myself, I cannot predict near future events, or would want to. According to my understanding of the future if I hold out to the end in faith the bible tells me I will live in the household of my heavenly Father. This may or may not be a preterist concept. My relationship with my Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son Jesus is of the most importance. This supersedes the preterist or futurist theology which I consider only open for discussion. OK ....Concerning the second coming of our Lord Jesus in our future, I am not sure. I find no scriptural magic bullet at the time to prove it. However the bible is loaded with time text to provide evidence Jesus came in Divine judgment of the Jewish Nation in the first century. Matthew 24 I posted scriptures to provide that evidence that have been completely ignored. All I am getting is statements about preterism. Why is that? 1 peter 3:15 Most likely many Christians have not looked into the theology, or care to do so. If so should not make broad statements concerning it. I think many Christians are enjoying their comfort zone. Don't we all at times. About that magic bullet I would appreciate some input BTW not to worry I feel protected by the Holy Spirit, which has not let me down for many years.

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. The Law and the prophets were a tutor to leading to Christ. The Law and the heaven and earth, in the verse,was the Mosaic Law, the Old Covenant world of Israel. The Law, Jewish, economy, was given to the Nation, and in Matthew 5:17, 18 was directed to them in the first century. Not to the literal heaven and earth world we now reside in. It's all about covenant, not the destruction of our planet that is in view. If the verse is literal, and since the heavens and earth have not disappeared, we are then under the Law of Moses if we are Jewish of course. However if it speaking about covenants then we, the Jews, are not under the Mosaic policy. Hebrews 8:13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear When the Old Covenant became, or realized obsolete we Christians are living under the New Heavens's and Earth, the New Covenant. Jer. 31 and all the blessing it provides for both Jew and Gentile. Hebrews 8:8 But God found fault with the people and said: "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. As one commentator put it, if things in the New Testament, when considering prophecy have double meanings, it has not meaning at all. People want to take the first century event and apply them to our day. This is where the no show of Christ originated, and gave the atheist ammunition to shot back at Christians. I am not predicting Christ will not once again come to our planet, only the scripture provided by the no show prophets. Scripture that speak of an imminent coming in the first century.

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. The Law and the prophets were a tutor to leading to Christ. The Law and the heaven and earth, in the verse,was the Mosaic Law, the Old Covenant world of Israel. The Law, Jewish, economy, was given to the Nation, and in Matthew 5:17, 18 was directed to them in the first century. Not to the literal heaven and earth world we now reside in. It's all about covenant, not the destruction of our planet that is in view. If the verse is literal, and since the heavens and earth have not disappeared, we are then under the Law of Moses if we are Jewish of course. However if it speaking about covenants then we, the Jews, are not under the Mosaic policy. Hebrews 8:13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear When the Old Covenant became, or realized obsolete we Christians are living under the New Heavens's and Earth, the New Covenant. Jer. 31 and all the blessing it provides for both Jew and Gentile. Hebrews 8:8 But God found fault with the people and said: "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. As one commentator put it, if things in the New Testament, when considering prophecy have double meanings, it has not meaning at all. People want to take the first century event and apply them to our day. This is where the no show of Christ originated, and gave the atheist ammunition to shot back at Christians. I am not predicting Christ will not once again come to our planet, only the scripture provided by the no show prophets. Scripture that speak of an imminent coming in the first century.

Hebrew Root Movement Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. I would guess a mistaken rendition of these verses is a Hebrew Root Movement I.e. standing "until heaven and earth disappear" A literal interpretation of the heavens and earth gave substance to the HRM theology. But if the heavens and earth mentioned symbolically represented the "Mosaic Covenant world of Israel", it made common sense to the listening audience in the first century. "Sadly many Bible students are unfamiliar with apocalyptic, and figurative language" "Deuteronomy 8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. How did God testify against them? With the heaven and earth representing the Law. Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: What records against them? Certainly not the physical heavens and earth, but rather the law:" Deuteronomy 31:26-28 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it (the law) may be there for a witness against thee. 27 For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death? 28 Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them. Hebrews 8:13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear

This is the same mistake we all make at times while growing in the faith. Each thinking to some extent having a handle on the truth. No one is left out of the scenario...... we go along with our sinful nature judging others. The reason some use the same scriptures over and over again ... only do so because they are not challenged or completely ignored. I found this common when preterist present time text which they believe refers to the first century. This is one of the reasons I searched out the theology. BTW for me I found it quite interesting. There is to much name calling or innuendo's sad to say from preterist and futurist alike. I agree many time there is a game of scriptural ping pong going in the battle for truth. I believe the key after all is said and done .... our goal should be how can we through the Spirit of God if possible create a more intimate relationship with Father and Jesus Christ. Perhaps something to think about. And to take care of our biological family before spending time trying to save the world. Many people have lost family in the process, many of them were married to an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Thanks for the responses I'll stay with a symbolic poetical representation of what the crucifixion has accomplish, and that Jesus did not give his precious life for animals which reside in our local zoo. I believe these verses are about the animal kingdom should be spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14 Isaiah 11:6 "The wolf also] In this, and the following verses, the prophet describes the effect of his reign in producing peace and tranquility on the earth. The description is highly poetical, and is one that is common in ancient writings in describing a golden age. The two leading ideas are those of "peace" and "security." The figure is taken from the condition of animals of all descriptions living in a state of harmony, where those which are by nature defenseless, and which are usually made the prey of the strong, are suffered to live in security. By nature the wolf preys upon the lamb, and the leopard upon the kid, and the adder is venomous, and the bear, and the cow, and the lion, and the ox, cannot live together. But if a state of things should arise, where all this hostility would cease; where the wild animals would lay aside their ferocity, and where the feeble and the gentle would be safe; where the adder would cease to be venomous, and where all would be so mild and harmless that a little child would be safe, and could lead even the most ferocious animals, that state would represent the reign of the Messiah. Under his dominion, such a change would be produced as that those who were by nature violent, severe, and oppressive; those whose disposition is illustrated by the ferocious and bloodthirsty propensities of the lion and the leopard, and by the poison of the adder, would be changed and subdued, and would be disposed to live in peace and harmony with others. This is the "general" idea of the passage. We are not to cut the interpretation to the quick, and to press the expressions to know what particular class of people are represented by the lion, the bear, or the adder. The "general" image that is before the prophet's mind is that of peace and safety, "such as that would be" if a change were to be produced in wild animals, making them tame, and peaceful, and harmless". from Barnes' Notes Isaiah 11:6 [The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.] "Then shall the wolf," etc. The idea of the renewal of the golden age, as it is called, is much the same in the Oriental writers with that of the Greeks and Romans:-the wild beasts grow tame; serpents and poisonous herbs become harmless; all is peace and harmony, plenty and happiness: Adam Clarke's Commentary Your 20 minutes are up George looking forward to your input ?

Greetings Preterism the "new frontier" in our day is for the reason that in eschatology the Creeds of the middle ages control system theology among Christians. Essentially there are two camps of preterism for those not familiar with its religious standing I.e. Partial and full Preterism. The critical difference of concern is PP regard FP heretical mainly because FP believe the second coming of Christ and the resurrection mention in the NT was fulfilled in the first century making it history to us. However this is not suggesting in any way no afterlife following our sojourn on earth in that understanding. The reason there is some 33 thousand Christian denomination worldwide all thinking individually they have the correct understanding, including preterist, stems from the fact that what one takes literally in opposition to symbolically. This also includes the timing of those expressions. As a side note "The Bible teaches that Christians “should all speak in agreement.” However, many Christian denominations disagree on teachings as basic as what it means to be a Christian. Such denominations cannot all be right." Since there is nothing new under the sun I thought putting the subject matter of preterism, another " izm" on the table and analyzing it for exploration. I suppose the key in the concept of this "izm" is the word "when". Or when will these things be/happen. To get a grip on Matthew chapter 24 I believe first reading chapter 23. In my estimation there should not be a separation between the two chapters. Matthew 24:24:1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. 2 "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; everyone will be thrown down." 3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Thanks for reading Kind Regards Larry

The doctrine of the rapture became popular a few years ago when Hal Lindsey published his little book, The Late Great Planet Earth. He described the event as follows: There I was, driving down the freeway and all of a sudden the place went crazy . . . cars going in all directions . . . and not one of them had a driver. I mean it was wild! I think we’ve got an invasion from outer space! (1970, 124-25).. "Jesus says absolutly says nothing about a Rapure, foating into the sky for the rightous from the earth. Leving behind the unrightous to fend for themselves on the earth. However He does say thing," I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (John 17:15) Not to take away the Saints from the evils on the earth, and the responsibly there in. Not only to the Lord, but to family etc. "It therefore makes no sense to think that Christ must take them to heaven to protect them from the evils on earth" So what does the typology of the Rapture in verse 17 represent? I believe it is a gathering together, of the living and the dead, of the lost spiritual life, separation from God, that took place in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve at the forbidden fruit that caused the curse on mankind. One commontator puts it this way. We need to look at the meaning of the Greek term translated “to meet” that Christ inspired Paul to use in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Dr. Leon Morris writes in the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: “The expression translated to meetis kind of a technical term ‘for the official welcome of a newly arrived dignitary’…and is very suitable in this context.” Notice that it pertains to a newly arrived dignitary, not to one who is merely passing through. In no way does it convey that Christ only enters the atmosphere and then reverses course, as He snatches believers away to heaven

The doctrine of the rapture became popular a few years ago when Hal Lindsey published his little book, The Late Great Planet Earth. He described the event as follows: "There I was, driving down the freeway and all of a sudden the place went crazy . . . cars going in all directions . . . and not one of them had a driver. I mean it was wild! I think we’ve got an invasion from outer space!" (1970, 124-25).. "Jesus says absolutely says nothing about a Rapture, floating into the sky for the righteous from the earth. Leaving behind the unrighteous to fend for themselves on the earth. However He does say thing," I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. (John 17:15) Not to take away the Saints from the evils on the earth, and the responsibly there in. Not only to the Lord, but to family responsibility etc. "It therefore makes no sense to think that Christ must take them to heaven to protect them from the evils on earth" So what does the typology of the Rapture in verse 17 represent? I believe it is a gathering together, of the living and the dead, of the lost spiritual life, separation from God, that took place in the Garden of Eden. When Adam and Eve at the forbidden fruit that caused the curse on mankind. One Commentator puts it this way. We need to look at the meaning of the Greek term translated “to meet” that Christ inspired Paul to use in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. Dr. Leon Morris writes in the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: “The expression translated to meetis kind of a technical term ‘for the official welcome of a newly arrived dignitary’…and is very suitable in this context.” Notice that it pertains to a newly arrived dignitary, not to one who is merely passing through. In no way does it convey that Christ only enters the atmosphere and then reverses course, as He snatches believers away to heaven.

Thanks for those links, it seems the word can be used in a verity of ways. But I believe the bottom line is "presents". I once read it used for a king entering a country, and meeting its subjects to walk with him into the land. I think this basically is where the concept of the Rapture comes in, accept they meet Him in the air. How the first century Christian understood the Rapture coming, I wasn't there. But you raised a good point, I will have to further look into it. I did an Englishmen's search and found the word is uses 22 times in the New Testament. Strong’s Definitions [?](Strong’s Definitions Legend) παρουσία parousía, par-oo-see'-ah; from the present participle of G3918; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect:—coming, presence.

Even this one? Revelation 21:2 saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. Will it be this size Revelation 21:16 When he measured it, he found it was a square as wide as it was long; in fact it was in the form of a cube, for its height was exactly the same as its other dimensions-1,500 miles each way. What Albert Barnes has to say on this verse which to me seems to be right on. Revelation 21:2 The idea of a city literally descending from heaven, and being set upon the earth with such proportions-three hundred and seventy miles high (Revelation 21:16), made of gold, and with single pearls for gates, and single gems for the foundations. No man can suppose that this is literally true, and hence this must be regarded as a figurative or emblematic description. Barnes "This, of course, does not mean that this great city was "literally" to descend upon the earth, and to occupy any one part of the renovated world; but it is a symbolical or figurative representation, designed to show that the abode of the righteous will be splendid and glorious". Barnes' Notes

No How so, it is just a statement. I believe it's the other way around in some places. For example Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea If we take this verse literally we have a New earth with no sea, [that is not possible ] Or we can say the New Heavens and New earth are literal, but the sea represents/spiritually something. That would mean we are mixing the physical with the spiritual. Which is the claim that the preterist do. Or on the other hand if we take the whole verse spiritually representing something, there is no mix up at all. With that said there are verses in the Old Testament which uses the heavens and earth idiom representing something that God's chosen at that time understood. Where does the bible, what verse, mention the Great Tribulation, and how is it possible for a people to live with no pain. Rev. 21:4 Wouldn't that be disastrous to have no feelings human kind were built with for their own protection. Like a 4 year old touching mom's stove.

I kind of see it this way, simply said its all about Covenants, and what the New Covenant would provide for believers. It all took place in the first century. "guaranteeing what is to come" Those letter were penned during the transitional period of 40 years between the cross and the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in AD 70. The Christians were looking forward to those blessing brought about by a realized New Covenant, after the termination of the Old Covenant. Hebrews 8:13 By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear This is what the first century Christians were expecting. It was the Parousia mentioned in Matthew 24:1-3 The following is not a detailed explanation of the verses above, just laying down some ground work for clarity. Luke 21:20 "When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. Luke 21:32 "I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. James and the writer of Hebrews believed. James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Can it be that James was trying to keep the brothers on their toes. Or was James exception wrong, or did he flat out lie. Or did Christ come as He said He would. Hebrews 10:37 For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay.