Eschatology to the Detriment of the Gospel?

[Josh]

Elsewhere, Nothing But The Blood Wrote:

I think that focusing on prophecy too much can actually hinder our relationship with God because often times it is a person's interpretation of future prophecy that becomes the person's gospel instead of Jesus Christ. That's what I noticed with one of these online friends. When he was trying to witness to people, he was talking about end times prophecy, and this was what he was preaching to those who did not know Jesus. He said nothing about Jesus Himself or about what He did for us. As Paul said, there can be no other foundation than Jesus Christ.

That is why I hesitate to state anything about the end times beyond the fact that things are going to get bad, there will be false prophets and false teachers, there will be an Anti-Christ, many people will be led astray, and finally Jesus will return.

I thought this would be a good starter for a discussion about how much important/ time/ effort/ focus we should place on our eschatological perspective compared to other more basic or primary gospel essentials.

As I was prepping my lesson on Hebrew 13 this week, this phrase stood out to me in relation to some of NBTB's thoughts:

Hebrews 13: 9

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

Now, this is coming from someone who has a pretty defined eschatological view, so I'm not saying eschatology isn't important. But I think it's important, in line with what she's saying, that we don't get "carried away" with secondary issues.

[Nothing But the Blood]

May 7, 2009 14:27:54 GMT -8 Josh said:

Elsewhere, Nothing But The Blood Wrote:

I think that focusing on prophecy too much can actually hinder our relationship with God because often times it is a person's interpretation of future prophecy that becomes the person's gospel instead of Jesus Christ. That's what I noticed with one of these online friends. When he was trying to witness to people, he was talking about end times prophecy, and this was what he was preaching to those who did not know Jesus. He said nothing about Jesus Himself or about what He did for us. As Paul said, there can be no other foundation than Jesus Christ.

That is why I hesitate to state anything about the end times beyond the fact that things are going to get bad, there will be false prophets and false teachers, there will be an Anti-Christ, many people will be led astray, and finally Jesus will return.

I thought this would be a good starter for a discussion about how much important/ time/ effort/ focus we should place on our eschatological perspective compared to other more basic or primary gospel essentials.

As I was prepping my lesson on Hebrew 13 this week, this phrase stood out to me in relation to some of NBTB's thoughts:

Hebrews 13: 9

Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.

Now, this is coming from someone who has a pretty defined eschatological view, so I'm not saying eschatology isn't important. But I think it's important, in line with what she's saying, that we don't get "carried away" with secondary issues.

Thank you. I will definitely comment on this topic, but I'm not sure how much time I'll have for posting on these boards the next couple of weeks. I have exams to do and to study for -- (classes), and in the midst of all of this, several of my friends and I are moving. I have to pack. This leaves very little time for online discussions. Do not worry, I will come back once this semester is over and I have unpacked.