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Welcome to
the first issue of FULFILLED! Magazine! We pray that you find it
encouraging and edifying, and we look forward to hearing your response.
Obviously, as we grow into this venture there will undoubtedly be many changes
in content and vision. Still, we must start somewhere, so the following is the
inaugural vision of FULFILLED! Magazine:
First and foremost, we desire to bring glory and honor to
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus did not say that it was by our
doctrine, nor by our eschatology, that others would know we were His disciples,
but by our love for one another. Therefore, it is our prayer that within these
pages the different views of a spiritual rapture and a literal rapture; of
Preterism and Transmillennialism; responses to Futurism and the cries of
“heretic,” etc. may be presented in love. For even if we have impeccable
doctrine, yet have not love, we are as clanging cymbals—and who wants to
listen to that? When Futurists visit our websites and read our books, they have
often perceived a certain “attitude” in the materials. Granted, they may not
understand the whole context—especially in online message boards—but we
should take care, as Paul said, to let our speech always be with grace. In
keeping with that spirit, this issue has a wonderful article by Doug Reed,
titled Love or Doctrine?
Secondly, we pray that, as we reason together, we will
create an atmosphere in which individuals will be sharpened and challenged to
grow, rather than accused or ridiculed. Realizing that a body is composed of
many different parts, we desire to see a sense of unity and community amongst
Preterists, where we focus on our common belief of fulfilled prophecy, rather
than on our differences of opinion as to how it was fulfilled. In When Shall
These Things Be? (edited by Keith Mathison), it is stated that although the
contributing authors may disagree on certain particulars of doctrine, they stand
shoulder to shoulder in their agreement on the future resurrection, judgment and
physical return of Christ. As Preterists we should be willing to stand shoulder
to shoulder with each other on our common beliefs, while still allowing
“wiggle room” for the particulars.
Thirdly, in this day and age of hectic schedules, few have
the time needed to read a book—let alone a book on some “strange” doctrine
(as many view Preterism). While there are many excellent books defining and
defending Preterism, and many copies have been put into the hands of Futurists,
most, it would seem, are gathering dust. Therefore, we desire to provide nuggets
that will be bite-sized, palatable and nourishing—not to the Preterist only,
but to the Futurist as well. Many who can’t (or won’t) afford the time to
read a book may very well skim through a magazine. Who knows—if something
catches their attention, they might end up blowing the dust off that volume
someone gave them years ago, and reading it! Our hope, and prayer, is that
Preterists will view this magazine as a non-confrontational means of sharing the
doctrine of Preterism with others.
Lastly, we hope to provide Preterists with more than
eschatology. After all, when one looks past the eschatology, we are typical
Christians who face the same struggles in life as our brothers and sisters with
differing views. Therefore we hope to provide devotional pieces and testimonies
that Preterists, who are often isolated from meaningful fellowship, will find
encouraging. This issue’s devotional is titled Passing Through, or Pressing
Through?
As you can see, accomplishing all of this will be no easy
task. We would greatly appreciate your prayers in these matters. And we want to
hear from you! Send your emails to brian@fulfilledmagazine.com, or write us at:
Fulfilled! Magazine
God bless, Brian |
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