Have you ever accidentally stepped on your pet's tail? It's a startling experience. The poor thing shrieks and darts away while you jump aside to see what dastardly deed you have done. Sometimes, that's how I feel after seeing the reaction to some of my commentaries -- like I've just stepped on my pet's tail. And, naturally, I feel bad.

Now, before anyone gets upset with me, I'm not implying I consider the people who read my commentaries pets. Don't laugh! There actually may be readers out there who will interpret my words in such fashion -- either totally missing, or purposely twisting, what I'm trying to say.

So, what I'm I attempting to say? I'm just pointing out that, when Christians from different generations and backgrounds come together, as we do here at FulfilledProphecy, sometimes we may accidentally step on each other's tail. Hopefully, when the hurt and shock subside, we come back together as before. We understand that the infliction of pain wasn't intentional.

Now, let's take a look at my most recent dastardly deed. From the email I've received and the response I've seen on our discussion board, it appears I may have once again stepped on a few tails. How? By challenging today's popular view on prophecy that teaches we are only to be watching for Christ, not the appearing of the Antichrist.

Yet, challenge it I must. That's because, as far as our understanding the subject of prophecy is concerned, the Bible doesn't support the popular view. In fact, if you read the older books on Bible prophecy, you will find that they don't support the modern, popular view either. In fact, these old books were full of details about the rebirth of Israel and the soon to be revived Roman Empire and coming Antichrist. I know, I've got these books dating back to the early fifties.

For example, let's take a look at the most popular, pre-tribulation, end-time Website, Rapture Ready. Here we find a dedicated group of pre-tribulation believers who keep track of world events they feel may indicate the rapture of the church is fast approaching. In fact, the site even has an index keeping track of events that indicate just how near. Question: If all we are to be watching for is Jesus -- as the popular view teaches -- and not the rise of the Antichrist and his kingdom, than just what is it these people are watching for that indicate the rapture is near?

You see, as the popular view is quick to point out, there are no signs associated with the rapture of the Church. The Bible tells us it will happen on an unknown day and when we least expect it. That's why I remain rapture neutral. However, there are signs associated with Israel and the rise of the Antichrist and his kingdom. And, according to my understanding of prophecy, these signs are our warning that the rapture of the Church and Christ's return is near. So, in my watch for the the return of my Lord and Savior, this is where I focus.

My concern is, many such inconsistencies as the one mention above have crept into our popular view on Bible prophecy. I may have a message of warning to get out to God's people. And, what I've found, my message comes at the very moment in Church history when the popular view on Bible prophecy has been diverted away from where it was in the days of Hal Lindsey's, The Late Great Planet Earth and before. Now, instead of an understanding that is based on what the Scripture actually says, our popular view has instead become more based on circular reasoning and the theories of well-intentioned men.

And, when someone comes along who dares to point out these inconsistencies, you would think this person had committed the most dastardly deed possible -- like stepping on his pet's tail.

Friends, if my words caused pain, that is not my intent.

It's just what I believe.