In 2012, the Bible, and the End of the World, bestselling prophecy expert Mark Hitchcock explores a fascinating last-days controversy that is gaining the attention of millions all over the globe. What should Christians make of the rapidly spreading speculations that the world will end on December 21, 2012? The ancient Mayans were expert astronomers and their advanced calendar cycles predict 12/21/2012 as a catastrophic day of apocalypse. This prophecy has spawned a growing number of fringe-element books, Web sites, and even a major movie—complete with all-star cast—scheduled to release in July 2009. Missing in the furor is a biblical perspective. Bible teacher Mark Hitchcock—whose books have sold more than 300,000 copies—examines the following questions: Why December 21, 2012? Can we trust the Mayan alarm clock? Does the Bible say anything about 2012? What signs will tell us that Armageddon is near? This book provides a fascinating survey of both the historical past and the prophetic future. Readers will discover how to effectively counter baseless speculation with biblical fact.

A startling exploration of the history of the most controversial book of the Bible, by the bestselling author of Beyond Belief. Through the bestselling books of Elaine Pagels, thousands of readers have come to know and treasure the suppressed biblical texts known as the Gnostic Gospels. As one of the world's foremost religion scholars, she has been a pioneer in interpreting these books and illuminating their place in the early history of Christianity. Her new book, however, tackles a text that is firmly, dramatically within the New Testament canon: The Book of Revelation, the surreal apocalyptic vision of the end of the world . . . or is it? In this startling and timely book, Pagels returns The Book of Revelation to its historical origin, written as its author John of Patmos took aim at the Roman Empire after what is now known as "the Jewish War," in 66 CE. Militant Jews in Jerusalem, fired with religious fervor, waged an all-out war against Rome's occupation of Judea and their defeat resulted in the desecration of Jerusalem and its Great Temple. Pagels persuasively interprets Revelation as a scathing attack on the decadence of Rome. Soon after, however, a new sect known as "Christians" seized on John's text as a weapon against heresy and infidels of all kinds-Jews, even Christians who dissented from their increasingly rigid doctrines and hierarchies. In a time when global religious violence surges, Revelations explores how often those in power throughout history have sought to force "God's enemies" to submit or be killed. It is sure to appeal to Pagels's committed readers and bring her a whole new audience who want to understand the roots of dissent, violence, and division in the world's religions, and to appreciate the lasting appeal of this extraordinary text.

Could recently fulfilled Biblical prophecy and significant recent events indicate that the countdown to Revelation has begun? Author John Claeys (Th.M., Dallas Theological Seminary), a long-time student of Bible prophecy, has keenly watched developments in the Middle East line up to usher in God's "day of the Lord," a special seven-year era immediately preceding Jesus' return to establish God's kingdom on the earth. As a result, Claeys felt compelled to present a clear, chronological presentation of near-future events described in the Bible in order to help people prepare for Christ's return. This book has been written in such a clear format, it could have been entitled, "Prophecy for Dummies," as those knowing little about the Bible will be able to clearly understand God's plan for the future by reading its presentation. In addition, avid students of Bible prophecy will be amazed at the fascinating insights offered in this work. But be warned: exposure to this information could be life-changing, moving the reader to draw near to the One responsible for orchestrating the incredible events described in this book. As one reviewer wrote, "Author John Claeys takes readers on a journey into the near future where they encounter the ultimate battle of good versus evil--of Satan's king of the world overcoming the prophets of God, of war breaking out in heaven and of the armies of the earth banding together to launch an assault upon God's King as He comes to the earth to claim His kingdom. . . [This book] is a careful exposition of Biblical passages describing a real, seven-year period leading to the return of Jesus Christ to the earth" (Dr. Earl Radmacher, theologian, author, general editor of the NKJV Study Bible). The story opens with a brief period in which the world will believe it has achieved "peace and security," but then "sudden destruction" will occur setting off wars, God's judgments and a very unique seven-year period which will lead to the return of Christ to establish God's kingdom upon the earth. This is the first of many twists and turns in this true plot of the future. Surprises include the fate of two prophets who will powerfully serve God, another regarding the incredible and lightening ascent of Satan's man from apparent obscurity in the Middle East. This will spiral into worldwide rule, war breaking out in heaven, 144,000 of God's people fanning out across the globe to reach the nations in spite of Satan attempting to eliminate them and the nations of the earth squaring off to battle against Christ Himself at His return. But with all of the surprises and the adventure of this story, it is really about God accomplishing His kingdom plan, even through Satanic conflict and resistance--for the good of believers and for the good of the world. It is a story of triumph, hope and inspiration. In the epilogue, the author answers the question regarding how soon this seven-year period may come upon the world. With solid reasoning and facts, Claeys begins by answering the objection that we cannot know when this era will appear. Then, as an attorney arguing his case, Claeys lays out the evidence which indicates this period may dawn sooner than we think.

The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

The idea of "The Rapture" -- the return of Christ to rescue and deliver Christians off the earth -- is an extremely popular interpretation of the Bible's Book of Revelation and a jumping-off point for the best-selling "Left Behind" series of books. This interpretation, based on a psychology of fear and destruction, guides the daily acts of thousands if not millions of people worldwide. In The Rapture Exposed, Barbara Rossing argues that this script for the world's future is nothing more than a disingenuous distortion of the Bible. The truth, Rossing argues, is that Revelation offers a vision of God's healing love for the world. The Rapture Exposed reclaims Christianity from fundamentalists' destructive reading of the biblical story and back into God's beloved community.

Where can you find answers for an uncertain world? The answers have been waiting for you all along. They're in the pages of the Bible. By studying Bible prophecy, you can learn crucial information about future prophetic events - the time of the end. Whether you are unsure of the value of the Bible's prophecies or regard them with deep respect, this Bible Study aid, "You Can Understand Bible Prophecy", is meant to help you accurately understand Bible prophecy. We want you to see the true scope of prophecy - how it links mankind's past, present and future. Learn how a knowledge of prophecy can provide you with a balanced perspective and the details of God's wonderful plan for humanity. Chapters in this ebook: -- Why Prophecy? -- The Fundamentals of Bible Prophecy -- Jesus Christ's Life and Death in Prophecy -- Promise and Covenants: A Prophetic Legacy -- God Confirms His Credibility to the World -- History Proves the Accuracy of Bible Prophecy -- The International Scope of Prophecy -- The End of 'This Present Evil Age' -- The Coming "Abomination of Desolation" -- What Is 'the Lord's Day'? -- The Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ -- Beyond the Millennium Inside this Bible Study Aid ebook: "God inspired much of prophecy to relate to the first and second appearances of Jesus as the Messiah." "Another purpose of prophecy is to urge repentance and offer everyone forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s suffering and death." "The history of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah is a powerful testimony to the accuracy and precision of Bible prophecy." "Many prophetic passages describe the time of God’s preparation of the world to accept the rule of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God."

Apocalypticism is not a peripheral topic in biblical studies. It represents the central, characteristic transformation of Hebrew thought in the period of the Second Temple. It therefore constituted the worldview of Jesus, Paul, and the earliest Christians, and it is the context in which the New Testament books were written. In this volume, Frederick Murphy defines apocalypticism while discussing its origins, where it comes into play in the Hebrew Bible, and how it relates to Jesus and the New Testament.