Lutheran Fellowship Meeting Discusses Prophetic Dating

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 February 1949, Page 3

Lutheran Fellowship Meeting Discusses Prophetic Dating

The monthly Lutheran Fellow- ' ship meeting held in Marton, discussed the question of the theory of prophetic dating and the restoration of the Jews. Prophetic dating was based on the day equals a year theory derived from Num 33, 34, and Ezek. 5, 5.6. Each passage referred to a specific case and did not constitute a general rule of prophetic interpretation. If it did it would have to be applied consistently to all prophetic times. ■ For example, the 70 years’ cap- , tivity (Jer. 24, 11, 12) making it I 25,200 historic years. It would like-, wise have to be applied to the 1000, years of Rev. 20, making them 360,-! 000 years, a prophetic year equalling ■ 360 days. There was considerable manipula- • tion of dates to make the theory fit into history. The theory appeared to 1 work out in respect to the 70 weeks j (490 years) of Dan. 9, 24.25, which' was applied to the period between the ! giving of the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem to the ceding of Christ The Commandment was given oy Cyrus in 535 B.C. As this would bring the end of 490, years to 45 8.C., the 70 weeks are conveniently dated from 458 8.C., when a second contingent returned from Babylon The differing results arrived at on the basis of the same prophetic figures showed the untenability of the theory. The study of the re-gathering of Israel, or restoration of the Jews i produced the following results. — The term Israel was used in a j material sense fo r the physical Israel I and in a spiritual sense as applying' to the Christians (Rom. 9, 6-8). The prophecies relating to the gathering of Israel had a materia! and spiritual fulfilment. Materially, they were fulfilled when the Jews were released from the Babylon captivity. They were spoken during or prior to that captivity. Spiritually they are being fulfilled in the conversion of men and women to the Christian faith confirmed by Christ when He said. 1 “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John, 10, 16). James' inspired application of the prophecy relating to the raising up of the fallen tabernacle of David (Acts 15, 5.6; Amos 9, 11) to the conversations from amongst the Gentiles, sets for us a rule for the interpreting of all similar prophecies which includes all those relating to the re-gathering of Israel. i A dainty supper served ,by the ladies concluded the evening, BIG MARCHING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD THIS MONTH. Entries for the Marton Girls’ Marching Union’s open and unplaced marching competition to be held on Marton Park on Saturday, February 26, are now being received by the local secretary. Entries close next Saturday.

It was explained yesterday by the secretary, Mr. C. H. Hopping, that the union was holding an unplaced competition in an endeavour to create more interest for the younger teams. It was not the desire of the union to deprive champion teams of their wellearned awards, but a wider distribution of prizes would make marching competitions more appealing and encouraging to teams of not so high a standard, Unplaced teams and unplaced leaders, said Mr. Hopping, were teams and leaders who had not won a trophy at any open or local competition this season up to and including Marton’s open competition. Costume and street marching trophies were excluded, added Mr. Hopping, The grand parade is timed for 1.30 p,m., there being first and second trophies for the best team, miniature cups for the best leader and marker, and a challenge rose bowl for the team having the best costume. There is a challenge cup lor the team having the highest aggregate. For the first and second unplaced teams and the highest unplaced leader there are also special trophies and medals. The gala marching day is to conclude with a dance in the evening.

EIGHTY-FOUR FACTORIES REGISTERED IN MARTON.

It is estimated that Marton’s 84 factories employ some 280 hands, according to the annual survey completed by the Marton police this week. The largest factory has a pay-roll of 31.

The number of factories registered this year is nine fewer than 12 months ago, when the figure was 93.

There are 60 factories employing up to three hands, and 20 employing up to 10 hands. Four factories have payrolls of over 10, their numbers being 31, 25, 17, and 11. METHODIST CHURCH. Tomorrow the Rev. H. Browse resumes his ministry at the Marton Methodist Church, The morning service will take the form of a Sunday School promotion period when scholars will be placed under their new teachers for the year and the youth workers of the church will be dedicated to their special duties. During the evening service a challenging address will be given on “Greek Gods and Modern Gocis.” At the conclusion the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be administered. The annual Sunday School picnic will be held at Onepuhi today and a bus will leave the church at 10 a.m., returning at 5 p.m.

OHAKEA FORFEIT TODAY’S CRICKET MATCH.

Owing to postings and several other players being away on annual leave, the Ohakea Air Force CricKel Club advised yesterday that would be unable to field a team in the Rangitikei Cricket Competition this afternoon and have forfeited to Old Boys. This will give Old Boys a full six-point win. The matcii, which commenced last week, was to have been concluded this afternoon at Ohakea. Old Boys at the close of the first days play were m a strong position, having scored 255 loi seven wickets declared, and then dismissed Ohakea for 17 runs, Following on, Ohakea had 39 runs on the board for the loss for three wickets,