Phony "Paul" has so convinced himself that the return of Christ would occur in his lifetime, or in that of his next generation. Paul is so sure of this return, that he advises the "virgins" to not even bother to get married and procreate!!! Paul is actually encouraging a self administered genocide of his own people!!! OOOPS...well 2 thousand years later and we are all still waiting for this return of Christ.
What is odd about Paul's pathetic prediction, is that Paul claims to be in contact with the spirit of Christ. The Ghostly "Christ" would occasionally give Paul information that was to be forwarded to the Christian followers. How is it that Paul could be so OFF with such an important prediction, when he claims to communicate with the very Christ, himself?!?!?!
There must have been a mix up with those transcendental radio waves between Jesus and Paul.
anywayz, if you believe in this silly book, then you are either brainwashed or too desperate for closure.
I just love the level of discussion on this thread. I understand that there are people who call themselves Christians who are hateful people. Gene is not one of them. There are people who call themselves Americans who are hateful people. Are all Americans evil? Aren't we all on 'Liberty's' side? Don't you all have some strange beliefs? Haven't you been criticized by others for those beliefs? Do you want to be criticized more often?
Anyway,
I agree that Paul believed that the second coming of Christ was near. I agree that Jesus spoke with Paul on a personal basis. I don't believe that everything Paul wrote came directly from the lips of God. I believe Paul was correctly interpreting the "signs of the times", prophecies that would indicate that the end of the world was near. I believe the was giving good advice to his followers.
The misconception here is there is some set time for Christ's return. There is no set time. God in His mercy has delayed the second coming of His Son. This delay is needed so the principles of His kingdom can perfectly be reproduced in His people. If Paul's followers had taken his advice and dedicated themselves to the kingdom of God, God's will would have been done on earth, speeding the second coming of Christ and blessing all people on earth. They did not follow his advice, God's kingdom was not furthered on earth, Christ did not return. The blame rests not with Paul's relationship with Christ but with our relationship with Christ.