My Journey to Preterism

Dale Stanford

I had grown up in church and knew about Jesus. I read the bible and thought I had accepted Jesus as my Savior. I don't think I even considered the term Lord and what it meant. But I always sensed God in my life. I believe He kept me from getting into trouble and from harm many times as I was growing up. But He let me do my thing knowing that I would someday realize that He was THE way, THE truth, and THE life! I continued to live my life as I wanted through highschool, one year of college, and 6 years in the Navy. I got married in the Navy and we partied our way through it. We had a daughter in the Navy and a son shortly after we got out. After 9 years of marriage she filed for a divorce and I was crushed! There was a small church that I had passed every day on my way home from work, so God brought it to my attention one afternoon. I knocked on the pastor's door one afternoon and he invited me in. We talked, cried, and prayed together. He invited me to come to church there, so I did. For the next two years I spent every free moment I had studying the bible. I couldn't get enough! I also listened to lots of christian music. Keith Green was my favorite. His music blessed me so much! I went to every service and event that the church offered. I sang in the choir, played on the fast pitch softball team, and participated in all of the work parties. God was blessing me, and I wanted to tell everyone I knew about Him! A lot of my friends thought I was being too pushy, but I just wanted them to know the love I had just found in Jesus! While I was singing in the choir, I met a young lady who became my current wife. We have been married almost 29 years now, and have a 21 year old daughter. She is our miracle baby, and God has used her to bless our lives!

About 3 years ago my job ended. After about 6 months my faith was shaken, and I began to worry about it. How was I going to provide for my family without a job? One day I took my bible out to my patio and began reading the book of Job. After a few days of reading, thinking, and praying about what Job had endured, I fell on my face before God! How could I complain and feel sorry for myself after what Job had gone through? I knew that God had promised me that He would never leave me, and that He would always provide for my needs. But I had suddenly lost that faith. I repented and asked Father to forgive me for not trusting and believing Him. I told Him that I would never forget those promises again, and that I trusted Him no matter what happened in my life. Well, it's now been 3 years and I still haven't landed a full time job! But my faith hasn't been shaken since that time! I haven't worried about it since then and I praise God for His promises!

Shortly after my faith failure, I ended up on Ed Steven's website (preterist.org). I don't remember how I got there, and I don't remember anyone talking to me about preterism. But once I was there and began reading the Q&A's, everything started to click. The time statements and audience relevant scriptures couldn't be refuted! The more I read, the more I discovered the fact that scripture had already been fulfilled! I googled other preterist sites and found Don Preston's site as well. I communicated with Ed Stevens via email and phone, and he sent me several of his books to review for him. I'm thankful for Ed Stevens and his heart for ministry! I have also grown to love Don Preston, Michael Loomis, and many other preterist brothers and sisters. I love following Terry and other preterist friends on facebook! I have so much more to learn, but I know that I will always be learning until I leave this life! It is like being re-born again! I love studyng God's word, and am always ready and willing to share His truth with others. I pray that He will open up more doors for me to share the truth of fulfilled eschatology with those who are ready to hear. It is frustrating sometimes attending a futurist church and having to bite my tongue at times. I have shared with several brothers and I know God is working on them. He was patient with me for almost 30 years. How can I not be patient with them? May God reveal more of His truth to us as we seek Him. May He fill you with His love, grace and peace. I look forward to seeing all of you in the unseen realm!

Blessings,

Dale