Commercial Break of Mercy

Last week, our discussion included war, famine, death, pestilence, earthquake, blackened sun, red moon, and falling stars (not the romantic kind that people wish upon). The first six seals were opened. “Revelation 7 serves as an interlude between the sixth and seventh seals. It carries forth the grand narrative of God’s cosmic plan, providing aContinue reading “Commercial Break of Mercy”

Just When You Think It Can’t Get Any Worse…

A quick reminder of what we discussed in our very first week. Revelation 1:3 ESV “3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” We don’t have to understand every piece or decipher everyContinue reading “Just When You Think It Can’t Get Any Worse…”

The Good Guys Don’t Always Ride in on White Horses

Before movies or TV shows are released, there will be a preview or a trailer that’s available.  The purpose is so that you can get an idea as to what the movie or the TV show is all about.   The trailer will be produced to show major highlights; a trailer won’t show minute details orContinue reading “The Good Guys Don’t Always Ride in on White Horses”

Seeing the Lamb Before Seeing the Lion

Chapter 4 of Revelation focused and revolved around the throne.  Who was on the throne, what was around the throne, who was around the throne, what was in front of the throne, who was in front of the throne, and what came from the throne? The answers in order are God, the appearance of brilliantContinue reading “Seeing the Lamb Before Seeing the Lion”

On the Throne, Around the Throne, From the Throne, and Before the Throne

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3 NKJV) Remember we are not expected to read and understand all of this.  We aren’t here to break the code or solve the mystery ofContinue reading “On the Throne, Around the Throne, From the Throne, and Before the Throne”

Jesus’ Group Text: Philadelphia (Faithful)

We find ourselves at church #6 today. So far, we’ve discussed Ephesus, the careless church, Smyrna, the crowned church, Pergamos, the compromising church Thyatira, the corrupted church, and Sardis, the feeble church. If we were keeping an overview of pros and cons of each church we’ve discussed so far, it would look a little likeContinue reading “Jesus’ Group Text: Philadelphia (Faithful)”

Jesus’ Group Text: Thyatira (Corruption)

We are on our 4th church addressed in the letter John wrote on behalf of Jesus. We’ve looked at the church at Ephesus – the careless church because they had been careless with their first love for Jesus. Then we discussed Smyrna – the crowned church.  This was a church whose people were persecuted andContinue reading “Jesus’ Group Text: Thyatira (Corruption)”

Remaining Under His Wings

Is there anything that you are afraid of?  Chances are you can identify with one of the top ten most popular phobias. 10. Germs 9. Public places 8. Social events 7. Shots or needles 6. Lightning and thunder 5. Dogs 4. Flying 3. Heights 2. Snakes 1. Spiders[i] Most of us can relate to atContinue reading “Remaining Under His Wings”

Mountain Out of Molehill – God Can Use That!

Martin Luther who we know to have been a German monk and theologian in the 1400s and 1500s is credited with the reformation of the Protestant church.  He was and still is very respected and admired for his work.  Here are a few of his quotes. “To be a Christian without prayer is no moreContinue reading “Mountain Out of Molehill – God Can Use That!”

Do You Like Me? Check One. Yes or No

We left off in Ruth Chapter 2 last week where Boaz inquired about Ruth and has shown considerable favor towards her.  Ruth is astonished and somewhat bewildered by the kindness, generosity, and grace that Boaz is extending to her.  And mother-in-law Naomi has newfound hope and is seeing God’s blessings for the first time inContinue reading “Do You Like Me? Check One. Yes or No”