DEFENDING & GROWING IN OUR FAITH
For some time now, I have been thinking about my time at Calvary and the theology classes that I absolutely loved. In them, I gained a greater knowledge of and appreciation for who God is. But it also deepened my relationship with God. Yesterday during our Sunday School time, we discussed knowing the basics at the very least so that we are able to defend our faith and spot falsehood. Those basics (& more) are not just points of knowledge…
WE KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS (REVELATION 19-22)
We’ve made it to the end of our New Testament reading and what a great place to end the year in the Bible. We conclude with the glorious future that awaits all those who have placed their faith in Christ Jesus for salvation. Thanks for journeying with us through the New Testament this year. We’ll be starting something new in 2021 as we continue to explore the Word of God together. God bless.
BABYLON BROUGHT TO RUIN (REVELATION 17-19)
Chapters 17 & 18 have been confusing to me as it looks at Babylon with two very different descriptions. Here is a general overview of what is going on here as well as some overall reminders we gain from the text. Revelation 17-19 NET
BOWLS OF WRATH (REVELATION 15-16)
We have come to the last series of judgements that we find in the book of Revelation – the Bowl Judgements. These are considered the most severe & are setting the stage for the earthly coming of Christ. And we read through ch. 16, we see a common theme about the residents of earth going through these times. We often get wrapped up in the “events”. Let’s not miss some underlying details though & its application for our own life.…
BEASTS, NUMBERS, SICKLES (REVELATION 13-14)
The further we get into Revelation the weirder and weirder it gets. Revelation 13 talks about beasts with horns and heads and crowns. Revelation 14 talks about sickles and winepresses. What is going on? That’s our mission today, to explore these texts and provide some answers while ultimately directing or focus to present day encouragements. Revelation 13-14 NET
IS THIS FROM LORD OF THE RINGS? (REVELATION 11-12)
As we read these couple of chapters today (Revelation 11-12), it almost seems like it is a scene from the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit movies. A scene of heaven, a pregnant woman fleeing from a fierce dragon, angels, war….certainly sounds like it doesn’t it? These are end times events though. I’ll explain all these things today. Take a moment to read the chapters though before you watch. Revelation 11-12 NET
WRITINGS & WITNESSES (REVELATION 10-11)
We’re nearing the end of our 5x5x5 reading through the New Testament. We’re in chs. 10-11 today talking about the “little scroll” and the “two witnesses”. One verse in particular stands out to me that is applicable beyond end times events. Take a moment to read the chapters and watch. Revelation 10-11 NET
ATTENTION EARTH! (REVELATION 8-9)
We’ve all had that moment in our lives when we try to get the attention of someone, but nothing works apart from being up front in the face or giving them a shake and saying: “Hey you!” Revelation 8-9 are a “Hey You!” to the earth. Yet as God brings his judgement we find the sad description of the people of the day at the end of ch. 9. Take a moment to read these chapters & watch. Revelation 8-9…
THREE QUESTIONS ANSWERED (REVELATOIN 5-7)
There is much that can be explored in the book of Revelation, particularly the chapters covered today. Doing a quick overview though, the chapters really answer three questions: 1) Who is worthy? 2) Will God judge evil? & 3) Who can stand? Let’s explore these together today. Take a time as well to check all the cross references to the text. Much can be learned about the content of the book from other books that speak on end time events…
YOU ARE WORTHY (REVELATION 4)
Revelation 4 is a spectacular scene of worship. And this chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book explaining that the following is God’s sovereign plan. In spite of what we might think as we behold them, these things will bring greater glory to his name, and he is worthy of our praise. Take a moment to read this fantastic worship scene though and watch. Revelation 4 NET
GENUINE COMMITMENT (REVELATION 3)
Genuine. Commitment. Two words that we often look for in the relationships that we establish with people in our community, as we see a spouse, as we make friends. We look for people who are genuine and who are committed. Those same two words could be a banner for Revelation 3 as God calls us to a genuinely committed relationship with himself each and everyday expressed through simple obedience. Take a moment to read the chapter and watch. Revelation 3…
ABOUT MORE THAN PROPHECY (REVELATION 2)
When people think of the book of Revelation, they often think of end times events and prophecy. Yet the book starts with letters to various churches, words from Jesus himself. And the content of these is much on practical Christian living & church body life. Revelation 2 NET
WHATS IS GOD’S WILL – PART 2 (#ASKPD)
Last week we talked about the will of God, a subject that many wonder about and a question that many ask. I ran across a video at adds some helpful tidbits to this discussion that may aid you personally or help as you minister to others.
NOT LIKE OTHER ANCIENT BOOKS (2 PETER 1)
From a theological standpoint, 2 Peter 1 is very important as it reveals to use the nature of the Scriptures, their origin, how they came to be. That theological tidbit though has greater practical implications for us as it points to the truthfulness of the Word of God and it’s beneficial application to and for our lives. 2 Peter 1 NET
FLOURISHING FAITH (2 THESSALONIANS 1)
Flourish. It is a word that we often associate with the greenness of a valley or trees budding in the spring or flowers in their full bloom. It conjures to our minds thoughts of life and growth. Paul describes the Thessalonian’s faith as flourishing. How? Why? And how can that too describe us? Take a moment to read the chapter & watch. 2 Thessalonians 1 NET
WHAT IS GOD’S WILL? (#ASKPD)
What is God’s will for me in….? I can’t tell you how many times I have asked that question personally or have heard others ask it. We are often looking in it for the audible voice from God to give us specific direction. I appreciate an avenue of looking at God’s will that I saw several years ago that I think helps to give all of us a better perspective on this often asked question.
A HEART TO MODEL (1 THESSALONIANS 2)
Reading 1 Thessalonians 2, we see the heart of the Apostle Paul unfold before us. We see his steadfastness, purity, and affection among other admirable traits. His model becomes something for us to imitate as well as we see and think of those around us. Take some time to read 1 Thessalonians 2, watch the video, and then reflect on this text to see how you too can more model the heart of this apostle. 1 Thessalonians 2 NET
KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE LAND (1 THESSALONIANS 1)
I love this book of 1 Thessalonians. I find myself saying that often about various portions of the Bible, but it’s about our Creator & Savior so why not love it! Here we see though the heart of Paul unfold for these believers, and how the gospel has changed their lives to the glory of God. Let’s read through this first chapter together.
WHAT MAKES HELL HELL? (#ASKPD)
Over the years, I have heard various people makes jokes about hell often laughing it off as some party place they wish to go to. Or it has been used as adjective or adverb in the form of a question or of exclamatory surprise. As much as it may be used as a curse or joked about, it is the scariest of existences for those who refuse to trust in Jesus as their Savior. Why? Take a moment to read…
LIFE (JOHN 20)
I just love the gospel of John which is so simple to understand yet as deep as the ocean in its theology. John 20 reveals to us John’s purpose in composing this book–that people would read it and choose to believe in Jesus as their Savior. The last part of v. 31 stood out to me – “have life in his name”. It it true that belief in Jesus brings eternal life for anyone making that step of faith. The…