Archive for March 2013
The Dragon Isn’t Above the Law — Revelation 20:1-3
Jesus will orchestrate the Omega of this Creation and declare with absolute finality the destiny of every person.
After the war. After He has changed His blood splattered garments. After He has brought us into His eternal rest. God the Father will reveal a new name by which we will know Jesus.
Today we know Jesus as Redeemer. Jesus is Lord. Jesus is Savior. Jesus is the Lamb and He is a Lion. Jesus is THE Wonderful Counselor. He is Mighty God, Everlasting Father and THE Prince of Peace. Jesus is the Great High Priest. He is the Great Prophet. Jesus is the Great King.
Revelation 19:12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. This name will be revealed!
Maybe His new name will have something to do with reversing the Fall, ending sin and chaining the Dragon.
Read MoreCapturing the Bad Guys (The Gruesome Ending of All God's Enemies) — Revelation 19:11-21
One day soon God will again send His only begotten Son into the physical realm of this planet.
Jesus will show up in all His glory and splendor with orders from the Father to finish out the victory He already won at the Cross.
Jesus will have orders from the Father to tie up loose ends, squash the resistance and bring an end to the conflict.
The rebellion will not be resurrected. God will call the unclean birds of the air to remove the impurity and filth that they leave behind.
This is a glorious victory for our battle scared Lord Jesus.
Peace will be found at the tip of His sword and He will win the battle.
Read MoreAre the Saints Guilt of Heavenly Schadenfreude? — Revelation 19:1-5
Schadenfreude is that wonderful German term for those who experience wicked glee at the demise of others.
If we see someone suffer, someone that we don’t like very much, and our hearts feel malicious pleasure, then we can be accused of Schadenfreude.
Well, are the saints in this passage feeling that? Are we going to sin a little in our hearts while watching sinners receive God’s judgment?
What causes our hearts to shout for joy when sinners are judged?
There is an answer, and it isn’t what you might imagine.
Read MoreThese Are God's Final Warnings in the Bible before the End — Revelation 18:1-24
The Holy Spirit is vexed when pride, greed, lust, envy, anger, gluttony and laziness are at home within our hearts. When these traits increase, we know that the end is near.
God has been warning the Earth of His judgment since the beginning of Genesis.
These are literally the last words of warning before the end of the world comes.
Are you ready for that final moment? Are you saved? Have you repented of your sin and walked away from a love of this world?
God loves you so much. God has been patient for so long. Will you keep testing His compassion? Will you seek His forgiveness? May God give us the grace to repent right now.
Read MoreA Woman Rides the Beast — Revelation 17:10-18
Everywhere you look people talk about being spiritual. Yoga empties us for spiritual enlightenment. Walking outdoors connects us to the Earth. Buying a hybrid car makes us feel like we are saving the planet.
Yet, none of these things are real connections to the Father in comparison to what Jesus offers.
Many churches participate in meeting spiritual needs without Jesus. They provide religious rituals and sentimental experiences. Churches seek to be relevant to impress and attract “seekers.” Worldly techniques for entertainment are used to grow the financial and congregational numbers.
But, what does Jesus think about this alliance between the World and the Church?
Jesus uses a brutal and graphic allegory to share His thoughts.
Read MoreA City on Seven Hills — Revelation 17:1-9, 18
The whole book of Hosea is based on the accusation from God that the people of God had prostituted themselves for what the world had to offer.
God illustrates our sin by commanding one of His very godly men to marry a very silly girl who was in love with this world.
Hosea 1:2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, the LORD said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the LORD.”
God does shocking things to teach us valuable lessons. This passage is provocative.
The Church that was started in the Book of Acts has now become, like Israel became, an unfaithful spouse.
How many of these harsh accusations could be applied to us?
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