Revelation gives us a fascinating picture of golden bowls filled with our prayers at the throne of God. What is this telling us? Why would our prayers be presented this way? Let us look at the basic biblical interpretation of this passage and then close with one point of speculation. Our Heavenly Father knew no one in … Continue reading Golden Bowls Filled with Prayer
Revelation speaks about our future condition to help us in our present condition. That is one of the main reasons our Lord gave John the vision. The church was under intense persecution, and John himself was in exile when he was told to write what he saw. Like all apocalyptic literature in scripture, Revelation is designed to increase … Continue reading Our Future Glory
It is not God's will that we know everything about him or his plan. He has given us everything we need to know pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), but he has not given us everything. At one point in Revelation, John sees a mighty Angel. He is so large that he has … Continue reading The Knowledge God Keeps From Us
Revelation chapter 5 is a highly uplifting passage once we understand it. Lifting the heads of discouraged saints is one of the primary reasons the Lord gave John the Revelation and had him write it down. I recently wrote a short article on this passage, but this morning I had the privilege of preaching through the chapter in its entirety … Continue reading When Downcast, Look to the Throne [Video]
If fall were a person, she’d be an introverted poet and artist. She steps out of summer shyly, unsure if the world is ready for her. As she paints the leaves red and strips down the trees, and as the carved jack o’ lantern sitting out on the neighbor’s front porch grows mold and curls in on itself, she reminds us there is death, but for those who know, there is more than that.
There are two dangers Christians face when culture pushes against our beliefs. The first is to give in to the pressure to conform, and the second is to stand defiant in an ungodly way. The first danger reveals itself in some professing Christians' fear of the world's disapproval. This fear is not only true of some churchgoers but … Continue reading Two Dangers Facing Christians Under Cultural Pressure
Last week was a rough work week. First, it was exhausting due to its long hours. Second, my health gave me some trouble, and third, I dropped one of the many balls I have been juggling on a project, and now I am cleaning up the pieces. None of these issues were that significant in … Continue reading Recognizing the Curse in Our Work
When a man or woman of God invites you in as they process their grief of losing a loved one, they are giving you a spiritual gift to strengthen you. Throughout church history, many faithful Christians have suffered the loss of children and encouraged others through their experiences. Samuel Rutherford, John Flavel, John Bunyan, and George Whitfield … Continue reading Seasons of Sorrow
It started with the drama at the throne (Revelation 5). The scroll containing the inheritance of the children of God was sealed with seven seals, and no one could open it. No one, that was, until the slain Son of God appeared. Because he died and rose again, he is worthy. He had borne the wrath they deserved. Because of this, he is both just and … Continue reading The First Six Seals of Revelation
There is a commonplace religion that invites its followers to do the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. It is a religion of self-help, and it likes to go to church. We see it in many popular manifestations of cultural “Christianity.” It has a thin veneer of truth but lacks substance. It gives lip service to following Jesus, … Continue reading The Problem with Cultural Christianity
The Fight of Faith 