On this day, Mother’s Day, I always think of a verse in the epistle of Paul to Timothy. The chapter includes some instructions to the young pastor about caring for widows and it is in the middle of this that Paul writes in regard to women as “known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children” (1 Timothy 5:10, NIV). That seemingly casual reference is a huge insight into how God perceives motherhood. What … Continue reading →
In Revelation 12 we saw that Satan went off to scheme for an end-time war of deception against the people of God “which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17). In Revelation 13 we saw that this end-time scheme is the enforcement of the mark of the beast on a global scale that would lead to a death decree against those who “would not worship the image of … Continue reading →
Matthew 12:40 is a reference by Jesus to His forthcoming stay in the tomb and this is what it says, “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Every Easter season this question comes up and based on this verse someone will argue that the crucifixion took place on Wednesday or someone … Continue reading →
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV) The goal for every believer in the workplace, the community, or home should be to live in harmony with others. Harmonious relationships are less stressful and more productive to whatever the end that partnership should produce. Harmony doesn’t require one to abandon their identity or yield themselves over to another as a doormat, but it does … Continue reading →
In Revelation 13 we are introduced to the Mark of the Beast and the enforcement to worship an established “image” to the beast “out of the sea” that is enforced by the beast “out of the earth.” Remember that Revelation 12 concludes with Satan being angry that his plan of killing the Christ-child and martyring Bible-believing Christians did not work. In Revelation 12:17 we see that he changes his strategy and goes off in time … Continue reading →
Revelation 12 is an important chapter that pivots the first half of Revelation to the second half of Revelation by providing an overview of the conflict between Christ and Satan. Some commentators have said that the first half of Revelation is historical while the second half of Revelation is eschatological. I can understand that from where we are today in history, but to John it was all eschatological. I do think that in Revelation 12 … Continue reading →
We recently tackled a big portion of Revelation in our Sunday morning gathering at CrossHope Chapel, namely the presentation of the seven trumpets found in Revelation 8:6 through Revelation 11:19. When we covered this at the Chapel I was able to address it in more details than I will give here. The reason for that is I shared a lot of what others have said and how others have interpreted these seven trumpets, because honestly, … Continue reading →
At CrossHope Chapel we are currently going through the book of Revelation and we covered chapter 7 and the beginning of chapter 8 a few weeks ago. I have been busy with my hospital chaplaincy ministry lately and have fallen behind on these Study Highlights. In this Study Highlight, I want to share some things from our look at Revelation 7:1-8:5… Revelation 7 is a parenthetical vision that John saw which falls between the 6th … Continue reading →
At CrossHope Chapel yesterday we opened to Revelation 6 and talked about John’s vision of the opening of the 7 seals. Only the Lamb — the Resurrected Jesus Christ — was worthy to open the scroll by removing the seven seals, and as He did we got a glimpse of the prophetic unfolding of His church in conflict. We spent some time discussing the two most popular approaches of interpreting Revelation, that is the Historicist … Continue reading →
I’ve been contemplating 2 Timothy 4:8 and Paul’s mention of those who “love his appearing.” Paul is reflecting on the end of his life and ministry and writes, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” It’s noteworthy to me that he is saying that all … Continue reading →
Is Michael the Archangel spoken of in the Old Testament the preincarnate Jesus? First, let me say that no one is going to be held out of heaven for believing Michael the Archangel is not the preincarnate Jesus and no one is going to be allowed into heaven because of believing Michael the Archangel is the preincarnate Jesus. Second, let me say that I am aware that the Jehovah Witnesses believe that Michael the Archangel … Continue reading →
In my youth I often had older people tell me that time flies as you age. In recent years I have come to believe that, because I feel like I have been caught off guard on the ending of 2021. This year is over. A new one starts in just two days. As I was thinking about this Romans 13:11 came to mind, which states, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high … Continue reading →
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)* When we look at this passage we see sixteen specific things that identify what love looks like and what … Continue reading →
It is always a blessing to hear from couples after the wedding, with a word of appreciation or otherwise. A lot of couples message me on their anniversary date, and I do enjoy hearing from them, too. Here is a collection of unsolicited reviews on my officiating services. Please contact me if you wish to share a review or have any questions, too. Bridal Reviews “We very much appreciate your patience, your guidance, and your gentle … Continue reading →
