I want to address two statements by the Apostle Paul that are commonly known by the phrase, “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.” The first of these is in 2 Corinthians 5:8 which states, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” The second of these is in Philippians 1:23 which states, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, … Continue reading →
Billy Graham often said “We will all live forever somewhere, either in Heaven or in Hell.” However, is that really true? Is that really what is stated in the Bible? As much as I liked and admired Billy Graham, I have to admit that every time I heard him say that my biblical defense system went up. The ability to live eternally is what is known as immortality. Do a dictionary definition search and you’ll … 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 →
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 →
The recent deadly tornado strike in Kentucky and neighboring states has caused many of us to question how we should understand natural disasters. Here, I want to share with you some thoughts and biblical principles to help us all do just that. First, let me begin by pointing out that natural disasters remind us that sin has marred creation, not just humanity. We see this in Romans 8:19-22 where Paul states that “the whole creation … Continue reading →
Here is a 22-point sequence of events for an understanding of the post-tribulation rapture or the second coming of Christ… Jesus returns for His church as promised in John 14:1-3 and detailed in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. The saints who have died in Christ will be resurrected. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44. This is the first resurrection mentioned by Jesus in John 5:28-29. Then the saints who are alive will be translated from mortality to … Continue reading →
It is often stated that since the church is not mentioned between Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 22:16, it is proof of a pre-tribulation rapture of the church. When ministers and prophecy teachers make mention of there being no church between Revelation 3:22 and Revelation 22:16, they mean that the Greek word “ekklēsia” is not used. In an earlier post titled “Dispensationalism and Historicism in Eschatology” I had reference my study of examining common arguments in … Continue reading →
How can Isaiah 7:14 be considered a prophecy about Christ’s virgin birth when the word translated there also means a young female? This is a popular objection for those looking for a reason to deny prophesy and the virgin birth of the Messiah but it is also an opportunity to consider proper interpretation of Scripture. So I am going to hit on a few points of consideration that will answer this concern… On the surface … Continue reading →
From time to time someone on social media gets all hyped up about wanting to educate people about Bible translations that appear to have eliminated verses, and this video below addresses that question.
Continue reading →I realize that many Bible prophecy teachers are quick to say that the United States of America isn’t in Revelation. Many of these preachers pinpoint other countries in prophecy but emphatically conclude that the United States is not even mentioned. While I hold a great deal of respect for the ministry of those who are doing all within their power to keep the great themes of prophecy before God’s people, I am not so quick … Continue reading →
The first verse of Revelation sets the approach for the prophecy we sometimes call the Apocalypse. It begins, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1). Revelation 1:1 points our attention to the Lord Jesus Christ as the focal point of the book and all that John was about to receive in vision to put down in writing. This … Continue reading →
In Luke 16:19-31 we have a story that Jesus told about a rich man who went to hell and Lazarus, a poor man who went to heaven. At question is, using this account as a literal story or example of what happens after we die? I frequently hear ministers point to this story as evidence of what happens after we die or preachers who point toward this story as if it is literal and not … Continue reading →
In Revelation 1:10 John makes mention to “the Lord’s Day” and the question is, Is John referring to the seventh-day Sabbath or the resurrection day? My answer is, I don’t know because the text doesn’t give us enough detail to know. However, there is a relevant societal issue that may be at the heart of John’s mention of “the Lord’s Day.” During John’s time the Roman Empire had a day of honor and worship dedicated … Continue reading →
In Jesus’ discourse on the sign of the end times, He makes a statement that often raises a question about who is He talking about, that statement is Matthew 24:34. The verse says, “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” Over the years of my ministry I have heard people ask, Did Jesus mean that the apostles were to see the second coming? or Were the … Continue reading →