I recently heard a news story about the perceived rudeness among the public and especially from those who once were concerned about providing customer service. The news story shared some examples, cited the COVID lock down as the probable reason, and said the solution to this problem is for all of us to just keep to ourselves. While I agree … Continue reading →
In my last post titled “Will the COVID-19 Vaccine be the Mark of the Beast?” I attempted to encourage those who harbor some fears of taking the mark of the beast by learning that the verse in Revelation says the mark is not a visible or tangible thing, but a belief that puts the Beast power above Christ’s power. Revelation … Continue reading →
This afternoon our Psalms Bible study at CrossHope Chapel became a Q&A study on the mark of the beast and the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccine. I want to share with all of you two important points when you hear others declaring the COVID-19 vaccine as being the mark of the beast. First, no one is going to accidentally take the mark … Continue reading →
The book of Revelation spells out some details of the end time events that the Old Testament prophets proclaimed. What is interesting to me — in light of our current coronavirus crises —is the use of the phrase “shortly come to pass” used in it’s opening verse. Revelation 1:1 gives this introduction, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave … Continue reading →
The account of Revelation 13 tells of an economical global enforcement that will punish those who refuse to acknowledge or employ “the mark of the beast” into their lives. Revelation 13:17 states, “no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” My point here is … Continue reading →
The marque sign outside of the United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama read: The End is Near!! Just Kidding We Don’t Know. That signed humored me because in my understanding of Christianity, the only way a church would not know that the end is near is if it does not open, read, or teach the Bible. The theme of the … Continue reading →
Let’s look at the verse in question, “For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (2 Peter 2:4). The word used here for “hell” is “tartaroo” which is a unique word and the only times it’s used in the Bible. I know that some … Continue reading →
This morning as I was enjoying my hotel breakfast waffle I found myself sitting in front of a TV and forced to endure its fake news. What I witnessed was an interview with the El Paso mayor and a CBS reporter who badgered the man about….not his response to the despicable crime…not his actions for his citizens well being…not the … Continue reading →
If one looks at the sequence of events regarding the 1000 years of Revelation 20 through an Historicist view, these 17 points would explain its progression: Jesus returns for His 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 … Continue reading →
Why does the Bible refer to the return of Jesus Christ as the blessed hope? Titus 2:13 says that believers are “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” We ought to be looking more for that appearing and less at the difficulties that often assail us. Years ago I … Continue reading →
As an introduction to the armor of God in Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11; ESV). Whether you like it or not, the devil is scheming against you – if you sided with Jesus Christ. He can not … Continue reading →
War was first known in Heaven, not because it is holy, but because sin is so unholy. Revelation 12:7 says “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels.” The chapter also gives us the account of Satan bringing war to earth against God’s people. The history of … Continue reading →
We find the concept of the Seal of God in the book of Ephesians and in Revelation. There is a definite connection between the two books on the Seal of God. Let’s beginning by looking at Ephesians 4:30 where Paul says “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” … Continue reading →
Here is something that makes me pause when considering the return of Jesus in a pre-tribulation rapture. It’s the use of the phrase “at the last day” as found in the Gospel of John. The reason it gives me pause, is because the Bible specifically mentions that there is only two resurrections, one for the saved and one for the … Continue reading →
There is a belief that during the 1000 years people will be born and people will die. Where does this idea of death being part of the saints experience of eternal life, post-rapture, and post-tribulation come from? The answer is Isaiah 65:20 which says “No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or … Continue reading →
The early followers of Jesus, who faced trials, persecution, and uncertainty about their future, took heart encouraging one another with an Aramaic greeting, “Maranatha!“ Maranatha means “the Lord is coming!” or “come, Lord Jesus” as in Revelation 22:20 “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (ESV). At CrossHope Chapel Bible Church we share in the encouragement of knowing the Lord is coming … Continue reading →
Continue reading →If you find the time, please take the 30 minutes or so to listen to Dr. Tony Evans, the founder and Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, TX, discusses a theological assessment of what is happening in the nation. This is a clip of Tony Evans speaking at a Dallas Theological Seminary chapel on November 8, 2016 so there … Continue reading →
Continue reading →When I first heard the news about the Florida High School shooting, my mind was already pondering a few other disappointing news stories of the day. I was thinking about the Lutheran minister in New Jersey who had a name changing ceremony Sunday because she has “transitioned” from female to male. The Lutheran Bishop was glowing about it and the … Continue reading →
The United Nations has voted 128 to 9 to make “null, void” the United States decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Our US Ambassador has said that we will be taking names and remembering those nations when it comes to handing out American money. That’s 128 nations who have not just voted in defiance against the United States, … Continue reading →
There is no question, from a Christian perspective, that America has gone through a recent period of leadership that has trampled on our religious freedom. Much of the harmful effects of elevating social ideologies over civil security and sexuality above religious liberty are still in place through regulations and the evil intents of those in positions of power at all … Continue reading →
The solution to unprovoked firearm violence in our society is not gun control, but self-control. Galatians 5:23 tells us that self-control is the result of the indwelling Spirit of God in one’s life, and without the Holy Spirit there is no control over one’s unbridled sinful behavior. The angry expressions of violence are easily acted upon when the Holy Spirit … Continue reading →
Today at CrossHope Chapel we took a cross-reference jump from 2 Thessalonians 2:5 to 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and read this: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, … Continue reading →
Here is a 15-point sequence of events as taught by the pre-tribulation rapture belief… The Lord Jesus Himself descends from His Father’s House where He has been preparing a place for His bride, the church. John 14:1-3 • 1 Thessalonians 4:16 He will come to receive us to Himself. John 14:1-3 He will resurrect those who have died – those who have … Continue reading →
What should be our attitude toward the return of Jesus and our rapture from the wrath of earth’s judgement? Well here are five Bible verses and my thoughts about that… 1 Thessalonians 1:10 – We are to eagerly be waiting and looking for our Lord’s return. As a child I remember days of anticipation in our house as my mom and … Continue reading →