No Sequel in Sight
Thirty-nine books labeled "Old Testament" and twenty-seven books labeled "New Testament" are what make up that precious book we know as the Bible. But how do we know Scripture ended with Revelation? Stephen gives us age-old insight into that age-old question.
God's Final Call
Ever since The Flood of Genesis 7, God has warned of coming judgment. He spoke of it through the Prophets, through Christ, and here, at last, through the Apostle John's Revelation. Are you listening?
Duty, Honor, Country
According to the Apostle John, it isn't enough to simply believe that Jesus is coming again . . . we must live as though He is already on His way.
Refusing a Salt Free Life
As Christians, what is the analogy of who we are supposed to be? Many would say a fighter--we fight for God and go to war against secular culture. Others would say a peacemaker--we offer a message of love that is offered to everyone on earth. Even more people might say a firefighter-- we rescue people from the fire and bring them into a place of safety. But what does Jesus say we are to be? Well, I'm sure you have some of it sitting on your dining room table; it's so small we rarely give it a moment of thought: salt.
Packing for the Right Expedition, Part 2
When you go on a trip and begin making your packing list, most likely you begin by checking the weather in the place you will be visiting. You want to ensure that you are packing for the climate you will be entering. Jesus wanted to make sure His disciples understood the climate where they were going on their way to Jerusalem. He knew that many of His followers were expecting a hero's welcome and a coronation, but He also knew the reality would be quite different. And so, He challenged His disciples to earnestly and soberly count the cost of following Him.
Packing for the Right Expedition, Part 1
When you go on a trip and begin making your packing list, most likely you begin by checking the weather in the place you will be visiting. You want to ensure that you are packing for the climate you will be entering. Jesus wanted to make sure His disciples understood the climate where they were going on their way to Jerusalem. He knew that many of His followers were expecting a hero's welcome and a coronation, but He also knew the reality would be quite different. And so, He challenged His disciples to earnestly and soberly count the cost of following Him.
Table Talk
One Sabbath day, Jesus attended a dinner at the home of a prominent Pharisee. During the dinner, Jesus healed a man, which sparked a debate with the Pharisees over whether it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath. In response, Jesus told a parable about a great banquet. The parable serves as a warning to those who prioritize worldly concerns over spiritual matters. Jesus taught that none of those who were invited but declined to come would taste his banquet. The meaning is clear: those who reject his message will not be able to partake in the blessings of his kingdom. How will you respond to God’s invitation?
Living as if Heaven Rules
History books are filled with stories of people the world deems important. Whether they are famous, or infamous, part of society involves determining the important players in the history of the world and documenting their achievements. But in Jesus' earthly ministry, He didn't associate Himself with the powerful--the high rollers of history--but with the lowly. And that's because Jesus knew that the kings on earth had no more power than that which God allowed them. And with that perspective, we see human history--and its influential figures--in a more godly light.
5 Non-negotiable Truths about Eternal Life, Part 2
Like the :COEXIST" bumper stickers we see on cars, the worldview that many paths lead to heaven is pervasive and politically correct in our culture. But this concept, that "all roads lead to God" is not a new philosophy; in fact, Jesus confronted the same issue during His earthly ministry. The world will call it "intolerant," "judgmental," and "exclusive," but the truth remains: narrow is the path to life.
5 Non-negotiable Truths about Eternal Life, Part 1
Like the :COEXIST" bumper stickers we see on cars, the worldview that many paths lead to heaven is pervasive and politically correct in our culture. But this concept, that "all roads lead to God" is not a new philosophy; in fact, Jesus confronted the same issue during His earthly ministry. The world will call it "intolerant," "judgmental," and "exclusive," but the truth remains: narrow is the path to life.