To me, the Bible is the most personal and universal book ever written. When I read it I know God is personally talking to me, just as He was personally talking to Martin Luther as he read the Bible chained to the monastery wall in Europe in 1517, and just as He was personally talking … Continue reading –>
Last week I wrote about the church of Smyrna which endured great persecution for being faithful to God, even when facing death. Bible scholars of the historicist tradition agree that the church of Smyrna represents the Christian era from 100 to 313. This brings us to the church of Pergamos, which represents the time period … Continue reading –>
But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 NLT Kevin o’Rourke grew up dreaming of being a firefighter one day. He could not imagine being anything else. When he finally became a firefighter, knowing the dangers involved, Kevin loved his job more than anything … Continue reading –>
I find it interesting that when John left the Island of Patmos, many historians agree that he pastored the church of Ephesus. Most scholars agree that John wrote the book of 1 John in Ephesus after he wrote the Revelation on Patmos Island. This intrigues me for a couple of reasons. After seeing the apocalypse, instead … Continue reading –>
Between 2000 & 2019 I have probably heard of six dates where Christ was expected to come. I remember vividly how loud it was after 12 midnight on the first of January 2013. Celebration and relief were in the air and people were screaming, “We made it!” The idea that the world would end in … Continue reading –>
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV … Continue reading –>
As a child, I honestly believed that the book of Revelation was for grown-ups only. Silly as that may sound now, I have figured out now why I thought so. It was because of the scary beasts they always spoke about, the national Sunday Law (which would get us killed for believing in Jesus), the … Continue reading –>
After more than 170 years of preaching the Second Coming, one important question comes to mind for Seventh-day Adventists. Is the Second Coming still on? Are we still planning on it? Is it still a part of who we are? Growing up as a Seventh-day Adventist I heard people talk about how Jesus was surely coming in … Continue reading –>
While studying church organization and unity, this week, It is worthwhile for all of us to think about the role of government and our individual responsibility – not just secular government but church government as well. Former United States President Richard Nixon defended himself in the Watergate scandal, by telling one of the world’s most celebrated … Continue reading –>
A few years ago I was visiting family and friends in an Adventist University community. Several different family and friends attend several different Adventist churches in the area. Sabbath, I decided to join a particular friend at his church. The sermon was on how we are not to judge others. As I sat and listened … Continue reading –>
