The New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:1-22:21

The New Jerusalem – Revelation 21:1-22:21 Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Scripture ends on this note of certain longing – the hope of the return of Jesus.  It’s a certain hope which has driven the Church for nearly 2000 years.  We look forward to the time when Christ will return and set things right again.  Our…

Hallelujah! – Revelation 19:1-20:15

Hallelujah! – Revelation 19:1-20:15 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. Revelation is full of imagery and cryptic language.  Sometimes we are told clearly what the symbols stand for, and sometimes we have to read between the lines!  This is one place where are pretty confident that the bride stands for the…

The Throne of Heaven – Revelation 4:1-7:17

The Throne of Heaven – Revelation 4:1-7:17 Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain. Revelation is primarily a book of worship.  While it may be many things, one of the first things we recognize is that is is a book about worshiping God in the midst of trial and tribulation, of praising Him in the…

Messages to the Churches – Revelation 2:1-3:22

Messages to the Churches – Revelation 2:1-3:22 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! Remember that Jesus knows all about poverty!  He was born in a manger, raised as a refugee in a foreign country, and spent most of his years in Nazareth, one of the poorest villages in the country.   The…

Love One Another – 1 John 3:11-4:21

Love One Another – 1 John 3:11-4:21 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. What is love?  We use the word to mean lots of things: I love my dog… I love pizza… I love my church… I love my wife… I love my neighbor… I…

Faith and Works – James 1:1-2:26

Faith and Works – James 1:1-2:26 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. I hope you’ve found great joy and satisfaction in our 100-day Bible reading campaign!  At times, you may have struggled to keep up as the demands of life pressed in on you, but I…

A Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:1-2:12

A Living Hope – 1 Peter 1:1-2:12 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood. The “Church” is not a building made of brick and mortar.  It’s not a place that you go once a week.  It’s not a steeple… or a pretty chapel… or even…

A New Creation in Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:2

A New Creation in Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:2 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors An ambassador is someone who goes to a foreign land to represent his or her own country or king.  Their actions speak volumes, and messages they deliver carry a great deal of weight.  They learn the customs and cultures of the…