Revelation 19 begins with the fall of Babylon. Babylon has rich, symbolic significance throughout scripture. It is the first kingdom mentioned in the Bible (Gen. 10:10). Babylon was the site where human government, culture, and religion united in their own way, apart from God (Gen. 11:1-9). In Revelation, John sees Babylon as a “notorious…
Category: New Testament
Scribbling and Bibbling
Picture from Amadeus (Milos Forman, 1984) Sanctification or growing in holiness can be a confusing subject to Christians. Verses such as 1 Corinthians 1:30 say Christ is our sanctification. But 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely.” Are we holy now? Do we still need to be sanctified? As…
Incomprehensible Union
Some good thoughts on the Lord’s supper from Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin… *** But as this mystery of the secret union of Christ with believers is incomprehensible by nature, he exhibits its figure and image in visible signs adapted to our capacity…. We now, therefore, understand the end which this mystical blessing has…
Can Wrestlers Baptize?
Baptism scene from Nacho Libre In other posts, I’ve mentioned I’m wrestling my way though Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. I’m currently reading a section about sacraments. Calvin sees sacraments like communion or baptism as signs of the work of Christ. Baptism, for example, pictures our death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. Baptism doesn’t only signify forgiveness. It…
Everything and Nothing
Today, I am encouraged that everything is working together to conform me to the image of God’s Son (Rom. 8:28-29). “Everything” includes successes and failures, strengths and weaknesses, righteousness and sins. Nothing is outside God’s redemptive power and use.
Slaves of Death
“Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death–that is, the Devil–and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14-15). Certainly, the above verses…
Keep on the Shunny Shide
A book I’m reading advocates for the Matthew 18 model of church discipline: If someone sins, talk to him one on one. If he doesn’t respond, re-approach with two or three others. If that doesn’t work, take him before the church. If he doesn’t listen to the church, “let him be like an unbeliever and…
The Fullness of Every Message
When it comes to the Bible, I am passionate about one thing above all others—seeing Christ in every scripture (Luke 24:44-46). While I acknowledge other messages in scripture, Christ is the fullness of every other message. We must see that Christ is the end of old covenant laws. He is the substance of the commandments…
What the Cross Means to Me–Katie McKamey
My daughter attends a Christian School. Above is a picture of something she wrote for school around Easter. In her own words, she talks about the meaning of the cross. It is simple, without pretenses, and beautiful. Truly, God has prepared praise from the mouths of children and infants (Matt. 21:16). Read what she wrote…
Thought for the Day….
The willingness to part with one’s life is the greatest power in the universe. This is God, for God is love, and we know what love is because He laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16, 4:16).
The Voice of One 