Reading the Book of Revelation Differently
May 6, 2024
If you are unfamiliar with Revelation (not Revelations), you should know this is a very unique book and very unique type of literature. It’s called “apocalyptic” literature and it uses imagery of beasts and dragons to convey the point. If you are familiar with Revelation, then I want you to read this differently than you’ve likely been taught. As we read it, consider this first and foremost: what is Revelation showing me about how to live as a follower of Jesus in a world that opposes Him? Most read it as if it’s just a timeline for the end times. If that was the only reason for the letter, then it’s been less than helpful for 2000 years. Instead, it is actually a remarkable guide in how to live as a dissident disciple while living in Babylon, and it assures us that in the end God will make all things right. The evil nation of Babylon represents any nation which goes its own way rather than honor God and His ways. For the original churches reading this letter, Babylon was Rome. Other resources to consider Revelation for the Rest of Us by Scot McKnight, Revelation for Everyone, and the videos on Revelation by the Bible Project. We can learn to live in a Babylon in a way that Babylon doesn’t live us. #NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Revelation #EndTimes #JusticeOfGod #Apocalypse #BiblicalProphecy #SecondComing #Persecution #Dissident #Resistance #Babylon #Witness #Jesus
Featured Offer
Not Like Me (On Race, Poverty, and Politics) - Free 60 Page Sample
Receive a 60-page free sample of Not Like Me: Loving, Serving, and Influencing Our Divided World dealing with Racial Reconciliation, Poverty, and Politics.
Archives
The half brother of Jesus named Jude wrote an intense letter to the church. He warned them of false teachers who would try to take advantage of their kindness and inclusiveness.
These false teachers were denying Jesus and would attempt to seduce them into sexual immorality. For these kinds of abusers, there will be judgment.
God is loving, God is just. He cannot be loving without also being just. One day, God will make all things right and eradicate evil.
God never forces us into His presence, but all who turn to Him can be forgiven. We can experience hell (separation from God) and heaven (union with God) on earth and into eternity.
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Jude
May 5, 2024
John writes to a leader in the church who has been opening his home to those traveling.
In those days showing someone hospitality meant giving that person a platform as other believers would come to meet and hear from those visiting.
For this reason, John reminds Gaius not to open his home to false teachers who were spreading lies and dangerous teaching.
Who we listen to determines the direction we might go. Following Jesus and His ways leads to abundant life.
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn
May 4, 2024
The Apostle John encourages believers who were dealing with false teachers who had deceived some. He affirms those still following Jesus and loving others.
The false teachers were trying to convince the believers that Jesus was not actually on earth physically but only spiritually. This was influenced by a Greek idea that the spirit is good but the body is bad. They were denying the truth of what actually happened! They were antiChrists by opposing Jesus and His ways.
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #FalseTeachers #AntiChrist
May 3, 2024
Those who follow Jesus trust Him by obeying His commands. Because we have the Spirit of God we can live new lives. We can rescue others who have fallen into sin and help them. We can pray with effectiveness knowing God will guide us to accomplish His purpose.
John wrote this so that we may know that if we believe we will have life in Jesus. All who want this life can have it! God is inviting us into a relationship with Him that begins by acknowledging that we need what Jesus did on the cross to count for us. We ask for forgiveness and ask Him to lead us.
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #NewLife #EffectivePrayer
May 2, 2024
We can discern the trustworthy teachers from false ones by how the person describes Jesus and by how they live their lives.
God is love, and Jesus demonstrated His love by laying down His life for us. That is how followers of Jesus are to live.
Once we surrender our lives to follow Jesus, the Spirit of God comes to live within us. With God’s help, we can live more sacrificially by dying to ourselves. We can be so transformed by God’s love that His love overflows through us.
Loving others is what distinguishes followers of Jesus from the rest of the world.
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #LoveYourNeighbor #GodIsLove
May 1, 2024
Followers of Jesus do not have to live the same way they used to live. How someone lives his or her life demonstrates to the world whether they have a relationship with Jesus or not.
Are you trying to overcome sin or are you choosing to continue to live the same way you did before your relationship with Jesus began? Are you loving your brother or are you holding a grudge or giving into bitterness?
We will not be perfect on this side of eternity. That is not what John is writing about. He is writing about the trajectory of one’s heart.
Are you walking towards the light? Are you making progress? Are you asking God for help? Are you involving community to help you grow?
We are children of God through Jesus fully capable of transformation!
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #ChildrenOfGod
April 30, 2024
Followers of Jesus trust Him and obey Him. We cannot say we follow Jesus and and not obey His commands. We cannot say we love God and hate our brother.
The Jewish authors of the Scriptures use an interesting communication technique to make their point. For example, they will say something like: “if you are not doing this, then you are a liar” Then they will remind their readers “But that is not who you are! You are an overcomer! You can become more like Jesus!”
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #LoveYourNeighbor
April 29, 2024
The Apostle John was an eyewitness of Jesus. He writes to believers going through a challenging season. Some had wandered away from their faith. Some were teaching their own version of spirituality. Some were living like the world.
He reminds them that making those decisions are not consistent with who they are in Christ.
When we make a mistake, God is faithful and just and will forgive. We can live in the light, no longer victims of the darkness.
#NewTestament #Devotional #SpiritualGrowth #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #ApostleJohn #Forgiveness
April 28, 2024
One day Jesus will return and make all things right! When He returns, He will eradicate all evil.
God operates on a different time frame as for Him “a day is like 1000 years and a 1000 years is like a day.” God is patient not wanting anyone to perish. He is giving us the time to turn to Him, and then one day there will be a new heaven and a new earth.
In light of Jesus’ imminent return, we need to live in a way that is pleasing to God and to be diligent in our faith.
#NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #Peter #ApostlePeter #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Persecution #EndTimes #ReturnOfJesus #SecondComing
April 27, 2024
Peter addresses the presence of false teachers and prophets within the Christian community. They offer a false idea of freedom that actually is destructive. They lead others astray with their false teachings and immoral lifestyles.
Peter gives examples from the Old Testament of God's judgment on those who engage in sinful behavior, emphasizing that God knows how to rescue the godly and to punish the wicked. Peter underscores the idea that God is watchful and that those who engage in evil deeds will ultimately face consequences.
This chapter highlights the importance of discernment and being cautious about who we follow and listen to in matters of faith.
#NewTestament #BibleCommentary #ScriptureAnalysis #Devotional #ChristianLifestyle #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianTeachings #BibleSummary #Christianity #BibleStudy #ScriptureSummary #Peter #ApostlePeter #ChristianLife #Faith #Church #EarlyChurch #Persecution
April 26, 2024
See More Episodes
Loading...
B
E
F
G
H
J
P
S
Listen to Through the Bible for Skeptics, Seekers, and Disciples on
Amazon Echo
Learn How
Learn How
Featured Offer
Not Like Me (On Race, Poverty, and Politics) - Free 60 Page Sample
Receive a 60-page free sample of Not Like Me: Loving, Serving, and Influencing Our Divided World dealing with Racial Reconciliation, Poverty, and Politics.