What will happen to people who are still alive when Jesus returns? Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4, verse 15, “According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.” Paul is talkingContinue reading “Why I no longer emphasize the rapture (something else is far more important) – 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:4, Part 3”
Tag Archives: apocalypse
It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview
Do you know what the title of the book of Revelation refers to? Revelation is not about reveling, but about “that which is revealed.” In the book of Revelation, God reveals to the apostle John a fantastic vision. Biblical scholars have long debated how we should interpret the vision’s imagery. Is it literal or isContinue reading “It may or may not be the end of the world, and I feel…hilarious? – Advent Joy, Preview”
What do you think about End Times Prophecy? – Q & A, Part 5
This week we take a break from our Relationships in the Church series. At Faith Church this past week I gave a Q & A sermon. I asked the congregation for questions ahead of time, and then I attempted to bring biblical theology to bear on their questions. Here’s the next question: What is Faith Church’sContinue reading “What do you think about End Times Prophecy? – Q & A, Part 5”
God’s surprising role as judge – Advent Psalm of Celebration, Part 5
At the conclusion of Psalm 98, a psalm of joyous celebration, suddenly, all the joy and praise and glory seems to stop. Notice how the psalm concludes in verse 9b, “For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.” Judge? What a different tone. WhatContinue reading “God’s surprising role as judge – Advent Psalm of Celebration, Part 5”
Prophets who don’t know how to be prophets – John 1:19-34, Preview
Are there still prophets in the world today? No doubt there are people who claim to be prophets. Do you remember Harold Camping of the Family Radio Network? He predicted Jesus was returning in 1994. When Jesus did not return that year, Camping went on to predict Jesus would return in May 2011. In fact,Continue reading “Prophets who don’t know how to be prophets – John 1:19-34, Preview”
How to read Revelation and apocalyptic literature – Ezekiel 38 & 39, Part 2
When you think of that word apocalyptic, what comes to mind? The Apocalypse! The end of the world, right? A massive destructive event in which most or all people die. In our day and age, we think of something like a full-scale nuclear war. Or we think of a giant asteroid smashing into the earth,Continue reading “How to read Revelation and apocalyptic literature – Ezekiel 38 & 39, Part 2”
Is it possible to know if Jesus is coming soon? – Ezekiel 38 & 39, Part 1
A woman and her daughter stopped by the church office this week, looking for information about the Hispanic Church that rents from us. After I gave her the info, she began walking out the office door, then she stopped, turned and said to me, “Jesus is coming soon!” I always feel awkward when people sayContinue reading “Is it possible to know if Jesus is coming soon? – Ezekiel 38 & 39, Part 1”
Does Jesus want us to be Apocalypse Preppers? – Luke 17:20-37
Last week, I mentioned that we can feel fine if in fact we are living in the end of the world. Here’s why. Some people are fine because they are ready for the end of the world. They are prepared. We call them Preppers. The family in the picture above is an example. Look atContinue reading “Does Jesus want us to be Apocalypse Preppers? – Luke 17:20-37”
Feeling fine about the end of the world
The end is near! Remember the predictions of the end of the world that we’ve had in recent years? There was the mayhem of January 31st, 1999. Even if the apocalypse didn’t hit the earth when the clock struck midnight (and of course that was going to be in the Eastern time zone!), remember theContinue reading “Feeling fine about the end of the world”
Engaging Scripture 