Descent of God the conquering King ... how much did those shepherds know about the child they were led to visit? What thoughts would rush into my head if I had a time machine and could visit that scene? I confess that the term sweet baby Jesus, as many refer to Him, often bothers me. They're absolutely right of … [Read more...]
Is Episunago a Rapture Term?
Is episunago a rapture term? Get into any discussion about Matt 24:31 with a non-pretribulationist and you're bound to see the Greek term episunago (gather) used. It (and other Greek terms) occurs in almost every statement of beliefs. You'll be directed to 2 Thess 2:1 and referred to Paul's rapture language … [Read more...]
Doug Wilson – That Hideous Strength
Doug Wilson - That Hideous Strength... By accident, or more likely providence, I recently came across several presentations by Doug Wilson on YouTube - one of them was on C. S. Lewis' largely dystopian novel, That Hideous Strength. The book is the final installment of a trilogy, most often referred to as Lewis' … [Read more...]
The Rapture of Enoch
The Rapture of Enoch - was Enoch raptured by God? And who cares anyway? The other day I was reading through a commentary on Hebrews by R. Kent Hughes. Enoch is one of the examples of faith modeled in that book and one of the antediluvian patriarchs. While I'm familiar with some of the conjectures surrounding Enoch, … [Read more...]
Heaven and the New Jerusalem
Many people struggle to imagine what Heaven and the New Jerusalem will be like. We are only granted glimpses in Revelation chapter 21. There are varying interpretations of what the Heavenly City will look like. Is it a cube or more like a pyramid? What will the New Jerusalem be like? We'll never know for sure this side … [Read more...]
Remembering MacGyver
Remembering MacGyver... No, this isn't about remembering MacGyver - the popular TV series which starred Richard Dean Anderson. MacGyver was my German Shepherd Dog. The decision to call him MacGyver came well before I met him. I suppose it was because I've always liked the name Mac. The problem was that "Mac" was a … [Read more...]
On Seeing the Face of God
Who is worthy or holy enough to gaze upon the face of a holy God? Who is worthy to approach His throne? Over recent months I keep running across the theme of God's holiness and God's glory in books, quotes; and in Scripture which seems to suddenly jump out at me. It began with a quote from Warren Wiersbe: There is … [Read more...]
God is Desiring Israel
God is Desiring Israel - I cheekily chose the title as a play on John Piper's Desiring God. God desires to redeem the nation Israel. Moreover, He will do so for His name's sake. God is Desiring Israel to be saved. He has said as much. I've profited from various articles on John Piper's website. I own three of his … [Read more...]
The Sun of Righteousness
"My name, The Sun of Righteousness, shall arise with healing in His wings." One could easily skim over this verse from Malachi and read Son, instead of Sun. But the Hebrew word shemesh means Sun. The Sun of Righteousness: For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do … [Read more...]
The Lordship Salvation Issue
The Lordship Salvation Issue is surely one of those many topics where the less I say the better. Nevertheless, I do want to say something (with some sense of trepidation). Most of my friends are non-Lordship Salvation. Many are far more informed than I am. In many ways I'm over my head, and would rather avoid … [Read more...]
