What are your stability structures for the coming storm? I don’t mean to be alarming. However, Jesus said that before his return there would be wars, rumours of wars, increased Christian persecution, false Messiahs, more lawlessness, and less love. That’s no walk in the park. So when I ask about your ‘stability structures’ I’m referring … Continue reading Soul gription
second coming
Always. Even if it’s getting dark
Jesus is coming back. He said so. But before that happens he said there will be wars and rumours of war, increased Christian persecution, false Messiahs, more lawlessness, and less love. Wow. The church in Thessalonica wanted to know how to live in light of these realities. They knew Jesus would be coming back, and … Continue reading Always. Even if it’s getting dark
Your light and the coming dark
Jesus is going to come back. He said that he would. The early church said that he would. Christians have looked forward to this powerful day ever since. There are two unhealthy extremes when it comes to this topic. One is to never think about it, or to downplay it. The other is to obsess … Continue reading Your light and the coming dark
Readiness
You’ve probably seen the bumper sticker which says: “Jesus is coming, look busy!” It’s supposed to be funny, of course. And although Jesus won’t be fooled, and although busyness shouldn’t be our focus, it does certainly remind us that when he comes we should be doing something. But what is that something? It is that … Continue reading Readiness
Keeping hope in front of your face
Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time in 1st Thessalonians. It was written less than twenty years after the resurrection of Jesus. One of the things that characterized their thought was that they were eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus. You can sense their anticipation. They thought it would happen any day. In chapter … Continue reading Keeping hope in front of your face
The scales have been tipped
After explaining the significance of the resurrection, Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 15:57: “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” It’s a source of inspiration. But also of confusion. If Jesus has given us victory, why is there still so much pain and hardship? Professor Oscar … Continue reading The scales have been tipped
The last day
Let me share a sobering thought. Time will run out. In Mark 13, Jesus was speaking about his return at the end of human history. He will come as Judge and Saviour and will usher in what the Bible calls the new heavens and the new earth. He says it will happen in an instant. … Continue reading The last day
Patience follows hope
It’s good to be patient. My Louw-Nida Greek dictionary defines patience like this: “a state of emotional calm in the face of provocation or misfortune and without complaint or irritation.” In James 5:7-8, we learn WHY we can be patient. As his readers face hardship, he says this: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until … Continue reading Patience follows hope
Marana Tha
Today I’d love to share a short, special prayer with you so that you can include it in your daily arsenal. -When you’re on your knees, or not. -When you’re driving, or walking. -When you’re calm, or fed up. -When you’re composed, or frazzled. It’s biblical, easy to memorize, and powerful. “Marana Tha.” It’s Aramaic … Continue reading Marana Tha
Don’t shortchange your life
Talking about the return of Jesus, the apostle Peter wrote, “You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Peter 3:11-12). But what does it mean to be holy? Something that is holy is set apart; it is made for a special, … Continue reading Don’t shortchange your life
