Category: Good News of the Kingdom
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What Happened to the Wayward Son?
Introduction One of the most famous parables of Jesus is called the Prodigal Son. He told of a young man who committed several awful sins against the morals of the Jewish society. The parable stars the loving father who welcomed back his wayward son and reinstated the young man in his position of sonship. But,… Read more
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Why a Holy City, Not a Holy Garden?
Introduction In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). He planted a garden in the mountain country of Eden and made Humanity to reign with Him on the Earth. We were to continue the work of organizing the surrounding jungle into more cultivated, dedicated real estate. In the end, as Revelation… Read more
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Rapture Teachings Are Like Government Cheese
Introduction I have never cared for the boxed bricks of soft government cheesefood given away to low- income people. Its taste doesn’t please me. Its soft, grainy texture repels me. Its artificial – processed cheesefood fabrication – offends me. In much the same way, the teachings about the Rapture irritate me. Rapture teachings are like… Read more
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Jesus Before and After the Cross
Introduction Jesus of Nazareth was God in a human body. He emptied Himself of His divine abilities and made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Philippians 2:7). Living life as a human, Jesus had the authority of Adam to rule on the Earth (See Genesis 1).… Read more
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Ministry through Work
Introduction A question often asked by new believers is whether God would call them to full- time ministry. In their enthusiasm for their new beliefs, they wonder if He wants them to preach the Gospel or lead a church somewhere. It turns out that most are not so called. They need to make a living… Read more
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No Fear of Cancer
Introduction In my previous post, I announced that doctors saw increased levels of certain proteins in my blood work and said that I have one or another form of cancer. Further tests will determine which form plagues my body. I also stated that while I accept that the doctor says it’s there, I reject the… Read more
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Rapture Vs. Parousia: Which Will It Be?
Introduction Two fundamentally different viewpoints exist concerning the Second Coming of King Jesus at the end of time. One is the Rapture, the catching away of believers upon His return to meet Him in the air to take them to Heaven with Him. The other is the Parousia, translated as the “coming”, “arrival”, or “appearing”… Read more
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Passing through Chaos Waters in Baptism
Introduction I listened to Tim Mackie and Jon Collins of the Bible Project talk about four major metaphors used in the Scriptures. In the episode, The Mountain Garden and Human Ideal, Tim spoke of the Creator being a Rock in the dry land where people live. He also said that the waters of chaos were… Read more
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Strategic Value of High Places in the New Testament
Introduction In a recent post, I wrote of the strategic value of high places in the Old Testament. I explained these as intersections of Heaven and Earth, where the Creator met with people to further His plan to make the whole Earth like Heaven. This time, I want to explain how the Creator’s Son embodied… Read more
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Jezebel Embodied the Unfaithful People of Israel
Introduction I have been listening again to The Mountain series of podcasts from the Bible Project. Tim Mackie and Jon Collins discussed the ancient Middle Eastern concept of the Cosmic Mountain as portrayed in the Bible. One of these is Mt. Carmel, where Elijah confronted Israel with the reality of Yahweh’s power. He killed hundreds… Read more