I am certain that the young couple I saw was not only enjoying their kiss and embrace for obvious romantic pleasures, but also for some of the intentional symbolism, standing as they were at the front of what in Roman times was the magnificent Temple of Venus (= Greek Aphrodite). Venus was regarded as the … Continue reading Pleasures In Rome
Revisiting Literalism in Prophecy ~~ The Inspiration of Imagination
Gambling affords the proper metaphor here; I will lay my cards on the table. I believe that the prophet John, just like the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:1; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Eph. 3:3; Acts 16:9; 18:9), the Apostle Peter (Acts 10:17), gifted believers (1 Cor. 14:26, 30), and followers of Jesus (Matt. 17:9; Lk. 24:23; … Continue reading Revisiting Literalism in Prophecy ~~ The Inspiration of Imagination
Papyri and the First Systematic and Empire Wide Persecution of Christians
Quest Post this week is from Clint Burnett. I am delighted to have a friend and former student write this week’s post. Clint has academic training that has given him the opportunity to study the historical backgrounds of early Christianity. Clint has completed the MDiv degree from Harding School of Theology and the Master of … Continue reading Papyri and the First Systematic and Empire Wide Persecution of Christians
The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Summary & Musical Remix of Stories in the book of Acts
Next post is Guest Post ~~~ you will not want to miss it!Post 07 [Whew!, the last one]SummaryTonight I have not wanted to spend my time illustrating John’s imagery and teachings against the important backdrop of Second Temple Judaism or against the backdrop of important sources from the Graeco-Roman world. Although I do enjoy doing … Continue reading The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Summary & Musical Remix of Stories in the book of Acts
The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 06
Life in the New Jerusalem Continuation of Previous post, https://richardoster.com/2014/02/06/the-new-creation-in-revelation-21-22-part-05/ Third, it is important to highlight the fact that John sees the New Jerusalem as a utopia and Babylon as a dystopia. If dystopia is a new term to you, think of literary works and movies such as 1984, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, … Continue reading The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 06
The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 05
Post 05New Perspectives on the Heavenly JerusalemMany Christian hymns of an eschatological emphasis have used the language of John’s picture of the New Jerusalem extensively, a Jerusalem situated in the very heart of the new heaven and earth. In the past generation especially, there has been increased momentum for questioning whether John intended his picture … Continue reading The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 05
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 