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
Thoughts about Hell from Jesus Himself.
There are obviously so many channels from which one can learn about the concept of the afterlife. Many world religions teach the concept of a painful afterlife, often deriving the idea of a painful condition due to a life of immoral living and/or the stultification of God. I have treated the idea of the portal … Continue reading Thoughts about Hell from Jesus Himself.
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, 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
Just How Big Was the “Whole World” to John (Rev. 3:10)?
Without bothering or boring you with too many dry details, the interpretation of Rev. 3:10 is important in the ongoing disagreement between Premillennialists and Preterists regarding the correct paradigm for the interpretation of the entire book of Revelation. It is not my concern here, but this text is also central to the debate between Pretribulation … Continue reading Just How Big Was the “Whole World” to John (Rev. 3:10)?
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 