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
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
The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 04
Post 04 Trash-Talking Hymns While there can be no doubt that competing religions of the Ancient Near East were sometimes crassly ridiculed and trashed in Israelite Scripture and worship (Ps. 31:6; 96:5; 97:7; 115:4; 135:15; cf. Isa. 44:18-20), the Psalter of Israel was sung largely by Israelites, for fellow Israelites. Like Revelation, many statements of … Continue reading The New Creation in Revelation 21-22, Part 04
Harriet Tubman, MLK, Jesus, John, and Thoughts about Extremism
I confess that I debated with myself, but not for long, whether to use the term extreme/extremism in this post. Looking around on the internet it is clear that there are far more quotations and opinions that speak disparagingly about extremism than speak in favor of it. I even remember (precocious youth that I was) … Continue reading Harriet Tubman, MLK, Jesus, John, and Thoughts about Extremism
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)?
Why the Cross is Not Enough!
Healthy Christian doctrine has always rightly insisted that God’s work in Christ is all-sufficient. Furthermore, Christianity has additionally been clear that anyone or any group that requires belief in Christ plus other things or other people or other rituals or other revelations is heretical. What has been unclear at times is the awareness that no … Continue reading Why the Cross is Not Enough!
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 