Revelation is a popular book of the Bible these days. The content is compelling, if not more than a little confusing. It provides us with a powerful description of the/an Apocalypse. Many believe Revelation serves as a detailed outline for the literal end of the world following the rapture, a horrific time of tribulation, and the ultimate return and reign of Christ on the earth. Others believe...
Azazel: The Goat Who Lived
The book of Leviticus is difficult to digest for most of us. Many of my own attempts to read through the Bible from beginning to end, came to a sudden stop in the rules, regulations, and litigious language of Leviticus. Consequently, there are some very interesting pieces of information that often get overlooked. One such detail is the “Azazel,” or “scapegoat.” There were...
Jesus Changes Everything
I love the Bible. One of my greatest joys in life is studying, preaching, and talking with those who are interesting about the Word of God. I love all of the Bible, Old and New Testament alike. I confess, I struggle with much of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, but I understand their importance to understanding and participating in the work of God. As I’ve noted many times recently, “All...
Picking a Side
The COVID pandemic was a difficult season, for a variety of reasons. The world became a medical research project that played out in real-time in our communities. We developed and employed new practices as we attempted to safely navigate a relatively unknown contagion. Within the walls of First Baptist Church, we installed hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the church, we made available and...
Descriptive vs. Prescriptive
The Bible is the ultimate authority for followers of Jesus. Many times it is likened to a manual or textbook for living a righteous life. These are both helpful, if not woefully inadequate, analogues for what the Bible is and how it is meant to be used. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reads, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that...
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