Posted on

Acts – Stephen, Herod, & II Thessalonians

Stephen, Herod, & II Thessalonians

“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” II Thessalonians 1:3-10.

Continue reading “Acts – Stephen, Herod, & II Thessalonians”

Posted on

Thor

Thor

The movie, Thor, is, of course, Marvel Comics’ version of the mythological character from Norse mythology.  But there are a couple of important points made in the movie.  The character Thor represents several different biblical principles.

Like humanity rejected from the Garden, he doesn’t obey his father (Gen. 3:12), he’s ejected from Paradise & kingship (Gen. 3:22-4), & he faces humiliation & capture by mankind (Matt. 26:57-27:14).

Continue reading “Thor”

Posted on

Jesus’ Not So Subtle But Gentle Rebuke of Pontius PIlate 2

It was about competence to rule

Download the pdf:  Jesus’ Not So Subtle But Gentle Rebuke of Pontius Pilate

As explained in Post 1 on this topic, Jesus’ kingdom being sourced from another place and not of this world does not reduce His authority in this world, it expands it.  Pilate didn’t understand, as he shows later in the conversation.  But Jesus was teaching compassionately even when he spoke with his enemies, even when rebuking them.  Jesus explains that His Kingdom is so powerful that His followers don’t need to fight to defend Him.  His Kingdom doesn’t depend on physical weapons for it to be successful in history and eternity.  It is not based on the physical requirements of a kingdom of this earth, which involve force and coercion.  

  Continue reading “Jesus’ Not So Subtle But Gentle Rebuke of Pontius PIlate 2”

Posted on

Jesus’ Not So Subtle But Gentle Rebuke of Pontius Pilate – Post 1

It wasn’t just about separation of church & state

The conversation between Jesus Christ and Pontius Pilate that is recorded in John 18 has been used since time immemorial to justify a radical separation between God’s law and the state.  Here is the passage, which records what occurred after Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin and when He was first introduced to Pilate:

  Continue reading “Jesus’ Not So Subtle But Gentle Rebuke of Pontius Pilate – Post 1”

Posted on

Paul Didn’t Go to the 3rd Heaven

Paul didn’t go to the 3d Heaven

In II Cor. 11:16, Paul states:  “I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.”  He then spends 17 verses talking about God’s work through him and his credentials as a Jew and as an Apostle.  Then, without skipping a beat, chapter 12 begins with:  “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.”

Those seeking to lead the church of Corinth astray had been boasting about their credentials, so Paul admits embarrassingly that he is boasting and glorying.  “Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.”  II Cor. 11:21b.  But Paul did it for the sake of the people at the Church of Corinth, who were being led astray by slanderers of Paul.  “And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!”  II Cor. 11:11.

Continue reading “Paul Didn’t Go to the 3rd Heaven”

Posted on

Charge Sheet, Sentence, Probation – For Humanity

Charges Against Humanity:  Creator God v. Adam & Eve, Convicted & Sentenced But Final Judgment in Case Still Pending at Time of Christ’s First Coming

Charge Sheet

Charge 1 – Trespassing on the Sovereign God’s property, specifically His Tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil Placed in the Garden of Eden

Charge 2 – Theft of property, specifically Fruit from the Aforementioned Tree

Charge 3 – Misappropriation, or Using the Gift of God, Imagination, to Form an Evil Plan Instead of Using the Gift of God to Fulfill God’s Purpose for Man’s Imagination

Continue reading “Charge Sheet, Sentence, Probation – For Humanity”

Posted on

Matthew 24 Part 4

Deception About the End

“Don’t be deceived.” Vss 23-28 tell you that if someone says that Christ’s final return in person has happened, don’t listen. His return will not be in secret or like that of a normal person; His final return will be so incontrovertible that no one will be able to miss it. Notice that the deceivers are wrong on at least two critical points: One, they’re wrong on the timing (there’s that word again). They’re too early! The deceivers are those who claim He’s walking around on earth as a regular person when He’s really in heaven sitting at the right hand of the Father.

Continue reading “Matthew 24 Part 4”

Posted on

The Matrix – Post 8

The Matrix – Mr. Smith

Mr. Smith, the agent for the Machine, software that can enter and leave any other software in the Matrix. He is one of three agents we see, and they are all something other than human in their actions and speech. Particularly revealing is Neo’s experience in the interrogation room, before he knows what is going on. Mr. Smith comes across as a professional, unemotional law enforcement officer, but he also comes across as something else. The 3 agents are a demonic trinity, and Mr. Smith is in charge.

Continue reading “The Matrix – Post 8”