In the previous post, we focused on waiting for the plague and anticipating its effects. But what about after the plague is over? On the other side of the plague and the Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites would have to…
Thinking about the Passover (part 1): Waiting for the Plague to Pass Over
Thinking about the Passover: Waiting for the Plague to Pass Over (part 1) Christians and Jews know that the Passover is an important celebration. On the night of the Passover, the tenth plague passes through Egypt and brings death to…
John on Patmos and Paul in Prison: The Challenges of Ministering When We Cannot Be with the Flock (Revelation 1:9; Philippians 1:7)
Revelation 1:9-11 says, “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in…
John on Patmos: Why Am I Here? (Revelation 1:9-11)
Revelation 1:9-11 says, “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation, kingdom, and perseverance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in…
The People of God as Priests in the Book of Revelation, part 5: The Priests of God Who Are Currently His Worshipers and Witnesses in Revelation 11
In addition to obedience to God’s commandments, Revelation 11 suggests two additional elements to the current priesthood of believers. Revelation 11:1 introduces a temple of God that John is told to measure. Interestingly, John is instructed to measure the worshipers…
The People of God as Priests in the Book of Revelation, part 4: The Service of the (Imperfect) Priests of God in the Sardis Letter
Due to the blood of the Lamb, the people of God are already his holy ones and his priests prior to their entry into the New Jerusalem (Rev. 5:10; 13:7; 17:6). Yet their current holiness is incomplete, as the seven…
The People of God as Priests in the Book of Revelation, part 3: The People of God Are Already His Priests
Revelation 1:5b-6 says, “To the one who loves us and set us free from our sins by his blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”…
The People of God as Priests in the Book of Revelation, part 2: Revelation 22:4, the Name on their Foreheads, and the High Priests of the OT
The honor of serving God before his throne is the first honor for the people of the New Jerusalem (22:3). Further honors occur in Revelation 22:4-5. Revelation 22:4 says, “And they will see his face, and his name will be…
The People of God as Priests in the Book of Revelation, part 1: Serving God as His Priests in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:3)
Revelation 22:3 says, “And there will no longer be any curse. And the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him.” The term priests occurs three times in Revelation, all with…
Angels Ascending and Descending from Heaven to Earth in John 1:51 and in Jacob’s Dream (Genesis 28)
In John 1:51, Jesus says, “Amen, Amen, I say to you (plural), you (plural) will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” Jesus’ words here are somewhat mysterious. What exactly is…