Throughout the book of Revelation we have been reminded that history is moving to God’s grand purpose. In Rev 21–22 we get the final chapters in God’s big story and it culminates with God ushering in his new creation, heaven. But what is heaven like? Why is it something that should give up hope now? In this passage we will explore what God’s coming kingdom entails and why it is good news.
From the earliest pages of Scripture the great story of the Bible is God’s unfolding plan to move things from despair to hope, brokenness to wholeness, death to life. As Revelation moves to and end we see the culmination of God’s redeeming plan as wickedness and rebellion against God is quashed and God establishes his glorious kingdom in fullness. In Revelation 17–19 we see a contrast between two women, two cities, and two outcomes, that leave us with one question we must answer.
During his earthly ministry Jesus experienced regular and difficult opposition. Rather than presenting an easy life, Jesus spoke of discipleship being difficult. Rejection and opposition was something that his followers should expect. But being rejected and opposed is difficult and often taxing. Nobody likes to be on the outer. While experiencing opposition it is easy to feel discouraged and confused. In Revelation 11 we have words of encouragement and direction given to us on how we might respond when met with serious gospel opposition.
During his earthly ministry Jesus experienced regular and difficult opposition. Rather than presenting an easy life, Jesus spoke of discipleship being difficult. Rejection and opposition was something that his followers should expect. But being rejected and opposed is difficult and often taxing. Nobody likes to be on the outer. While experiencing opposition it is easy to feel discouraged and confused. In Revelation 11 we have words of encouragement and direction given to us on how we might respond when met with serious gospel opposition.
When it comes to Revelation there are many questions we have about where we are in the context of God’s plan for history. In Revelation 6–7 we are presented with the reality of history as that which is under God’s sovereign control. In the midst of every generation God is working his plans in both the execution of punishment upon the wicked as well as protection of his people. In the midst of judgment, God reveals his love and vindication of his people.
In the busyness and chaos of our world it is easy to get distracted and discouraged. We get disappointed with ourselves, our surroundings, and it is easy to lose hope. In Revelation 4–5 John records a vision of heaven that gives us an insight into an unseen reality. God rules and reigns in victory. It is it this kingdom that is yet to come that we are to remember in our world of hopelessness. We don’t look inward for hope, we look upward.
One of the main visions presented to us growing us is the dream of being successful. Success, we are told, lies in financial stability, career progress, looking attractive, and looking younger than our age. While there might be elements of good within this vision, there are very big dangers that come with success. In Rev 3:14–21 Jesus confronts the danger of worldly success and offers something far more valuable and lasting. In a world of fleeting treasure, Jesus offers something that lasts forever.
In our chaotic world it is easy to become distracted from keeping the main thing the main thing. Work, leisure, family commitments, sport, can all pull our hearts and minds away from those things which are most important. In Revelation 2:1–7 we see a church in danger of spiritual drift. With the impact of their surroundings the Ephesians were in danger of losing their first love. In this letter, Jesus provides both encouragement and challenge to those, like the church at Ephesus, who are in danger of spiritual drift.
Throughout Leviticus we have discovered the God who is Holy. In the final chapter of this crucial book this Holy God reveals the importance of being wholly consecrated to him as he addressed the issues of vows of devotion. Fittingly, the book concludes with the image of God’s people called to reflect his holiness through lives of integrity in word and deed.
As much as we try, we all miss the mark before God. No matter our earnest, diligence, and effort, we are all still tainted by sin. So how can God remain with us when we so regularly fail. How can he be with those who perpetually fail? In Leviticus 16 we explore the high point of Leviticus as God makes a way through atonement for him to live with his people. This significant day not only reveals God’s purpose for his ancient people, but points forward to something even better.
In Leviticus 12–15 we have a series of law relating to defilement and cleansing. At a surface level these laws seem odd to the modern reader. Yet upon digger we discover they reveal something about God’s character as well as pointing us to the good news of Jesus.
As Christians how should we think about this topic? How does God speak about this this topic?
Mal explores this topic from the neglected book of Song of Songs as we explore God's wisdom on this important area of life.
In Leviticus 8–10 we have the inauguration of God’s initiated worship structure. The opening of the tabernacle was a momentous moment in the history of God’s people. More than just a big day, however, the worship structure is designed to reveal something about the character of God, as well as highlight our need for a mediator, a priest, to stand on our behalf before a holy God.
In the busyness of everyday life there are many moments we live unaware of God’s presence. Sadly there are many times in life we choose to actively ignore God. Whether intentional or unintentional we often miss the mark in our relationship with God through sin. This leads to either hiding from God, or feeling so ashamed that we dare not come to God. In Leviticus 4 we discover the grace of God who invites sinners to a relationship with him. Leviticus 4 reminds us that we come to God on his terms. We need forgiveness and to be cleansed, and he does this the shedding of innocent blood. In this image we have a picture of an even greater reality found in Jesus.
According to the Apostle Paul, ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness’ (2 Tim 3:16). While most of us would agree with that, there are some parts that are more difficult to see the usefulness and relevance of. The book of Leviticus would have to be near the top of those books which baffle us. Food laws, sacrifices, and other regulations often feel disconnected from our world. In spite of this, understand the context and framework of Leviticus provides the basis not only for knowing God’s holy character more deeply, but also understanding the importance of Jesus’s sacrifice.
Central to Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus. Without the resurrection of Jesus there is no ‘Gospel’ (good news) message. In this section of John, Jesus reveals his power, as well as his love, as he raises Lazarus back to life. His actions are not simply for Lazarus, however, they point to a future resurrection that all of God’s people will participate in.
Many people perceive that if there is a God that he must be indifferent or impotent to help us in the midst of our need. In this account in Mark 5, however, we get a picture of a God who deeply cares for us in the midst of our grief and loss. Jesus shows his authority over death and disease while at the same time demonstrating a tenderness for those struggling with the brokenness of the world.
In his parables Jesus calls upon the listeners to weigh up their response to him. Will we respond to Jesus in genuine faith, or trust in ourselves. In this section of Mark, we get another glimpse into the power and authority of Jesus as he demonstrates his power over creation. The disciples’ faith is tested, and found weak. In this miracle, Jesus reminds us why we can trust him. Because is powerful, wise, and kind.
In the early ministry of Jesus many people responded to his miracles, teaching, and demonstrations of power. Not all people, however, were embracing Jesus’s message of repentance, in fact many were now turning on Jesus. In Mark 4, Jesus teaches by way of parable, how different hearts respond to his truth.
In life there are many different associations, groups, clubs that we might identify with. Entrance into such societies is often based on status, who you know, or skill in ability. But how does one enter God’s community, his family? In this account in Mark 3, Jesus gives insight into who it is that is welcomed into God’s family, and how their entrance is achieved.
