Christian Publishing House Blog
Apologetic Defense of the faith, the Bible, and Christianity
The Book of Revelation was written around A.D. 95 in Asia Minor by the apostle John, who, was on the island of Patmos, not far from the coast of Asia Minor. Revelation is one of the most fascinating books of the Bible. However, much debate surrounds the proper interpretation of this work. Is it a prophecy of future events yet to take place, or have the prophecies of this book been fulfilled?
In discussions concerning interpretations of the Bible, we often hear the phrase, “you took that out of context.” In fact, we often hear that in discussions outside the Bible, as when the media quotes a politician and the politician feels he or she has been unfairly treated. In its popular usage, the phrase seems simply to mean, “You got that wrong.”
How many times have we been in church listening to the preacher do a good job expositing (explaining) the text? At some point, he says “Now, what the Greek actually says is…” At that pronouncement, the congregation grows a little quieter and a little more attentive. Why is that?
As Christians, let us be Christians, recognizably followers of Christ, doing His will in all we do and trying our duty at every stage simply by these questions: Is it according to His will? Does it serve His glory? Is it for His sake? So doing, we cannot but approve ourselves before man and God as followers of Him.
"You should live like the person you have become. Live in unity and mutual ministry with others and in holiness before God. Because Jews and Gentiles have been united by God in Christ, we should manifest the spiritual unity by being united in our actions." - Max Anders
A mystery, in this biblical sense, is not to be understood in the same sense of mystery in modern usage. It does not mean that the truth Paul is proclaiming is mysterious or puzzling. Rather, mystery is a technical term, meaning “something that has not previously been made known.” - Max Anders
"Superficial, artificial 'faith' is actually the enemy of true, biblical faith. True faith persists, guided by humility and truth. True faith can be found in even the most unlikely people." - Stuart K. Weber.
The Christians in Thessalonica were urged to adhere to what they had been taught. This passage can furnish no authority for holding the teachings which have come down from church leaders. No one should ever refer to themselves as a Calvinist, an Arminian, a Lutheran, a Wesleyan, and so on. You're either a Christian or you are not.
God, out of the richness of his mercy and his great love, has made you alive, though you were dead in your sins. This is all due to His mercy and your faith and is not a result of any works of your own; although, any works you have are evidence of your faith.
In addition to being ambitious, proud, disrespectful of apostolic authority, rebellious, and inhospitable, the apostle John says that Diotrephes tried to hinder those desiring to show hospitality to the brothers and to expel these from the congregation. What can we learn from this short account?