Preaching the Word While Being a Nerd

Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish virgins emphasizes the need to be ready for when he comes. It is something that we must always be ready for, and not something when he can get ready for when it arrives. More than just desiring to be at the wedding feast of the Lamb, we must be prepared for his coming.

The bridegroom bursts onto the scene dressed as a conquering king.  Jesus rides forth in triumph, prepared to defeat his enemies once and for all, and to usher his people into eternal glory. Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Revelation 19 presents the day of the Lord as a day of a wedding feast, when the bride (the church) and the bridegroom (Christ) will finally be fully one. All are invited to the wedding through the gospel, but only those who recieve the invitation and come properly clothed will be allowed at the feast.

This week we conclude this extended section of our study. In Chapter 19, we see the response of heaven to Babylon’s fall, as well as the joy of the marriage supper of the Lamb.

At a time when Jesus’ physical family was trying to stop him, he identifies his true family. He identifies that family as those who are in proximity to him, having drawn near. But more than that, he identifies that family as those who do the will of His father.

When Babylon falls, it will be felt. In Revelation 18, those who had benefited from Babylon lament her destruction, but do not come to her aid. God’s judgement is certain, and as the scene changes, the heavens rejoice in Babylon’s fall.

Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son is well known, and the father in that story can be an example to us. He reflects our Father in heaven, but also the kind of people that we should be, especially if we are fathers or any kind of leader.

Due to our Summer Series taking place on Wednesdays, we have moved our weekly studies in Revelation to our Sunday afternoon meeting. This will be our pattern through most weeks through the duration of the Summer months. This week we continue our previous discussions on Babylon, and ultimately of God’s judgement against her because of her many sins.

Jesus is called the Master Teacher for a reason. His use of easily understandable illustration to teach deep spiritual truths. Such is the case in Luke 11 when he uses the picture of a father caring for his children to encourage his disciples to trust our Heavenly Father and be willing to come to him in prayer.

One last thought from Galatians, as Paul speaks about bearing the marks of Jesus in his body. He is probably thinking about physical marks that he bore because of persecution, but by and large it is his way of identifying himself as belonging to Jesus. Likewise, there should be “marks” in our lives that show others that we belong to Jesus.

At 12 years old, Jesus was found in the temple sitting among the teachers and discussing the things of the Father. As our example he shows us how to be “about our Father’s business” or “in the things of our Father,” by being where He wants us to be, thinking about what He wants us to, and doing what He wants us to do.

As we draw our study of Galatians to a close, we take a look at what we must do with our freedom in Christ.  Freedom isn’t just about what we have been set free from, it is what we are set free for, and in these last two chapters, Paul gives us clear direction in how to use our freedom.

Jesus is better qualified than anyone to speak on the issue of honoring parents. He honored his parents, and as the Word that became flesh, he is the origin of the command to “honor your father and your mother.” This morning we take a look at an occasion when the Lord confronted the Pharisees about this issue.

This week we continue studying the the identity of Babylon and the Beast, looking at the further details that are given in Chapter 17.

Most people think that freedom means being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want. But true freedom, and especially Biblical freedom isn’t about the lack of restraint, but about being set free to truly serve and love.

Some people view children as merely to be tolerated, but to Jesus, they mattered. He welcomed children, and even gave them as an example to follow for his disciples. And he still welcomes those who will come to him with a child-like faith.

Revelation 17-19 focuses on the fall of the entity known as “Babylon.”  Chapter 17 primarily helps us to understand exactly what Babylon is, namely the seductive power of Rome (and empire in general), which has enticed many to give allegiance to it, and drinks the blood of those who reject her.