Year
Can Angels Die? (January-February 2017)
The apostle Paul declares in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death.” We face this truth daily, hearing of the deaths of relatives, friends, acquaintances, and famous people, their lives taken as payment for their transgressions against almighty God. But does this verse also apply to sinful angels, Satan and his demons? Do they really have endless life—despite their rebellious, defiant, and hateful acts and attitudes against God? Or will they suffer His fiery wrath? What does the Bible say?
The apostle Paul declares in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death.” We face this truth daily, hearing of the deaths of relatives, friends, acquaintances, and famous people, their lives taken as payment for their transgressions against almighty God. But does this verse also apply to sinful angels, Satan and his demons? Do they really have endless life—despite their rebellious, defiant, and hateful acts and attitudes against God? Or will they suffer His fiery wrath? What does the Bible say?
The Goat of Complete Removal (March-April 2017)
The Day of Atonement ritual in Leviticus 16 includes two goats: one to be sacrificed as a sin offering and the other to bear the sins of the people "to an uninhabited land" (verse 22). These two goats represent two of our Savior's major works: paying the penalty for our sins with His blood and completely removing our sins, not just from sight, but also from memory. On this holiest of days, the focus is completely on Jesus Christ.
The Day of Atonement ritual in Leviticus 16 includes two goats: one to be sacrificed as a sin offering and the other to bear the sins of the people "to an uninhabited land" (verse 22). These two goats represent two of our Savior's major works: paying the penalty for our sins with His blood and completely removing our sins, not just from sight, but also from memory. On this holiest of days, the focus is completely on Jesus Christ.
A Shattered and Scattered People (May-June 2017)
According to our Savior, the Great Tribulation will be a time like no other in the history of the world. Major elements of that prophesied period are the defeat, enslavement, and scattering of God's people over the face of the earth. As Jesus suggests, the modern fulfillment of the Bible's prophecies will be like and yet unlike--and worse than--its ancient counterparts.
According to our Savior, the Great Tribulation will be a time like no other in the history of the world. Major elements of that prophesied period are the defeat, enslavement, and scattering of God's people over the face of the earth. As Jesus suggests, the modern fulfillment of the Bible's prophecies will be like and yet unlike--and worse than--its ancient counterparts.
Signs of the End? (July-August 2017)
What are we to think about eclipses, increasing natural disasters, and worsening times? Do they really foretell the imminent return of Jesus Christ to the earth? Our Savior Himself gave us prophetic signs, both in His Olivet Prophecy and the book of Revelation, to warn us when the time of His coming drew near, but He also warns us to take care that no one deceives us about these things.
What are we to think about eclipses, increasing natural disasters, and worsening times? Do they really foretell the imminent return of Jesus Christ to the earth? Our Savior Himself gave us prophetic signs, both in His Olivet Prophecy and the book of Revelation, to warn us when the time of His coming drew near, but He also warns us to take care that no one deceives us about these things.
Following God's Signs (September-October 2017)
Early in Scripture, God promised to supply a Savior and Redeemer, the Seed that would bruise the head of the serpent. After the Flood, God began to provide signs—messianic revelations—to inform and encourage His people about the One to come. By the time of the closing of the Old Testament, He had given enough clues for a faithful person to know who fulfilled the prophecies, but His own people rejected Him.
Early in Scripture, God promised to supply a Savior and Redeemer, the Seed that would bruise the head of the serpent. After the Flood, God began to provide signs—messianic revelations—to inform and encourage His people about the One to come. By the time of the closing of the Old Testament, He had given enough clues for a faithful person to know who fulfilled the prophecies, but His own people rejected Him.
Coming in the Clouds (November-December 2017)
Every Christian is eagerly waiting for the return of Christ in great power and glory. In several passages, Scripture describes just how He will come back to earth, and they consistently include the detail that His return will be accompanied by clouds. While many biblical scholars ignore this common detail, it contains significant symbolic meaning and teaching on the character of our soon-coming King of kings.
Every Christian is eagerly waiting for the return of Christ in great power and glory. In several passages, Scripture describes just how He will come back to earth, and they consistently include the detail that His return will be accompanied by clouds. While many biblical scholars ignore this common detail, it contains significant symbolic meaning and teaching on the character of our soon-coming King of kings.