The Bible in Context
Les Bridgeman The goal of the Christian life is not to go to heaven. No one in the New Testament preaches, “Believe in Jesus so that you can enter heaven.” The goal is to be with the Lord. Consider the following verses: We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and … Read more
Many Christians view the death of Christ as a demonstration of God’s wrath. The idea is that Jesus took upon himself all of our sins and received divine punishment, including death on a cross. Some even think of God the Father as the one who killed God the Son. And since he poured out his … Read more
Jesus said many radical things, perhaps none more so than this: No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matt 6:24 NIV) Instead of “money,” some translations say … Read more
Throughout the Bible God is frequently called the Most High. For example, And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand. (Gen 14:20) There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (Ps 46:4) For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all … Read more
Cities are filled with lights. Skylines project light into the dark distance. Streets are dotted with lampposts while headlights appear and disappear. And buildings and homes are lit up from within. Likewise, the eternal city will be filled with light, but its source will be divine. John writes, “The city does not need the sun … Read more