The world has been successively ruled by kingdoms. From a biblical perspective we see this clearly outlined by Daniel as he explains to the Babylonian king the contents of the kingâs dream. Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar, âFor the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and gloryâ (Daniel 2:37). There were to be three similar kingdoms to follow the Babylonian kingdom. The progress of the dreamâs revelation ends with a future fifth kingdom â the Kingdom of God. âAnd in the days of … [Read more...] about The Gospel: The Kingdom of God
Kingdom of God
The Memorial Trumpets
The Feast of Trumpets gets its name from the ordained blowing of trumpets which were blown as âa memorial of blowing of trumpetsâ (Leviticus 23:24). The Hebrew word for âmemorialâ is zikkÄrĂ´n. Which â according to the Dictionary of Biblical Languages (DBL) â means âto commemorateâ or âcall to remembrance.â The Feast of Trumpets symbolizes a future event. How can we memorialize something that has not happened yet? ZikkÄrĂ´n also means memorializing our right or claim to an inheritance based on … [Read more...] about The Memorial Trumpets
God Values Small Things
It had been some years since Cyrus, King of Persia, granted right-of-return to the original Jewish refugees. Zerubbabel had laid the foundation and built the altar, but the work rebuilding the Holy Temple in Jerusalem had stalled. Finally, King Darius initiated new momentum. Zechariah was sent with a special message to inspire renewed efforts. And that message has special meaning for the Church: âMoreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying: âThe hands of Zerubbabel have laid the … [Read more...] about God Values Small Things
Live Life Abundantly
What does it mean to live abundantly? Is it to be blessed beyond measure in money, jewels, or other physical bounty? Is that what Christ meant when he said, âI have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.â (John 10:10). In this same chapter, Christ speaks about His role as Shepherd and the response of the sheep. Sheep were kept in an enclosed courtyard, with a gate or opening at one end. In a sheepfold the shepherd might sleep in the opening at night to … [Read more...] about Live Life Abundantly
A Coin of Hope
In 2018, 70.8 million people were displaced by conflicts and violence worldwide, according to the UN Refugee Agency, up from a record 38 million in 2014. Despair has driven many to risk dangerous and life-threatening journeys just to find some type of relief. This is Satanâs world, and he is the author of confusion, depression, and negativity. But our Creator, the One True God, is positive! Depression is like a two-sided coin, so letâs flip it over and look at the other side, the coin of … [Read more...] about A Coin of Hope
The Years Ahead
In the coming years, the members of Godâs Church will face increasing pressure against maintaining a firm position on Godâs truth. It will be a year of challenge and change. The change will be all around us and the challenge will be âholding fast.â We will have reason to be very mindful of the Apostle Paulâs admonition to âWatch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strongâ (1 Corinthians 16:13). We are not making predictions, but simply trying to watch. Watchfulness is a spiritual condition … [Read more...] about The Years Ahead
Holy Days Pinpoint Priorities
The world has become a decidedly edgy place. There is tension and anxiety in the air. This is particularly observable in the political arena - especially in the realm of international relations. If we look at just one marker â political elections â the unease is clearly evident. In reaction to the developing of negative social conditions, there is often a trend to turn to âhard-lineâ leadership in the search for remedies. In Europe, and Germany in particular, the current leadership has suffered … [Read more...] about Holy Days Pinpoint Priorities