‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’
Hebrews 13:8
We readily acknowledge the reality of change. What, in this life, isn’t affected by it? Change surrounds us like the air we breathe. This has always been the case, but the pace of change has rapidly increased in the past century.
What will change in your life? Beyond the daily changes of gas prices and interest rates, you will likely face significant change. Some good. Some bad. At times you may feel like Solomon and cry out, ‘vanity of vanities!’ In any event, no matter what comes your way, you can stand sure knowing that the most important thing is eternally constant – Read the rest of this entry »
For some time I have struggled with various forms of Eschatology. As I have studied Scripture, I have adjusted my views, though I’m still undecided regarding a few matters. What I can say is that I tend more toward an Amillennial approach. I have come to reject a number of key elements associated with Dispensational Pretrib Premillennialism. The following may help to explain my budding position. I say ‘budding’ because I am still working to formulate a confident understanding of what Scripture teaches in this area. What all who study Eschatology must understand is that this area of doctrine is secondary in the specific details beyond the return of Christ and the resurrection of the saved/lost to life in Heaven/judgment in Hell.
Who do you think I am? Jesus asked this question of His disciples in Matthew 16. After addressing the perspective of others, Peter declares, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’ (v16). Since that discussion, people of every generation have wrestled with this eternally significant question. Critics have worked to undermine the message of Christ. Proponents have worked to proclaim it. In the midst of these voices, however, it’s important to ask the question, 
Does the Biblical concept of inheritance impact our daily lives? We often regard this matter of our faith as something of a future blessing. It’s about Heaven after all and therefore we look forward to it while not considering its immediate implications. Yet, when considered appropriately, we recognize the practical effects this Biblical truth produces beyond the confidence and encouragement it brings. 
Whereas Colossians mentions the inheritance that believers receive (3:24), Ephesians places the emphasis upon the inheritance God receives. In verses eleven, fourteen, and eighteen of chapter one, Paul reveals this reality to his readers. Believers are made an inheritance (ἐκληρὠθημεν, v 11; τἢς κληρονομἰας ήμὢν, v 14) and are sealed as such by the Holy Spirit. Though these texts are often translated as though believers are those receiving the inheritance, they ought to be 
As Paul works to encourage believers in Rome to recognize and appreciate their unity in Christ, he identifies the reality that we as believers, those who have received adoption by the Spirit, share in the inheritance of Christ (Rom. 8:17) 
Does the thought of death scare you? Have you experienced anxiety when thinking of your mortality? Most people, at some point in their lives, do fear the inevitable. This is why funerals can be so uncomfortable, apart from the grief. The reality of our mortality can at times cause fear to well up within us. This doesn’t have to be the case, however. For those who have been born-again death is no longer to be feared. The following poem explains why quite beautifully:
Just as a contractor must pay particular attention to the foundation of a building under construction, so must you and I pay attention to the foundation of our ethical decisions. Begin with a weak or faulty foundation and you will witness the crumbling of your ethical positions. Too often we are pressured to adopt ideals because of the economic impact, societal opinion, political correctness, or self-preservation. Will these bear weight of your decisions? I submit they will not. There must be a better way of discerning right from wrong, ethical from unethical.