1 Thessalonians 5:8, ‘But we belong to the day, we should be vigilant, having put on the breastplate of faith and of love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation’ Consider, specifically, what it means to have the ‘hope of salvation’ as our helmet (περικεφαλαίαν, literally, that which is ‘around the head’). A helmet […]
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Obadiah 16-17, ‘…all the nations shall drink continually; they shall drink and swallow, and shall be as though they had never been. But in Mount Zion there shall be those who escape, and it shall be holy…’ It seems like a strange metaphor to modern ears, but Scripture occasionally presents God’s judgment as a strong
Based on many texts, but most especially 1 John 4:10. As self-made enemies of God, we all face the shattering power of God’s War of Love. However—from the overflow of that same love—God sent forth His own Beloved, His Image, His Word, His SON: Jesus Christ. In every way like one of the rebels (except
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Having bent our souls toward “Not-God” rather than God, we spiral into self destruction, running after everything we think will satisfy—except the One for whom we were made; and in this pursuit we devour each other, our world, and ourselves. But, even when our pursuit of “Not-God” doesn’t seem to cause harm (say, a peaceful
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Hosea 2:15, “…and I will make the Valley of Achor (“trouble”) a door of hope.” If we are in the One whose death has become glory in the light of His resurrection, then all of our “Valleys of Achor/Trouble” are pervaded by—and so become pathways to—hope. Long Thoughts:In Joshua 7:22-26, we see the stoning and
Isaiah 16:10-11, “I have put an end to the shouting. Therefore, my inner parts moan like a lyre for Moab, and my inmost self for Kir-hareseth.” “Putting an end to shouting,” here refers to the Lord’s judgment on Moab and how it has silenced the glad shouts of harvest that were once heard in their
Revelation 20 “(10)…the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire…(15) And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 3:21, “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as
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Revelation 5:9, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain…” The blood of Christ purchases the opening of the scroll and, therefore, the end and regeneration of the world….
Psalm 91:4, “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler…” Matt.23:37, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…” The heart of God calls His people to the refuge of His wrath-absorbing wings, spread out on the cross…
Psalm 111:7, “The works of His hands are faithful and just…” Both when they are pierced by wrath (Isaiah 53:5) and when they pierce in wrath (Jeremiah 25:33).
Revelation 14:10, “…he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of His anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur…” This will be true of anyone who opposes God until the end. But before it is true of them, it is true of God the
Isaiah 63:3,7, “‘I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments…’ I will recount the steadfast love of YHWH…” The feet that absorbed wrath in love will, in love, carry out wrath.
Ezekiel 20:33, “…with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out, I will be King over you.”
Matthew 25:41 “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire…” Please, do not die refusing to be loved by Jesus.
Matthew 11:28,”Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Running from Him leads to wrath; coming to Him leads to rest.
