Revelation 2–3 is the section of Scripture I always wish we had more time to invest in during each of our three-year cycles. It pains me to cover all seven churches in one session. Each could make a fantastic session on its own. Each letter is built on fascinating historical context that when known more fully brings it to...

Revelation begins and ends with blessing. We see blessing in the beginning in verse 3, where the author blesses the one who “reads aloud the words of this prophecy.” And we see blessing at the end in Revelation 22:14: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and...

John, along with Peter and James, was among Jesus’ closest friends. As you read through the Gospels, you will see this inner three play a more significant role than the other nine disciples. And John was the one that Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to instead of counting on His unbelieving half-brothers to do this (see John...

Bible commentators often point out the similarities between Jude’s and Peter’s epistles. Like Jude, Peter often spoke about our common salvation. First Peter 1:3-5 points out that God has given us “new birth” into His family through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Amazingly, by the grace and power of God, our spiritual DNA has changed because we...

I enjoy a good argument. Not one that is saturated in anger, mind you, but a nice, friendly, impassioned debate. Is synchronized swimming a sport? (no)Is a hotdog a sandwich? (no)Are all the Star Wars movies enjoyable? (yes)Should people use gift as a verb? (no) There’s just something about going back and forth with someone that can be invigorating....

Understanding the depth and breadth of the gospel cannot happen until we have received Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sin. It is the result of a lifelong journey that starts with God’s love and begins because of God’s initiative. The apostle John was able to speak about God’s love on a simple level, in...