This is the second in a series of studies on the book of 1John. I would like you to read From the Beginning before reading this one.
From the Beginning
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God
The Bible opens with these words. And the apostle John reiterates them in his gospel:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
“Rapture” or “Second Coming” (Part 2)
After writing the first contemplation on this subject, I decided to take another look at the Scriptures about “end times” and saw again, as I did in my childhood, plenty of Scriptural evidence for many of the “end times” teaching.
Putting on Immortality
Last January I wrote:
Today is what in this world we would call my 74th birthday, but since, in my true and permanent identity, I am immortal (with no beginning and no ending), and therefore never “born,” I don’t wish to acknowledge it as my “birthday,” but rather as the day I “put on” what Paul refers to as “sinful flesh” (Romans 8:3) or “mortality.”
Curse of the Law
This morning I was awakened by a dream in which I had made a u-turn in the middle of a two-lane road as I was driving. The driver immediately in front of me had made the same turn with no repercussions. There was a bus, not a police car, behind me. As soon as I made the turn, I stopped, as did the bus. The driver of the bus “arrested” me as if he were an officer of the law. I “explained” that I was from another state and that I saw the car in front of me do it. But inside I knew I was guilty, knew it even before I made the turn. It was at this time I woke up.
Asleep in the Storm
Matthew 8:23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
A Sound Mind
May 20, 2017
Paul tells us that
2Timothy 1:7 . . . God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
We therefore know that if our minds are not “sound,” it is not God’s will. There is also the implication that fear could be at the root of any lack of power, love or soundness of mind that we might experience.
Parables as a Teaching Tool
Using the word “parable” in its broadest sense (to include word pictures, personifications, similes, metaphors and allegories), it is probably the most common and effective means of both spoken and written communication available. It is the primary tool employed by Jesus when teaching. Actually, there is scarcely any account of anything in Scripture where the parable isn’t used—from the Garden of Eden in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in Revelation. And yet orthodox Christianity prides itself on sticking to a literal reading of Scripture whenever possible. Of course there are countless instances where it isn’t possible for even the most literal-minded person to read it thusly.
Take No Care
A couple nights ago I was having difficulty sleeping. I found that my mind was occupied with thoughts about some things that were quite serious, such as family relationships, and other things quite trivial (what to cook; what to buy at the grocery; what to wear, etc.). I attempted to get quiet inside and listen, but wasn’t very successful. I was finally able to doze off for a few minutes and, upon awakening, was able to hear.
“Rapture” or “Second Coming” (Part 1)
There are countless (and I do mean “countless”) books, pamphlets, papers, sermons and lectures available on the subject of “end times.” They are all about chronological countdowns, tribulations, resurrections and judgments. Some make a distinction between the “rapture” and the “second coming”; some do not. Many congregations and denominations have been formed, fractured or destroyed because of disagreements concerning these matters. Anyone wanting to make an exhaustive study of this subject will quickly find himself agreeing with Solomon: