Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2)
The following are articles which address difficult questions without getting too in-depth. If you’d like to dig deeper, challenge your presuppositions, or seek to understand God’s underlying purpose, methods, and goals more fully, consider registering for our Discovery Series self-study program.
Isn’t the Philadelphia church promised, by Christ himself, deliverance from the hour of trial?
This question is based on the promise of Christ to the Philadelphia congregation recorded in Revelation 3. Christ is surely reminded of his warning to his disciples regarding their treatment in the world. How they would be handed over to death and hated for his name’s sake. In all this tribulation they are encouraged to endure patiently, thereby securing their salvation.
Aren’t previous examples of deliverance by God illustrative of the church’s deliverance from the Great Tribulation?
The answer to this question isn’t a simple one because the question itself has layers to it that must be resolved. This article looks into a few of those layers; the presuppositions behind the question, the characteristics of previous deliverance, and the motivation behind this deliverance.
How Lost is Judas – the Son of Perdition?
When considering how lost Judas Iscariot is (the disciple who betrayed Christ), it can be viewed from multiple perspectives. Two we look at in this article are; with regard to God’s calling, and his overall plan of redemption.
Doesn’t Luke 21 assure the church they will escape the Great Tribulation?
Should Christians be looking to Christ to remove them from tribulation in the world, or is there value in suffering for righteousness sake? This article looks at the context of Luke 21:36.
According to 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 the church is exempt from wrath, so isn’t it true they won’t enter the Day of the Lord?
The assurance and comfort expressed to believers in 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 has limitations depending on one’s expectations for the Day of the Lord. Exemption from wrath is coexistent with the reconciliation to God obtained through belief in Christ. However, the promise of exemption from wrath only applies to God’s wrath, making one’s presupposition about the Day of the Lord a vital one.
Does the Jewish temple have to be rebuilt before the great tribulation begins?
By briefly reviewing the history and purpose for Israel’s captivity and dispersion, we can begin to understand the work that God is continuing to do in Israel. There are, however, numerous compelling reasons why a third physical temple seems unlikely.
What’s the time of the Gentiles and is it fulfilled at Christ’s return?
The inclusion of the Gentiles into the promises of God was a radical idea when introduced by Jesus to Paul and the other disciples. We look at why this is and where it leads.
Isn’t it true that none of the Old Testament passages about the Great Tribulation mention the church?
By identifying the work the Lord is doing to unify the faithful in Israel with the faithful Gentiles through his redemptive work, it becomes clear that there is no expectation that those called into Christ should be mentioned at all in the Old Testament. That they are mentioned indirectly maintains the mystery of God, yet enables God to be glorified by fulfilling his work in Christ and his promise to Abraham.
What is the Real Connection between Israel and the Church?
In this article we look at God’s redemptive work in Christ through the topical framework of the kingdom of God. To do this, we review Christ’s kingdom-building process through the ages with the nation of Israel and with those who were not a people – the Gentiles. What we find is that the hopes of Israel and those faithful in Christ appear to point to a common destination.
Isn’t the Great Tribulation the same as the Day of the Lord?
The ideas behind this question are many and varied. To test them effectively, we must first look at the characteristics of each time period to see how and if they relate to one another. What Scripture reveals is a strong relationship between the two. However, that relationship is more mysterious than is typically taught.
Is there a difference between inheriting the Kingdom of God and dwelling in it?
The difference between inheriting the Kingdom of God and dwelling in it is derived from noticing the various characteristics used to describe the kingdom throughout the Bible. In some cases, these references are clearly physical and of the earth, while others are clearly spiritual and of the heavenly realm. This article looks at these differences and connects them with the will of God and his work in Christ.
What is meant by the Called, Chosen, and Faithful?
Our goal in understanding the called, chosen, and faithful body of believers needs to be defined by God’s word rather than man’s tradition.
What is the Mystery of God?
First part in the Discovery Series on the Mystery of God. In order to understand it more thoroughly we must begin by defining it. This includes seeking to understand its scope and how it is characterized.
Do You See the Three Kingdoms of God?
This question challenges the traditional teaching on the kingdom of God by suggesting there are three distinct kingdoms. The discovery begins in 1 Corinthians 15:20-26.
Why would Christ return to cut short the great tribulation – isn’t that part of God’s wrath?
Many perspectives overlap the Day of the Lord with what’s referred to as the Great Tribulation – assuming they refer to the same time period.
Many of the questions addressed in these articles come from topics covered in my recent book . . .
The Rapture Question – An Unfiltered View
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