Happy Rex Manning Day to all who celebrate!
Dragons, Monsters, and the Powers Behind the Curtain
A Study in Revelation 13
You can listen to the full unabridged audio here: Dragons, Monsters, and the Powers Behind the Curtain
We’re deep in dragon-and-monster territory now. If you’ve been following along in Revelation, you know we’re not exactly in cheerful, Hallmark-card Christianity. And that’s precisely the point.
Before we dive into the text itself, a quick note on Bible navigation: all those chapter and verse numbers? They weren’t in the original. They were added later to help people find their place — and the running joke among Bible scholars is that the divisions were made by a monk on horseback, because the breaks don’t always make sense. Case in point: N.T. Wright ends chapter 12 where the NIV begins chapter 13. If you want to experience Scripture fresh, try copying a passage into a plain document, stripping out the chapter and verse numbers, and reading it without those interpretive interruptions.
Now, on to the monsters.
The more I reflect on the events of yesterday, the more disheartened I have become that so many followers of Jesus apparently believe the ends justify the means. The way of the cross is the demonstration of the opposite.
#Wordle 1,754 4/6*
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The #OldGal brought the heat today, unlike the weather.
Wordle 1,754 3/6
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When any world leader proclaims the death of a civilization, it is reprehensible. To so callously treat image bearers of God in such a way is despicable, if not evil. To glory in death and destruction is abhorrent.
#Wordle 1,753 5/6*
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I am so annoyed. A tie? A tie! The #OldGal is pesky.
Wordle 1,753 5/6
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The Stories Are True: A Resurrection Sunday Reflection
If you would like to listen to the unabridged message listen here: The Stories Are True
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb.
She wasn’t expecting a miracle. She was expecting a body.
That detail matters more than we usually let it.
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The #OldGal got her granddaughter fix and crushed me.
Wordle 1,752 3/6
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My dearest colleagues, today as you preach, do not mock those who are present for their annual time of worship. Offer them a radical and reckless grace rooted in sacrificial love for 1 of the 99 has shown up on your door looking to be loved well.
Christ is risen!
#Wordle 1,750 2/6*
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The #OldGal struggled today. I think we might have a dog pile, #YoungPups!
Wordle 1,750 5/6
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I just love Tigers Opening Day! Bless you boys!
Ball Park all beef bun length hot dogs have been purchased. The Better Made chips have been acquired. The coleslaw has been made.
The rosters have been introduced.
Benetti and Dirks on the call.
70° and sunny in Detroit.
Let’s go! Set the tone boys! #RepDetroit
Happy #OpeningDay to all who celebrate! #RepDetroit #AlwaysATiger ⚾️
#Wordle 1,749 2/6*
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It took a 2, but I finally beat the #OldGal!
Wordle 1,749 3/6
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