Why does the book of Revelation begin with the judgement or blessing of the churches? The answer lies in 1 Peter 4:17: For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? This message to the church of Ephesus, is the same church that Paul’s epistle Ephesians is addressed to. The message from the apostle…

As John begins his witness to the Word and testimony of Jesus Christ and of all that he saw (Revelation 1:2, 19:10) to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 1:4, 11). This book of unveiling or disclosure of things to come, begins with seven unique messages to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3. Each deeply profound spiritual message is being addressed to literal, physical churches of John’s time (~95 A.D.) present in Asia-minor (modern-day Turkey). The island of Patmos,…

We realize we have become slaves to contemporary culture when staying still is duly considered as a waste of our “precious” time. Our minds have become wired to perpetually be stimulated by the duality of our work and entertainment. Which in principle would signify productivity and relaxation. The latter becomes the self-stipulated remedy or fairly earned reward from the former. A means of amusing ourselves. Without these external stimulants force-fed into our minds, we find ourselves in a strange place.…

There was a good father once, who perfectly loved his only son. Their relationship with one another was impeccable in all facets. Perfect love, perfect obedience, perfect surrender, perfect honor, perfect fellowship was found between them. Nothing and no one could come in between their unbreakable bond. Everyday when his son narrated on how his day at school was, invariably the talk about the foster child at the school came up. And this boy was the exact opposite of the…

Satan: My subjects, as we draw nearer to the turn of the 21st century. I feel it in my bones the Lord will return soon to earth and thereafter begin our eternal torment in the place prepared for us all. Subject 1: I shudder to think of our end that is so near. Satan: Though fear and trembling grips each of us, let us try to forget it as best as possible. I beseech each of you that your hate…

As the Biblical stories from the beginning of creation to the time preceding the entry of the Israelites into the promised land, spanning more than 25 centuries, culminates in Deuteronomy 34. The Pentateuch closes with what some may call as the “anti-climactic death of Moses” atop Mount Nebo, about 100 kms on the wrong side of Jordan and the promised land. This 120-year old mediator and intercessor of the old covenant between Israel and God, would fall short because of…

As we are reading the book of Joshua these days, it struck me how the Israelites still did not learn. They still did not ask the Lord concerning the Gibeonites, as they did not ask Him concerning Ai, which happened not long before. How could they not learn at all? Looking at my own life, I know I am no different. It’s easy to judge how stiff-necked they were, but am I not doing the same thing? Thinking that I…

“For this is what the Lord says—he who created the heavens,    he is God;he who fashioned and made the earth,    he founded it;he did not create it to be empty,    but formed it to be inhabited—he says:“I am the Lord,    and there is no other.“Turn to me and be saved,    all you ends of the earth;    for I am God, and there is no other.By myself I have sworn,    my mouth has uttered in all integrity    a word that will not be revoked:Before me every knee will bow;    by…

“And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.…

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 The seeds of sin sown in the fields of this world reaps brokenness. This absolute truth of every man and woman born, having sinned and missed the mark of God is evidenced by the certainty of death in our lives (Psalm 90:10). The one somber truth as a child is born into this broken world is this: one day this child would also die. Nothing else…